How are you?

Too often we can get caught up in our world, caring for our families, engaged in work, hobbies, sports etc. It is important though to stop, think, reflect and check. Check on those around us, how are they going, how are you going, where do you need to go next.

With our advent season fast approaching, Christmas will be upon us in no time. However, with the ongoing drought, speculation around employment and changes in government policies and support, this time of year is becoming harder and harder.

As a school, we have been working on developing a strategic direction to help drive school improvement and our service to our community. Therefore we aim to "establish a culture of wellbeing amongst students, staff and the wider school community, so to support and grow all individuals to achieve success." We will then be ensuring that new initiatives being rolled out will have a focus on wellbeing, and helping our students to achieve success in learning. For instance, the Peaceful Kids Program and the Oasis Sanctuary Project are new initiatives that have the wellbeing of students as the central focus. Shortly, there will be the development of the tennis court area as well as more engaging equipment and ventures that can happen inside and outside of the classroom.

To further enact this Strategic Direction, we have asked for donations of frozen meals. These meals will be distributed to families in need. This may be a financial need, or it could be a result of a death, grief or sudden illnesses and accidents. There are no bounds. We are a Catholic School, and we need to do our bit to help others. If you can, please think about dropping into school any leftovers (portions or full meals, etc.), in a suitable container with the ingredients listed. Good examples of this include things like lasagne, pies, curries that can be easily reheated.

Next week, we will also have a fruit bowl that will sit outside the canteen. If any student does not have a piece of fruit or would like a piece of fruit, we want them to have access to it. With fresh fruit becoming more expensive and some families having to cut it out or seek cheaper options, I want there to be that choice for the students at school. We are hoping this will lead us into being able to develop a Give and Take table, where people can drop off excesses from their vegetable gardens or donations. People will be able to take items that are there on offer - Please look out for this next week.

Finally, on Friday, it is the 1st of Movember, a time that is very important to me. As a school, we have developed a team called the SJPS Wee Waa Warriors! Mr Rottger and I will be growing Mo's for the month, and we are looking for other Dads, Grandparents, Uncles, neighbours etc. who would like to join us. If you cannot grow a MO, you can also join our team and become a MOve it member and help us by MOving your body and exercising through the month of Movember. People who join our team will help us to contribute towards our team total of MOving 1000km across the month. Money raised during Movember goes toward a great organisation helping people in communities like ours. To join our team, please follow this link:

Mental health matters. I'm doing #Movember to help men stay mentally healthy, but I can't do it alone. Sign up and join my team! https://moteam.co/sjps-wee-waa-warriors

Please look after yourselves and others around you and help each other, just as Jesus helped others. As our only Australian Saint said "Never see a need without doing something about it" - St Mary MacKillop.

God Bless

Alistair Stewart

Principal

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