PRINCIPALS MESSAGE
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY – So Wonderful and so sad
I grew up in Blacktown, Doonside actually. It was a tough but wonderful life full of sport, mates, family and life. We didn’t have a lot living in a war service home –similar to todays Housing Commission. You also got lots of bruises in Doonside, but you didn’t cry. That wasn’t accepted.
Last Monday I sat at home and cried, more seeping but still very emotional. I was watching the funeral of Hannah Clark and her three children, Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey,as a result of domestic violence (DV) by her estranged husband in a Brisbane suburb. I could not fathom how that could happen. What feelings and thoughts could lead to this sort of action.
What really hit me was the fantastic event we had the day before on International Women’s Day where 86,000 people attended the Women’s World Cup T20 in Melbourne, the AFLW had stellar games and this all followed a brilliant year by the women’s soccer team, the Matilda’s.
IWD asks men and women to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements - not only for one day, but every day.
It was such a confronting contrast. In a country like Australia how do these things happen? Why does God let them happen? I don’t think that God can stop them, but only make the aftermath bearable. God is there to console us and comfort us.
Sadly at John Therry we have some students who have lived in homes or witnessed DV in their lives. Such unacceptable acts can damage young children and their understanding of what a family life should look like. We work closely with all of our students to provide an environment that sustains growth in learning and character.
One of the hardest aspects of DV is knowing someone who is going through it and having them ask us not to interfere. I don’t think it is an option, we need to save lives and act. If you of anyone is a situation that needs assistance please use the resources below.
https://www.whiteribbon.org.au
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence/helpline
https://www.1800respect.org.au
JOHN THERRY OPEN DAY – 2020
What a wonderful occasion it was last Saturday as we had over 650 people fill the College Hall at the Open Day. The vast majority of people were in Year 6 (with their families) and finishing their Primary School education and looking at alternatives and options for Year 7, 2021.
Tours of the College grounds included all specialist areas with the Science Block experiments and the ice creams and pancakes at Food Tech the highlight for most.
A further opportunity will be provided later in Term 1 for those who have contacted the College Office and indicated they were not able to attend.
OPEN DAY AFTERNOON CATCH UP OPPORTUNITY.
A number of parents have made inquiries through the Front Office about viewing the College as they were unable to attend the Saturday Open Day. So the school will be open for visitors on Wednesday 25thMarch from 5.00 – 6.00pm. Spread the word and come along.