PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

This week we have received refreshing rain.  Rain is not always at the right time for everyone, however we know too well the difficult times of drought, I am always grateful when we do receive wonderful sustaining rain.  In writing this I am conscious of the devastating floods currently happening in northern NSW and southern Queensland.  I hope that if you have families in these areas that they are all safe and well.

It has been difficult watching the unfolding conflict in Ukraine this week. It is hard to comprehend what the families in Ukraine are dealing with.  We see what the news reports present to us.  Mothers and children crossing borders to safety, with fathers and adult sons unable to leave as they must stay and defend their country.

I share with you a prayer form the Sisters of St Joseph:

God of mercy and peace, you offer us your peace continually (Jn.14:27) and constantly remind us that peacemakers are blessed, “for they shall be called children of God” (Mt.5:9). May your voice resound in the hearts of each of us, as you call us to follow the path of reconciliation and peace.

We pray for the people of the Ukraine in this time of war, conflict and death. May their leaders be blessed with the wisdom, vision, and perseverance needed to break down walls of hostility and division, and to build a world of justice and solidarity.

We pray for families that they may support each other and give new hope to one another in this terrifying and dangerous time.

May all of us be inspired to oneness of heart and mind, as we try once again to work generously for a just and life-giving solution that respects the dignity of all, and the fundamental freedoms, which are each person’s by right.

We pray this prayer through Christ our Lord, AMEN!

(https://www.sosj.org.au/we-stand-in-solidarity-with-the-people-of-ukraine/#more-182244)

With COVID-19 still hovering in our community I thank the staff, students and parents and guardians for your vigilance in maintaining good personal hygiene practices, as well as completing Rapid Antigen Testing.  Thank you to the families that have contacted Catherine Howison or a House Leader promptly once a positive result has been known.

This week our Year 7 students have ventured off to Roses Gap for their camp.  The hard work of all in our community has allowed us to continue these “normal” activities.  We look forward to the Year 12 Retreat, Year 8 Camp and VCAL Camp before the end of this term.