PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
WELCOME BACK
I offer a warm welcome back to all for the commencement of Term 3. The beautiful winter days that we experienced provided the perfect opportunity for some outdoor activity and adventures. The students that I have spoken to certainly had a wonderful break.
Term 3 is an important one for all as we consolidate the learning of the first half of the year. For most of us learning is a progression, building upon the foundations laid earlier. Allowing us to develop interests and passions and making choices about our future.
We wish our Yr 12 students all the best in their Trial HSC exams commencing in Week 3. These provide a significant ‘checkpoint’ in their learning journey and provides the Staff with indicators of where to assist and further develop learning, leading the HSC exams next Term. For some Yr 12 students this will be a time of some anxiety, but if your preparation has been solid there is no need to worry, just give it your best effort.
Also during the holidays we had three groups of Staff travel overseas. Mr Martyn, Mr Strojny and Mr Foreshaw travelled to Vanuatu to work in the community at Port Orly, damaged by cyclone and still recovering. Mrs Dadd and Mr Connor travelled to Kiribati to work with the teachers there in delivering units of work from the Australian Catholic University.
Finally, Mr Robinson, Ms Randall and myself travelled to England and Italy to undertake study in new evangelization, the connection between people and the Church. I thank all of these Staff for giving their holiday time to attend these significant events and making a difference.
Term three is a significant one for our Yr 12 students as they enter the final phase of their time at John Therry. I especially pray for success for these students.
FEAST OF ST JOACHIM AND ANNE
This feast day celebrates the father and mother of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and is celebrated on July 26th each year. In celebrating this feast day we recall our own Grandparents and the relationship that we have with them. I sadly had my grandparents pass when I was very young and only really got to know my mothers mother. She held Sunday lunch at her house each weekend and I spent many great times with my cousins and family.
Born in the 1890’s and living to 86 I often think of what she would have lived through as the world developed around her. Her world as a child to her later years was radically different. But her strong faith coursed through the family and into me.
There are no references of Mary’s parents in the Gospels but Catholic research and the Gospel of St James refers to them often. What relationship did Jesus have with his grandparents? Catholic teachings suggest that Joachim passed away soon after Mary’s birth and that Mary was presented to the Temple to be raised.
I hope that all students have good relationships with their grandparents and take time to be with them and take interest in their lives. In today’s world of instant communication and self absorbed activities promoting our lives through social media, this can place great strain on developing relationships. We are all a part product of our grandparents.
