Yesterday we had the athletics carnival at Campbelltown Stadium. With the weather being particularly awful on Wednesday afternoon, it was wonderful to see the sun shine and the pleasant temperatures from the start of the following day. Throughout the day, girls were busy participating in numerous events. They were cheering and active either running, jumping or just encouraging each other. These are the days that students will remember when they reminisce their school days decades later. These days are very important in the life of a developing adolescent. They offer activity that is different to the normal school day. Students are in the sun and fresh air all day, they are with friends and colleagues and they get to try their hand in different activities. For the athletic girls, it is their day to shine and receive the accolades from observers for their skill and prowess. All girls will have a go and some will be proud of their achievements. Some will be pleased they at least had a go. At St Patrick’s, this day is mandatory for all girls as we believe in the education of the whole person. I hope your daughter enjoyed her day and managed to improve on her results. I am appreciative of Mr Ashcroft and his team for the work they put into the day so that it went very smoothly.

One of the College’s Directors, Mr Daniel Smith, was one of the convenors of the Australasian Conference on Learning Environments held last week at the Hilton. I had the good fortune to present to the delegates ‘The St Patrick’s Story’. I must congratulate Mr Smith on organising such an excellent professional event. The presentation was largely about the improvements made at the College in buildings, programs and infrastructure that enhanced the learning experience for the girls. It was very humbling to present this knowing it was a result of many people doing their best because they believe in the difference it will make for the girls. The feedback from the delegates was very positive. I am very grateful for the contributions made by all in our community that make it such a wonderful school.

After many weeks the musical is ready to be launched. My thanks to Mr Combes and the CAPA team along, with many others, for the work they had done in getting it to this point. The girls are excited and I am confident we will be treated to the BEST entertainment possible. Tickets are now available on trybooking so I encourage you to purchase your seats so you don’t miss out. There are a number of performances for your consideration. I hope to see you on the night.

We wish Mrs Arena and Ms Cornett the best over the long weekend as they take Year 12 PDHPE for their excursion to AIS. I appreciate their generous support of the girls over this time. We also wish Mrs Singles the best as she started her leave to prepare for the birth of her second baby. I warmly welcome Ms Macri, who will be replacing Mrs Singles for the year.

Finally, I will leave you with a short prayer on the common cold. With so many unwell, at the moment, may this prayer from Leunig provide some relief.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

God bless those who suffer from the common cold.
Nature has entered into them;
Has led them aside and gently lain them low
To contemplate life from the wayside;
To consider human frailty;
To receive the deep and dreamy messages of fever.
We give thanks for the insights of
this humble perspective.
We give thanks for blessings in disguise.
Amen

From the book: When I talk to you (Leunig)