Last Sunday’s Gospel…

In the last Sunday before Lent, we heard parables about looking within to see our hearts and thoughts clearly. Often we can see the faults of others but have we looked at our own first. Our actions reflect what is truly inside us. If we want to treat others with kindness we must grow in ourselves a kind heart first. If we want to be seen as an honest person, we must practice being truthful especially to ourselves.

From the Principal...

Fr Henry celebrated Mass for us today in the hall because with the rain we were worried about the students getting excessively wet walking up and back to the church. This is not something we would usually do. It was a very reverent Mass and I am grateful for Fr Henry’s flexibility. Being Ash Wednesday, it was important we still celebrate the start of Lent. You will notice your children coming home and talking about their Lenten promises. Please speak to them about them and support them in upholding their promises. It is important that in this world of instant gratification, we still remember what sacrifice is and delaying something we want – like chocolate, or doing without something, or doing something for or giving to those who have less than what we do reminds us in a small way of what sacrifice is and that we can actually live happily when we do find something challenging. It is something for us adults to remember too. Prayer is a critical part of our Lenten preparation. Only through prayer can we nurture our personal relationship with God. 

We hope you will be able to join us for Mass next Ash Wednesday. You will have seen my extra notice though Compass about our planning for large events. On Friday we have our Beginning of the Year Mass and Captain’s Commissioning. I have been able to invite some parents to this Mass in accordance with our risk assessment processes. I pray that soon it will again be open to all.

The P&F Meeting was postponed because it is the Annual General Meeting. I encourage you all to come to P&F meetings. You will not be forced into any jobs! It is a valuable opportunity to make connections with other parents and to give us feedback about the school. The P&F is a valuable source of ideas and inspiration too!

Our swimming carnival, the first one with all Year 3-6 present, was a great success. We received a great deal of positive feedback from students and parents. We have held a review meeting too because we know there are some improvements to be made for next time. It will also be helpful that the students have seen what happens there and can make more informed choices about what to participate in next year. Parent helpers will add much to the running of the day in future too! The teachers did a great job running around and were very tired but it was worth it.

God Bless

Michelle Rolfe

Principal