Principal's Message

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COVID-19 Updates    Most weeks, the newsletter process is completed by various staff up to two or three days in advance of publication to allow for proof-reading and formatting to take place.  Generally, my report has a little more time to complete than that, but I am conscious in writing this report that by the time you come to read it, the details will already be at least 24-hours out of date.  And while that is generally acceptable in most instances, during this most recent emergency critical event, accurate information is crucial.  For that reason, I urge all families to ensure you keep track of, and regularly check in on, our live publications of information via our Facebook page, through regular email transmissions and SMS notifications.  For those who do not have access, or cannot for whatever reason avail themselves of these means, please ensure you are keeping abreast of all health authority and government advice on this.  Information will likely range from ‘business as usual’, to ‘complete closure’ in a very short time. From an ‘all clear here’ message to ‘it’s time to stay home’ with very little warning.  Rest assured however, that this College and its community are following ALL NSW Health, Catholic Schools Office and government agency directions very closely.  Advice is provided daily to families who may be directly impacted, or who have personal circumstances that require clarification and direction, and to this point I must say that ALL families so far, have adhered to the correct guidelines.  For that, and to all of our families, I am very grateful.  So it is business as usual here at SPC, and we will continue to care for and nurture our students to achieve the best possible outcomes in the weeks and months ahead.

Feast of the Annunciation   Wednesday was a special day in the life of the Church.  The Feast of the Annunciation, nine months before Christmas, is a day we celebrate in the Church as one of the most important feast days. Like all solemnities, this feast is one of formal celebration and great joy.  The Annunciation is particularly special to many Catholics because it brings together three Catholic beliefs that are intrinsic to our faith.

  • The Incarnation of the Lord
  • Our devotion to Mary
  • Catholic Social Teaching

This last point is topical, this week, because it points us to, and reminds us of, the ‘Dignity of the Human Person’.  During the outbreak of the past few weeks, I have spoken often to staff about the time to come when members of our College community, the wider Macleay and surrounds, return to key locations after having endured infection or isolation.  Very little has been said in the media about how these people can be supported and nurtured.  Rather, it has often shown the dark side of the human condition.  As a Catholic Christian community, it is our duty to light the way for the rest of society and show how to bestow dignity and fellowship to people who, through no fault of their own, will be feeling particularly low and vulnerable.  The events of the media, depicting ‘every one for themselves’ attitudes in shopping centres and gathering places, will not be welcome here.  Jesus calls us to holiness in our everyday actions.  This means that we embrace and support those who most need it.

Parents & Friends Association – AGM   Last week, the P & F conducted its Annual General meeting to wrap up the preceding year, take stock of the great achievements of the members and to elect a new board to lead us forward into 2020 and beyond.  I would like to thank all members of the outgoing board for their dedication and hard-work in supporting the College, its students and their education, through tireless fundraising and caring donations.  Happily, I can announce that all members of the outgoing executive were re-elected into their roles for the forthcoming year, with some very new and welcome faces joining them.  They will certainly be a formidable team. I thank and welcome the following executive members of the team:

  • President - Mr Greg Sowter
  • Vice President - Mrs Angela Bramley
  • Vice President - Mrs Sarah Osborne
  • Treasurer - Mr Peter Livermore
  • Secretary - Mrs Jodie O’Loughlin
  • Assistant Secretary - Mrs Deanna Peters
  • Ordinary Members
    • Mrs Marika Crilley
    • Mrs Kylie O’Donnell
    • Mrs Renee King

The works of the P & F may vary this year from previous.  We are very aware of the difficult circumstances that businesses will face, and that most effective fundraisers involve gathering people together for an event, which will all prove difficult to achieve this year.  We are committed to achieving great outcomes for our students, and are aware of the need for a refocus. Your thoughts on how this might look are always welcome.

Easter Raffle   The P & F are again running an Easter raffle and is seeking donations of chocolates, eggs and small Easter toys from families to compile prizes that will bring some cheer to people during these tough times.  We are also asking families to complete and return raffle books (five per family at $1 each) as part of the fund-raising to support much needed equipment and resources for our students.  If you require extra raffle books please contact our office staff.

God Bless

Kevin Lewis BEd (Syd) MEd (ACU) GradCertRe (Uon)

College Principal

kevin.lewis@lism.catholic.edu.au