Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,

This week in the gospel, we listen to the Gospel of Jesus calming the sea and wind by a simple command. I wonder how life would be if we were able to stop all the wind and turmoil that our lives seem to be involved in on a daily basis. When I read the Gospel, I think of the many challenging days we have here at school and the challenges we know our families face every day. The simple tasks of putting petrol in cars, food on the table, paying the electricity and gas bills. For many it is an enormous struggle. If we stop to reflect on the turmoil that Jesus also faced; the talk behind his back, people’s lack of belief in him and the opportunity to put him down at every chance they could get. Can we think about how a simple man, calmed the wind and sea? Can we hope that if we open our hearts and minds to the Lord, that part of our troubles can also be calmed.

Our Family Learning Conversations (FLCs) are being held next week. Please make sure to book your appointment for these. This is an important opportunity to discuss with your child/ren’s classroom teacher about their Semester One report. Please see below for instructions on how to do so. Do not hesitate to contact the office on 5943 9000 or office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au for assistance. Your child/ren’s school report will be released on Friday 21^st June onto the PAM app.

Next week there will be some staff from St Francis Xavier College, Officer Campus, who will be coming in to speak with any families looking to send their child/ren to SFX. They will be present at the Book Fair, so please make the time to speak with them in person and ask as many questions as you need. Please see below of the names of the staff and the times they will be attending

Tuesday 25^th June:

4.00pm-6.00pm Lyndall Lord and Rachael Pearson

6.00pm-8.00pm Lesley Billingham

4.00pm-8.00pm Jen sellers

4.00pm -6.00pm Jacinta Sheridan (Deputy Principal, Head of Campus)

Wednesday 26^th June:

4.00pm-6.00pm Sue-Anne Lewis

4.00pm-6.00pm Jen Sellers

4.00pm -6.00pm Jacqui Franks

Next week during the Family Learning Conversations, we will also be holding our annual Book Fair. The Book Fair is a great opportunity to pick up some wonderful books at fair and reasonable prices for your children and the money goes directly back to the school! In this day and age of digital technology, let us remind the students of the fabulous benefits of reading and burying themselves in a book and to visit the incredible places it can take us with the many varied characters we meet along the way.

Term 2 finishes NEXT FRIDAY the 28^th June for 2 weeks. Term 3 begins on Monday 15^th July.

Take care and God Bless,

Meg