Welcome to Term 3! It was fantastic to see all our staff and students back to commence the new term. What a stark difference from the beginning of Term 2! It has been wonderful to hear from the students, that while they had a "different" holiday than what would have been experienced just 12 months ago. They all seem to have enjoyed being able to spend time with their extended families, while also recommencing community sports and favourite activities. Our staff have returned, having enjoyed a well-deserved break and the beautiful holiday weather.

One thing the staff and I are finding difficult, with the COVID-19 restrictions in place, is not having parents and carers physically onsite. Your presence in the school brings so much to our school community. We are all missing the impromptu chats and presence on the playground and in classrooms. We are still living with the daily uncertainty of what tomorrow may hold, but as followers of Jesus Christ, we always live with the certainty of hope and resurrection. We continue to keep all those affected by COVID-19 in our prayers.

On the 26 July, we remember the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne. Joachim and Anne were the parents of Jesus' mother, Mary. Their love for one another and for Mary is an example to us of how God calls us to live. They also remind us to honour our grandparents and to thank them for the blessings they have been passed down to us in love. Their feast day which fell on a Sunday this year is a day to honour them and all grandparents for their contribution to our lives. 

This week we would have celebrated 'Grandparents Day' with our families. Grandparents are a valuable and vital resource in our communities. They provide children with stability and a sense of generational continuity. Many grandparents are also significant carers in the lives of their grandchildren.

Please know we value this very special day and will endeavour to find other ways to unite our students and their Grandparents in the upcoming months.

Bless all Grandparents and keep them in Your care.
Bless them with peace, health and healing.
Reward them for their faith and fidelity, for their work and goodness,
for their love and thoughtfulness, and for their gifts and prayers.
Provide them with a long and happy life together.
We give thanks for the example of their faith, for the witness of their lives,
and for their consistent love,
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen