PENTECOST

The Gospel last Sunday told us that on the day of Pentecost, Jesus' followers were all gathered together in one place and God sent the Holy Spirit to give them the power to teach others about Jesus. Now, they couldn't see the Holy Spirit, so how did they know the Holy Spirit was there?

The Gospel says that they knew the Holy Spirit was there because they could hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind coming from heaven. They couldn't see the Holy Spirit, but they could hear the sound of the wind and they could see the flaming tongues of fire. When they were filled with the Holy Spirit, he gave them the ability to speak in languages that they didn't even know, so that they could tell everyone about Jesus. They couldn't see the Holy Spirit, but they could feel his power in their life.

The Holy Spirit is still with us today. We can't see him, but we can hear him as he speaks to our hearts, we can see his movement in our life, and we can feel the power of his presence as he guides us through each day and spreads hope amongst our communities, especially in times of need.

May the Holy Spirit bring you the strength, love and hope to guide you through your day today and give you peace to embrace the world, we are very lucky to live in.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

CAR DROP OFF AND PICK- UP AREA
Just a couple of reminders about our afternoon pick up. Last week I had a visit from the police, to discuss any concerns they or we may have, with the afternoon pick up. Each day the police are doing a drive-by of all school areas. Our school community has been doing a great job with parking and collecting students and adults social distancing. We do have a couple of reminders though, that I need to refer to.

• There is to be no double-parking whilst collecting students. This is not only a safety issue, it is a traffic offence.
• No child should be walking around to the driver’s side of a car to get into the back seat of the car, whilst the car is parked near a busy road area. The potential for another driver to not see the child, is very high, especially if there are a lot of cars moving in the area.
• No child is to walk across a road near our school unaccompanied by an adult.
• If you are parked and stopped for a period of time in our drop-off/pick-up area near the Alice Street gates, and you are not following the road signs there, you can potentially get booked. It is a no parking area from 8:00am-9:30am and 2:30pm- 4:00pm. A few cars have been parking there for 20 minutes before the bell rings. The police or parking rangers have issued fines there in the past.

SCHOOL LUNCHTIMES
As mentioned previously, our school is having extra cleaning of all classrooms and toilets during our first lunch break, as a COVID 19 response. Therefore, our lunchtimes have changed by half an hour. The first lunch is at 10:30am and the second lunch is at 1:10pm. The children have been reminded that they can eat either their main meal or snack at Lunch 1 and either their main meal or snack at lunch 2. It is their choice, depending on how hungry they are at Lunch 1. Our school has duty bells for teachers, during the lunch breaks. These bells are not for children to stop eating. If a child wants to continue eating their food after the 10 mins eating time, then that is definitely ok. The bell is for the second group of teachers to come onto duty and take the children who are ready to play, out to the field and quiet area. This has always been the case, even before our changed times for lunch. The children also have an opportunity in class to have a fruit/vegetable break. It is called “munch and crunch” and each class has a time that they participate in this, that works the best for their morning schedules. Most classes are now having their “munch and crunch” around 12pm. All children K-6 are able to participate in munch and crunch if they want to. We ask that they only bring fruit and/or vegetables for this snack.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Unfortunately, due to COVID 19 restrictions, our Athletics carnival planned for this term, will not be held. We had a tentative booking for Week 5, however council are not taking new bookings until government recommendations have changed. This term, we will incorporate the athletics activities into our PE program. I appreciate your understanding with this.

UNIFORM POOL
If you have any uniforms that your child is no longer needing, can you please consider donating them to our uniform pool. We are especially needing larger sizes.

Thanking you for your continued support of our school community.

Have a lovely week,

Best wishes and God Bless,
Mrs Katrina West
Principal

World Environment Day

This Friday, 5th of June is World Environment Day, which is a United Nations-led event that is celebrated each year.

World Environment Day is a day for everyone around the world to take ownership of their environment and to actively engage in the protection of our earth. It is a day that strives to raise awareness and encourage action for the environment, offering an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments and renew our resolve in overcoming the environmental challenges facing the world today. This year’s theme is all about nature and celebrating Biodiversity.

MASS UPDATE
From Monday 1 June up to 50 people can attend Sunday and Weekday Masses, up to 20 can attend a wedding and up to 50 attend a funeral. Weekday Masses will resume from Tuesday 2 June and will be held Tuesday to Friday at 8.00 a.m.

All Masses will be held in St Thomas Aquinas Church (including Weekday Masses), to ensure we comply with government safety regulations.  There will still be a requirement to “book-in” for Mass through the Parish Office (02 48611902) from 9.00 a.m. each Tuesday  until further notice.

Weekend Masses for weekend 6/7 June will be:

Not all parishioners will be able to attend, so priority will be given to those who missed out the previous weekend.  Weekend Mass times may change from week to week, so please keep an eye on the Parish website which will be regularly updated. Mass and liturgy services will continue to be posted online through the Parish YouTube channel. I encourage you to still participate in Mass by viewing them online.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7S6wrESEOUqrF9Ppp7mDvg

Reconciliation will be offered at any time by appointment.  When restrictions ease, a more permanent time will be set for the Sacrament.

Parish Fundraising
“MEGA RAFFLE” tickets can still be purchased.  First prize is a HONDAJAZZ, valued at over $20,000 (supplied by Southern Highlands Motor Group).  Tickets on sale now, $10.00 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased via https://www.raffletix.com.au/ccsh.  The raffle will be drawn later on in the year. Thank you for your continual support in this challenging time.

Rebecca Mitchell
REC

Premiers' Reading Challenge (For Years 5 and 6): 

Remember to keep reading for the PRC, we have plenty of time to read the required number of books and register them online. The website has the list of books as well as the login button for each student:

https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html

Our Oliver Library catalogue will let you know what books from the lists are available in our Library. Go to oliver.dow.catholic.edu.au/smm and type 'premier's reading challenge (5-6)’ in the search box. Then select the level required and the search results will indicate available titles.

Scholastic Book Club:    The brochures have been sent home, ordering is available online as indicated on the brochures. No orders or money are able to be accepted at school. Orders close for this issue on 5th June. Thank you for your support of this program, it is a great way to buy books for your children.

LOOP
LOOP is the Scholastic Book Club Linked Online Ordering & Payment platform for parents. It allows you to order and pay online via credit card, negating the need to return forms and cash to school. You can order and pay for Scholastic Book Club by credit card by visiting the Scholastic website at https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent.aspx or on the go with the app (available in Google Play and the App Store). More information here http://www.scholastic.com.au/schools/bookclub/assets/pdfs/toolkitpdfs/Loop%20registration.jpg
 
Returning members can jump straight into your login and order here https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx

 "Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him."
Maya Angelou, Poet

The Hermitage Gift Store is open each weekday from 8.30am-4.30pm and on weekends by arrangement.  The Hermitage is located on trhe corner of Old South Road and Bong Bong Road Mittagong.  You are welcome to come and view the variety of spiritual books, journals, greeting cards, religious items and gifts we have available.  Our range of books, journals and many of our religious items can also be conveniently viweed and ordered on our website.  Purchases from our website will be delivered by mail.  The Hermitage also offers a variety of retreats throughout the year.  Visit our website www.thehermitage.org.au to find dates and booking details, or you can call us at the office on 4872 1911. 

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated a birthday this week:

Lucas G, Isabelle M, Isaac F, Willow P,  Sophia D.W,  Damon B and Riley R