Principal's Message
FIRST EUCHARIST - FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Last Sunday, children from our parish celebrated their First Holy Communion. The word 'communion' means to be united with; Catholics believe that in Holy Communion we are united in a special way with Jesus Christ. Holy Communion and the whole celebration is also known as Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving.
The Eucharist is the celebration of Jesus’ love for us. It is a celebration that encompasses three parts; meal, sacrifice and memorial.
Last Sunday was a special celebration of love for one another. Love that the families show in coming together to celebrate an important moment in their child’s faith journey and the love that Jesus gives all of us, through the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Thank you for all those who attended the Mass, especially our families, staff and students. We especially thank Fr Sean, our parents and Sacramental Support Teachers who prepared the children so well. Thank you also to our combined parish music teams and our combined Liturgy Group Choirs. It was a very special time for all those present.
ADVENT
This coming weekend we commence the season of Advent. Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year. It is the four weeks before Christmas beginning on November 30 or the nearest Sunday to it. It is a time of preparation and waiting for Christmas.
Below is a special prayer of reflection on the time of Advent
A Prayer for Simplicity This Advent Season
Pray for attentiveness to what truly matters, without being distracted by trivial things.
Pray for opportunities to learn something new regularly.
Pray for the grace to be able to rest, become aware of God's presence, and enjoy it.
Pray for strong relationships with other people in the bond of loving community.
Pray for peace in all situations, no matter what the circumstances.
Pray for an enlivened imagination that helps you contribute to the world in creative ways.
Pray for freedom from all that burdens you - past mistakes, fears, destructive habits, hurts other people have inflicted, and more.
Pray for joy and a sense of humour.
Pray for confidence in God's love for you and trust in His power
to work things out for the best in your life.
Pray for a clear mind and the ability to clearly communicate what you value to others.
Pray for purity so you can grow as a person and encounter God more fully.
Pray for openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Pray for a genuine awareness of God's grace in your life and the humility to extend grace to others.
Pray for a passion to pursue justice.
~ Edited from Whitney Hopler's “Pray for Simplicity this Advent”
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Every year on 3 December, people around the world take part in International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), a day to celebrate the achievements of people with disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in the community. Providing awareness, helps to break down barriers for the 4.3 million Australians with a disability and create a more inclusive community for all. Schools are a vital part of this by providing opportunities to help grow inclusion in their own communities. Students can learn more about people with disability, recognise the challenges they can face, and talk about ways to be more inclusive. International Day of People with Disability, also provides an opportunity to celebrate the talents, achievements and positive contributions of students with disability.
YEAR 3 SOLAR OVENS
During this term, Year 3 have been researching about heat energy. They created some solar ovens and had lots of fun cooking “smores” in their ovens. Congratulations Year 3 on a fantastic Science experiment.
CHRISTMAS CARDS AND CANDY CANES
We ask that you please refrain from allowing your children to hand out Christmas cards and candy canes until Week 9 so that we are able to keep the students settled and focused on the work that is still taking place in the classrooms.
HELPER THANK YOU MORNING TEA
Throughout the year there are many family and community members who help out within the school for reading, fundraising, student banking, sporting events etc. We would like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity with a morning tea. Please find an invitation accompanying this newsletter. We hope you are able to join us.
2019 SCHOOL FEE REMINDER
A courtesy reminder, all school fee accounts are to be paid in full by the 6th December 2019. If you have concerns regarding your ability to pay your school fee account, we ask that you contact the School.
Parents of students in Year 6, with no siblings continuing at St Michael's are asked to contact the school and make arrangements to ensure that their school fees will be paid by the 6th December.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
A reminder to please check the school calendar, with the busyness of Term 4, events are continually being added to the calendar.
Have a lovely week.
Mrs Katrina West
Acting Principal