Principals Reflection

With Easter almost upon us, it is timely to reflect and act on moments that move us: the look of triumph on our child’s face as we assist them with spelling, times-tables or a reading; discussions that we are involved in with our loved ones that deal with shared dreams and aspirations; our child sleeping after being read to. As key adults in our children’s lives, there is much that we acknowledge that we can ‘do’ or ‘be’, and there is much to appreciate in our ability to influence positive outcomes for our children ‘merely’ by our WEST-like engagements with routines and habits.

The weekend’s Church readings highlight how ‘precious is the present’. The Lenten message is always about change, changing aspects of ourselves to ensure we make the most of what opportunities avail by realising God’s gifts to us. “Jesus wept”. Two simple words that say so much about Jesus the man. How often have we been deeply moved, only to allow the critical moment of action to pass? We are only human, and the Easter story highlights our frailties, with our actions not necessarily reflecting our words regardless of our good intentions. As I look upon the generally eager and attentive sea of faces each morning during our assembly, I can understand Jesus’ depth of feeling for his friends. Our children are our greatest gifts and there may be aspects of our relationship with our children that need changing to ensure that the ‘precious present’ is complemented by actions that help our children realise their intrinsic special qualities. As teachers, we take the responsibility of our diverse role seriously; as parents, our role is far more enduring and deeper – what a gift we have been given and what a responsibility such a relationship entails.

With one week until the beginning of Holy Week, which will culminate in our Holy Thursday morning assembly (and the beginning of a well-earned two-week holiday), our staff are encouraging all students to continue to commit to their studies. The busy days in the classroom often conclude with the teacher lamenting the inadequacy of available time to get through the planned tasks; teachers are faced with often incredible challenges of enhancing student outcomes whilst respecting their need to support their own welfare. I trust that as many parents as possible take the opportunity to attend next week’s parent-student-teacher consultations; a time to discuss strengths, areas of need for future growth and a chance to relate our shared joys, and occasional shared despair, that are intrinsic to being part of a vibrant, future-oriented school community.

Much is planned and happening over the course of the two weeks leading up to Easter, however, as always Jesus establishes for us the protocol; ‘raise to life’ those areas of our lives that need action and nourish relationships in a loving, honest manner. Holy week begins next week and we will be conducting a Palm Sunday assembly on Monday morning. As always, all are welcome (please observe COVID safe protocols – sanitize and face masks indoors.)

Kind regards

Rod Linhart

(Principal)