Principals Message

CHILDREN’S DREAMS

When children leave the maternity hospital they should have a tag attached to their big toe which says, “Handle with care”. 

However, this small cautionary message is meant to be applied to the soul of the child wherein is held the “dream” of the child’s life.  This dream should grow along with the body, provided both have a safe and secure environment.

John F. Kennedy said that, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”.  If this is true, then ‘Handle with care’ is not an option it is an obligation. Parents, without losing their position of authority, can offer true friendship to their children and be intimately involved in their children’s advancement in life. 

Parent-child friendship is a bond of steadfastness and acceptance that allows a child to be who they are, fully and without fear that love will be withdrawn. It is the bond of friendship that allows a child to explore their dream through non-judgmental feedback and supportiveness. 

Susan Kramer tells us that:

“A friend: 

Is some who listens openly, 

non-judgementally when judgement would be easy.

Is someone who takes extra time to lend a 

helping hand when busy themselves.

Is someone who will act for you

as they would for themselves.

Is someone who offers unconditional loyalty and love.”

If children have parents who can offer this type of friendship to them, then, the “future” will be in good hands.

Of course, this does not mean that the friendship that parents offer their children paralyses their role as parents by allowing children to do what they want. It is never an act of friendship to allow a child to make an unwise choice or decision simply because saying “no” to children might cause them “pain” or inconvenience.

By acting kindly we remain energised and free of tension.  This helps to avoid self-induced stress in mind and body - a smile uses less energy and fewer muscles than a frown.   

Lord help me to always extend friendship to my children, who you have entrusted into my care. Amen

Reflection from Leon Burke

LEARNING CONVERSATIONS:

It was fabulous to see so many parents take the opportunity to meet with their child’s class teacher last evening.  If you missed the opportunity there is another time next Monday February 20th between 3.30 – 5.00pm.  Please book on PAM.  Our teachers find this particular conversation extremely important to discover more about the students in their care.  This is a time for you to share all the great qualities about your child and to set some goals with the teacher and learner to ensure a successful year.

BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL MASS

Our Beginning of the School Year Mass was held last Friday.  It was a lovely Mass and all readers and helpers did a great job.  At the Mass we farewelled Sr Nellie who has been in our parish for 12 years and presented her with MacKillop rose.   Thank you to the parents who cooked the sausage sizzle following the Mass.

UNIFORM:

The sports uniform looks great and the children are loving wearing it for their sports sessions. Thanks again to the P&F, Dickinson Shearing, A & K Ogden and S & C Fraser for donating these polo shirts to our students.  It is great to see our students wearing their shirt on the appropriate sports day. 

A reminder that jewellery is not part of the school uniform.  A pair of sleepers and a watch are the only jewellery permitted at school. Some students have been asked to remove bracelets and anklets and to take them home.  Please support this matter.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Wednesday February 15- Diocesan Assembly – Mrs Fraser

Thursday February 16- THRASS – Mrs Parry – Mrs Morse and Mrs Jamieson F/1/2

Thursday February 23 – NSIT (school review) Mrs Fraser 

CASUAL RELIEF TEACHERS

If you know of a teacher who would be able to support our school through casual relief teaching (CRT) please advise the school.  We will have difficulty filling our teaching positions in the event of a teacher being sick or on leave.

PARENTS & FRIENDS

The first meeting of the P&F committee was held last Friday.  At the meeting it was decided to have a stall at the Easter Heritage Market day on Easter Saturday.  There will be more information regarding ways that you can help with this fundraiser shared soon. 

SCHOOL ADVIDSORY COUNCIL:

The first meeting of the School Advisory Council will be held on Monday March 6th at 6.00pm in the Staff room.

MORNING READING:

Our students are loving their morning reading time which begins at 8.44 until 8.50am.  It is lovely to see our parents in the rooms at this time also.  It is never too early to give your child a book. 

Oliver Fraser 6 months loves his books

PRAYERS:

We pray for all our students today that their year is successful.  We pray for those families who are experiencing hardship and sickness. We pray for world peace.

Catherine Fraser