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:

I went into my book of reflections and this was on the page I opened.  Very timely I think for the Lenten Season.

School Fees

Parking and Drop Off Safety

Do not park in either of the Mitchell Street driveways unless you have permission from Mr Reardon.

These driveways are for parents with extenuating circumstances only who have full approval by Mr Reardon.

All parents/carers should either park their car in Mitchell Street or in the Larkin Place Car Park. You should never stop your car on the road or parallel to the school and conveniently let your children out unsupervised.  There were a number of occasions last year where such behaviour almost led to a child, or adult being hit! Children arriving late to school must be signed in at the office.

Rangers have and will be patrolling the area and infringement notices may be issued.

Recently we received an email from a concerned neighbour in regards to car park behaviour. Please take the time to read this and be mindful of others in the car park.

Returning to School With an Injury (Broken Leg/Arm)

Any student who needs to come back to school with a broken arm or leg is required to have a medical clearance and the school needs to complete a risk assessment to determine further support before your child can return to school. 

The school requests that parents make contact with the school office to arrange a meeting with Mrs Mel Waters to have a risk assessment completed before your child can return to school.

It is important that this process is followed to ensure that your child's education is not interrupted and that any support your child requires is put in place before they return to school.

Bookwork Expectations

An important part of PB4L at the beginning of the year is setting up routines and expectations that are consistent. This year,  St Paul’s has implemented a focus in having school wide bookwork expectations. The bookwork expectations are established in Kindergarten and built upon each year.

Our bookwork expectations include: 

Guidelines :

• for the presentation of work including using titles, dates, underlining and neatness; and around how work is to be edited and marked
• Times frames of when students transition from print, to cursive, to a personal style of handwriting. 

These expectations are clear, realistic and reasonable. 

Having strong routines and expectations within the classroom helps to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and promotes independence. Teachers have worked hard at creating environments which are safe, respectful and responsible. Students have been given explicit instruction and will continue to receive support and encouragement throughout the process for the duration of the year.

Quality bookwork is a product of pride and high expectations!

Easter Raffle

Cheese & Drinks Night - RSVP via the compass parent portal (link in news feed)

Due to COVID restrictions, numbers will be limited to 50.

Approved Parent Volunteers Needed - School Banking