Message from the Principal
'At our very heart is the desire for each individual student to flourish across academic, physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual domains. We support students to grow in virtue and to embrace a view of themselves and the world that leads to peace, justice, and the prosperity of society as a whole. Ours is a journey towards hope and optimism that is enlightened by faith and animated by love.'
Dear Families,
As we approach the mental health month of October and as we are continually challenged by the ongoing changeability of the COVID-19 pandemic, we search for meaning and strength all around us.
In this, our year of Discovery, I shared with the staff on Tuesday in our Prayer the slides we used on day one of 2020, before we knew of any of this. On that day I asked everyone to reflect upon and think about what their true purpose is. On Tuesday we revisited this and I posed the question again. Here we are 8 months down the track and still in our year of discovery. Look at all of the discoveries made that we never expected. Our learning has been so deep. We are...
Discovering things about ourselves that we never knew we could do.
Discovering strength that we never knew we had.
Discovering purpose in everyday that is bigger than us and supporting a wider need, that of our students and families.
Discovering things about each other and our families that are wonderful surprises.
Discovering people and relationships that are now so much deeper.
Discovering how to really know people.
Our sense of purpose has widened so much and this ability we have to adapt and embrace so much more than we could ever imagine is testament to human strength and courage. What a unique opportunity this pandemic has presented us with. We didn't choose it, but we have chosen to use it to find our sense of purpose.
Research shows us that the search for purpose and meaning in life is important to us as human beings. But why do we search for meaning in our lives, and how might we find it?
Right now we may be searching for purpose because we are experiencing adversity - job loss, financial stress, loneliness and frustration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find purpose in our lives and create hope for a brighter future, we can ask ourselves four basic questions. Learn more about these here.
"I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full”. John 10:10
The Catholic Bishops of Australia have released the Social Justice Statement for 2020-21: To Live Life to the Full: Mental Health in Australia Today.I share this with you as it emphasises the importance of our children's mental health. You can find the Social Justice Statement here.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” we chanted as children. But we know that words do hurt; We know that rejection and exclusion hurt; And we know that there is much we can do to improve the mental wellbeing of our youth.
Finally, I wish you all the most heartfelt family day on Sunday as you celebrate together fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, step fathers, step grandfathers, all of those significant father figures who help shape our lives for the better. May you spend your day surrounded by love and find ways to celebrate together but apart.
As always go gently, enjoy the gentle Spring weather on your faces as you have your 1 hour of exercise daily, and if you have any feedback or ideas we always want to hear them. If you need support, please reach out.
God Bless,
Patrika Rowley
PRINCIPAL