Dear Parents and Caregivers
This Sunday is the feast of Christ the King. This feast was first initiated when storm clouds were gathering around Europe prior to the Second World War.
The feast still reminds us that even in the midst of economic and social turmoil, Jesus Christ is the King of all creation. Jesus has already achieved victory through his cross and resurrection and he will come again in glory to establish his rule at the end of time. In the interim the church is called to be the sign and seed of his kingdom in our world today. The values of the world are not always the values of the Church - in fact they are often at logger-heads.
The Church (all of us - everybody has a role to play) is called to be a counter-sign to the ways of the world. It is a critique of earthly politics and power. It is very fitting at this time of year that within school we live out this social justice message. We ask the children to think beyond their own needs and wishes and to consider others who are less fortunate or marginalised in our society and to help them. This was evident last week with the children raising a staggering $1700 for Mary MacKillop Today at our Mission Day.
We are also collecting non-perishable food items to make up Food Hampers to help families in need celebrate Christmas day in a special way. Please send any cans, boxes or packets of food to your child’s classroom where a box will be provided to collect all donations. Special items such as festive chocolates, puddings, panettone, biscuits and lollies are always popular and very gratefully received. At the end of term all gifts and hampers will be given to the St Vincent De Paul Society for distribution to deserving families.
As we look back over the last year in the Catholic calendar, knowing that this Sunday is the last Sunday of the current church year, we see the saints who are ambassadors of Christ’s Kingdom. They are drawn from all classes and colours, places and times, rich and poor, clever and illiterate, kings and paupers. They challenge the world’s view of happiness, power, and importance. They point us towards Christ the King. Sunday is a majestic feast. It shows us Christ in his glory, but also shows us how that glory is shared with the saints and can be ours if we are prepared to open ourselves up to the rule of Christ in our lives.
The Norwood Payneham Christmas Pageant is this weekend and I’d like to thank the team of parents who have worked so hard in preparing our troop. By being so generous with their time they have provided a ‘golden memory’ for every child involved and a unique opportunity for them to represent the public face of our school. I know once the pageant is over all attention gets drawn towards the festivities of Christmas but involvement in events such as this are never forgotten.
We take very seriously our responsibility to do the best we can for every child based on their learning, social and emotional needs. I believe we have constructed well balanced classes that support students to develop new friendships as well as remain with previous friends. I contend that our school prepares students for the real world where we do not necessarily get along well with everyone we meet or work with. An essential requirement for all learners is that they develop resilience and optimism - the ability to cope when things don’t go to plan - to look at the positives rather than the negatives. As adults we need to model and encourage acceptance when children do not get exactly what they want. This is a necessary life skill. Every teacher at our school strives to do the best they can for your child’s learning, growth and development throughout the year. Different approaches support and challenge students in new ways, increasing resilience and developing independence.
On Monday of Week 9 the children will spend a session with their teachers, where possible, and new classmates for 2019. We introduced this initiative a few years ago and it was welcomed by all, to alleviate, reduce or remove some of the anxiety that the children often feel at transition time and this allows them to re-acquaint themselves with old and new friends alike.
On Friday 7 December 2018 our P&F will be holding a coffee morning for parents and caregivers to come and have a chat after drop off. The morning will be held at William St, with the idea that any parents who haven’t been to William St can also be shown around the site by one of our students.
As we bring the year to an end we will be saying farewell to Gail Mantel and Lisa Clark who have cumulatively given 29 years of service to the school. Gail has contributed an amazing 28 of those 29 years, working tirelessly in the Preschool shaping it to what it is today. We thank them for all their hard work and wish them well in their future endeavours.
You may be aware that the media and the Australian Education Union are foreshadowing possible industrial action (a half day strike) by staff in government schools, planned for Thursday 29 November. I wish to inform you that this industrial action relates only to government schools and that Catholic schools are will not affected and will remain open.
God Bless
Brady Stallard