Principal's Message

Dear Families,

Next week is the feast of Saint Patrick. Everyone knows about him — the man who drove the snakes out of Ireland, defeated fierce Druids in contests of magic, and used the shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity to the pagan Irish. It’s a great story, but none of it is strictly true. 

The real story of St. Patrick is much more interesting than the myths. Patrick’s letters tell the story of an amazing life of pain and suffering, self-doubt and struggle, but ultimately of faith and hope in a world which was falling apart around him. Patrick was a Roman citizen in 5th century Britain. Kidnapped and sold as a slave into Ireland, the atheist Patrick heard the voice of God. Escaping through pirates after six years, Patrick trained as a priest then returned to Ireland to spread the good news of the Gospel amongst the people who had enslaved him.  Patrick wasn’t the first Christian to reach Ireland; he wasn’t even the first bishop. What made Patrick successful was his dogged determination and the courage to face whatever dangers lay ahead, as well as the compassion and forgiveness to work among a people who had brought nothing but pain to his life. None of this came naturally to him, however. He was a man of great insecurities who constantly wondered if he was really cut out for the task he had been given. He was very much a human being who frequently failed to live up to his own Christian ideals, but he was honest enough to recognize his shortcomings and never allow defeat to rule his life. (Drawn from an article by Dr Philip Freeman, Luther College, Iowa. More is available online.)

There are now three weeks of school until Easter,  Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews are coming up. This year, we are able to proceed with interviews, but both nights will be at the College in Leongatha, due to Pioneer Hall being more suitable to maintain social distance for Covid-19  safety. We ask that wherever possible, families with surnames A-K please book on the first night, families with surnames L-Z please book on the second. You can book your appointments online through SIMON. There is more detailed information under Learning & Teaching in this newsletter.

All families are encouraged to come to the Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews and meet your child’s teachers. When there is an active interest from home, student learning is greatly enhanced.

There will be one more newsletter before the end of term, but please note that term ends on Holy Thursday, 1 April.