Principal's Report

School Newsletter Term 2

Prayer for the Feast of the Assumption

“Heavenly mother, filled with God’s grace, pray for us today and all days, that we may strive to trusting, patient and faithful, as you were, so that we may one day join you and all saints in heaven. 

In Jesus’s name we pray. 

Amen.”

Dear Parents and Carers 

We have an exciting newsletter for you this fortnight, filled with updates on the many events happening over the next couple of weeks. I am especially looking forward to the STMM Olympics this Friday and hope to see many of you at our Family Mass on Saturday at 5:30 pm. Your participation in school events truly enriches our school community, and I look forward to sharing these moments with you.

During the July school holidays, I received an email from a parent advocating for collective action against what experts term 'screen and media addiction.' The email included a book recommendation and a podcast link by American social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt. After listening to the podcast, I found that while its themes are primarily focused on teenagers, the insights it offers are valuable for our entire school community. Fortunately, most primary-aged students have not yet encountered the negative effects highlighted in the podcast. Nevertheless, it is essential for parents to remain vigilant and informed about their child's online activities.

Integrating technology into schools is essential for preparing students for the digital landscape they will face in their future careers and everyday lives. Technology enriches the learning experience by offering access to extensive resources, promoting collaboration, and enabling personalised instruction tailored to individual needs.

When home and school collaborate effectively to manage technology, its benefits in education greatly outweigh the potential risks. These advantages include increased engagement, interactive learning experiences, and the development of crucial digital literacy skills. By equipping students with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly, we not only enhance educational outcomes but also prepare our children to excel in an increasingly technology-driven world.

If you're seeking information closer to home, the NSW Council of Catholic School Parents is offering two free webinars on important topics: consent and online boundaries, and the youth mental health crisis. These webinars are scheduled for August 20th and September 11th. For more details and to register, please click this link.

School Fees

This is a gentle reminder to ensure that any overdue school fees are paid as soon as possible. Timely payment of fees is essential for the smooth operation of our school and supports the continuation of valuable educational programs and resources for your child. Payment by the due date is very much appreciated.  If you have any questions or need assistance regarding your account, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.