I am all over Covid even though if hasn’t really altered my life dramatically. I know many have really suffered and have far more grounds to be over Covid than me. But I don’t think Covid is over us yet. Why do I say this? Because pandemics historically take longer to work themselves out but then, I don’t really know. In fact, there is an awful lot about Covid we don’t really know. The best minds in the medical business will admit there is a lot we don’t know. That is the ground on which they do research to learn more. I belong to a large family and we have the full range of opinions regarding Covid: from people giving vaccinations, to antivaxxers, to even some who don’t believe it exists (yes, conspiracy believers). If we are to hold together, we each need a little humility. Practically that means we each need to say, in our own way, ‘I don’t know’ and we need to convey ‘I respect you as a person even while I don’t respect your opinion.’ This can be tricky. This week my siblings and I are taking the opportunity to get together when it is not a funeral – yes, we have reached that age in life. And we have had to negotiate. For the immune compromised we are meeting outside…and rain is predicted. The spouse of the sibling who is not vaccinated has decided to catch up with friends that day. Yes, it hurt but that was the compromise. We live in a society where people are readily asked their opinions, too often on topics they know nothing about. Saying ‘I don’t know. I need to learn more,’ is rarely heard. I realised early in life that the true expert, the one with knowledge and experience, usually gives their opinion quietly, open to learn more from others. In fact, a saying I was proud to learn as a child was, ‘The more I know I know, I know I know the less.’ As Covid continues to roll on and hopefully not surprise us, let us all have a little humility, be willing to learn more, and above all, be kind. And recognise that as regards Covid, and everything else, only God knows. Loving Father, you know how Covid has tried and tested us – especially within our families. Give us all some humility, to learn, to respect and to be kind. We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear us. Sr Kym Harris osb
Last Friday, the Year Six students were presented with their leadership badges during a lovely ceremony that was broadcast to families via Zoom. The students were given the choice between waiting to celebrate and being presented when assemblies may return or the virtual presentation. Being keen leaders, they elected to receive their badges sooner and participate in the Zoom for families. Thank you to the Year 6 staff for creating a memorable event for the students and for empowering them on the previous Leadership Day to take up their call to serve St Joseph’s Wandal.
On Monday, I met with the eight school captains (house captains and school captains.) These students represent the voice of the children in this school community. Each week, they are invited to join me for a student council meeting to discuss inclusion by embracing diversity within the community. The student council and I will discuss the physical environment, their perceptions of wellbeing, interests, feedback on learning and other topics. The aim is to support the children in our school to engage with opportunities to participate and voice their ideas and encourage them to think creatively and critically on behalf of the student body.
In the upcoming weeks, the Parents and Friends Association will be holding the first general meeting for 2022. We are hoping this will be a face-to-face meeting providing an opportunity for families to engage together. All parents are invited to come to these meetings. The P&F is not just a fundraising group, it strives to assist the school in a variety of areas including classroom activities, social functions, pastoral activities for community members, resourcing and involvement in the teaching and learning at the school. This is quite a list that you might be able to contribute to. If you see a need in the school or have an idea for how we can build community, please come along and join in.
Meetings of the School Board will recommence in March. The School Board has many roles and responsibilities including enhancing the partnership that exists between parents and the Catholic school and enriching and strengthening the educational opportunities for our students. The School Board is a sounding board for feedback and advice to the principal on matters that impact current and future school decisions. I am looking forward to meeting with the board hopefully face to face.
This week, I am thankful for the virtue of excellence. We encourage everyone, staff and students, to strive for excellence as it means we are giving our best to any task and relationship. Excellence flows when we do what we love and requires learning from our mistakes.
I am thankful for the gift of excellence. It drives my desire to improve my skills and work towards mastery.
Bernadette Brennan
