It is hard to believe we are halfway through the term. All our new teachers have settled in, like they have been here for years. This week Leonie Anstey, a Mathematics Consultant  from Victoria, worked with the staff looking at classroom practice and strategies. This was a great opportunity for staff sharing and the setting of our directions to meet student needs.

The recent media reports of the trial and conviction of Cardinal Pell in Melbourne have caused distress to many. As leaders in Catholic education, we are mindful of our responsibilities that lie in this area. We have already lifted standards and while the trial is separate and distinct from our area of responsibility, it focuses us to be particularly mindful of those who have suffered abuse in the past and how these reports will affect them.

Every support should be offered to students, staff and members of our community whose suffering and distress may be heightened at this time. As Christian communities we are called to listen and tend to the needs of the wounded, whatever may be the source of their suffering. We must have open hearts and open minds and address the needs before us.

We continue to commit to providing the safest possible environment for all our students and staff and, while the trial has been difficult to watch, it in no way detracts from the work we are doing.

The safety and welfare of students remains our absolute top priority. The child safety approaches administered by our dedicated teachers and leaders ensure we are held to the highest professional and regulatory standards. They are embedded in organisational governance, policy, procedures, practice and culture. It is a key responsibility for everyone who works or volunteers in Catholic education.

This year Catholic Education Canberra-Goulburn has created a Child Safe Advocate role supporting every systemic Catholic school in the Archdiocese. This consolidates Catholic Education's commitment to child safety and protection from all sources of abuse. This commitment to child safety in every aspect of school life will continue and we must remain vigilant. Catholic schools are highly valued because they provide safe learning environments. I am confident this will continue to be the case.

Should you or your family require support during this time, please reach out and we will support in whatever way we can.

Year 5 & 6 Camp

Next Wednesday we will farewell our Year 5/6 teachers and students as they embark on their Leadership Camp to Cooba. I know our students are very much looking forward to the time away from school, to connect, to learn and to have fun. Luke Donnelly will be attending in the first evening to take the opportunity to get to know the Year 5/6 teacher.  Liz Foster, Amanda Winne, Michael McFadden, Bob Fletcher, Christopher Evans, Kathy Moir and Jacinda Vaughan will be attending for the three days.

Principal's Retreat

From next Tuesday evening I will be in Bowral for the Annual Leaders Retreat until Friday. Ms Peta Goldburg, ACU Professor, will be leading our retreat again this year.  It is a time to reflect on Scripture and deepen ones faith. Please contact Luke Donnelly or Carmel Rheinberger in my absence.

Enjoy the long weekend and travel safe if going away. 

God bless

Carmel Maguire