Principal's News 

The power of Resilience

Another newsletter and another appeal and note of thanks to everyone for your continual adjustment made during this  period.  When we return and restore school life for how we know it, we will reflect on the tenacious and persistent efforts that we are currently demonstrating.  As a school network we are withstanding the shocks and interruptions and coping.  I appreciate that this is not easy.  There are differences between all of our families.  Family size, occupations, resources available, number of children, work demands, financial concerns, extended family support  etc. There is no one way of planning for this period. No command and control but an understanding that we all need to be flexible and make adjustments.  I am sure that this is what you have been doing at home.

Again I commend you all.  Children who have kept at it despite the fatigue that may have crept in, for parents for being supportive and our teachers who constantly reflect on the remote learning platform.  Thankyou. 

The image above may help.  Mary MacKillop, our Australian saint, had many challenges to face.  She was devoted to the ‘other’, conscious that with tenacity, presence, diligence and calm, that she and her sisters would overcome adversity.   She kept things in perspective and called on her own inner strength and prayer.

Movement during Lockdown

The Spring season has arrived and now is a great time to get outside and enjoy the Spring weather.  During recent months we have been confined.  We can create an unhealthy habit of not getting outside and enjoying the environment as we can be tied to devices, TV etc.  Human bodies weren’t made for offices, for streets, tight places…..

It is so important for our children and you to be aware of movement during lockdown.  Not just in this period but always.  The outside environment is a stimulus for movement.  At this time our children need to become connected to the environment, to harmonise with the environment.  The outside is a natural playground and there for us to enjoy. Even though playgrounds are off limits, movement outdoors in the natural environment will increase our children's wellbeing, release anxiety and stress.  Have your children move over, around, up, along, under and through the natural environment.   See obstacles as an opportunity for them to develop balance and coordination.  The benefits of being outside allow our children to be explorative, to think creatively, improve their self esteem and mood and for the joy of exercising in nature.

In recent years the value of movement has been devalued for convenience and safety.  As children we were involved in natural play outdoors, in the environment.  No playground but the natural playground was there for us.  Exploration of mind and body at  this time is very important.    Moving in the environment will increase our wellbeing.

Planning for 2022

Processes are in place to determine school organization for 2022.  If you are aware of families seeking Catholic education in any levels or your own movement because of relocation, employment etc., can you please notify me as soon as possible.

Don’t Forget the session with Jo

To support the wellbeing for everyone can I remind you of  the session with Jo Gibbs next week, Wednesday 8th September.

This is an opportunity for us all to regain some clarity, calm and balance in our lives.  Jo led a similar session last year with our school community during a lockdown period .  It is important that we seek to provide pathways for self care during these challenging times. 

There is further information on the wellbeing page.  This is a free event.

NAPLAN

Results for Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN have been returned to school.  Miss Quinlan will advise when they will be available.

Return to school?

At the time of writing this newsletter we are still unsure about the return to school.  The School Closure Planning Day for teachers for Term 4 was originally scheduled for this Friday 3rd September and it has now been rescheduled to Friday 8th October.  This was shared with you last week in parent correspondence and is listed on the parent Google calendar.

Have a great week and look after each other.

Faith in our Future

Brendan Flanagan

Principal