We have finally come to the end of a most eventful year. As I reflect on the year through my discussions with so many people, staff and other professional colleagues, parents and family; I am reminded that we are on a life journey and we need to celebrate the seasons and passages of the journey and through it being a companion to others along the way.  I have seen this happen many times to me personally and to others whom I have journeyed with.  The one thing I have learnt, and I like to think, also comes with a little wisdom achieved along the way, is to choose a path with heart and to live with our inner truth. I have learnt, especially this year, that unless we are watchful, our life journey becomes shaped by responses to the wrong questions which can arise from anxiety or fear. Hopefully we have all grown in this area this year where we have embraced and celebrated the God of mystery and surprises as a companion stranger.

With such reflection about our journey this year, there is also a point where for some, one journey concludes and another begins. I wish to acknowledge the dedicated service given to St Paul’s, Camden, by Chris Jaques (44 years) and Robyn Bielaczek (30 years) as they retire from their long and successful careers.  When you do the figures, for Mrs Jaques, there were about 2000 students who would have passed directly through her influence over this time. For Mrs Bielaczek it would be about 1000 students.  I am very aware of the influence teachers have on the lives of young people.  On numerous occasions I have been stopped in the street personally to hear stories from people about the impact teachers have on young people's lives even as they journey through adult life, having their own families. To both Mrs Jaques and Mrs Bielazcek, thank you for your service to our community. I don’t have to say you will be missed as we will still see you in a casual role next year and beyond. I also would like to acknowledge those staff who are leaving our school as the year concludes; Miss Glover and Mrs Dryden, who have contributed significantly to the life of our school. Mrs Dryden will also still have a presence in a casual capacity.

I would also like to acknowledge the P & F as they have made genuine efforts to be invitational in creating community. Unfortunately, so many plans had to be cancelled, but we live with hopeful anticipation for next year.

With the many complexities the year has thrown at us, I have felt secure in making many challenging decisions simply because of the wonderful leadership team and administration staff that prop up my leadership and Fr Michael’s quiet and generous wisdom that continues to help create a wonderful school culture.

To our student leaders for 2021, thank you for assisting our school as we navigated another messy COVID year.  We wish our Year 6 students well as they prepare for the next installment of their educational journey. 

Finally, I have included with the last newsletter for 2021 a summary of the staffing for 2022.

May the birth of the Christmas Child bring great joy and happiness to all this festive season.

Go gently,