The theme of departure and return are important for last Sunday’s Gospel. Departing is not a negative move on the part of Jesus. He prepared his disciples for that moment and it was to be the fulfilment of his mission. Jesus had to return to his Father but the disciples needed to stay and continue the work Jesus had given them. The way they were to continue the work of Jesus during his absence was by observing the new commandment he had given them. The commandment that they must love one another. The criterion for this commandment is the way Jesus loved the disciples. He was the example for his followers. Part of the purpose of his washing of the feet was to demonstrate to the disciples the extent of his love for them. First of all he loved them as an equal and secondly this love was demonstrated in service. The ultimate service was his total self-giving on the cross. In other words, as God loved Jesus, and as Jesus loved his disciples, so the disciples were to love one another. This commandment was the key for the disciples to carry on the work of Jesus after he departed from the world and return to his Father. The disciples were then called upon to build the faith of others and we see how marvellous the living faith of the early Church was.                                                                      

Today Jesus calls us to a love like his, a love of service to carry on the Church just as the disciples did.

Confirmation
Congratulations to our Year 6 students and their families for the way they prepared and participated in the Confirmation program and ceremony on Saturday. A special thank you also to the students in the liturgy group and their parents who gave up so much time for practices and the ceremony, it is greatly appreciated. The Bishop was very impressed!

Priorities for 2019
We have finalized and are well into our School Review and Improvement Plans (SRI) for 2019. Below is a summary of the priorities we have set for this year.

• Continue Assessment Waterfall with focus on Descriptive Feedback, Peer & Self Assessment & Goal Setting.
• Continue InitiaLit into Year 1.
• Further develop the play based learning in Kindergarten and into the playground.
• Focus on Spelling.  Trial Soundwaves online for Years 3-6 and evaluate at the end of 2019.
• A specific role has been created for a staff member to collate and monitor data for specific students on the PP tool and ensure they are appropriately supported.
• Environment and sustainability - continue with SEMP implementation.
• Innovative ways to engage students in Parish life.
• Review Vision and Mission.
• Two year plan for how to deal with mental health needs of students.
• Learning walks and talks with colleagues - 5 questions.
• Continue to fundraise for Maubara.
• Staff development on the National Literacy and Numeracy Progressions in order for teachers to land students in four sub elements by the end of 2019.
• Professional development of staff to support student needs.
• Continue to implement aspects of Compass as they are made available to us.

Have a lovely week everyone,
Kayleen Petzer