Principal News
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Reflection: Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic social teaching is centred upon several core principles which are deemed as necessary to creating an environment conducive to people’s authentic development, and their realisation of a ‘fullness of life’ (cf Jn 10:10). Underpinning the entire vision of this teaching is an awareness of the unique dignity of the human person, made in the image and likeness of God.
One of the key themes of Catholic social teachings is:
The Dignity of the Human Person:
Every human being is created in God’s image and likeness and therefore is valuable and worthy of respect.
Catholic schools play a vital role in promoting and sharing the substance and values of Catholic social teaching. Just as the social mission of the Church is central to the practice of Christian witness and discipleship, so the core dimensions of social teaching – justice, mercy and love – are integral to Catholic education. They must be treated as a core element of educational programs and formative experiences. Catholic social teaching should underpin all major policies, programs and practices, enabling all members of the community to:
+ reflect on the connection between their Christian faith, worship and justice
+ understand and articulate the core principles of Catholic social teaching
+ be familiar with key Church teachings, and the Biblical roots, related to social mission
+ recognise the sacredness of human life
+ know what the virtue of justice entails
+ recognise and identify social justice problems within local and global contexts
+ identify and articulate the causes and scope of these social justice problems
+ reflect on how they as individual Christians can respond to these issues
+ be familiar with, and practise, the methodology of ‘see, judge, act’
+ exercise and experience love, mercy and compassion
+ be committed to making a ‘difference in our world’.
Here at St Saviour’s we can continue and aspire to:
+ embed the anthropology and principles of Catholic social teaching appropriately within teaching/ learning programs
+ establish age-appropriate action and advocacy groups e.g. Mini Vinnies; Caritas Week, Socktober
+ prepare, train and engage students in age-appropriate mission experiences
+ establish partnerships with local schools or Church agencies on justice projects
+ establish a partnership with a school in a remote or disadvantaged area
+ develop an annual calendar so as to promote significant events and anniversaries that acknowledge and celebrate particular aspects of Catholic Social Teaching
+ support the diverse mission and outreach works of founding Religious Orders: Mercy Sisters
+ identify principles of Catholic Social Teaching particularly relevant to their community and consider and adopt appropriate responses in light of the methodology of ‘see, judge, act’.
Throughout a child’s life it is important that they experience the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ of growing up as this helps develop their resilience, tolerance of others and sets them up for success in their relationships and life events. They will all make mistakes along the way and we pray and hope that through education and guidance they learn to show empathy towards others, respect themselves and others, to reach their full potential and realise their human dignity.
As we draw to the final weeks of Term 4, I ask that we all, as staff, parents and students, be mindful of all those in our community who may ‘test’ us and remember that every human being is created in God’s image and likeness and therefore is valuable and worthy of respect.
With the end of the school year fast approaching following is a brief reminder of upcoming events:
WEEK 6:
Monday 9th November, 2020
- Year 5 Leadership morning - Cathedral Precinct
- Assembly 2.30 pm
Wednesday 11th November, 2020
- Remembrance Day
Thursday 12th November, 2020
- STEM Showcase Day with OLOL school visit combined with Team sports in the afternoon
WEEK 7:
Monday 16th November, 2020
- School Board Meeting
Wednesday 18th November, 2020
- 2021 Prep Parent Information (5.30 pm - Mercy Centre)
Thursday 19th November, 2020
- Pizza Treat Day
- Book Fair commences (19th - 24th November)
WEEK 8:
Monday 23rd November, 2020
- Assembly 2.15 pm - Mayoral Medal Award Presentation
Wednesday 25th November, 2020
- End of Year Liturgy - Leadership Presentation (9.00am Mercy Centre) Year 5/6 Parents welcome
- End of Year Thanks Dinner for P&F and School Board Executive 6.00 pm
Thursday 27th November, 2020
- STEM and ART showcase for Parents. Open classrooms 8.45am - 10.45 am.
- COLOUR RUN: 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm
WEEK 9:
Tuesday 1 December, 2020
- Year 6 Fun Day
- Report Cards sent home
Wednesday 2 December, 2020
- Transition Day (step up) for Prep - Year 6. 8.45 am - 10.45 am
- Final Assembly 2020
Friday 4 December, 2020
- Year 6 Graduation Ceremony 9.00 am
- School finishes for 2020 at 10.30 am
Today we welcomed Mrs Melinda Harkins back to school who will be on 'light' duties for the remainder of the year. Mrs Grundon and Mrs Bell will continue to be the class teachers of Year 3H till the remainder of the year.
Next week, I will be attending the Principal's Leadership Forum and Mr Sam Hannant will be Deputising in my absence.
Thank you for your continued support of the school.
Enjoy your weekend.
Regards
Madonna