Dear Parents,
The shepherd analogy in the Gospels, of course, symbolises the importance of intimacy between God and each one of us. Jesus invokes the image of the shepherd and draws attention to the intimate knowledge and care the shepherd has for his sheep in a similar manner Jesus has for his flock- the people of God. In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus encourages us that we follow him, not because we are anxious or fearful of our alternatives, or no nothing better but because we know his voice, we know him, he knows our name we trust in his message and unconditional love. We follow Jesus’ lead for no other reason than throughout our life we have come to trust him and to rely on the intimacy of our relationship with him. In return he protects us and makes sure no one can steal us from his flock the family of God.
Welcome back to our staff, student, and the families to the second term of 2022. I trust everyone enjoyed the break and was able to relax, step out of the “school week routine” and enjoy some down time with your families over the two weeks incorporating the events of Holy Week and Easter. These next ten weeks are a busy time with a focus on assessment and reporting in the second half of the term culminating in parent teacher interviews in the weeks 9 and 10. I encourage all students to focus on their studies, enjoy their learning and do the very best over the next ten weeks, setting goals and striving to achieve them. Best wishes to everyone for a most enjoyable and successful term.
On Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day and all the wonderful things our mums do for us every day of our lives. A book I acquired several years ago titled “The Best Mum in the World” is a collection of humorous and inspirational quotes that are indicative of motherhood and what our mums mean in our lives. As we draw close to this special day, I would like to share a few thoughts from the book that resonated with me and the love and appreciation we each have for our own mothers.
A mother is……
-the one who is still there when everyone else has deserted you.
-someone who dreams great dreams for you but then she lets you choose the dreams you have for yourself and loves you just the same.
-the truest friend a person can have who loves you unconditionally.
-a child’s first looking glass into the world.
-is about making choices everyday putting someone else’s happiness and wellbeing ahead of her own
- is the next closest thing to divinity It is the highest holiest service to be assumed by mankind
-the only person who can think of the future-because they gave birth to it in their children.
Today we celebrated our Mother’s Day liturgy. It was great to see our mums join us to celebrate the role they play in all our lives. Thanks to Mrs. Wynne who coordinated the celebration and morning tea. Thanks to the teachers who prepared the children for the liturgy. A special thanks to Natalie Bertie who coordinated the Mother’s Day stall including the ordering of gifts and the packing of the gift bags with her reliable team of parents. To all our mums Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday.
Congratulations to Eric Kim and Tabitha Kunaseelan who won the local Rotary Club “My Mum My Friend” Mother’s Day Competition. This competition is offered to Year 5 & Year 6 students. The successful students from surrounding schools in the area gathered for the annual Mother’s Day dinner at the Baulkham Hills Sports Club with their families and school Principals on Tuesday night to receive their awards and acknowledge the role their mums play in their lives. The students had the opportunity to share their writing pieces with the Rotarian members and their families who presented a small gift of appreciation to the mums in attendance.
I am currently conducting 2023 Kindergarten enrolment interviews for next year. If your child is eligible for Kindergarten next year or you know of a family member or and friends looking to enrol their children in 2023, please contact the school office for an enrolment pack.
I would like to welcome Maryanne Grewcock to the Christ the King community. Maryanne will be Acting Finance Officer for Susan Ritchie for Term 2. Susan is recovering from recent surgery. We wish Susan all the best with her recovery and look forward to having her back at school soon.
Over the next 2 weeks Year 3 & Year 5 will be completing their Naplan. We wish them all the very best.
Please note that two staff development days have been scheduled for Thursday [30th June] and Friday [1st July]. On both these days there will be no classes and supervision. Staff will be participating in two days of Religious Education and Mathematics professional development. An early start to the winter holidays!
A local accounting business in Oatlands is looking to employ an administrative assistant two days a week to provide general administrative support to a team of accountants. If you’re interested in the position or require further details, please contact me and I will pass on the details.
Have a great week!
Tony Hughes
Principal