This newsletter heralds the end of Semester 1.  It has been an eventful semester with so many opportunities in which the students have been able to participate.  Amongst other things, this semester has seen some or all of the students perform in the Border District Eisteddfod and the Stanthorpe Busking event, participate in Life Education with Healthy Harold, compete in sporting events at school (local and district level), undertake learning around building and nurturing friendships, engage with members of the community, donate produce to people who are in need, show respect by commemorating ANZAC Day and learn more about what it means to be an effective learner.  As the semester concludes, this is a time of celebration of all that has been accomplished and the growth of each individual within our community.

Over the last few days, I have had the pleasure of reading every student's report card.  Whilst it has taken a while, it has provided me with a sense of the academic accomplishments of our learners across Semester 1.  I hope that when the reports are received by parents next week, that you take the time to read the comments from the teachers and reflect on the information contained within the report. However, it is important to remember that an academic report is only one way to measure the success of a learner and in some respects, it is very limited in its ability to capture some of what really matters for our changing world. Educating students for life in the 21st century is more than the transference of knowledge; it is about being a creative thinker, a problem solver, having good communication skills, being resilient, establishing respectful relationships and having a strength of character to stand up for what they believe, to name but a few things.  We have seen these things developing in many of the children and we hope that you have also witnessed some changes in these areas.

During recent weeks, we have held our annual Winter appeal, where students and their families have donated clothing, blankets and tinned food items for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. The response from everyone has been overwhelming and we would like to thank you for your generosity. A significant aspect of what it means to be part of a Catholic School is that we respond with love and action to issues of social injustice and this appeal was no exception.  Thank you to Mini Vinnies and Mr Grew for organising this on the Primary Campus. 

Finally, my thanks are extended to all the staff on the Primary Campus who have worked tirelessly for the students this semester and also to the students who give us such joy each day. I trust that all the staff and our families will enjoy a safe and restful break.

With God's blessings

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary