From the Principal's Desk
Dear Parents/Carers,
I am aware the preparation for First Reconciliation is currently happening with many of our families. I noted that the lesson books were handed out a few weeks ago after the weekend masses for parents to commence the lessons with their children. As I reflected on this very important time for the children during Lent, my memory takes me back to that very special story in Luke’s Gospel that we all know as The Parable of the Prodigal Son. As I read this story, I am once again confronted with my own human inadequacies. The parable reminded me that the message is not really just about seeking forgiveness. The message also reminds us that it is important to ensure that one needs to see forgiveness as a situation where mercy is the fundamental issue and not justice. I must admit, this is something that my human frailty struggles with on occasions. In recent days, I have started to put the children at the school into my reflection about this parable, especially during the Lenten Season. Have you ever wondered why children can be fighting or arguing with each other one minute and playing charitably the next? It is something that a child’s heart and mind seems to do naturally, being able to forgive and get on.
As I ponder such challenges, especially during this time of Lent, I was reminded by a child from our school at mass last Sunday to focus on this part of my own spirituality during Lent, through their actions. At the stage in the mass where we acknowledge each other with a sign of peace, one of the children directly in front made a purposeful effort to seek me out to say “Peace be with you.” What was this child really saying? Yes there are people outside my immediate family who are important to me? I feel a great sense of satisfaction when I see such signs of genuine care and respect.
I thank God for reminding me, through the eyes of a child, the importance of modelling peace and justice in my actions and words. In light of this, I leave you with this thought to consider during the Lenten Season:
Passive acceptance of injustice
Is not peace; it is a threat to peace.
Recognise the threat and work for justice.
But take care to avoid methods that are as
Unpeaceful and unjust as what you’re
Trying to eliminate.
I went into my book of reflections and this was on the page I opened. Very timely I think for the Lenten Season.
Go gently,
Michael Reardon
Principal
The School Fete for 2021
I have been in constant contact with the Catholic Education Office about COVID19 with regards to the fete for this year. It really takes two terms to plan and implement the St Paul’s School Fete. It is a highly strategic and well organised team of parents that put it together but one needs to give it the time it deserves to ensure it is a celebration of our school community in action.
Unfortunately the current ruling is that no more than one hundred people are allowed to gather together outside at any one time. During the fete day we would have thousands of people come through the gates and we would need to have the capacity to implement a contact tracing process like is currently established in all public venues. Due to the challenges that such necessary requirements create, we will not be in a place to go ahead with the fete again this year.
I am in discussion with the P & F to look at an alternative special day that we can provide for the children. We are currently on a fact finding mission to determine the options available. Through the newsletter, I will keep the community posted about the opportunities under consideration to get feedback before deciding on a plan.
Staff Development Day - Monday, 19 April 2021
Monday, 19 April 2021 will be a staff development day. (Pupil Free Day)
The staff are currently in three professional learning teams;. Literacy Numeracy and Religious Education.
The teams will be developing plans to fully implement the Literacy and Numeracy components of our annual improvement plan for 2021. The staff will also use this time to review their grade program documentation to ensure that it is compliant with NESA syllabus requirements.