TERM 1 WEEK 7 NEWSLETTER

Dear Families,

The past two weeks have been filled with a great deal of sadness in regards to the floods that have occured over parts of Australia including our own district as well as the devastation of the turmoil in Ukraine. May we keep all those in need in our prayers, as we pray..

In Our Hearts

Compassionate Lord, 

We pray for those who have been devastated by recent natural disasters or turmoil. We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.

 We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope. Bless the work of relief agencies and those providing emergency assistance. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone. 

Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even after the crisis is over.

 We ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen

During the coming weeks, we will hold a fundraiser for the St Vincent de Paul Flood Appeal. More details will be sent to you when preparations are finalised.

LENTEN SPIRITUALITY

The Catholic Education Office of Wollongong has created a spirituality program for our staff called CR+FIT (CROSSFIT) A SPIRITUAL BOOT-CAMP-LENT 2022. 

I was looking through the program and thought that maybe our parents and carers would like to participate in this program as well, as it is something you can do individually or with a friend(s) once a week, throughout Lent. 

The details for this program are below. I will share two weeks' instructions and reflections, each newsletter during Lent. I hope this is something that you would like to try.

“Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.” 
Pope Francis 2021

INTRODUCTION
A few years ago a Year 11 Catholic Studies student was challenged regarding the significance of Shrove Tuesday. Without hesitating, she suggested that Lent was a spiritual boot camp and that Shrove Tuesday was a ‘carb loading’ session before one starts a group exercise program or boot camp’. She further explained that the 40 days of Lent were like the period of time needed to prepare yourself physically for a big event, like a wedding or graduation. 

Although the historical meaning behind Shrove Tuesday may be quite different, the brilliant insight provided by this young Catholic woman was profound and inspiring.

As we start our journey towards our ‘big event’, Lent provides us with the opportunity to spiritually prepare. A time to stand in solidarity with our ‘bootcamp guide’, Jesus. A time to call on his strength, power, endurance, spiritual agility, holistic coordination and big heart to become better versions of ourselves.

OUTLINE
CR+SSFIT - A Spiritual Boot Camp - Lent 2022 is a 6 week guided program to a ‘fitter’ spiritual self. The method used for the bootcamp is Faith in Action. The 6 Elements of Spiritual Fitness which will be deliberately targeted and practiced each week will be the 6 Catholic Social Teaching Principles provided by CARITAS Australia. 

The first two weeks CR+SSFIT Instructions are provided. They include the Spiritual and Physical Elements for each week and a guided example for the first week - Solidarity.

The sessions involve guided movement around an outside environment with periodic pauses to read scripture, prayers,reflections and journaling and setting of ‘faith in action’ challenges for the week ahead.

The program involves one half hour session per week for 6 weeks during Lent. A basic journal including the program and space for reflecting is provided for all CR+SSFIT participants. 

PARTICIPATION

• Read the Spiritual Reflection and Instruction each week throughout Lent including the scripture passage, the target Spiritual and Physical Element for each week and their respective Challenges. 
• Complete a 20 minute walk each week alone or in a group without our phones or other devices, in an outdoor environment (eg. oval or garden) to symbolise our walk with Jesus as he spent 40 days in the desert. Incorporate the suggested or any other Physical Element during the walk. This is a time of prayer and reflection focussing on the identified Spiritual and Physical Element for each week. 
• Journal your progress each week as you plan, select and complete the reflection questions and your deliberate practice Challenge for the week.

JOURNAL

SESSION 1- INSTRUCTIONS 

Thank you for your understanding in regards to the non-operational conditions that have occurred over these past two days. On Monday, as we heard about flooding in parts of our district, we decided to ask parents if they could come and collect their children if possible. The quick action on your behalf, meant that the children arrived home safely. I realise this is not an easy feat for you to stop work etc to collect students. We are very grateful for your support. The conditions in Bowral and Mittagong with flash flooding and the landslide on the road to Hill Top, then caused buses to be cancelled, so that prompt action by you, helped keep our students safe. 

THURSDAY 10 MARCH
At this point in time, we should be returning to classes as normal for tomorrow. If I hear any details about buses or road closures I will advise you as soon as I hear. Please stay safe. 

PARENTS AND FRIENDS MEETING THIS FRIDAY
This Friday 11th March, we will hold our first Parents and Friends Meeting for 2022. All are welcome to attend.

We will meet in the library at 9am. It will be lovely to finally be able to welcome our new parents and say hello again to our other parents, who we have missed seeing. We are looking forward to planning some great activities for our school community. 

Have a wonderful week ahead. Hopefully the adverse weather will dissipate. Please continue to keep in your prayers, those who have been affected by the floods and weather damage.

Take care. 

Best wishes,
Katrina West
Principal