Principal

Easter

I must admit, Holy Thursday and the washing of the disciples’ feet stand out for me during this most special time. For Jesus, who knew what his fate would be, to still make time for others and serve them is quite amazing.

We often talk about change and challenges in our personal lives or workplaces, and we may call these a ‘disturbance’. Life’s experiences frequently lead me to reflect on gratitude. Some of the ‘disturbances’ in my life are not at the same level as those experienced by Jesus or by those closest to him. Likewise, my own disturbances are not the same as those faced by people without a home, job, or a family to be with.

This Easter, I pray for those who are doing it tough, that they may smile and feel loved.

Today, I had the pleasure of talking about the events from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday with the Foundation and Grade One children. The responses from the children remind us to keep it simple. 

Last week, I attended the VACPSP (Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals) Conference.

Our host, Adam Spencer, along with Dr Yemi Penn, Raymond Friel, Dr Preeya Alexander, Marlee Silva, Dr Justin Coulson, Peter Merrett and Gilbert Enoka, were all excellent. I won’t provide a summary of each presenter but instead leave you with a few words: “Acts of Kindness.”

This was the theme I took away. No matter what we do, no one can take away acts of kindness — even when it is something as unexpected as a New Zealand All Blacks rugby union leader (Gilbert Enoka) speaking to Catholic school principals of the players being kind to each other. Of course, there was much more that I gained from the conference: ideas that reaffirmed my current role, as well as moments that prompted reflection, review, and perhaps change.

I believe my experience as a principal in the Sandhurst Diocese has given me the confidence to regularly empty my cup and to be a beginner. This means remaining open to new ways of thinking and doing, grounded in a stable and secure core as an educator — and maybe recognising that I also have something to offer others.

Importantly, we experienced a beautiful Welcome to Country on Tuesday evening, led by Ebony Hickey from the Cultural Services Team at Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, with the sounds of the ocean in the background. We then began Wednesday morning with Mass at 9.00am, celebrated by Very Rev. Mark Reynolds, Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Melbourne, together with Fr Andrew Hayes PP, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Apollo Bay, and St Mary’s, Colac. It was fitting that the day coincided with the Feast of the Annunciation.

And in the words of Peter Merrett: “Slow down to speed up.”

I will attempt to do just that over the Easter break.

I’ll let you reflect on those words.

Story Time

One highlight of my week is story time with the foundation students. Today I had some laughs reading "HippoSpotamus" by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross. 

There have been many highlights this term. I appreciate the efforts of the students, staff and families in supporting each other through this educational journey. School is not just about academic growth. All the opportunities we provide give our community every opportunity to grow and thrive. For example: Breakfast club, Hot Food Days, Feast Day mini fete, Easter Raffle, sporting events, incursions and excursions, choir, band, mass, cooking... 

When we look at this, 'how good is school!'

OPEN DAYS and Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Sandhurst video

We have very good reason to celebrate Catholic Education.

Our OPEN Days are:

Wednesday 29th April 9:30am

Thursday 30th April 9:30am

We hold these during school hours so families can see 'school in action'. I can talk about how great our school is, but if you hear and see it, that's what matters most.

CELEBRATING 150 years

Opportunities to be part of this celebration

Friday 1st May- 1-4pm St Joseph's Church and Parish House Open 

Saturday 2nd May- 1-4pm St Joseph's Church and Parish House Open & St Joseph's School 2-4pm

Sunday 25th October -2:00pm Thanksgiving Mass

School resumes for Term 2 on Tuesday 21st April for the students.

Happy and Holy Easter to everyone. To those who need to keep working over the Easter weekend, thank you for what you do. 

Now, it's time for all of us to slow down when we can and spend time with our loved ones.

David Keenan (Principal)