Principal's News

Dear Parents/Carers,

        First term is rushing by as we enter Week 6 of our 10 week term. I spoke to the children yesterday morning about the fact that while they may not appreciate it, school provides us with fantastic opportunities and that all of the grown ups in their lives want them to make the most of these opportunities and that all we want from them is that they do their best. 

What else can we ask of anyone? That they do their best. We’ve all learnt through experience that MY best might not deliver the same standard of performance as that of another individual - Much as I might like to open the bowling for Geelong in the First Division of Premier league cricket, they seem to prefer our 17 year old ex-student Josh Garner, who is knocking them dead down there. 

And so it goes. An important pillar of this educational community is the second four 4 Broad Curriculum Aims: 

We want our children to recognise that we all have gifts and talents which, with respect, acceptance and team-work, enrich all of our communities.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

The Parish Reconciliation Program has begun. Catholic children from Grades 2,3, 5 & 6 have been invited to register their child(ren) for Reconciliation. Our Parish is planning to offer children the opportunity to take part in Reconciliation during the week of March 22 - 27. If you missed this news last week, please contact St Mary’s Parish on 52312177.

RECONCILIATION will be taught and emphasised across the school this term. It’s easy to talk to kids about it and it’s time well spent by parents. It’s not about grilling children so that they confess their faults and failings but rather the chance to talk to them about how WE as humans are constantly failing and trying to be better. Fr Michael calls it “Marriage Preparation” and you can see why. 

It can be a tricky balance at times with kids when they have done the wrong thing. As their parent, the temptation can be to punish indiscretions so that the child learns a lesson and yes, there might be a place for that. 

But, if we take the long view; what qualities are we trying to foster in our child? If those qualities are honesty, courage and the mercy to forgive others who may have done the wrong thing then an automatic punishment I find is counterproductive. I would much prefer to keep building that relationship with the young person where they are not afraid to come to me with a confession or a concern. 

Honesty, courage and mercy are qualities that I have tried to teach at home and at school. Getting even or settling the score - I’m not sure they would feature in Fr Michael’s Marriage Preparation course.

Prayer for International Women's Day - March 8 2021

Loving God,

We celebrate your faithfulness and love.

On this day we commit ourselves to the promotion of the full humanity 

of all women everywhere.

We know that whatever denies, diminishes, or distorts the full humanity of 

women is not of God.

Help us to be faithful to your call to love.

Amen

(Education for Justice)