St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School Camden eNewsletter

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents & Friends,

Last weekend the school and Parish Community celebrated the Confirmation of 165 children over four Confirmation Masses. I must admit I am sometimes challenged by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, sometimes not clearly apparent to me till after a challenging time has passed and I have had time to reflect on its impact.

Jesus said: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, will be my witness.” (Jn 15:26)

As a Catholic school community we are dependent on the Spirit’s force to build God’s Kingdom here and now and to build kindness and fidelity in the young people who presented for Confirmation last weekend.

As I reflected on this special occasion, many questions entered my brain with very few answers, perhaps it is not possible to answer them! How aware, as a school community are we of the importance of the Spirit in the school? How often do the staff and children pray together? Do the staff spend regular time together asking that the Spirit may be their inspiration and strength as we go beyond the call of duty in our work for the children? Are the prayer spaces in each classroom and special areas setting the atmosphere for a praying community? Is our school a loving and compassionate place? Is this modelled by all, teachers, parents and students?

With the Holy Spirit, the Advocate (one who walks with you), we are forming our answers to these questions each and every day.

Confirmation is a significant point in a young person’s life as they grow into young Catholic men and women who will be forming the Catholic Church of the next generation. Has our legacy, as Catholic parents prepared them to be this?

This is really deep thinking on my behalf for the last week of term!

I’ll leave this with you to reflect on, I know I have in recent days.

Enjoy the break with your children,

Michael Reardon
Principal

Protocols when there are concerns by parents:

At the moment I have been inundated by requests to meet with me about matters concerning parents and their children. Many of these matters could have been easily resolved and worked through with the classroom teacher or Middle Leader. Unless the matter is of a deeply personal nature or does not directly involve your child there should be no reason for the matter to be escalated directly to the principal. Many of these matters this term I have redirected the parent back to the teacher.

Our protocol for dealing with matters of concern is:

1. Teacher first to express concern and to establish a way forward.

2. Middle Leader if you feel the issue is bigger than either your child, their friends or your child's class.

3. Wellbeing Coordinator - Mrs Debrincat if there are still concerns, especially if the matter continues to be unresolved.

4. Assistant Principal or Principal (depending on who is available) should the matter still not be resolved or is an absolute emergency.

If you follow this process then the matter is handled at the appropriate point of need.

Going directly to the principal in fact becomes an ineffective use of your time and mine if it is to be redirected back to the classroom teacher who knows most about your child, their friendships and learning needs.

The middle Leaders for each grade are:

Kinder - Mrs Hatter

Year 1 and 2 - Mrs Mourinho

Year 3 - Mrs Smith

Year 4 - Mrs Debrincat

Year 5 - Mr Robinson

Year 6 - Mrs Martin