What is the main message of Christmas?

Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith.  It's when Christians celebrate God's love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. The Bible tells of his birth hundreds of years before, fulfilling prophecies.

It's also a celebration. A time for giving and not simply a day we exchange gifts. The spirit of Christmas is in the 'togetherness', it's in the thought to which you put into thinking about others, it's a selfless time, where we forgive, take stock of what's important and become 'better' versions of ourselves.

With the current life challenges and the general 'busyness' of our days.  Finding the time to 'become 'better' versions of ourselves, is a tough expectation.

I recently read a medical article which shared 5 key areas for maintaining mental health and wellbeing.

• Supportive relationships
• Food
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Meditation

It is good to keep these in mind during all our busy schedules for work and home life and in teaching our kids what's important. A useful resource you may like to tap into for your family is Smiling Mind. It is a not-for-profit web and app-based mediation program developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into you life.

https://www.smilingmind.com.au

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all as a community.  The commitment of staff, students and families has truly made 2022 a successful school year.  I am grateful for this community and continued support.

To families moving onto new schools, may your new adventure be rewarding. I sincerely hope your time at SJV remains a special memory.

A personal thank you to Matt Egan-Richards for 'stepping in' to be Principal this term.  It has been a privileged to have you be part of the SJV community.

I wish to take this opportunity to wish the school community a safe and Holy Christmas season.  May you all enjoy family time and a relaxing holiday period. 

Please look after each other and be safe in travels and festivities.