Dear Parents and Carers,

The last two days have proven to be a great start to the term. The children have come back to school ‘Ready to Learn’. I am most appreciative of the time and effort it takes to ensure that the children are wearing the correct school uniform and that their equipment - pens, pencils etc - are replenished. Whilst it seems like a minor organisational task it works to create a smooth start to each lesson as the children feel, and know, they are organised. 

The beginning of a new term always brings a freshness to being back in the routine of school life. Last term saw the Semester One reports written and distributed as well as the opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher about his or her learning. This term is about working to achieve the goals that may have been set during this time. 

I am a strong believer in making sure that students take a part of the responsibility for their learning. Children need to know what it is that they are good at as well as what it is that they need to improve upon. Feedback, delivered in a positive and supportive way, is essential for academic and social growth of all of us, particularly our students.

At the Good Samaritan Award assembly last term I spoke to the children about the story of the Good Samaritan. Often we focus on the theme of compassion within the story, which is certainly strong and very much a part of what we take away from the parable. I challenged the children to look further into the actions of the Good Samaritan. He supported the Innkeeper in ensuring that he had what he needed to be successful with the injured man. 

My reflections on this parable have led me to parallel our roles as educators to that of the Innkeeper. We are given the resources needed to work with the students and targeting their needs academically, socially and spiritually. The Good Samaritan didn’t leave the Innkeeper without reassuring him that, if needed, he would return to further support. This is what we do as parents and educators. We support our children and our students letting them know that we will be back with further support, if need be. 

This leads to another way to look at how we can develop resilience in learning for our students. Being Ready to Learn also means that I am ready to have a go, make some mistakes, learn from my errors, bounce back and try again!

Sounds easy! If only it was. Many children are Ready to Learn  in this way every day, for others it is just on some days and for some it can be hard every day. The trick for us, as parents and educators, is being attuned to what it is our children and students need at the right time. And we don’t all get it right all the time - but we give it our best shot consistently each day.

I look forward to the term ahead, journeying together with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal