Dear Parents
This Sunday’s readings focus on the theme of forgiveness. From our own life experience we know how important forgiveness is. Forgiveness is a product of the love we have for others. Because of our Heavenly Fathers unconditional love for us all, he continues to forgive us when we fail in the ways that Jesus has us taught us to treat others. Father Michael Fallon suggests Forgiveness is always a surprise. We can never earn it, and when it comes it is always so healing and refreshing. It protects us against despair and utter loneliness and encourages us to keep hoping. It reassures us that wherever we have been and whatever we have done we really can still love and be loved. When we offer forgiveness with others, it is without conditions and without reserve, it is a tremendous gift of love that we share. It is God’s forgiveness that liberates us to grow in love. If we can only allow ourselves to be moved by grace and our hearts to become the heart of Jesus, we will find that by forgiving others we are liberated from so much of the hurt that has been caused.
I will be taking long service leave from Friday 18th September to Monday 11th October. During this period Mrs Bernadette Walsh has been appointed acting Principal. I know you will all support her in the role during this time. I look forward to catching up with you all on my return in a month’s time. Enjoy the upcoming holiday period with your families.
Congratulations to Alex Bozanic who during the week was announced as the the school captain of St Patrick’s Marist College for 2021. Alex, a former student of Christ the King graduated from our school in 2015. We wish him every success with his Student Leadership role over the next twelve months.
Please be advised that in the best interest of student safety, parents picking up children in the afternoon from the Burradoo Close need to get out of their vehicles to collect them. No children will be allowed to walk down to cars where parents have parked. Your co-operation in this matter will be greatly appreciated by all members of the community. Thanks
This week is National Child Protection Week (6 to 12 September 2020), As a school community we pledge commitment to listening to the voices of children and young people and remaining vigilant to their safety and wellbeing. In support of the National Child Protection Week theme, “Putting Children First”, and in line with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) is committed to the establishment and implementation of child safe systems, policies and procedures. The aim is to have in place practices that are proactive and preventative in nature, providing children and young people with school environments where they are safe, informed, participate, and where the adult community, working together with children and young people, work towards making this happen. By providing the community with the knowledge, support and procedures to keep children and young people safe we are equipping everyone with the tools and skills needed to be ambassadors of child safety! Throughout 2020, CEDP's Safeguarding Team have been working on many projects to align with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. Check out www.parra.catholic.edu.au/About-Us/Building-Child-Safe-Communities - after all, what's more important than the knowledge to help keep children and young people safe!
Thank you to those parents who have taken up the opportunity to book a parent teacher interview with their children’s teachers. These meetings are currently underway for parents who wish to catch up and discuss their child’s progress at school. A special thanks to our teachers who have made themselves available for these meetings.
Our school Community today dressed in the Lebanon colours red, green and white in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent fire and explosion in Beirut. Thank you to our generous school community who have supported our Beirut Appeal over the last few weeks. A special thanks to Mrs Trethowan and Miss Milone and the Year 1 children who have organised and promoted the appeal at Christ the King as part of their RE unit. "How can we be peace makers in our world" Please keep the community of Beirut in our prayers as they continue to rebuild their city following the recent disaster.
Enjoy the last two weeks of term and have a great holiday!
Tony Hughes
Principal
