Dear Parents,

I recently undertook some further leadership learning and an aspect of this learning was to reflect on the times throughout the year I have observed the ordinary becoming extraordinary.

Every act has the potential to turn from the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jesus’ life was an example of this. His humanity and suffering during his life on earth went from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Particularly in the last few years of his life on earth. This led to his story continuing today, with the Good News, gospel stories  and values being spoken about and shared thousands of years later. Mary’s life also went from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Every act has potential to transfer from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

In our Learning Community we have the privilege of seeing so many everyday moments go from the ordinary to the extraordinary. When a child achieves a milestone with their learning, random acts of kindness, the Year 6 Music night where many were originally taken out of their comfort zone and shone, the Prep visits to the elderly at Seaview Manor, the Mission Fete efforts, the student agency where individuals chose to do more in their own time to raise money for those less fortunate, Working Bees, Samuel Johnson’s visit Friday, the many strengths and achievements of our students being shared in and out of school, the student leadership and student voice. These are only a few examples of what we are grateful for and celebrate often.

In being with our children, we can help them by acknowledging those moments where their actions go beyond the ordinary and reiterate that true happiness comes from having meaning and purpose and reaching out to others in our lives and beyond. The characteristic from the Horizons of Hope that this sits well with is making a difference in the world, inspired by the Gospel and led by the Holy Spirit to grow in virtue and act for justice and the common good.

Mission Fete: What an amazing time we had at Mission Fete. The liturgy certainly set the scene and we are so grateful our students have the benefit of making authentic and purposeful links to the Bulbula community. 

Our Mission Fete was a huge success again, because of your most wonderful generosity. As well as sending money to Catholic Missions and Mercy Works, this year we will send $10,400 to Bulbula, which will change the lives of many children who will now be able to go to school.  As our guest speaker Kitty told us, the most effective way to break the poverty cycle is through education. This investment in education then becomes generational for families, so your generosity is long reaching. Our school community should be so proud of this donation for it has such a positive impact on so many. Thank you again for your donations to stalls as well as buying at the fete. The sun popped out for us, whilst it rained nearby and as always it was a fun day of excitement and joy for our students. A special mention to Marianne Caddy and Lib MacPherson who through this community connection, brought meaningful, purposeful and authentic learning to our students. It is very obvious that through this action our students have a real sense of happiness in making such a positive difference to other’s lives,  just as Jesus has called us to do.

We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Rachael Simons for her dedicated work in organising fantastic prizes for our Mission Fete raffle this year. We greatly appreciate the generosity of our local business community for supporting this event. Many thanks to those who donated prizes. We were thrilled with the results of our fundraising for Mission Fete in 2019.

Year 6 Music Night: Congratulations and thankyou to all Year 6 students and staff on a spectacular performance on Wednesday night at GPAC to celebrate their Year 6 year. It is always a most enjoyable evening to see all the students shine.

Trivia Night: This also was a huge success. Many thanks to Hayley Bennett and Peggy and all who attended. It was lots of fun and a nice change to have an adult catch up whilst  supporting the school with funds going towards an outdoor learning area.

Congratulations to the winning table. 

Samuel Johnson: Thankyou to the Maud family who bought Samuel Johnson to us. It has been 7 years since he last inspired us in our school setting and we are truly blessed to have had the opportunity again. Very inspirational and motivating.

2020 Classroom structure and staff: 

Below is our information sharing of Hubs for 2020 and the teaching staff within each Hub.

Warm wishes for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn