The beatitudes given by Jesus in last Sunday's Gospel are important to each one of us today as well. If we are true followers of Christ and sincere Christians, we will take the rough as well the smooth, the poverty as well as the plenty, the sorrows as well as the joys. All of us are called to be agents of God’s love. If the poor and others in pain are to experience God’s love, it is mainly through the rest of us that this should happen. Ongoing poverty and hunger in our world is not something to blame on God but on those of us who belong to the rich, filled, laughing group. We cannot call ourselves disciples unless we reach out in love to abolish material poverty, physical hunger and try to relieve the deep unhappiness and depression that afflicts others.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
 
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.’
God will bring good to the people who need Him. We are called to focus on the poor, not status or riches.
“The Kingdom of heaven belongs to them,” said Jesus.
 
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
God will bring good to people who cry. They will feel better. We are called to empathy, grieving over the injustices in the world.
 
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
God will bring good to those who think others are more important than themselves. The earth will belong to them.
 
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
God will bring good to people who are hungry for what is right. We are called to righteousness, seeking justice, not vengeance, even for those that we don’t really like.
 
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
God will bring good to people who are kind. God will be kind to them. We are called to mercy, extending compassion to all those in need.
 
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
God will bring good to people whose hearts are clean and free from sin. They will see God. We are called to integrity, being wholehearted in a desire to do what is right, not what is popular.
 
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
God will bring good to people who make peace. They will be called God’s children.We are called to work for peace in the midst of violence.
 
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
God will bring good to people if people laugh at them or hurt them for doing good. God has great gifts for you in Heaven. We are called to perseverance, suffering for just causes, not inflicting suffering on others.
 
The Gospel of the Lord.
 
Thank you to all of the families that came to Mass on Saturday night to help celebrate the Church's 130th birthday. Father Sean was very happy to see so many people.

There is a growing number of students arriving at school very early in the morning, please be reminded that supervision does not start until 8:20

Families of children who have enrolled in the Reconciliation program are reminded that there is a meeting tonight (parents only) in the St Thomas Aquinas Parish Hall (Bowral) at 7:00 pm.

Parents who wish to present their children (Year 6 or older) for the Sacrament of Confirmation can collect an enrolment form from Fr Sean after any weekend Mass over the next two or three weekends. Confirmation will be held on Saturday 18 May, 2019.

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Last week was quite special. We celebrated a School Mass on Thursday to mark the beginning of the new year.

It was lovely to see many parents able to attend.  On Saturday evening a special celebration was held to mark the 130th anniversary of St Michael’s Church.

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Plenary Council 2020. Every Catholic parish in Australia is now involved in responding to the request of the Australian bishops to respond to three questions:

1. What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?

2. What questions do you have about the future of the Church for the Plenary Council to consider in 2020?

3. Do you have a story of your experience of faith, or the Church you would like to share?

As individuals and parish communities, there are some simple but important things you can do right now to participate: Visit the website plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au which provides great resources that will enable individuals and groups to learn more, pray for guidance, commence dialogue and subscribe for regular updates. We have until March 2019 to respond.

Our Parent Information Evening will take on Wednesday 20th February.  These meetings are a great opportunity for parents/carers to meet and discuss expectations and learning experiences for the year. The meetings will be held in the classrooms (not the hall as previously advised).

• Years 1,3 and 5: - 6.00pm
• Years 2,4 and 6 - 6.30pm 

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

A big thank you to all those who assisted at last Wednesday’s Swimming Carnival. The Carnival ran very smoothly due to the excellent organisation and the fabulous support from staff, parents and children. Special thanks to Mrs Anderson for her organisation of the day.  Congratulations to Alexandra House (Green) on winning the Carnival.  

House Points:

1st – Alexandra 144
2nd – Oxley 138
3rd – Jellore 127
4th – Gibraltar 103

Forms outstanding

Thank you to those families who have returned the General Permission Note and CEDow Permission to Use Image and/or Work.

These forms are now overdue.  If you have not already done so, please complete and return the forms at your earliest convenience.

School Fee Agreements:  A reminder that if you have not returned your School Fee Agreement your school fees are due in full by the 28th February 2019 and will be followed up accordingly.

Scholastic Book Club 

The school, together with Scholastic Book Club, runs a book club which consists of approximately eight issues a year. The school earns bonus points from the amount of sales of books and these points are used to purchase books through Scholastic for our library. ALL ORDERS need to be placed by using the Scholastic Loop.  No paper orders or money will be accepted at the school. Thank you and happy reading for 2019.

Year 6 Leaders

Our Year 6 students received their leadership badges during our opening School Mass last Thursday.   Congratulations to our students who have accepted roles in the following leadership groups:-

Compass Parent Portal 

At St Michael’s we use the Compass Parent Portal system for many of our communications.  The Compass Parent Portal has many features including the ability to:

• Enter an explanation for your child's absence or lateness;
• Communicate with your child's teachers;
• View your school calendar;
• Download and view your child's Semester Reports; 
• Book Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences.

All parents are encouraged to access the Compass Parent Portal.  

Changes to Afternoon Routine  

Please remember to notify the school office or class teacher if there are going to be any changes to the afternoon routine.  Do not take other children home if permission has not been relayed to the school.

Should you need to change plans for your child leaving school, please ring the office as soon as you become aware of this and no later than 2.30pm. Please DO NOT leave it until 2.50pm, as it makes it very difficult to find children after they have been released from the classroom.

Listed below are some important school dates.  These dates are updated regularly.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Canteen Specials:-

Sausage Sizzle with sauce $3.50
Pancakes + icecream $3.00
Cheese toastie + popper $3.00

CANTEEN CLOSED MONDAYS/TUESDAYS 

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

Kayd C, Sophia T