A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Principal Retreat

It has been a lovely week. I was blessed to attend a retreat with fellow principals at the beginning if the week. Time spent in prayer and reflection in the beautiful grounds of the Spirituality and Retreat Centre at Kincumber, allowed me time to boost my prayer life and enrich my faith. The centre is close to the beautiful Avoca Beach and we took time to sit and meditate as well as read passages from Pope Francis's homilies in the peaceful coastal surrounds. Our theme was "Walking with the Holy Spirit" and we were guided in reflecting on the power of the Holy Spirit and how we see the Spirit in action in our lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend this time away and recommend everyone takes time out in nature to reflect on God's great love for us.

Breathe into me Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.

Book Week

Yesterday we celebrated Book Week with a parade. Parents and students did a magnificent job of putting together creative and colourful tributes to favourite books and characters. The sheers numbers on students who dressed up is a tribute to the wonderful spirit of the school. Congratulations to all who took the time to plan and prepare for this spectacular event. The parents who attended were treated to a visual feast as well as a free coffee from the van. Many thanks to those who also attended the P&F Meeting prior to the parade. You can see photos of the parade and costumes on our Facebook page as well as the special page of this newsletter.

Good News

At the P&F Meeting we reviewed the findings of the Tell Them From Me Survey conducted earlier this year. Many thanks to the 163 parents who completed the survey. The slide deck has been sent to all parents through COMPASS. If you have any comments, further feedback or questions arising from the data, please contact the school office.

The findings generally showed positive trends.

Our happiest news is that our long awaited and much needed shade structure for over the basketball court has been approved and ordered. We expect that the structure will be erected early in Term 4. We thank Sydney Catholic Schools facilities team, Fr John, Ben Ferlazzo and the P&F Committee for all their help in bringing this project forward.

Inquiry and Review

All Sydney Catholic Schools undertake a cycle of review processes to ensure continuous improvement. Your feedback from the Tell Them From Me Surveys helps to inform this review process. St Martha's School is undertaking the Inquiry and Review process this year to set our strategic direction for the next five years. If you would like to contribute to the planning for the next five years, please contact the school office.

Music

The Amadeus program provides all Year 3 to 6 students with the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Most importantly it also gives them the chance to play with others to create a beautiful shared experience and gain many additional skills. This important benefit was understood by the Sisters of St Joseph. At their Boys Home in Kincumber the boys played in a band. I saw the photo below in the museum at Kincumber. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her nuns knew the value of learning a musical instrument and playing in a group. I will enjoy hearing the lovely sounds of music around the school again tomorrow.

I look forward to celebrating Fathers' Day with many of you next Wednesday morning. Mum's don't forget the Fathers' Day Stall on Monday.

Peace and best wishes,

Carolyn Parsell