Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
During the season of Lent, we hear the words of sacrifice and fasting used often. While these are traditional and important aspects of our Lenten journey, it is also important to think about ways of ‘feasting’. That is, looking at our own lives and ways we can look within ourselves and ‘feast’ on positive behaviours that can have a great impact on our own wellbeing and relationships with others. This week I came across the following reflection;
The Fast Life
Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute;
Feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism;
Feast on hope.
Fast from negatives;
Feast on encouragement.
Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion;
Feast on truth.
Fast from gossip;
Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm;
Feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from anxiety;
Feast on faith.
Advisory Council Annual General Meeting
Last night the School Advisory Council AGM was held in the school library. All of the reports presented by teachers and myself were well received. There was 1 change to the SAC with Matt Fay finishing his term. On behalf of the school community I would like to thank Matt for his contribution over the past 4 years. This year we welcome Jennie Darcy to the Advisory Council. The members for 2023 are;
- Fr. Michael O’Toole- Parish Priest
- Michael Mahoney- Principal
- Jodie Hassett – Staff Representative
- Sam Simpson- Chairperson
- Donna Hay- Deputy Chairperson
- Nicole Darcy
- Scott Richardson
- Kate Leahy
- Jennie Darcy
School Sports Update
Recently a survey was sent to all families inviting them to nominate their desired format for our school sports. Thank you to all who participated, the response was fantastic. The result of the survey was in favour of keeping the school sports in its current format. At the School Advisory Council meeting last night, we discussed these results and also some written feedback we received from parents. The overwhelming response was that the current format is inclusive for all children, regardless of their sporting interest or ability. It also promotes participation and teamwork and the day is a fun filled, joyous occasion for the whole school community. Also discussed, was that the tabloid activities are not just randomly picked, they are based on building skills that will enable the children to participate in the Grade 4-6 athletics day, where students compete in traditional track and field events. The skills and techniques of the traditional events are taught in PE lessons in the weeks leading up to the Grade 4-6 athletics day. Therefore, it has been decided to continue with the current format.
Again, thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and we look forward to our school sports on Friday 31st March.
A reminder that the Grade 4-6 athletics day will be held next Friday 17th March at the Central Reserve. Families are most welcome to attend to cheer on the children.
Prayer Gathering
A reminder that tomorrow morning we will hold our first prayer gathering for the year. Dan and Susie's Grade 6 class will lead the gathering with the focus being leadership. Our SRC leaders for 2023 will be formally introduced and presented with their badges. All families are welcome to attend.
ECSI Survey
Selected grade level families have received an invitation to participate in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) survey. Families have until the 6th April to complete this online survey. Your participation is voluntary and not compulsory. However, in order to get an accurate representation of data it is important that as many families as possible participate, so your participation would be greatly appreciated.
Enjoy the long weekend break.
Michael Mahoney
(Principal)