From The Principal's Desk
Dear Parents, Staff and Student
Today I write my last newsletter for St Clare’s for 2021. This brings mixed emotions as I prepare to move to Cairns in the near future. St Clare’s has been in my heart since I was 5 years old and always will be. One of my biggest blessings in life was being appointed as principal here in 2017. The staff, students and families in this school community are very special and I wish everyone all the best for the remainder of 2021.
The past few weeks have invited much reflection about my time as principal at St Clare’s as I prepare for my principal appraisal in Week 8. The opportunity to offer feedback via the survey link sent last week to all staff and families is open until this Friday May 28th. I appreciate the time taken by those who have provided feedback as this will assist me to set my goals moving forward.
My last day at St Clare’s for 2021 will be on Friday June 4th. I am hoping we will have positive news from CES in the coming week regarding the Acting Principal position at St Clare’s. An official letter will be sent to all families once someone has been appointed. The leadership team and staff at St Clare’s are dedicated and caring and I trust that St Clare’s will be in good hands for the remainder of this year.
This morning we celebrated a Pentecost Mass and it was clear that the spirit was alive in all who were present. The symbolic display focusing on the Gifts of the Spirit was absolutely beautiful and it is testament to the staff and students who designed each box representing the gifts. The main artwork of the spirit linking to each was completed by our artistic Yr 3 teacher Jo Wall.
200yr Celebrations of Catholic Education
Yesterday, Mrs Andrews and I travelled to Cairns to a National Mass that was celebrated across all states, territories and dioceses on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians to commemorate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. Three of our House Captains, Riley, Charlize and Erin, accompanied us to represent St Clare’s. During the mass Bishop James Foley blessed commemorative 200 yr pins for staff of all schools and prayer cards that will be distributed to families this week.
Safeguarding Children Conference
The 2021 Safeguarding Children Conference is being held on Saturday, 29 May 2021 at the Pullman Reef Hotel. This is a free event and parents and community members, as well as school staff, are able to register to attend. A flyer for this conference is attached to this newsletter. I will be attending this conference as I find it a valuable one with great keynote speakers.
Executive Director visit
Tomorrow we will have our Executive Director, Mr Bill Dixon, from Cairns Catholic Education visiting. This will coincide with our Staff Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council. We look forward to Mr Dixon’s visit and showing him our new learning spaces.
Peace be with you all,
Narelle Harney