Last Sunday’s Gopsel reading was the story of the prodigal son. What makes this story so powerful is the abundance of love the father shows towards both his sons. By the end of the story we see that both of them in different ways prove themselves to be obstacles to the family unity and harmony, which the father desired more than anything. It is very tempting to feel sorry for the eldest son, in his mind, the spoilt brother comes home after squandering his father’s money and is given a big party. While, he, the faithful son is taken for granted. The elder son also did not know what forgiveness and love meant. He did not and could not forgive his younger brother for his misdeeds. In this parable Jesus teaches us the depth of the generosity of God and his mercy. God our heavenly Father is always waiting at the door for us to come to him. The younger son thought he could go out by himself and didn’t need the father. This was proven incorrect. He needed to turn back from his frivolous lifestyle and return to the father’s house and be a responsible and obedient son. In our life we often regret that the other is more privileged and gets more benefits than us. Often we are hurt and indignant like the elder brother in the parable. We have missed the point. It is not about who is more or less deserving in a given situation. It is our ability to love unconditionally and to believe in the basic dignity and equality of all people.
 
Girls’ Summer Uniform
Thank you to the large number of people who responded to the survey. The results are overwhelmingly in support of the dress with the red trim.

Mimosa have quite a few uniforms still in stock that they are selling at a reduced price. As the new uniform will be phased in over a two year period, the current uniform can continue to be worn. If you were considering a new uniform, a second uniform or want to last out the time your daughter has left with us, as they are in Years 5 & 6 you might consider purchasing one of those uniforms. Attached is an order form for you to complete, just as you do with the shirts. If we put the order in through the school the dresses will be at a heavily reduced price of $30 each so it will be first in best dressed.

Haircuts
There are a number of students again coming to school with haircuts that have different lengths over their head and draw attention to the style. We still have almost 2 weeks of the term left, please save these types of cuts for the holidays.
 
Reconciliation
Please keep in your prayers this week the students who will be making their Reconciliation. The lessons in preparation for Confirmation also start this week.

Cross Country
Thank you to all of the wonderful helpers for the carnival yesterday. We had a great day, we were lucky with the beautiful weather and students were very eager to participate. Congratulations to the green house, Alexandra who was the winning house.

Canteen Closure 
Please note that the canteen will be closed next week (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday).  To assist parents, the school will offer a hot dog lunch on Thursday 11th April.  See below for further details. 

Hot Dog Lunch - Thursday 11th April 
Next Thursday, 11th April, the school will be selling hotdogs for lunch.  Hotdog with sauce $2. See order form coming home today. For catering purposes, please return order and money by next Tuesday 9th April.

• 3 old style trestle tables;
• 18 old style chairs.
Please contact the office if you would like some or all of them.

Have a lovely week everyone,
Kayleen Petzer