Dear Parents/Carers,

This too shall pass.

This short and profound statement has been used in many contexts, and is seen as a universal truth that will stand the test of time. Abraham Lincoln has been one of many world leaders to use it in a presidential speech in 1859:

"It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: "And this, too, shall pass away." How much it expresses! How consoling in the depths of affliction!"

As our state moves ever closer toward an easing of the current restrictions, it seems that we can say with greater confidence "This too shall pass."

Being a faith-filled community, this statement also has a connection to the hope given to us in the resurrection. We know in our lives that we will have 'Good Friday' moments which bring us into despair or a loss of hope, and that these moments will eventually make way for the 'Resurrection' times in our lives which bring us great joy, renewal and promise.

Thank you

I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my sincere thanks to all parents and carers for your support of Remote Learning during this term. Balancing your own work and family commitments, while supporting your children with their learning and adhering to the restrictions, has no doubt been challenging. Our staff is extremely appreciative of how you have ensured that your children are given the opportunity to attend to their learning as best as possible, while also taking care of their wellbeing.

Many of you have passed on your thanks to the staff and I also want to take the chance to acknowledge their dedication, skills and hard work. None of our staff entered the teaching vocation expecting to 'teach to a computer screen.' However, I have been in awe of their creativity and flexibility as they have continually sought ways to assist the students with their learning. 

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.

Term 4

As has been indicated previously, Term 4 will commence with Remote Learning for all students on Tuesday 5 October. An attendance survey will be pushed out on Compass in the second week of the upcomng school holiday break. We will also provide any updated information about the planned return to school as soon as it becomes available to us from the state government.

Please know you remain in my thoughts and prayers as you continue to live through the lockdown.

Paul Moroney

Principal