Dear Parents and Carers

In the longest running study on happiness out of Harvard, researchers determined the primary contributor to our happiness is the quality of the relationships in our lives. Relationships are the heart of wellbeing and the top predictor of a person’s longevity, happiness, and overall health.

Dr Bruce Perry, an American psychiatrist and professor, once said: “The more healthy relationships a child has, the more likely [they] will be to recover from trauma and thrive. Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.”

We truly cannot ever underestimate the power of friendships for our children. Healthy, feel-good friendships can be the difference between kids flourishing or struggling at school. Or, the difference between healing or suffering, as noted in Dr Perry’s research. Or, the difference between a sense of belonging and loneliness. Deep, meaningful, connected friendships are game-changers in a child’s wellbeing, learning, happiness, and the trajectory of their lives.

When we know what to expect in our friendships, it’s much easier to understand and accept the ups and downs. A few weeks ago, I mentioned that we are now a URStrong School. The 4 Friendship Facts were developed by URStrong because it was noticed that children weren’t sure what was “normal” or common in their friendships. These 4 Friendship Facts are the foundation of a healthy, respectful friendship and apply to relationships throughout life. You might like to discuss these with your child over dinner this week and get the conversation started about healthy friendships.

1. No friendship (or relationship) is perfect.
2. Every friendship is different.
3. Trust and respect are the two most important qualities in a friendship.
4. Friendships change… and that’s ok!

Semester 2 Reports and Parent/Teacher Conferences
Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) has communicated to schools informing them that general comments will not be required on the Semester 2, 2022 reports. A Semester Report will be sent home as in previous semesters providing A-E grading and attendance information. CECG’s position is to prioritise Parent/Teacher Conferences occurring during Term 4. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, their strengths, challenges, and future areas of focus. Our Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place on November 28, 29 and 30 and we will provide booking advice in coming weeks. 

We can’t wait to show off our learning! A reminder that we warmly invite parents, carers and families to our Inquiry Exhibition this Friday 4 November. Our Exhibition is a celebration of our learning and teaching in Humanities and Social Sciences. Students will present their inquiry journey and speak to visitors about their learning. Classrooms will be open from 2.00pm to 2.45pm and entry is through the Front Office. You are encouraged to maintain social distance wherever possible, and to stay home if you’re not feeling well. Parents are welcome to take their children home after their visit.

Building Update
Our refurbishment continues at pace. Windows and doors are in and looking very sleek, sheeting for walls is currently being installed, and we will soon be able to choose soft furnishing colours and occasional furniture. The temporary classroom on the K/1 playground is now ready for 4B to move into. We’re very thankful to Father Simon and the Parish for the use of Marian Hall over the last few terms.

May God bless you and your families this week. 

Petra Cole
Principal (Acting)