Dear Parents and Friends,
Last weekend’s Masses were important occasions for the children receiving the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time – children from both Rosary and the School of Religion. The ceremonies were very meaningful and all the children participated with sincere reverence. I thank Fr Kieran for celebrating the Masses and I thank Mrs Higgins, Mrs Toole, Mrs Nisbett, Mrs Fryar and the teachers from the School of Religion for preparing the children so beautifully. I also extend sincere thanks to the parish choir and teachers for leading the singing. My hope is that this special Sacrament will live forever in the hearts and minds of the children and that they will come ever closer to their friend, Jesus, each time they receive the Eucharist.
End of Semester Reports
Any Semester One Reports that have not already been collected by a parent, or other person authorised by the parent, will be placed in the Post this afternoon. If you do not receive your child’s report in the mail by mid next week, please contact the school to let us know and we will send home a hard copy via your child. I take this opportunity to remind parents that every child learns in a different way and at a different pace and to view the reports as a snapshot in time with regard to your child’s learning progress and achievements. Please discuss the report in a positive way with your child; celebrating achievements and together setting goals for future growth. I thank the teachers for the hard work they have put into writing the reports. They really do deliberate long and hard over each child’s assessment pieces but also look carefully at the whole picture of their progress as learners and as citizens of the world in an academic, social and spiritual context. Should you wish to discuss your child’s report, please make an appointment with the class teacher through the front office.
Lost Property
The lost property box fills up very quickly with items of uniform, lunch boxes and drink bottles. At this time of year, it is amazing to see so many jumpers and jackets without owners! Please ensure that all items of uniform and accessories are clearly labelled with your child’s full name. It is very hard to return property when no name is visible or the writing is not legible. It is a shame to see so many ‘near new’ items in the lost property box which do not bear a name! Please also check at home to see that your child has their own items of uniform and not those of another student. Several parents have come to the school to search for missing items only to find clothing with other students’ names and not those of their own children. Please return any items not belonging to your family so that they can be returned to the rightful owners. Thank you.
Work Experience
It has been a pleasure to host a Work Experience Program for several students from Daramalan College (many of whom are past students of Rosary) over the past week. The students have informed me that they have thoroughly enjoyed their time at the school working in a variety of classes. We have benefitted from the extra assistance and have enjoyed their company too. I thank the students sincerely for their commitment to making the best of their time in the school and for the wonderful contributions they have made over the past week. I’m sure our students will miss them when they return to their own school next week.
Congratulations
I am excited to let you know that Ms Nicole Nolan is sporting a beautiful diamond ring on her finger! Ms Nolan has accepted the proposal of Mr Paul Mogan and the happy couple will be married in 2020. I am sure you will join me in wishing them every blessing as they begin their journey of life together as an engaged and soon to be married couple. Best wishes from us all!
Thank you
Thank you to everyone for the wonderful, warm welcome that I have received upon my return to school. It has been especially lovely to see all the children again – I can’t believe how much they have grown in a few weeks’ time! Thank you to everyone for your good wishes during my time of recovery; the positive messages certainly helped me along the way. It is great to be back on deck. I extend sincere thanks to Mr John O’Brien for leading the school in my absence and to the leadership team including Mrs Liz Higgins, Mrs Julie Godfrey and Mrs Ann-Maree Hinds for their great work and support to Mr O’Brien during my period of leave. They certainly ensured that my time away was worry-free.
Thought for the week:
“God, thank you for the gift of praise. Help me to nurture it in my life.”
From “With Grateful Hearts” 23rd Publications
Vicky van der Sanden
Principal