Dear Parents

In my weekly Zoom meeting this morning with colleagues and the Diocesan director, a reminder popped up on my screen that the Father’s Day Liturgy was due to begin in 15 minutes! It prompted me to think about the variety of celebrations and gatherings we have and take for granted. While we may be disconnected from each other physically, there remains a strong bond between school, home and our families. Teachers are keeping in regular contact with our families and many of the families are doing the same with each other. I take joy in hearing stories of “drive-by” birthday celebrations and class catch-ups on Zoom. I had the privilege of supervising a small group of students this morning and was moved by the writing of some of their heartfelt letters of love to their fathers. While we may not be present physically together, I take heart in knowing that the sense of community that St Kieran’s prides itself in remains strong. 

School Advisory Council and Parents and Friends Association 

I would like to express my appreciation to the two representative parent bodies within our school. Earlier this week you received a letter from the SAC reflecting on the current situation and offering words of encouragement and comfort to our school community. Thank you to this group of parents and Fr Dave Austin for taking time to reach out to the rest of our parent community. 

I would also like to thank the P&F who have done a great deal of work behind the scenes during this time. With their work in organising the Trivia Night (which we plan to do again early next term), the funding of the coffee van (which is still coming), and the planning of a virtual school disco for early Term 4, the P&F committee is staying connected with the school, looking for ways to support our school community. I take great comfort at this time knowing that we have such great support in our school. 

Father’s Day 

While we cannot be present together to celebrate and thank our dads, grandads and significant males in our families, we do want to express our appreciation for the role you play in the lives of your children. There is no better way to show our appreciation than with a few “dad jokes” to make us laugh. Many thanks to all the children who sent in a video of their joke and to Susanne Foale for putting the video together. 

The role of fathers in the lives of their children is significant, just as that of the mother. An article by Michael Grose discusses the complexity of the role of dads and the ways it complements the role of the mother. Please take some time to read. 
 

Home Packs 

Home Packs for students will be available for pick up in the foyer each Monday morning. Remember to register via the Google Form. 

Supervision 

A reminder to complete the Google Form if you need supervision for your child next week. This form will be closed at 5pm this evening. 

I wish all our dads, grandads and significant males a very happy Father’s Day and ask for our Father’s blessings on you this weekend. 

God bless, 

   Michael Gallagher
   Principal

Did you know that the Compass Calendar updates automatically to our website?  It's easy to view on your mobile phone. Click on the button below to access.

Patience

As restrictions begin to bite and the promise of regaining the rhythm and flow of the school year still seems a long way off we can show patience. When getting back to ‘normal’ cannot come quick enough let us remember patience. 

Patience is not about doing nothing. Rather patience is about constantly doing all you can but being patient with the results. 

The virtue of patience helps us to accept those things that are outside our control and to keep faith in God, our protector. We may experience troubles in our lives, but we know that God is there to comfort and protect us. Sometimes things happen that we cannot understand or control and our faith in God is tested. Like Jesus, we can pray that the trouble will pass and at the same time we also ask for strength to accept God’s will.

So let us pray:

For those who are troubled, that they may bear their suffering with patience.
For ourselves, that we may always trust in God and find the strength to be patient.

Yours in Religious Education,
     Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar

The PRC Closes Today

I would like to congratulate the 125 students who have completed the PRC this year. What a fantastic effort.  A special mention goes out to all of Year 2 who have now completed the Challenge!

Don’t forget that the amount of Personal Choice books is now 10. You still have today to enter last minute books, including the 10 personal choice books.




There is also a PRC tab on Story Box library so there’s easy access to PRC titles.

• User Name: stkieransmv
• Password: school

If you have a child starting in 2022 please forward their application to the school as soon as possible.  Applications are available from the school website.