Principal's Update - 14th August

Welcome

Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

In last week’s Gospel, we were invited to reflect on the ordinary – those everyday moments that can often pass unnoticed. In our modern world, the word “ordinary” has sadly lost some of its beauty. We are often encouraged to live in constant motion – ticking off to-do lists, staying connected online, achieving milestones – all of which can leave little space to simply be.

But the truth is, the ordinary is not dull or unimportant. It is where most of life actually happens. It’s in the morning greetings between friends, the quiet hum of a classroom as students work, the laughter at lunchtime, and the shared celebrations in assembly. When we stop to notice them, these moments are anything but ordinary – they are full of God’s presence and grace.

This weekend’s Gospel also reminds us to be ready. We are told that we do not know when the end will come, so we should live each day as people of faith – with kindness, care, and gratitude for the world around us. The two messages come together beautifully: we can live well by valuing each day for what it holds, cherishing the small acts of love, learning, and community that make our lives rich.

In our busy lives, it can feel counter-cultural to slow down and truly appreciate the ordinary. Yet, this is where joy often hides – in a child’s curiosity, a friend’s smile, or a quiet moment of reflection. I encourage all of us – staff, students, and families alike – to find time this week to pause, breathe, and give thanks for the blessings that might otherwise be overlooked.

May we all reclaim “ordinary” as a word of joy, a reminder that the extraordinary is often present in our everyday lives.

Family Reflection Challenge

This week, try setting aside five minutes each evening as a family to share one “ordinary” moment from your day that made you smile, think, or feel grateful. You might be surprised how extraordinary the little things can be when we take the time to notice them.

Bambi's Return

We are very excited to welcome Bambi back this Monday.

We look forward to hearing about her experiences and having her energy back in the school.

Arts Festival

With the Arts Festival fast approaching, the specialist teachers and parent committee are busy preparing all elements of this event.

We are asking for parent helpers to volunteer in our kitchens to sell home made food items. We will require 6 parents per time slot listed.

If you are available to help, please list all times you're available. You will receive a text message with the time slot you are allocated closer to the day.

Food items will also need to be made and bought in by volunteers. Please allocate below what items you would be able to provide.

Fathers Day Celebrations

Our Father’s Day Stall will be held on Tuesday 2nd September. Students will have the chance to purchase a gift for their father or father figure in their lives. Gifts are all $5 each. Online payments via Quickcliq or cash on the day will be accepted.

We are looking forward to celebrating our dads, grandfathers, and significant father figures at our Father’s Day Liturgy in the church on Friday 5th September. The liturgy will start at 9:15am. Photos of all father figures as per previous school email can also be uploaded HERE.

This year, we’re adding a fun twist – students are invited to come dressed as their dad or a significant person in their life. Whether it’s workwear, a favourite footy scarf, or something that reminds you of them, we can’t wait to see the creativity! We will also be hosting some games and activities in family groups following the liturgy if you are able to stay.

Crossing Reminder

Can parents please remind their children to not cross the roads until Richard indicates it's safe to do so or blows his whistle. Our students and families safety is paramount and this requires our communities support.

Student Led Conferences

Later in the term, we look forward to welcoming you to Student-Led Conferences, where students will proudly share their learning journeys.

Bookings are open now via PAM. Limited spots left to book.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Over the next two weekends our students will be celebrating their sacrament of Confirmation. We wish them all the best in what is an important milestone in their faith journey as they re commit to the baptismal promises made by their families.

The sacrament is part of the collection of sacraments known as sacrament of initiation, each symbolising a further deepening of our faith commitment and connection to the community and Church.

More information sent earlier this week via Email

New Staff

We are pleased to announce that we have recently appointed two new staff members. We have Will Stevens joining our Learning Support Officer team 4 days a week and Priscilla Renfrey joining our teaching team. Priscilla will be replacing Ellie Sbardella for Term 3 supporting our coaching and intervention programs. Please make them feel welcome if you see them around the school.

Bullying No Way: National week of action – 11th - 15th August

Bullying – important conversations to have with your child.

By working collaboratively within our community, we can collectively help reduce bullying.

Families play an important role in helping children understand bullying and know how to respond to it.

If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Questions you could ask:

•   What do you think bullying is?
•   Have you seen it? How did you feel?
•   Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
•   As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
•   Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
•   Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong.

For more information visit bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Community

Important Dates