Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope that you are all travelling well. We seem to be getting close to the midway mark of another term! I cannot believe it. I was not going to write much this week, however, I came across this quote and it resonated so much with me that I thought why not! I believe that if you are feeling inspired about something why not share what is in your head, even if not many of you read the waffle!
Two years ago, I read a book called ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. As I get older, I find that reading a few pages of a book is inspiring and also a great way to finish each day. In this book, Eckhart talks about developing a view on life that is more about living in the moment. One thing he stresses is how important it is for us to stop, like right this very moment, and think about and acknowledge all the good in our life. Over the past few years this has become a habit, just a way to hit that restart button. But on those challenging days this is not that easy to do.
What I am finding, and I am sure that you are all finding it too, we are told to simplify our days and life but somehow things become more and more complicated. I mean I had the time to watch the news the other day and it is just full of challenges that the world is facing and I realised these are the things that stop us being in the moment and seeing beyond the challenges faced in a day. But I suppose this is the human element, that even though our lives are enriched with joy, when times are tough, we fail to recognise the goodness.
So, I simply wanted to take this opportunity to tell you all what I am grateful for in my role here at Santa Clara School. Firstly, I get to share in the joy and lives of so many families, both students and staff. I cannot put into words what a privilege this is for me as a person. Hearing about your ups and downs makes me feel a sense of awe of your resilience and commitment to your children and how as parents and teachers/education assistants, you have courage to get through the tough stuff. Secondly, removing the hard stuff of being a Principal, I am so proud to be a part of the Santa Clara story and continue the faith story of this place that was influenced by previous Principals, staff, parents and students, a journey that began 70 years ago. This place is truly special and it is the reason we are all invested in making this place the best it can be.
I realise many of you have heard the news that I will be taking on a new appointment as Principal of Matthew Gibney Primary School in High Wycombe. I still have the rest of the term here at Santa Clara so I don't want to dwell on this too much at present. This decision was an extremely hard decision as this place is a massive part of who I am as a person, however, I do believe in continued growth and acceptance of the journey ahead that the bloke upstairs has for me. What gets me through the sadness of knowing that my last day of being Principal at Santa Clara is fast approaching, is stopping and acknowledging all the goodness that exists here and the role I have played in making this school shine in our community.
Happy Mother's Day
May is the month we tend to focus on the life of Mary. It is during the month of May that many people say the rosary, or simply say a Hail Mary, as a way of giving thanks for the good things in their lives. This week, as I was saying the Hail Mary, I was thinking of the list of things I needed to do. The meaning of the words was lost. That day I made it a priority to say the words slowly and to focus on what I am grateful for in my life, and boy did that make a difference. My mum always made us say that prayer and it tends to make me relax when I find things getting tough. I have even heard the Hail Mary while I have been walking around the school this week and thought what a special environment I work in where we can stop and pray!
This weekend we celebrate our mums and significant females in our lives. When I think about my mum I realise just how special mums are. Mums just seem to stop what they are doing and give. We all know dads do this also, but the relationship between a mother and her children is something beyond our understanding.
So, happy Mother’s Day! I hope your family spoils you rotten. It might be the best opportunity to just spend some time together. Remember, mums (and dads) don't need all that fancy stuff. Make her a nice card and give her your ‘presence’. Treat her very special this Mother’s Day (and everyday) and she won't need anything else.
Principal Appointment
Earlier in the week you would have received communication from Renae King our School Advisory Council Chairperson on the appointment of Mr Andrew Gaudoin as our school's Principal for the remainder of the 2024 school year, commencing 15th July 2024. On behalf of the community we congratulate Andrew of his appointment. Over the coming weeks, I will work with Andrew to ensure a thorough handover and transition into his new role.
Staffing Update
With the appointment of Mr Gaudoin as Principal for Semester Two, Mrs Adams will take on the extra day in the Year 3 classroom. I would like to thank Mrs Adams for her flexibility and commitment to our students and school. This will allow a smooth transition for our Year 3 students and the continuation of the curriculum.
School Uniform
One again I would like to thank all students and families for doing their best in wearing the correct winter uniform. It is great to see so many of the students wearing the winter long black trousers with our formal uniform, however, there are a few students wearing their tracksuit pants with the formal uniform. The tracksuit pants are to be worn with the sports uniform only. Over the coming days I will be discussing this with the students. Please ensure your child is wearing the correct sports and formal uniform and that they are not mixing pieces. Thank you for your support.
Thank You P&F
I wanted to acknowledge our P&F and staff for our recent Mother’s Day Liturgy and morning tea. We are so appreciative of the P&F for providing our mums with delicious treats. What a beautiful gesture. Again, how lucky are we to be in this community.
School Attendance
We are so grateful to our parents and caregivers for ensuring their children come to school every day. Regular school attendance is crucial for student growth and achievement. School attendance is compulsory for all students commencing in Pre-Primary. Parents must inform the school, with plenty of notice, if they would like to remove their children from school during the school term.
Reconciliation
We congratulate our students in Year 3 who received that Sacrament of Reconciliation this week. May you use this sacrament to realise the gift of forgiveness and renewal that Jesus offers us. Thank you to Mr Gaudoin, Mrs Adams and Fr Richard for their efforts and preparation.
Cross Country Carnival
Congratulations to all our students that took part in our annual cross country carnival. They all tried their hardest which was shown by their faces crossing the finish line! Thank you to Miss Fitz for organising the event. Today at our assembly we acknowledged all our runner up and champion runners for Years 3 to 6. Our team are now in training for the Interschool Cross Country Carnival on Friday, 14 June. We wish them all the very best!
New Website
We are all so proud of our new school website which is a lot easier for parents and caregivers to navigate. Please take the time to visit our new website.
Pupil Free Days - Friday 17 May and Monday 20 May
A reminder that we have an extra long four day weekend next week as we have Pupil Free Days on Friday 17 May and Monday 20 May.
Early Close
A reminder that school will close at 11:50am on Wednesday, 22 May for Parent Teacher Interviews. OSHC will have limited bookings available for families who have regular bookings. Please ensure you plan accordingly for the upcoming Early Close.
Pupil Free Days / Public Holidays
Parents and caregivers are reminded of the upcoming Pupil Free Days and Public Holidays:
- Pupil Free Day – Friday, 17 May
- Pupil Free Day – Monday, 20 May
- Early Close 11:50am - Wednesday, 22 May
- WA Day – Monday, 3 June
- Pupil Free Day – Friday, 28 June
My hope for you all over the next fortnight is to live in the now when you get the chance and acknowledge the goodness in your life, even if you are experiencing a challenge or difficult moment in your life, be gentle on yourself and express gratitude. One thing I know about this place is that we are all here for each other. Never hesitate to reach out, our staff and our families are here for you.
Clinton Payne
Principal
P&F News
Find us on Facebook:
Santa Clara Primary School P & F
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1434716443415256/?ref=bookmarks
Haven’t joined already? Please send a request to be added and be kept up to date with our fundraising events throughout the year.
About Us
Email: admin@santaclara.wa.edu.au
Website: web.santaclara.wa.edu.au
Location: 91 Coolgardie Street, Saint James WA, Australia
Phone: (08) 9251 0400
