3 November 2023 - Newsletter (Vol 40 No 17)

The tragedy in the Middle East – The need for Peace

The Israel-Gaza conflict is a heart-wrenching and long-standing issue that affects not only the lives of the people involved but also stirs deep emotions and concerns within the global community. No doubt you have seen the images on T.V and the various voices and protests from ‘each side’.  As Catholics, guided by the principles of peace, justice, and compassion, we believe that there is a moral imperative to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and alleviate the suffering of all those affected.

It is essential to recognize the historical injustices and grievances that have fuelled the Israel-Gaza conflict, are deep rooted and often times lost in a passionate and one-sided argument depending on who you listen to or who has the louder voice. The Catholic perspective calls for an acknowledgment of the rights, dignity, and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. It is through justice that we can address the root causes of the conflict and promote reconciliation.

In times of conflict, no matter where it happens, the Catholic Church has consistently advocated for the protection of human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The people of Gaza, in particular, are enduring unimaginable hardships due to the ongoing hostilities. The Catholic perspective underscores the importance of humanitarian aid and assistance to those in need, regardless of their faith or nationality. We must respond with compassion to the cries of the vulnerable and offer our support to organizations that provide humanitarian relief in the region.

Catholicism is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace. As such, we believe that the only way to resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict is through dialogue and reconciliation. This means fostering a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and forgiveness between the parties involved. Not an easy way forward I know, but one nonetheless that we are called to continue to pursue.

Sometimes it is easy to be removed from these conflicts, given our geographical location ‘on the other side of the world’,  but it is important we remember how lucky we are that this is not our reality and that the Israel-Gaza conflict is a painful reminder of the urgent need for peace, justice, and compassion in our world. One we must instil in our children both here at school and at home.

Extended Family Leave

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in requests from families to go on holidays (family leave). I understand the need for important family time and readily acknowledge that there are times when the opportunity to go and the dates it impacts are out of your control. I also acknowledge that the trip or event itself may provide a wonderful learning experience outside the confines of a formal school structure.

The Education Act makes it very clear that students are required to be in school on all days when the school is open for instruction. It is for that reason that Notification of Extended Leave is not an application for leave to the Principal. The Catholic Schools Office as our Registering Authority have determined that Principals cannot ‘permit’ or give ‘permission for’ extended leave for extended holidays. The Notification of Extended Leave is required under law to be provided to schools as an explanation of the absence. This does not constitute permission from the school to take the leave. Please note, however, I have no authority to tell families when they can and can't take leave. That is entirely your decision. 

As schools cannot give permission for leave, we can similarly not provide alternate learning for families when they are away on leave, nor can the leave be used as grounds for ‘Special Consideration’ for exams or assessment tasks. It creates a challenging decision for families and under current circumstances I can appreciate that timing is difficult. 

There are only certain situations where permission for extended leave may be granted

• To attend ‘Elite Sporting’ events (may include state and/or national representation)
• To attend ‘Entertainment Industry’ activities (a role in a movie, series, etc)
• As a result of serious illness or injury. In this case, alternate learning opportunities and Special Consideration may be approved.

As is always the case, please contact the College to discuss leave requests or to seek clarity before notifying us of upcoming leave.

God Bless

Experience has shown me that this point of Term 4 can bring with it challenges amongst much of the student body. It can be a time when students start to wind down as the end of the school year approaches. It is in fact, quite the opposite. Now is the time to remain engaged in class, complete set tasks and prepare for upcoming exams.

Even getting the small things right helps to create a positive mindset that enables learning. Neuroscience would suggest that teenagers are quite disorganised because of the rewiring taking place in the adolescent brain. Parents therefore can play a key role in helping them to be organised for a day’s learning with the following reminders- computer charged, equipment packed and uniform organised. Please note, we are not asking parents to do these things for their child but rather continue to encourage good organisational practice right until the end of the year. This parental involvement shows the student that their parent values their learning when they make these things a priority.Getting the small things right underpins a good start to the day. It signals a positive and deliberate choice to be a part of the learning team. The more parents help in this area, the more likely their teen is to be a productive member of the school.

Organisation along with some healthy dietary practices and a good mix of exercise is the best way to tackle the final 6 weeks of term. The beautiful weather we are currently experiencing should make you feel like you want to get out and about and thanking the Lord for his wonderful creation. Always make time for these great pleasures in life. They can only help you overall.

There are many great motivational sayings that can help us push to the finish line. Some of my preferred ones include:

Some perspective on Generosity

Considering the world events at play whether they be natural disasters or international human conflicts, it is time where students may question the relevance of God and the teachings of Jesus in our lives. 

It is at this point I remember the individual acts of generosity that make our world a better place. The following is a story that may not be familiar to many students (or some parents) but it is an act of kindness from a God fearing man before he was famous:

Over 60 yrs ago, when Arthur “Art” Garfunkel enrolled in Columbia University. Art met a student from Buffalo, Sandy Greenberg, and they immediately bonded. With the idealism of youth, they promised to be there for each other no matter what.

