It is hard to believe we have come to the end of Term 3. Our Kindergarten students reminded me at the beginning of the week that they have completed ten straight weeks of learning at school, with Terms 1 and 2 being a combination of learning at school and home. 
Firstly, thank you for your support this term amidst what has been a challenging year for everyone.  We acknowledge and thank you for your ongoing patience and support throughout the term as we continued to provide a COVID safe and supportive school community. I am very grateful to all our staff and students for their efforts this term. They have worked collaboratively while adapting to the current restrictions. As challenging as this has been for us, we have continued to provide experiences where the students have been able to grow in faith and improve learning outcomes. There is much to be celebrated. It is in partnership that we can achieve great things for our children.
I hope everyone has a chance to refresh and relax a little these holidays, and take time out with your family. If you are travelling, please take care on the road.  I look forward to seeing you all again for our last term. Enjoy the break!
Students resume in summer uniform on Monday 12 October 2020.

On 4 October we celebrate the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis will sign his new encyclical (Papal document) in Assisi on 3 October. Pope Francis is inspired by St Francis of Assisi who, in following Jesus, lived in mutual and loving service, expressed in a fulfilled and happy humanity. The encyclical is expected to echo many of the themes Pope Francis has been discussing in his general audience talks on Catholic Social Teaching in light of the pandemic: human fraternity, the equal dignity of all people, the preferential option for the poor, the universal destination of goods and the obligation of solidarity. Care for the environment, and the virtue of peacemaking also are expected to be part of the encyclical.
After Pope Francis signs the document on the eve of the feast of St. Francis, the text is expected to be published in a variety of languages the first week of October.

PRAYER OF ST FRANCIS 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
For your mercy and for your truth's sake.

Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
In forgiving that we are forgiven;
And in dying that we are born to eternal life.