Message from Paul Sharp

Hello Families,

I write this from the Victorian Catholic Schools Principals conference in Lorne. I must admit, I always feel uneasy being at an event like this, because I am committed to best outcomes for your children. Am I providing that if I am here? Well, I can tell you that thus far, it has been an inspiring experience which I hope will create opportunities for your children.

A quick word on some interesting insights:

Ashley Fell spoke to us about the different generations and how their experiences shape their future and how we work with them. Something she said really resonated.

‘This is the options generation with unlimited pathways, but we do them no favours if we provide options with no purpose’.

This tension was a focus for our next amazing speaker, Craig Foster. This former Socceroo, now human rights activist, spoke to us about creating a fairer world. More to the point, to embrace challenging conversations and see the other perspective. However, he cautioned that facts and logic are being tangled with powerful voices who seek to create narratives that speak and influence young people.

We heard from Indigenous performer Mitch Tambo, who spoke of the lasting legacy of trauma from his mother not being recognised as a citizen. He spoke passionately of finding the joy, the spark in every human and using their culture to raise them up. It certainly spoke to me in our context.

Saroo Brierley spoke to us about his story, that inspired the Movie Lion, and book Long Way Home. He spoke of the human ability to dig deeper than we thought possible and how ‘Sometimes taking the wrong train can take you to the right station’

Jelena Dokic spoke of a similar ability to overcome abuse to find purpose, meaning and the importance of one champion in your life. She too spoke of that incredible ability to overcome challenge through vulnerability and understanding perfection is a myth.

So on this day, Harmony Day, which is United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, I want to create a focus on how we, as a diverse community, can recognise and celebrate each other’s stories, provide a safe invitation to share these stories, and provide an assurance that all are welcome in our school. We challenge ourselves and each other whilst raising each other up.

Our job as a school is to connect with you all, to invite you to share, and then listen. This will be a focus for us moving forward.

Your story matters. These stories impact your kids. They are our future.

Possum Plate:

We have partnered with this amazing organisation. A more formal letter will come home, but if your child needs lunch, we’ve got you. We have ready made sandwiches ready to give out. It might just be a busy week, run out of time, or just need some help. No judgement, just support.

If you want to know more, or this could help you, let us know.

Parent Teacher Interviews

We will hold two sets of parent teacher interviews this year. The first will be on Tuesday the 23rd of April. This will be a great opportunity to co-create specific goals with classroom teachers about what you want your child to achieve. More information will be sent next week.

Term End

School holidays begin next Thursday. Classes finish at normal time. Classes resume Monday 15th April.

A reminder the Camp for Year 4-6 students will be Wednesday 17th to 19th that week.

There will be a school closure the 26th of April, after Anzac Day, for Teacher Time In Lieu from Camp, First Aid and Parent Teacher Interviews.

Easter Reflection:

As we enter this Easter season, I want to reflect on the strength we can gain from the model of Jesus. A willingness to accept the burden of others, to carry those who need help and to put the needs of others first. In our community, our parents and teachers live by this example everyday. We are not alone in the challenge. This scripture may summarise this: ‘Through the Holy Spirit I walk in power, confidence, love and self discipline’ Timothy 1:7

May Easter bring renewal and re-energize all!

Child Safety

Safety when travelling in cars