Dear Parents/Carers,                                                                        

Just over a week ago I had the most extraordinary experience with one of the students. At the time I thought that it was quite funny, but upon reflection I now realise what an important step it was for this child to actually tell me their worry. I had a primary student come up to me with a very serious look on their face before school and share with me how she wasn’t coping very well with certain aspects of her education at St Paul’s, largely to do with the social elements of learning, as all learning usually requires some form of social behaviour/interaction. At first I tried to hide the smile on my face as this “old soul” was telling me basically that she couldn’t cope with certain aspects of her learning! However, I then began to realise how much this child was in touch with their inner self and how mature her own self awareness was. I also reflected later on how difficult it must have been for her to come to terms with her own limitations, something I have to admit, I don’t do often enough. When I don’t, I become tired, sometimes grumpy, and my thinking becomes closed to possibilities. I am sure, you too can empathise with this experience in some form as a parent. I am always surprised and thankful for the many opportunities I have to learn from the children who constantly remind me how important the work of teachers is. In light of this, I leave you with the following thought to consider:

May God bless you and your families.

Go Gently,                     

Michael Reardon
Principal