Acting Principal's Message

We have had another fun-filled couple of weeks here at school. Our Father's Day Evening & BBQ was well attended with many children kicking footballs and soccer balls, playing basketball and laughing and chatting with their dads. They enjoyed a sausage and catch up with others who attended. A big congratulations to Ms Marisa Patton who conducted the Father's Day celebration in the hall. To our wonderful staff and mothers, a big thank you for cooking the sausages and serving our hungry fathers and children.

Yesterday we kicked off Footy Day with our annual parade. The students enjoyed listening out for their team songs, parading around and the opportunity to answer one of Mr O's trivia questions. The day was filled with varied footy activities and culminated with a grade 5/6 footy match. The day of action saw many weary supporters heading home. Once again a big thanks to Mr O for organising the day and also to Jude, Rosa and the other volunteers for getting the hot pies and sausage rolls ready. 

Last week I was fortunate to attend the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Southern Region Deputy Principal Conference. 

I was privileged to learn more about and practise Christian meditation.

The two guest speakers were from The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) which is a global spiritual community now active in more than 100 countries that teaches and practises meditation in the Christian tradition. 

Did you know that Christian meditation has ancient origins, tracing back to the early days of Christianity?  In Christianity this tradition became marginalised and even forgotten or suspect. But in recent times a great recovery of the contemplative dimension of Christian faith has been happening. Central to this now is the rediscovery of meditation practice in the Christian tradition that comes to us from the early Christian monks - the Desert Fathers and Mothers and allows us to practice the teaching of Jesus and seek God through prayer and solitude. They emphasised the importance of silence and interior stillness to deepen one’s relationship with God. 

In the 20th century, Christian meditation experienced a significant revival, largely thanks to the efforts of English Benedictine monk John Main. In the 1970s, Father Main reintroduced Christian meditation to a contemporary audience, drawing on the early monastic traditions and adapting them for modern seekers.

Father Main’s approach was inspired by the simplicity and depth of early Christian meditation practices. He emphasized the use of a mantra—a sacred word or phrase repeated silently—to help quiet the mind and focus on God. His teachings were grounded in the belief that meditation is a way to open ourselves to God’s transformative presence and cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

Father Main founded the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) in 1991, which continues to spread his vision and teachings worldwide. The WCCM promotes the practice of meditation as a means of fostering inner peace, spiritual growth, and a greater sense of community among believers.

Today, Christian meditation remains a vibrant and enriching practice for many people around the globe. It offers a way to slow down, reflect, and connect with God amidst the noise of everyday life. 

Some schools across our diocese practice Christian Meditation in various formats throughout their schools. 

There are many instances in the Bible of silent prayer. For example Jesus’ Teachings on Prayer (Matthew 6:6): In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the nature of genuine prayer. He advises that when praying, one should go into their room, close the door, (a symbol of going deep into your heart) and pray to their unseen Father. This suggests a personal, internal, and often silent communication with God. The mantra used in Christian Meditation Maraantha is an ancient Aramaic word that means "Come, Lord". Christian Meditation is a silent prayer of the heart where we can be with God, adding a depth of meaning to prayer. It allows us to be present, centred and grounded. It is good for our psychological health and spiritual growth. 

Maybe you might like to try this way of simplicity, silence and stillness to pray.

As I prepare to hand back the reins to Mr Derek Bruitzman next term, I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Acting Principal during this term. It has been a truly rewarding experience. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff of St John’s and our wonderful community of families for your unwavering support. Leading St John’s has been a source of great pride for me, and I am grateful for all we have accomplished together this term.

A Prayer of Gratitude

Dear God,

Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy!

An important reminder

Parents and adults visiting our school cannot use the students' toilets, for child safety reasons.

Ball games after school

To assist staff in managing traffic and students at the Kiss and Go, students are not to play ball games, play on the equipment or play in the sandpit after school; including children getting picked up by parents. 

Thanks for your cooperation at this very hectic time of day.