Principals Reflection

Parents, students, and friends welcome back to school for Term 4. I hope that all of you have found some time over the past two weeks to rest and refresh ready for the final sprint that is Term 4.

The weekend’s Gospel reading from Luke describes one of Jesus’ Miracles where he cured the Ten Lepers. In the reading the lepers all ask Jesus to cure them of their ailment, and Jesus in turn cures them after they have followed his instuction to go and see their priests. However, only one of the ten men return to thank Jesus for curing them. As with so many of the Gospel readings, there are many layers to draw back from this account. However, for me, the obvious message here is one of gratitude or lack thereof. I know that I am guilty of lacking gratitude. I think this often stems from taking things for granted, or simply expecting things - a sense of entitlement. Perhaps this is how the nine that did not return to thank Jesus felt. Maybe they expected it to happen and did not see the need to thank Jesus. Perhaps they were so excited when they were healed that they got swept up in joy and ran to tell their families and friends. No doubt there are many reasons when we forget to be grateful. Sometimes for us, it can be that we have become so used to things that we forget how fortunate we are.

There is a great deal of research regarding the impact that showing gratitude can have. Of course it has a positive impact on those we are thanking, but it also has a positive impact on the individual expressing gratitude. We are happier when we take the time to be thankful. Really, it is a win-win for all involved. At St Patrick’s Catholic School, we aim to foster this spirit of gratitude. It is the Thanksgiving element of our WEST values. Our Spirit of Jesus moments provide staff and students with the opportunity to be thankful. And, everyday I witness students showing gratefulness for the actions of others in their lives.

I have great hope in the the fact that gratitude is a value that we continue to aspire towards at St Patrick’s and I thank all in the community for helping to contribute to our wonderful culture.

On the final day of Term 3, we had the opportunity to farewell Mr. Linhart. Mr. Linhart leaves a legacy at this school that will not soon be forgotten. At his final morning assembly, Mr. Linhart asked, "What happens when a stone is thrown into the water?” The students replied, “It makes ripples”, and “It makes a splash”. Mr. Linhart replied, “It leaves a hole doesn’t it, but that hole is soon filled back in by the water”. In one sense his analogy is correct, St Patrick’s will continue to operate and build on its strengths, many of which are due to Mr. Linhart’s work and influence. However, the water is forever changed, and although it will change again, I know that we are all grateful and will not soon forget the impact that Mr. Linhart has had on the Students, Parents, Staff and Community of St Patrick’s Catholic School.

Kurt Atkins

Acting Principal