Principal Reflections

Dear Parents and Carers,

Olympic Games - Inspirational for all of us!

The Olympic Games illustrate the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Young viewers often are not aware of the dedication and commitment needed by competitors to reach the pinnacle of their chosen sport. I was watching a documentary on the weekend that explained the rigorous routines and expectations of the Australian Rowing Team after gaining selection in the Olympic Team. This included individuals training up to 3 times a day, 6 days a week. With a relentless schedule like this, it is no wonder that Australian champions like Jess Fox are dominating the world in this sport.

Like myself, many viewers are inspired by the athletes and their outstanding ability to set their own goals in various aspects of life, in order to achieve their personal bests. Their perseverance and dedication to a chosen sport is key to supporting them in achieving success.

Beyond promoting physical fitness and goal-setting, the Olympics also encourages cultural awareness and global unity. It re-ignites our interest to gain insights into different countries, cultures, and traditions and the Olympics expands our perspectives towards fostering a sense of global citizenship.

Finally, the Olympic Games highlights to our younger generations the values of fair play and sportsmanship. These include respecting opponents, adhering to the rules, and handling both victory and defeat with grace.

The next three weeks provide families with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy each others company and share in the success of the Australian Olympic Team. I hope you take the time to sit together with your child/children and discuss and enjoy the games. As a school we will certainly be engaging the children in some fun modified Olympic events.

A Prayer for the Olympics

by Stacy Paper

Dear God,

Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy watching some of the world’s top athletes compete in their sports. Use their passion and dedication to bring joy to many people. May they inspire those who are watching to discover, develop and use their own talents to the fullest. Help the Olympians be positive role models for a hurting world that needs joy and inspiration from the Olympics. Bless the athletes as they do their best to contribute to the world and let their efforts point us all toward you God, the source of all hope.

Amen.

Family Mass

Family Mass last Sunday was well attended and supported by our families. Engaging children and adults in various roles during the Mass - such as reading, carrying the gifts at the Offertory, singing in the choir, or serving as altar servers, demonstrates active involvement. This participation helps deepen their connection to the liturgy and the church. Thanks to Fr Roel and Mrs Clarke for their support and organisation.

Social Media

As parents, it is our responsibility to guide and protect our children in this vast digital landscape. By actively monitoring their online activities, setting clear rules and boundaries and educating them about the potential dangers, we can help create a safer online environment for them to explore and learn. Engaging in open conversations about their online experiences and encouraging them to come to us with any concerns can foster trust and awareness, empowering our children to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Please take the opportunity to engage with the experts by attending the free webinar below facilitated by the council of Catholic parents:

FREE WEBINAR FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Focus: Consent and online boundaries: how to support your primary-aged child

Tuesday 20th August 2024

7.30pm - 8pm

We hope to you see online at our upcoming Term 3 eSafety Commissioner cyber safety talk for parents and carers.

As children begin to navigate the online world, they need to know how to make decisions around consent and boundaries. This 30-minute webinar will outline strategies for parents and carers, as well as support those hard-to-have conversations.

Please register here:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1244428795787444059

OTHER RESOURCES TO SUPPORT DILIGENT DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP INCLUDE:

eSafety Commissioner (https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents)
Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/)
Parent's Guide to Snapchat (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/snapchat)

Until next week,

Keep smiling,

Alison Hatton