Newsletter 8 - Term 2 - Week 6 - 27th May, 2021

Website: www.stgtraralgon.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mrs. Roslyn Joyner

Email: principal@stgtraralgon.catholic.edu.au

Dear Parents,

As I write this newsletter we have received the news that a  statewide lockdown will take place. The emotional response I am beginning to feel about this possibility is a warning to me about how our students might respond. Life is so unpredictable for everyone at present. I guess the best we can do is try to stay positive and have some sense of routine at home and at school to give the children a sense of confidence and stability. Connectedness is so important, always, but especially in our present times. I will let you all know as soon as I have any details of any changes to school routine.

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is under way with a parent information session held last night. We wish all families well as they help their children prepare for this last stage in their children’s initiation into the church.

This week is Catholic Education week. It is especially important as we celebrate 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia.

This week also sees the commencement of National Reconciliation Week on 27^th May. This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates are the same each year, 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021 is “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.” The theme urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. For more information about National Reconciliation Week go to https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/

Best wishes

Roslyn Joyner

PRINCIPAL

CHILD SAFETY

Five members of our school staff, including myself, participated in a mental health crisis first aid course yesterday. It was not surprising to learn that the most prevalent mental health issue at present in our society is anxiety. This research encompasses our children as well. It was also evident that a significant contributing catalyst for this growing mental health concern is media-how news and information is portrayed, how it is instant and always present, the type of content our children are constantly exposed to and the opportunity, or lack of, for them to talk about what they see or hear. This is in addition to the many negative social media issues which I know you are well aware of. As adults it is incumbent on us to moderate the content and amount of media coverage that our children are exposed to and always be willing to talk about it with them in a reassuring way.

UNWELL STUDENTS

A reminder to parents, if your child has a cold, pains in the stomach, generally unwell or has vomitted in the 24 hours previous to the commencement of school day they need to convalesce at home until they are well. If children come to school unwell parents will be contacted to collect them.  Please see COVID information in this newsletter.