From the Principal & Assistant Principal

In this week's Gospel, we are reminded of our love for all humanity, in contemplating the question ‘Who is my neighbour?’ In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus uses this story to teach us that it is our duty to look after the welfare of all those we encounter, regardless of social status, ethnicity, or religion. We are called to care for the stranger. This is a message that we understand and strive to live out daily in all aspects of our School Community. One way in which we show love to our neighbours is by looking out for their wellbeing and checking to see if they are ok. We are acknowledging the importance of supporting the mental health of others on Thursday with R U OK Day.   

As we reflect back on a term full of changes, from the school building works (which are on schedule), to new school leadership and the reconnection with social media, it has been more important than ever for our School Community to practise resilience and understanding. It has been pleasing to see our Year 6 students participating in the ‘Building Up Resilience’ workshops. Developing skills in resilience is important because through them children can live life to the full. Research shows children with good resilience perform better at school and are less likely to take part in risky behaviour, particularly as they enter the teenage years. The psychologist, Ron Balderston, describes resilience as a shock absorber for the potholes of life. 'Resilient children know how to cope and have developed skills that enable them to flex so they can manage life's blows when they happen without them getting too down, stuck on ways that aren't helping or giving up,' Ron says.

We wish our Stage 2 and 3 students all the best and know they will represent Mary Immaculate proudly at the Basketball Gala Day this week. Another highlight this term has been the recent CDF Public Speaking Competition with students across the whole school planning, rehearsing and delivering speeches, and in doing so becoming more confident in speaking in front of an audience. Congratulations to Kara V for achieving second place in the Diocesan Final that was last on Monday. This is a fantastic result for Kara and our school.

In the coming days and weeks, as we continue to improve student safety and flow of movement across the school, we will provide updates on improvements to the school dismissal procedures.

For the remainder of this term, students are able to wear the correct Full Summer Uniform or Full Winter Uniform.

We warmly welcome all parents to attend the Parent Listening Forum this coming Monday 18 September at 6:00 pm in our school hall. We look forward to hearing parent perspectives on things that you would like to continue in the school and areas for improvement.

Kind regards,

Michelle Rolfe - Acting Principal

Lindsay Burns - Acting Assistant Principal

Ms Kirsty Simpson

Religious Education Co-Ordinator