After listening to Fr Michael speak at the Sacrament Meeting, around sacramental commitments, it reminded me of a quote from Pope Francis – ‘We cannot be part time Christians! We should seek to live our faith at every moment of every day.’

Father Michael certainly put forward the notion that this is the time to step up and make a commitment to our faith. 

Welcome BBQ and School Launch

It was great to see such a large roll up of parents and children to our welcome BBQ.  What was wonderful to see were all our families mingling and chatting on our new-grassed area as their children played down on the oval.  A great community feel.  I thank the SCC who organised our BBQ and made sure that everyone was well fed and happy.

For the families that were unable to attend, our major priorities for the next three years were launched.  The three priorities were as follows –

• Improved Student Engagement
• Develop High Expectations &
• Strengthen Well-Being

All our efforts at SJV will be based around these three areas.  In future Newsletters I will expand upon these priorities and what they mean for our school. 

Working Bee Date Change – Saturday 14^th March 9am-12noon – Take Note

Please change your diary entry for the Working Bee Weekend.  It has now been changed to avoid the clash with the Long Weekend. 

Sacrament Information Night

This was heavily attended by all those families whose child will receive either the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation.  Father gave everyone some real insight into what it means to make a commitment to your faith.  This is a Parish based sacramental program and Fr Michael is passionate about it providing an opportunity for your children and your family to fully participate in the program and for this to be faith affirming.  

Maths Club – Starts Wk. 6 Term 1

Maths Club started last year in Term 4 and will continue this year.  This year the club is targeted at Years 3-6.  If your child is interested with receiving some extra help or developing their high-level skills even further, then this is the club for you.  Please email me (peter.rodda@cg.catholic.edu.au) if you would like your child involved.  Numbers will be capped, so places will be offered on a first come first serve basis.  The club will begin on Wednesday mornings at 8:30am, after I return from the Principals Retreat.

SCC Treasurer Needed

The SCC is still looking for the office bearer of Treasurer.  If you have a skill set in this area, you would be an invaluable person to assist the school.  Please consider putting your hand up to be part of a great team of people whose aim is to help provide a great education for all the children of SJV. Please contact office.sjv@cg.catholic.edu.au

School Camp

Year 5/6 are now into their second day of camp as you read this.  Mrs De Rosa is running the school in my absence, ably assisted by Mrs Thomas.  Keep an eye out on Facebook as you might see some of the team building and challenging activities that the children have been experiencing.

God bless you and your families

Peter Rodda

Principal