Service

The other week, I came across a reflection from another school leader that resonated with me. This leader was reflecting on the idea of ‘Service’. To paraphrase their thoughts, they questioned what we think of when we hear the word service? Do we think of the services running to your house? Or services you provide other people? Do we think about the way Jesus served the people of his time and what does this kind of service mean for us, in our own lives?

There are many ways we can reflect on the idea of service!

With this in mind, I feel it is fitting that I mention Australia’s first patron saint Mary Mackillop, who was known for her saying “to never see a need without doing something about it.” Her amazing example and commitment to serving others can be a source of inspiration for us all to look for the opportunity to serve others in our community, whether it be a family member, a friend or someone we don't know as well - these acts of kindness and empathy (no matter how big or small) certainly make the world go around!

School Community Council Executive Team

With the above thought, I would again like to thank the family members who have decided to become a part of our School Community Council Executive team. This year, our team is: Sam Flenley (Chair), Letishia Fayle (Secretary), Renae Smith (Treasurer), Father Joseph Neonbasu (Parish Priest), Matt Flenley, Hayley and Joel Williams, Netta Dodds, Miran Edwards, Lydia Smith, Amy Buckmaster and myself.

Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with these people or flag your interest in supporting/contributing to an upcoming school community council event. Please also note that we will have at least two school community council meetings that are open to all of our families. I will inform families of these dates via Compass and the newsletter.

Term Dates

A reminder that next week, families get an extra long weekend, due to Good Friday and Easter Monday. I have also noted the upcoming term dates below:

Friday 29th March - Good Friday (School closed)

Monday 1st April - Easter Monday (School closed)

Friday 12th April - last day for Term One

Monday 29th April - CECG System Wide Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 30th April - students return to school

Thanks again for the amazing work our families are doing to contribute to the education of our students at St Mary’s. Enjoy the remainder of the week,

Ryan

Holy Week

Next week is a significant week known as ‘Holy Week’ where Christians remember the events they believe took place at the time of Jesus’ death. This Sunday, known as Palm Sunday, recalls the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem shortly before his death. 

We will acknowledge this day with Children’s Mass at 5pm. Thank you to all of the families who have responded, I will send home their readings to practise tomorrow. 

You might like to watch this short video of ‘The Stations of the Cross’ with your child/children to reflect and pray. 

Project Compassion Fundraiser 

Tickets were sent home with families last week and we have had many returned. Thank you so much for your support!

If you are in need of any additional tickets please let myself or the office know and we shall happily send some more home to you. 

Project Compassion is a very worthy cause to raise money for those less fortunate than us communities in Samoa, the Philippines and Malawi in East Africa. 

Students will be hearing stories from others around the world over the next few weeks to understand the important work that Caritas does for others in need. They might like to tell you about a story they have heard and how our fund raising money will assist. 

Many blessings.

Amy Buckmaster - Religious Education Coordinator