Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students,

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope you are feeling refreshed and re-energised for what undoubtable will be another busy term ahead. I have enjoyed a lovely break with my family and have been able to relax and enjoy the glorious weather, I even managed to read a book. But as nice as holidays are, I find it equally exciting to get back to school and look forward to our continued partnership into to the term.

I hoped to write this newsletter without having to talk about COVID. Although I am optimistic about a return to some form of ‘normality’, the COVID-19 pandemic proves unpredictable and requires us to remain vigilant and adhere to covid regulations. As a school we will continue hand washing practices and teach students about cough and sneezing etiquette. We will continue the extra cleaning regime of doorhandles, taps, toilets and outdoor play equipment between lunch and recess. All adults will need to apply the 1.5m rule and use hand sanitiser upon entering school grounds. If your child is unwell we ask that you keep them home. Let’s work together to help keep our community healthy.

Some work that has occurred over the holidays;

• Wooden bag racks have been replaced by hooks in F-3 area. There is so much more space!
• Carpets in Year F/1 and Year 1/2 have been cleaned.
• Artificial grass areas have been cleaned.
• Some broken sprinklers on the oval have been fixed.

A working bee has been planned for Saturday 15^th August. We are fortunate to have a parent community that supports, assists and helps oversee the maintenance of school grounds and facilities. I encourages all families to become involved in the life of the school. A working bee is not only a great way to help improve the school environment but also a wonderful opportunity to build connections with other families in the school. Detailed information about the working bee will be provided to you in the coming week.

In week 3 there will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s learning and growth through parent-teacher interviews. Parent- teacher interviews are another way to celebrate your child’s achievements this year so far as well as an opportunity for goal setting into the future. Parent-teacher interviews will run in the afternoons of Tuesday 4^th and Wednesday 5^th August. A booking sheet has gone home today.

Many activities that could not happen due to covid restrictions in the first half of the year are resuming this term. SAPSASA sports kicked off today with soccer for Year 6/7 in Renmark. Although everyone is keen to catch up on the many activities that have been missed out on during the first two terms, we will make sure that the needs of the students are catered for and that activities are well paced throughout the next two terms.

It is lovely to see so many parents and grandparents back on school grounds to drop off and pick up your children. For Catholics, community is like a beating heart.  A body of people with a story, a history and a purpose who believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Sharing a common vision for life, seeking to live in a spirit of love or a life-long love relationship in the Spirit of Christ. Fr Paul’s small 70th birthday celebration last Saturday was a beautiful example of being in community with others and with God. Fr Paul was described by his younger brother Jack as a person who walks light through life, meaning he places little value on earthly belongings. Yet despite his dislike for collecting things throughout his seventy years he unwillingly did become a collector; a collector of connections and stories. Like an Elder Fr Paul shares these stories. In Australian aboriginal culture the older people, or The Elders as they are called, play a crucial role. The Elders hold the stories and the wisdom of the past. In telling these stories The Elders help younger generations make sense of everyday life. The stories pass on knowledge. Knowledge that the earth provides just as a mother does and must be respected and cherished. The Elders also give counsel to those in need; listen to the problems of the group; help shed light on difficult situations; tell and guide the young and in return they are revered, nurtured, respected and cared for.

Looking at our society today, somewhere along the way, something seems to have shifted. In the world as we experience it now, especially through the pandemic, the elders disappear quickly from the public stage, the middle-aged bear the burden of the system, and the young are the focus of attention.

The fact is that there is nothing a youth-centered culture needs more than it needs its elders. If ever elders are meant to have a real role in life, it surely is now. 

I am deeply grateful for the presence of Fr Paul in our school and the wisdom and counsel he provides to students, families and staff alike.

Nanda de Winter