Our Lady Of Mercy Catholic School eNewsletter

From the Principal:

Dear Parents and Carers,

It was a pleasure greeting our students on Tuesday morning. They were full of smiles and talk of their holiday activities and their eagerness to return to school and see friends and teachers.

Having been on an extended break and travelling I have appreciated the need that we all have to change our routine on occasions and to do something that is a little different. The time spent in a classroom, actively learning, is tiring, and there is a finite amount that students can learn at school. We know that students need a break from the routine and rigour of school and the academics. School holidays are vital for the development of the skills and values that will enable your child to be successful at school. We know children return refreshed, eager to learn and ready to engage. For teachers it is a time to take a break and to prepare for the next term. Saying that teachers are on holidays for the same period is quite misleading and is a common misconception. Officially this time is called DOT time (Duties Other than Teaching). In other words teachers are preparing resources, planning lessons and activities and getting organised for the next term. They also get to slow down and have some family time and in the case of many of our staff - not to spend so much time on the roads driving to and from work.

Whilst on our break we have all been inundated with the news and unfolding events in Israel and Gaza. We can only pray that those who hold the power and influence in these countries heed the words of Pope Francis appealing for peace and restraint in the Israel-Hamas war. We pray with the Pope and all the innocent victims caught up in this, in what are the Holy Lands of all three religions, that violence cannot help achieve a lasting peace built on justice.

Let us pray for peace in Israel and Palestine.

Mary