St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School Camden eNewsletter

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents & Friends,

As I begin to draft this newsletter my thoughts are completely caught up in the fete and how it is such a splendid community event. To see so many parents, staff and children, firstly give up their whole day in many cases is such a selfless thing. In addition to this, the many meetings attended prior to the day is also another significant consideration. To add to this further, I can’t speak for family budgets, but I do know that my wallet had $100 in it when I arrived in the morning and I went home with it empty in the evening and there was only me to consider!

So what does this say about our school community? Firstly, such a wonderful success can only happen in a climate of affirmation. The whole community, in some way, has shared with each other, invested themselves in our community and recognised the contribution of each person. The sense of being appreciated allowed us all to be recognised for the people we are and this has created personal investment in our school, by you the parents, as well as the staff and children. This IS our community.

So how would it look if this wasn’t the case? Firstly, the fete would not have been a wonderful success where we are creating our rich St Paul’s story, where your children will remember the fete and the excitement leading up to it as well as running around and being free with their friends on the day. This is truly a unique experience for students in our current society overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. Secondly, it just could not happen in a climate of criticism and negativity where one’s psychic energy is on the defence all the time as this then becomes about the individual and creates alienation. This IS NOT our community.

The fete has become a celebration of life passages, just like birthdays, Grandparents Day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and Sacramental celebrations.

As I looked at our work last Saturday at the St Paul’s School Fete, I saw a school that calls itself a true Catholic School where we no longer take a neutral stance about what it means to be Catholic. Having the symbol of the cross on our walls and our name, St Paul’s, publically designated our school as one founded on Christian principles naturally modelled by all who contributed in some way to this sense of great joy, experienced on this wonderful occasion. In conclusion to my reflection I leave you with the following question to ponder over :

What was the image of God portrayed by us all last Saturday and what experience did it create in this school for the children?

I thank you deeply!

Go Gently,

Michael Reardon
Principal