Dear Parents and Carers,

It's wonderful to be back after my time away on pilgrimage. During my travels, I was deeply moved by the words of Irish theologian John O'Donoghue: "Every time you leave home, the road takes you into another world, one you were never in before. New strangers will wait for you on other paths. New places that have never seen you will startle a little at your entry. Old places that you know well will pretend that nothing has changed since you last came."

This perfectly describes my experience, as I journeyed and reflected on the many sacred sites and artifacts of our Catholic tradition. I was privileged to deepen my understanding of Jesus's life, witnessing how his message of divinity and humanity spread throughout the world and profoundly influenced society through the ages. I was also deeply inspired by the stories of communities and individuals who so passionately fought for their faith. I hope that we all appreciate how fortunate we are to openly practice our faith in our community and to live peacefully alongside people of other faiths.

Navigating the Online World

Yesterday, you would have received a separate letter addressing the challenges parents face in navigating the online world and ensuring children's happiness and safety. Many reports highlight the increasing issues of bullying and misrepresentation that prey on vulnerable young children. As a parent of older children, I've had a glimpse into these challenges and have great empathy for those guiding their children through this complex minefield. In primary schools, we see the impact of children having unrestricted access to the internet, often with skills far beyond their parents. Hopefully, this information will help you navigate some of these challenges and ultimately protect your child. A copy of this letter is also included in this newsletter.

My Recipe for Success: Be Present

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to be truly present for your child. Ensure you give each child at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted, device-free time each day. This is my recipe for success:

• Read together: Read one favourite and one new physical book to your children before bed. It calms them down, boosts their literacy, and avoids the stimulating blue light from devices. All children love to be read to!
• Talk and connect: Give your child a chance to talk about their day in the quiet of the night before they go to sleep. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to offload worries and for you to reflect on reasons to be grateful together.
• Consistent bedtime routine: Ensure your child has a calm, device-free space for sleeping and a consistent, strong bedtime routine.

Family homes are busy places, but this investment in your child’s future will pay enormous dividends for many years to come. 

It's been wonderful to see many of you since my return, and particularly lovely to see you at our Athletics Carnival on Friday. I look forward to seeing you at school next week.

Yours in faith and partnership,

Lindy Nelson
Principal