Dear Parents,
Welcome back to School for the start of the new year for 2022. I trust you and your families enjoyed the break over Summer and are refreshed and ready to take on the new year and what it has to offer. Thank you to our CTK teachers who have been back at school over the last fortnight preparing for classes and to welcome our cohort. We welcome our new staff members Miss Shelja Chand [Yr 5] and Mrs Dana Drivas [Yr 1] We also welcome our new students and their families, especially our new Kindergarten children who commenced primary school for the very first time. We trust these children will enjoy the next seven years of learning and development in our school community. We ask our Lord’s blessing upon our school community for the upcoming year.
Unfortunately our return to school has been impacted by continued COVID -19 restrictions and NSW Health order protocols. Though the pandemic continues to impact on our daily lives and how school operates it is imperative to appreciate that the protocols in place are in the best interest of the community’s health and wellbeing of our students staff and families. The staff and I supported by CEDP are endeavoring to maintain our usual high standard of education and care for our students during these challenging times. The protocols and restrictions in place are designed to ensure I can maintain staffing to continue onsite learning. Your support and patience with all the current pandemic interventions that have been implemented have been much appreciated by all members of the community. Please continue to read all emails and skoolbag correspondence distributed, maintain the Rapid Antigen Testing requirements and be diligent with identifying COVID-19 symptoms with your children. Please continue to wear masks when dropping off and picking up students and observe that parents are not allowed on site.
It’s that time of the year when planning is underway for various events and celebrations in our school community. On Mother's and Father’s day in previous years we have provided the opportunity for the students to purchase a small affordable gift for the parents on both the days. I would greatly appreciate some feedback on both mother’s and father’s day stalls being made available to evaluate if the need for such a service is still required. Please email me your feed back ASAP.
[ahughes@parra.catholic.edu.au]. Thank you.
In the scripture readings this Sunday we are encouraged to look at the special gifts God has given us, and to ask ourselves how are we using them. God reminds us not to be surprised when suffering comes into our lives, and assuring us that, however unjust and painful the suffering may be, He will never fail us or abandon us, and if we call to him in prayer, the suffering can strengthen our faith and purify the very gifts he has given us. Suffering in our lives according to Fr Michael Fallon “makes us realise our need for grace and our dependence on God. We cry out to him and, at a time that is best for us, he answers our prayer. The trial has strengthened our soul and purified our heart. “
Have a great week
Tony Hughes
Principal
