Lent

Last week we marked the start of the season of Lent. For those less familiar with our Catholic traditions this is a period of 40 days before Easter where we are called to think about our relationship with God and take up an act of penance to help us think about this. This usually involves giving up something. My challenge to students is that we might like to think as well as “giving up” something, we could try and “take up” something. Perhaps some radical form of kindness or deliberately going above and beyond in service to each other. In the Gospel the apostles asked Jesus “Where do you live?” Jesus replied “Come and see!”. Lent is about seeing where Jesus lives in our lives. Is he in the centre or pushed aside for other priorities? I think each time you do something for others you put Jesus in the centre. As we begin our Lenten journey let us take time to “come and see” and allow Jesus to come close to us and our families.

Attendance at School

We know that every day of attendance at school adds to your child's chances of success and achievement, from Kindergarten through to high school. You play a key role in making sure your child attends school every day, and you do this because you understand that attendance leads to success, not just at school but later in life. Every day at school counts towards your child’s learning.

We realise some absences are unavoidable due to health issues or other circumstances. However we also know that when students miss too much school, no matter the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically. The more absences your child has the harder it is for them to catch up on missed work and stay connected to their school community. Absences add up quickly. If your child is absent just one day every two weeks over the course of a school year this will add up to 20 days lost learning. This is almost half a school term.

So please make sure your child is at school and contact your child’s teacher if there starts to be a problem with your child’s attendance.

Principal’s Meeting & Retreat

Each term I will be away for a few days to attend meetings in my role as the NSW representative on the Australian Catholic Principals Association & the Australian Primary Principals Association. It is great privilege to be asked by colleagues to represent them in these national forums. My first meeting for the year is next week & I will be in Canberra on Monday & Tuesday. From Wednesday I will be in Bowral for the annual principal’s retreat. The Assistant Principal, Mr Brad Brown, will be in charge during my absence. I do keep in touch with school & check my emails when I'm away.