National Sorry Day is a day when we pause to remember the Stolen Generations of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year Sorry Day fell on Sunday 26th May. Sorry Day leads us into the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation and National Reconciliation Week which is held each year between 27th May and 3rd June.   These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all Australians to highlight and celebrate the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights in the history of our nation.The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2019 is Grounded in Truth: Walk Together With Courage. 
 
The Gospel calls us to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society. It is our Christian responsibility to stand for and contribute to a vision of a reconciled, just and equitable Australia.  The focus on reconciliation this week is an invitation to build better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the benefit of all Australians.

God of love and peace, you are full of mercy and compassion.
Through your Son Jesus you show us how to live in harmony with others,
to be peacemakers.
Give us the grace we need to walk with others with courage and commitment. May we always be ready to admit our faults and seek forgiveness of those we have hurt.
Help us to be accepting and understanding so that our communities can be strong in peace and understanding.
We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen

Have a lovely week everyone,
Kayleen Petzer

Listed below are some important school dates.  The school calendar is updated regularly and can be accessed via the school website and Compass parent portal.

MAY

A reminder to the children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation recently that Fr Sean has certificates that can be collected at any of the parish Masses.

This week in Australia is ‘Reconciliation Week’. The official website has a wealth of information, facts and suggestions for how our nation can move forwards to achieve reconciliation.  

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Last Friday was the Feast Day of Our Lady, Mary Help of Christians. It has a special significance for Australians as the infant church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. No priests were sent to the penal colony in its early days and Mass was not allowed (except for one brief year) until 1820. It was largely the Rosary in those early days that kept the faith alive.

Australia was the first nation to choose Mary under the title, 'Mary Help of Christians' as principle Patroness. Australia also became the first country to have a cathedral dedicated in Our Lady, Mary's name. St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney was dedicated in her honour by the Irish pioneer priest, Fr John Therry who arrived in Sydney in 1820.

Mr Richard Tuckwell, REC

We are looking forward to the P&F Pyjama Night Fundraiser this Friday 31st May.  

Any parent volunteers who may be able to help out on the night, please see Suzanne King on the night. 

Dear Parents,

There are still fundraising boxes available!  Varieties include: 

• Freddo and friends,
• Goody box (Toblerone, Cherry Ripe, Time Out, Boost and Crunchie), and
• Natural Confectionary Company lollies.

If you would like a box, they are available NOW from the school office. Boxes will also be available for collection at the P&F Pyjama Night.

Fundraising activities such as this drive will make a vital contribution towards improving facilities and resources for the benefit of the St Michael’s children.

Thank you for your support.
St Michael’s P&F

This week's canteen specials:-

Cheese burger (meat, cheese and sauce) $4.50
Snack Nacho Cup $1.00

CANTEEN CLOSED MONDAYS/TUESDAYS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY- SEEKING CANTEEN ASSISTANTS
Fresh Start Canteens is looking for honest, reliable and hardworking ladies to work in the Mittagong and Mossvale primary schools. If you think you would like an opportunity to work in a canteen environment, please send your details to freshstartcanteens@gmail.com. Training will be provided. WWC is essential to working in this environment.

Thank you. Karen John 

Happy birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week:

Shaun H, Ajay N, Luke R, Arabella C, Brohdi F, Lucas G, Isabelle M and Isaac F.