Principal's Reflection
A Father passing by his teenage daughter’s bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was neat and tidy. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the centre of the pillow. It was addressed “Dad”. With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:-
Dear Dad, it is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you, but I’m leaving home. I had to elope with my new boyfriend Randy because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mum and you. I’ve been finding real passion with Randy and he is so nice to me. I know when you meet him you’ll like him too – even with all his piercing, tattoos, and motorcycle clothes. But it’s not only the passion Dad, I’m pregnant and Randy said that he wants me to have the kid and that we can be very happy together. Even though Randy is much older than me (anyway, 42 isn’t so old these days is it?),
and has no money, really these thing shouldn’t stand in the way of our relationship, don’t you agree? Randy has a great CD collection; he already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. It’s true he has other girlfriends as well but I know he’ll be faithful to me in his own way. He wants to have many more children with me and that’s now one of my dreams too. Randy taught me that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone and he’ll be growing it for us and we’ll trade it with our friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we’ll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Randy can get better; he sure deserves it! Don’t worry Dad, I’m fifteen years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I’m sure we’ll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren.
Your loving daughter, Rosie
At the bottom of the page were the letters “PTO”. Hands still trembling, her father turned the sheet, and read:
PS: Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at the neighbour’s house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that’s in my desk centre drawer. Please sign it and call when it is safe for me to come home. I love you!
In the last couple of weeks, you will have been notified, via SIA, that your child’s report is available for Semester 1. I hope that every parent has taken the time to read that report and discuss the contents with their child/ren. I hope no one had an experience like the one in the story above!
Your close interest in the academic performance of your child is a huge asset in ensuring ultimate success. I hope that there were no surprises when you read the report.
‘Parental Guidance on 9’ hosted by Dr Justin Coulson, is coming to Shalom on Tuesday 15 August. Well, Dr Justin is coming to Shalom. 7pm presentation to parents on ‘The Parenting Revolution’. This event is hosted by the Shalom Parents & Friends and we will be joined by parents from St Joseph’s, St Mary’s, St Pat’s & St John’s. Justin is an excellent presenter and I really hope that everyone will have this event marked in their diaries and attend. Please click on the link to view the intro from Justin -
VIDEO Shalom College | Parents | 15 August 2023
Breakfast with Darius Boyd will be on Thursday 31 August at Across The Waves from 6:45am. Given the date of this event’s proximity to Fathers’ Day, we’d love to see lots of dads and sons attend but this event is open to everyone. Darius is an outstanding athlete and he has quite a public struggle with his own mental health. This breakfast is entitled ‘Mens’ Wellness’ but this is a broad topic and just as relevant to women. All are very welcome.
Year 12 Leadership 2023 – following processes outlined to students, I was pleased to announce on Assembly last week the 2023 House Leaders. These young people have taken the opportunity to show real and tangible leadership in their Houses in the College this year. There will be a more formal presentation of badges at the next College Assembly on Thursday 10 August.
Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
mcmahond@shalomcollege.com