Dear Parents & Parishioners,

Tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains is the tiny kingdom of Bhutan. This kingdom is the only country in the world to measure its wellbeing by Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product. This unique form of measurement is to encourage a rethinking of what is important in people’s lives: should the success of a nation be judged by its ability to produce and consume, or should it be based on the quality of life in that country and the happiness of its people?

Bhutan has undertaken a cautious path of development over the past nearly 50 years with an emphasis on preserving its heritage and culture and protecting its environment. While household incomes remain amongst the world’s lowest, life expectancy increased by 19 years jumping to 66 years. King Jigme Wangchuck’s message is quite simple,

“Gross National Happiness is more important that Gross National Product. Happiness takes precedence over economic prosperity in our national development process.”

Anthony Metcalfe, in an article titled, “Backflip” wrote that his entire working life had been fuelled by what he called “a naked ambition to succeed and have it all”. One night when he came home from work – late again – he stopped his car in the street outside his house and was “overwhelmed by a feeling of misery and unhappiness that seemed to enter every pore of my body till I was saturated with it”. After several minutes, he got out of his car and sat on the bonnet facing his house and calmly began asking questions. “What do I love most: this house or the people who live in it? Is my life about me only; what about my wife and children? Why do I feel so empty and unfulfilled?”

The article goes on to relate how the following day he didn’t go to work but stayed home and drew up a list of words that best described his life until now. Next to each of these words he wrote its opposite and so began his “Backflip”. Maybe Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness is just what the world needs as it confronts matters such as domestic violence, the spiralling rental market, and the situation in Gaza. And just what families need to counter the mad rush that is life today.

Mothers' Day Breakfast

It was terrrific to see so many mums and children filling the hall last Friday for the Mothers' Day Breakfast. The hall was beautifully set up and the selection of food was amazing. It was very special when the children were invited to present mum with the gift they had created in class. The posies created by Natalie Allan were also a huge hit.

Full credit to the mums and dads who prepared for the event. It was great that so many dads were on hand to help serve and clean up during the morning.

Mothers' Day Stall

Thanks to Emma Caldwell for organising and coordinating this year's hugely succcessful Mothers' Day Stall. Emma was supported by a great team of helpers as they catered to the busy young shoppers who were trying to snap up a treasured gift for mum.

District School Cross Country

Congratualtions to all our students who represented OHR during last Friday's District Cross Country held at Macleay Park.

Seven students managed to progress to the Division Cross Country, which will take place on 27 May. We are proud and wish them well.

Full details of both the District and Division Cross Country events can be found on the PE News page.

Learning Walk for Parents

Yesterday's Parent Learning Walk was very well attended. In fact, we had 15 parents join myself and the other members of the School Leadership Team as we visited three learning areas. During our time we observed Mrs MItchell's Year 5/6 room, the 3/4's in the Science Room with Mrs Axon, and Mrs Hautot's Year 1/2 room.

During the course of the morning we discussed how classroom learning has changed over the years. The parents not only observed and discussed the learning & teaching that was taking place but looked for clues around the classrooms identifying other supports that scaffolded the students' learning and wellbeing.

The parents commented on the following:

The students' focus in class
That learning could be clearly articulated by the students
The fact that tasks are differentiated to support students
That our students are 'learning how to learn'
The focus on wellbeing and mindfulness
The consistency of key practices across levels, e.g. The Five Questions, daily schedules, anchor charts, Soundwaves charts, etc.
The bonus of having an engaging Science & STEM program

Another Learning Walk will be held during Term 3, where different learning spaces and lessons will be visited.

Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day

Only one more week to go until we celebrate Grandparents & Special Friends' Day. This important day on our calendar offers the opportunity to recognise those significant people in the lives of our children. Grandparents and Special Friends' Day will be held during the morning next Friday 24 May commencing at 9.00am.

On this day we would love for either the grandparents of the children or other special persons in their lives, to come to school for the morning. The day will commence with a very special whole school mass in the church, celebrating the place of these important people in the lives of the children. The visitors will then be invited to spend some time in the classrooms. Afterwards, our special guests will be warmly invited to stay on for a morning tea in the hall.

Lamont Book Fair

Once again the Lamont Book Fair will be held in the LRC (Library) from Wednesday 22 May - Thursday 30 May. Details of the Fair can be found in the Library News page.

PFA Funding Allocation News

Make sure that you visit the PFA News page to learn about an exciting develepment that will commence in the school grounds next week!

School Closure Day

Our next school closure day for staff professional learning will take place on Friday 7 June June, which immediately preceeds the King's Birthday long weekend. The staffs from our three parish schools will gather together at OLGC where the focus will be on Religious Education.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame

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