Moving through the season of lent it is essential we find time to reflect on our lives and how we are living. In the current times where parents are time poor, financially stretched and teenagers live their lives on devices it is often a challenge. 

Teaching our young people is a joy. But teachers also have the time pressure of checking the learning, dealing with the social issues, assessments for and of learning, let alone the paperwork that is now required as a part of the daily life of a teacher. 

Keeping our important relationship central to our lives is often hard. When we are tired and exhausted it is often our closest people who bear the brunt of our emotional burnout because we are safe with them. I often hear parents say their children are not nice at home but this is often because they are safest at home and they have used up all their capacity to cope during a school day. It is hard not to take it personally for the parent or even when the kids are seeing their parents at the end of their tether it is hard for all involved. 

I hope during this Lent you make the time to nurture all the relationships that are important to you. Including the relationship we have with ourselves. God calls us to be his hands to those around us which calls us to be loving and compassionate. 

The cross-country carnival last Monday was a great day thank you to the staff for all their organisation and work on the day. Overall, the student behaviour was good, and it really was a lovely day. 

Congratulations to our students who swam at the Dio level - well done. 

Our seniors are moving into assessment time. If your child needs additional support, please contact the PALS. The compulsory Year 12 retreat is coming up soon and it is an event that allows students to explore their relationships with self, family and friends. It is all about letting your light shine for the world. 

Developing social and emotional skills is also important for our young people. Attending events like the cross country and Year 12 retreat are what it is to belong to a catholic school, it is not optional when you attend SJCHS. I liken it to a package deal, and I really appreciate parental support in this matter and all other events that students are expected to attend.

Ms Amanda Wilson

Principal