Principal's Report
Dear Parents/Carers,
Yesterday we celebrated Mass as a whole school for the first time in twelve months. Held under the COLA, it was a wonderful way to bring in the new school year. As Fr John reminded the children, celebrating Mass is a significant aspect of being in a Catholic school. By choosing to be a part of our school, your family is automatically a part of the St John's Parish, and so I encourage you to attend Mass with your children as regularly as you can. This will help your children see the connection you have to the parish as well as highlighting the importance of the Mass and how it can strengthen their connection to Jesus.
Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the season of Lent. As Christians, we use this time of forty days to reflect and prepare for Easter. It is generally seen as a time of solemn observance, giving us an opportunity to take stock of our own lives and to consider how we can help others. Three actions are asked of us during this time: to pray (for ourselves and others); to make a sacrifice (giving something up that we know we can do without); and to give to those in need. Sometimes we get caught up in the 'rules' of Lent (eg giving up eating meat), however if we focus on the parts of our life in which we know we can improve - a little bit like a new year's resolution - then we can enter into the season of Easter with a renewed spirit.
Parent-School Partnership Framework
This week I would like to highlight the third of the Principles of the Parent-School Partnership Framework - "Supportive Environment." This principle focuses on creating a safe, supportive and respectful school environment. To succeed in this area, it is incumbent on all of us to ensure we adhere to relevant policies and procedures which help to uphold the privacy, safety and well-being of all. This includes in the social media space and I refer you to the Diocesan Social Media Statement and Standards.
P & F Meeting
The first meeting of the P & F, which will include the AGM, is being held next Tuesday 23 February at 7.00pm at school. The P & F provide invaluable support to our school community and your input would be warmly welcomed.
"Meet and Greet" sessions
It has been wonderful to see so many parents and carers take the opportunity to meet their child's teacher during this week. Hopefully these meetings enabled you to establish a positive relationship so that, together, you can support your child's well-being and learning. Please remember that you do not need to wait until we schedule such meetings. Our teachers are more than willing to meet with you at other times during the year. Just contact the office to arrange a suitable time.
Wishing you a safe week,
Principal