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Twice in today’s Gospel Jesus refers to the everlasting fire of hell. Better to lose a hand or an eye than endure that, he says, making some dramatic points about sin and sacrifice.
At this moment in human history Jesus’ choice of imagery and his message about dramatic action are especially pertinent. As Pope Francis declares in his encyclical Laudato Si’, climate change is an imminent threat to our world. For Christians, this raises two issues directly relevant to this passage from Mark.
On the one hand, we have a duty to protect ourselves and each other from catastrophe by checking our own sinful behaviours and habits. We should seriously consider what we can do to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels through personal usage, investment options, and political choices. We cannot dodge responsibility on this issue. Our faith demands action.
On the other hand, we also have a duty to find common cause with everyone else who shares this concern. Pope Francis encourages us to work with people of other religions ‘for the sake of protecting nature, defending the poor, and building networks of respect and fraternity’. When it comes to protecting our common home, ‘Anyone who is not against us is for us.’
© Nick Brodie
Dear Families,
As we commence our Term 3 break I wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday. School resumes on Tuesday 12th October 2021. Our Athletics Carnival is on Wednesday 13th October 2021.
On Wednesday Mrs Pearce and I enjoyed a lovely evening of choral singing at Albert Hall as our students participated in Singfest. Singfest is a fantastic event where different primary school choirs join to share music and song in a non-competitive environment. Well done to our choir students who sang beautifully and to Mrs Zegveld for leading them.
Last night, for those who have children participating in our Strings program, we enjoyed a delightful evening of music at St Patrick’s College. It always amazes me the growth we see in our children between the Soirees, and I particularly like seeing the confidence displayed by students on stage that we don’t always witness in the classroom. Well done to all our children who participated and to our families who keep encouraging their children to practice and a big thanks to our band teachers.
I wish to congratulate Angus Scharm of Year 5/6 on being announced as the Regional Champion (North) in the 2021 Book Blogger Celebration. I would also like to acknowledge Marina Stagg and Lucie Hall who created an amazing submission around Warriors: The New Prophet - Midnight. I created an additional judging category to ensure that they receive a 'Highly Commended' certificate to reflect the strength of their submission.
On Tuesday evening our Family Fiesta Committee met. They are a small group and looking for parents to assist, to ensure the evening is enjoyable. I would like to remind you that our Family Fiesta will be restricted to 1000 people due to Covid Restrictions. It will be a ticketed event; tickets will be available early next term. Please contact the office if you can assist our committee as there are many jobs to complete prior to the event.
I would like to thank Mrs Marie Osborne, who stepped in at the last minute to teach Prep over the past few weeks. She has done a marvellous job and the children working quietly and independently is a credit to her. Thank you, Mrs Osborne. Mrs Danielle Hodgetts and Mrs Gemma Stephens will be our Prep T teachers for Term 4.
Although we are still finalising placements for teachers, I wish to congratulate these teachers who were awarded positions for 2022: Mrs Leah Wheeler, Mrs Tracey Kidd, Ms Jessica McLauchlan, Mrs Danielle Hodgetts and Mrs Cindy-Lou Campbell. Later next term I will publish our teacher’s classes.
We have had a few requests from parents for 2022 classes. Although we consider requests based on social concerns with students and often, we are aware of the concerns, we will not be considering requests for teachers. All the teachers at St Thomas More’s are good teachers and care deeply for every child in our school. If your child has a social concern please talk with your child’s teacher, we are more than happy to help.
Have a great week.
Shayne Kidd
PRINCIPAL
Congratulations to Shine, Sara, Milla, Maeve, Ada, Thomas, Michala, Jack, Felix, Connor, Morrison, Satya, Joshua, Laila, Grace, Frankie, Myka, Lydiah, Finn, Zoe, Axel, Ester, Elijah, Amani, and Zack who have received 25 and 50 stickers in their Student Acknowledgement booklets. These stickers are given to students displaying positive and respectful behaviour in the playground. They are a great role model for others. Well done!
STM Board Expressions of Interest
St Thomas More’s Catholic School Board are looking for expressions of interest for 3 vacancies, commencing the beginning of the 2022 school year. The STM School Board works closely with the Principal to provide advice and guidance on school governance. If you are interested, please contact Mrs Pietsch on 6337 7200, for an application package. Expressions of Interest close on Friday 22nd October 2021.
Japanese Olympic poster competition
Please see attached this weekend’s Launceston Parish Bulletin.
God bless,
Fr Mark Freeman