Dear Parents and Carers,

God of love, May we always see the world through the eyes of the Good Samaritan and be filled with your deep compassion. Help us to be merciful neighbours even when it is inconvenient, when we don’t have time, or when we have other responsibilities to attend to. Grant us the insight to see the need in those around us, the wisdom to know how to respond, and the strength to do so willingly. Open our eyes, that we might not cross the road from human need. May our love of you and love of our neighbour call us to be people of peace and justice in the world. And may we, like the Good Samaritan, always ‘go and do likewise’. Amen.

Yesterday our school community celebrated Mass under the theme of the Good Samaritan, a parable that has a close connection to our school's charism based upon the work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. The values of this extraordinary parable are an integral part of our community and underpin so much of what we anticipate from each other.

Recently Fr John, Fr Richard, Mrs Hampton and myself attended a professional learning day led by Fr Richard Lennan, a renowned Australian theologian currently working as a Professor at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. The focus of his presentation was the church and our place in it. He reminded us that the church is not a building, object or the structures and practices of authority. Rather it is us, the people of God, the body of Christ that the Holy Spirit guides to fulfilment.

He reminded  spoke about how the church is on a journey, it is always a 'pilgrim' that is moving towards the fullness of life in God. It has not been, is not, and will never be a perfect church - everyone is unhappy with something about 'the church.' However, it is in this messiness and discontent that we must all work toward hope and fulfilment. We all have a co-responsibility to ensure the church remains a work of grace and a fully human community. St John's school is a part of the St John's parish, which in turn is part of the global body of people who are in service to God's reign. All of us in our school community share in the church's joys, tribulations and hope.

Parent/Teacher meetings

Thank you to those parents who have been able to attend a Parent/Teacher Meeting this week. We highly value the opportunity to work together to support the growth in faith and learning for your child. If you were unable to make a booking this week, you are very welcome to contact your child's teacher to meet with them at another time early next term.

P & F Trivia Night

I know that some tables have been booked for the upcoming Trivia Night on 22 July. The P & F are providing funds to go toward a playground for the children which will be installed during August. The Trivia Night is their major fundraiser so your support of this event would be greatly appreciated.

Grandparents Day

Please note that we are celebrating Grandparents Day, along with NAIDOC Week ("For Our Elders"), on Tuesday 25 July. Please let the children grandparents (or special person) know about this day.

End of Term 2

You are reminded that Term 2 concludes this Friday 30 June, and Term 3 commences Monday 17 July. I hope that your children have a restful and safe break and that you get to spend some time away from the normal routines of family and work life.

Paul Moroney

Principal