Dear Parents/Carers,

This week we are engaged in Wellbeing Week. This is an initiative of our school's Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) team, and is held during this week to coincide with R U OK Day which is held on September 9. During the week teachers have been providing students with a variety of activities that help them to focus on their wellbeing, including dancing, singing, creative arts, physical activity and mindfulness. For our staff we have instigated wellbeing buddies for each other, limited our regular meetings, and encouraged them to do some things that allow them to spend some time away from their computer screens.

We encourage you, as parents and carers, to use this week to focus on your wellbeing as well. A 'Self Care Bingo' sheet was posted on Compass yesterday to give you some ideas. There is also a Zoom morning tea being held tomorrow morning which we hope will be a chance for you to catch up with other parents who you have not seen for many weeks. 

R U OK Day has become a significant annual event, and during this current lockdown, it takes on even more importance. The Mission of R U OK Day states: "to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those in their world and lend support when they are struggling with life." Connection during a lockdown can be challenging, however we are all encouraged to reach out to anyone for whom we are concerned: to Ask, to Listen, to Encourage Action, and to Check In. Their website (https://www.ruok.org.au/) provides excellent support and resources.

God of grace and wisdom,

You continually raise up good people who show with their lives that they follow Your inspiration. Give us the courage to respond to the needs of others with an open and compassionate heart, so that we will grow more and more in Your son’s likeness.  

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

End of Term 3 

Just a reminder that Term 3 will end on Thursday 16 September. Friday 17 September will be a pupil-free day, as staff will be engaged in our annual Spiritual Formation Day. This will be held off site so there will not be any staff at St John's on that day. Aspire will be open on Friday 17 September to provide care for your child if you are an essential worker.

I continue to pray for all of you during this challenging time.

Paul Moroney

Principal