Executive Director's Welcome

Welcome to Semester 2 - the second half of the school year!

It seems that every newsletter for the past forever has started with something about Covid-19. I was hoping that would not be the case for this one, however I am not going to dwell too much on it other that to encourage you all to wear a mask to school if you can. It’s not a difficult thing to do, but from all accounts a sensible one!

As we return to term 3 after a welcome break for all, my mind turns to the Year 12 cohort for whom this is really their last term at school. I’m sure that you as parents of this group will be thinking where on earth the time has gone. I spent these past holidays looking through boxes of photos including lots of school photos of my two children. Whilst in one way I miss those days of Sacraments, sports carnivals and classroom rosters, I look at my son and daughter now and see what lovely young people they have become. We sit down now as adults together and have wonderful conversations about all and sundry, much of their input influenced by their Catholic education (I hasten to add, not all of it!) I guess the message I would give to those of you parents coming to the end of your young person’s journey at a Catholic school is that whilst a good education with good results will provide choice for their next step in life, the person they are is so much more important. It is also important for them to know that the choices they make now are not written in stone, they can change their minds, and should do, to find the pathway in life which will make them happy. The old proverb ‘find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life’ is so true and one that your young people should keep forefront in their minds as they step out of school and into the world beyond.

In the meantime, remind your Year 12s to take the time to enjoy this last term at school and all it has to offer. Gently prompt them to work hard until the end to ensure that when they do walk out the door of the school for the last time, they do so knowing, they have given it their best shot. All anyone can do! Your job of course is to keep the fridge stocked, ensure they get to bed at a reasonable hour and remember to say out loud that you will always love them no matter what!

I would like to draw your attention to the survey contained in this newsletter and which we have been talking about in the last couple of months.  The survey is being conducted by Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA - national body) and is now live. I am very aware that we can sometimes feel a little jaded with surveys, nonetheless they are an important way of collecting information which can then be used to create postive influence and change.  We know from conversations with parents over the past couple of years that the mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people has become a significant challenge. This survey aims to collect information around how parents have been affected by this emotive issue, particularly as a result of Covid-19. The survey is being conducted in Catholic schools Australia wide and so it is vital that the West Australian parent voice is heard in it. We should also remember that if we say nothing the presumption is that everything is all right. You have until the end of August to complete it and of course please don't hesitate to call the office if you would like any further information or assistance.

The nominations for the CSPWA Awards for Building Positive School Communities have now closed. CSPWA are delighted to have received so many creative and heartwarming nominations this year and look forward to celebrating all the nominees and particularly the winners at our event on Aug 5. If you would like to join us on the night to hear our guest speaker Dr Laura Allison – CEWA Chief Psychologist whose presentation ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing – The Home/School Partnership’ will no doubt, be both informative and engaging, please register as per the flyer further down in this newsletter. We have extended the closing date for RSVPs until Friday 29 July.

Remember that volunteering at your child’s school in some way, whether by attending P&F meetings, assisting at events, or doing roster in the classroom, is a great way to be involved in your child's education. We know that the outcomes from this type of activity are hugely positive. Beneficial to yourself as a volunteer, to your school community and above all to your child/young person.

That just leaves me to say enjoy the rest of the term, whatever it brings!

God bless!

Siobhan