Dear Parents/Carers,

The church is still in the Easter season, and the readings over the last few weeks have retold how Jesus was 'setting up' the apostles for the work that lay ahead of them following his death. On Sunday, John's Gospel spoke of how Jesus implored with the apostles at the last supper that they were to love one another just as he had loved them. When we read in the gospels of how Jesus was continually showing the apostles how to carry on his legacy, we need to understand that He is also speaking to us. His message has lasted for this long due to people, disciples, who have taken up the task of being His hands and feet in the world.

So, the message of "love one another as I have loved you" encouarges us, as Sr Veronica Lawson suggests, to: "care for the broken-hearted...provide shelter for the homeless.....attend to those grieving......give a restorative gesture or word......plat a tree in teh interests of planetary survival." It is easy to love those to whom we are already close. The greater challenge is to love those who we may not know or who we struggle to get along with.

Recently, our diocese launched a Social Media Policy. The creation of this policy arose out of the need to inform all members of school communities (staff, students and parents) of the responsibility we all have in using social media in a way that respects the dignity of others and does not promote perspectives that are contrary to the Catholic faith. More information about this policy appears further in this Newsletter. To read the policy in full you can visit https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies/social-media-policy/ Before the end of this term we will provide opportunities for you to attend an information session that will outline in more detail the elements of this policy.

During the last two weeks, students in Years 3 and 5 have been participating in the NAPLAN tests. Most of these tests have been completed online for the first time at our school. I am aware that the media has reported on situations where students had difficulty in completing one of the tests due to technical issues. While we did have some students who were affected, it was only for a minute or two. Our experience with the technical apsects of adminsitering the tests was, on the whole, very positive. Regardless of any of these issues, NAPLAN must be kept in perspective with the knowledge that it is only one form of assessment that provides parents and schools with a snapshot of how each child is progressing with some aspects of their learning. Our school, like all schools, is regularly assessing the students in a variety of ways across all Key Learning Areas.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable fortnight,

Paul Moroney

In preparation for the Compass Parent Portal opening, letters will be sent in the next few days to every parent, outlining how to access the parent portal and your personal login details. This portal will provide parents access to the school's student management system so it is essential that every parent registers. 

What is Compass?

Compass is a Student Information System that allows parent access to your child(ren)'s records

• Monitor attendance records and enter explanations for absences
• Update family details
• Download and view your childs semester reports
• View the School Calendar
• Book parent/teacher meetings

The number of Lost Property items in the tub near the school office increases each day.  Whilst every endeavour is made to return clothing to students, it is very difficult if there is no name label on the article.  It is very important to label each and every item of school uniform that your child wears to school. 

Please ensure you advise the school immediately should your email, mobile, address or emergency contacts change, especially as we transition to Compass.