Principal's News
What a start to Term 2! We commence the term in a manner that is completely different to any other stage of education. All of us have and will continue to be challenged and tested for a while. In the current climate of the pandemic confronting the world and the uncertainty of the short and long term future ahead for our nation, countries of the world and our own local school and community context, we will navigate our way forward. It is the post Easter period of the resurrection and we are to be people of hope.
In some ways this is a global initiation into what matters and what will last. You will all have experienced many changes in the past month at home with your family, work and social connections. How we respond with a positive attitude and project that same attitude to our children is important.
Our goal as educators is not just to offer and implement excellent education, but also to keep children safe and ensure that they have a sense of belonging and connection to each other. The remote learning and “Getting Ready to Learn at Home’ is a change to normal circumstances, however our focus is still on a relationship that is connected in a virtual way. The ‘curriculum of the home’ also needs to be one of safety, positivity and connection as well.
In the past weeks our teachers have invested an amazing amount of time in planning and implementing a change to what was a traditional model of education to one that is contemporary with technology. In previous communication I mentioned however that nothing can replace the beautiful relationship of child to teacher in a school setting.
They have worked amazingly well together and have put in so much time and effort. I am grateful for all the positive correspondence we have received acknowledging the professional and comprehensive education organization by our teachers. An enormous part of the previous weeks has seen them gather together and definitely reflect on how we do our best to plan for outstanding Catholic education. The ability for our teachers to successfully leverage technologies as meaningful pedagogical tools is as a result of the knowledge, school embedded professional learning and our school culture and context.
Our teachers are consistently reflecting and adjusting to meet the circumstances that arise. We are confident that through a measured and time invested approach we will continue to plan an effective learning structure. Being open and flexible allows us to determine the most appropriate way forward. Traditional methods of education have been pushed aside to ensure that the new learning opportunities are explored. This is a transition period and what is happening is a considered St James school approach that will and has been received favourably.
Brendan Flanagan
Post Easter and the Resurrection
Let us pray for the Christian Church throughout the world.
May we always reflect the hope of new life given in the resurrection.
Lord hear us.
Let us pray for the nations of the world facing this pandemic.
May they find the way to overcome this virus, be restored to full life, live the peace Christ gave to the world in his resurrection. Lord hear us.
Let us pray for all who are suffering from the COVID-19 virus.
May they find healing in their lives, the support of those around them return home with peace in their lives. Lord hear us.
Let us pray for our school and parish community.
May the power of the risen Christ inject new hope and life into our being.
Lord hear us.
Let us place the prayers of our hearts before our God.
We make all our prayers with confidence in the risen Christ who is Lord for ever and ever.