Dear Parents and Caregivers
I often get asked what I think the biggest issue in education today is, and unfortunately, it seems to be issues linking mental health to social media. Over the past few years, I have noticed a trend where a group of students start off with a conversation in some sort of online chat platform. It usually takes place outside of school hours and in the home. The conversations start off being ok, but then one student makes an inappropriate comment, and then it goes bang! Within a short time frame, there are friendship issues and it then finds its way into our school community where it can cause real problems. Whilst social media can be a powerful platform which can be used to achieve many good things, it also has the potential to cause a lot of harm. I strongly urge all parents to either keep your children off social media, or at least to monitor it very carefully. I also recommend that all parents log onto the website of the eSafety Commissioner. The link is https://www.esafety.gov.au Please click onto the ‘Parents’ tab and spend some time looking through the resources available to support you and your children. Please remember that children are not legally meant to be using most social media platforms until they are 13 years old. By being vigilant, parents can make a real difference to their children’s safety, happiness and wellbeing.
Awareness/Compassion Reflection The nature of humanity, its essence, is to feel another’s pain as one’s own, and to act to take that pain away. There is nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy and a grace in forgiveness.
Confirmation Masses At long last, our Year 6 students will complete the final Sacrament of Initiation this weekend and they will be confirmed as adults in the eyes of the Church. Please keep them in your prayers during this exciting time in their lives. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mrs Natasha Strecker and Miss Lauren Di Girolami and all other members of staff who have done a great job supporting them during their time of preparation.
Book Fair Congratulations the many members of our staff and all the families who supported the Book Fair this year. We have raised around $1700 which will be used to purchase books for the Library. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Assumption Mass We don’t have many holy days of obligation in the Church anymore. However, we still have the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven which is celebrated every year on 15 August. In our case, we will be having a whole school Mass on Thursday 17 August from 8.45am. All parents and grandparents are most welcome to join us in our Church.
One Big Voice Mr Maxwell and Mrs Mouchemore have spent a long time preparing our choir for this exciting event which will be held at RAC Arena on Friday 18 August from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. All details for choir members have already been sent home. This is the first time our school has been involved in this fantastic event and I am sure they will do us proud.
Book Week Parade The annual Book Week parade will be held in our hall on Friday 25 August from 8.45am. Please remember that there is no need to spend any money on costumes. Often, the best ones are home made where you get the chance to put your creative skills to good use.
Yours sincerely
Laurie Bechelli