After starting college, Sandy was struck by tragedy. His vision became blurry and the problem grew worse. Sandy received the devastating news that severe glaucoma was destroying his optic nerves. The young man would soon be completely blind.

Sandy was devastated and fell into deep depression. He gave up his dream of becoming a lawyer and moved back to Buffalo, where he worried about being a burden to his financially-struggling family. Sandy cut off contact with his old friends, refusing to return phone calls.

Then his buddy Art showed up at the front door. He was not going to allow his best friend to give up on life. Art convinced Sandy to give college another go, and promised that he would be by his side to make sure he didn’t fall.

Art kept his promise, faithfully escorting Sandy around campus and effectively serving as his eyes. It was important to Art that even though Sandy had been plunged into a world of darkness, he should never feel alone. Art actually started calling himself “Darkness” to demonstrate his empathy with his friend. He’d say things like, “Darkness is going to read to you now.” Art organized his life around helping Sandy.

One day, Art was guiding Sandy through crowded Grand Central Station when he suddenly said he had to go and left his friend alone and petrified. Sandy stumbled, bumped into people, and fell. After hellish hours, Sandy got on the right subway train. After exiting, he bumped into Art! His trusty friend had followed him the whole way home, giving him the priceless gift of independence. Sandy later said, “That moment was the spark that caused me to live a completely different life, without fear, without doubt.”

Sandy graduated from Columbia and earned graduate degrees at Harvard & Oxford. He married his high school sweetheart and became an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

While at Oxford, Sandy got a call from Art. This time Art was the one who needed help. He’d formed a folk rock duo with his high school pal Paul Simon, and they desperately needed $400 to record their first album. Sandy and his wife Sue had literally $404 in their bank account, but without hesitation Sandy gave his old friend what he needed.

Art and Paul's first album was not a success, but one of the songs, The Sounds of Silence, became a #1 hit a year later. The opening line echoed the way Sandy always greeted Art. Simon & Garfunkel went on to become one of the most beloved musical acts in history.

Art Garfunkel said that when he became friends with Sandy, “my real life emerged. I became a better guy.”

Sandy Greenberg’s memoir: “Hello Darkness, My Old Friend: How Daring Dreams and Unyielding Friendship Turned One Man’s Blindness into an Extraordinary Vision for Life."

The week started with a message at our year assembly around the Bible reading from the weekend's Mass. I encouraged the students to consider the passage from Mark and what it actually may means to them. ‘Love Your Neighbor’ is not always as easy as it sounds. We need to embrace each other's differences and make sure that we are considerate of each other and our own faults and/or blessings. Be a person that is easy to love!

This week's Pastoral Gathering was an important stepping stone along our College’s ‘Creating Body Positivity’ journey.

During the staff professional development day earlier this term, we were able to review TTFM data and engage in a 'Creating Space to Embrace' Body Image workshop. This was a valuable day that enabled our Year 8 homeroom teachers to also develop two pastoral lessons. One of these we used this Wednesday.

Last week saw the screening of the EMBRACE Documentary created by activist-media sensation Taryn Brumfitt, where she leads a crusade to shed negative body images and body shaming to create a new way of perceiving our bodies. This special showing was accompanied by a sausage sizzle, lucky door prizes, and a question and answer session in the College theatre. 

This past Wednesday, our year 8’s were able to examine positive messaging surrounding the wonderful things that our bodies are and how important it is that we recognise and value them as a gift. This was followed by the students writing a email to send to themselves. It contains a personalised body positive message that they will open next week and then discuss in week 6.

It’s been a long but rewarding journey that will hopefully create a better, body sensitive environment in classrooms, playgrounds and in our families homes. If you weren't able to attend the film night last week, EMBRACE is a link to the website where you can find more information regarding the body kind journey.

Last Friday the SJPC Student Leadership Team gathered in the Theatre to partake in a leadership development program. Although our Adventure Centre excursion was postponed, we were still fortunate enough to have Sally Townley from the City of Coffs Harbour council and Miss Cherie O’Brien from our English department speak to us.  

Miss Townley talked to us about leadership in different environments and the rewarding nature of leadership in the community. She encouraged us to embrace our voices and the voices of our peers to create change in our society.

Miss O’Brien ran a public speaking workshop in which different, random members of the SLT were paired up to boost our confidence and foster a cooperative spirit for the next year. Through a group activity run by Miss O’Brien to develop our announcing skills we also got to know each other a bit better.

The Coffs Coast Adventure Centre excursion was postponed due to unforeseen weather conditions and will be rescheduled for a later date. - Koko Nichols and Riley Andrews

I had a great time hearing from Sally Townley about her leadership position, the struggles she faces in this position and how she overcomes these issues. - Flynn Oates

I thoroughly enjoyed Miss O’Brien talking to us about public speaking and what we can do to improve ourselves. It is good to learn from someone of such talent and such a wealth of knowledge. - William Nulty

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