This week you may have felt bombarded with news about the impact of student behaviour in Australian schools at the moment as the OECD ‘Education Policy Outlook in Australian Education’ Report was dissected in the media. There is no doubt that schools have become complex communities that bear the weight of any issues within society and especially over the last 10 years since the first policy profile. If you are interested, please see this link as I am sure this report will be something school sectors reflect on as we continue to address school improvement each year. I certainly recognise the behavioural concerns schools have that are impacting student engagement in learning, student success and teacher wellbeing. I do believe that consistent work and commitment amongst us all in a school community (students, parents and staff) can assist in creating a safe learning environment where we respect our school values of Love, Learning, Community and Stewardship.

At the end of Mass last week at the Ryan Community Centre, Fr Joseph concluded with the Recessional Hymn ‘You’ll know we are Christians by our Love’. This is one of my favourite hymns and is quite aspirational for how I would love to have people think about our school ie. I recognise that we are not all Christians (or men) but it is the sentiment of how our school community could be that inspires me. As we have already begun initial planning for 2024, I look forward to creating more opportunities for our community to work together to discern ways forward.

Lyrics

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord

And we pray that our unity will one day be restored

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

Yeah they'll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side

We will work with each other, we will work side by side

And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

Yeah, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Peter Scholtes

They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love lyrics © O/B/O Apra Amcos

Today our teachers are all engaged in professional development regarding the latest version of the Australian Curriculum and our school officers are engaged in a professional learning experience with Timothy O’Donnell from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service regarding Complex Trauma and its impact in the classroom. While we appreciate the challenges of student free days for families, they are vital for the continued professional learning of our staff.

I would like to congratulate all our students who competed in the Festival of Sport yesterday with teams in Oz Tag, Soccer, Basketball and Netball representing our school in an inter-school competition. I would also like to wish all of our fathers and father figures a very Happy Father’s Day on Sunday. I hope you are all well looked after and enjoy the treasures your children have created for you this week.

Cheers 

Penny