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Not from, but for, the World
What are we to make of the famous reply of Jesus to Pilate: ‘My kingdom is not of this world’? Left there, it sounds as though Jesus is talking about a realm which is far removed from terrestrial concerns. Perhaps our task as his followers is to meditate into a blissful nothingness, to live other-worldy lives.
It is a poor translation, and it should read: ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would have fought to stop my being handed over.’ Of all the ways in which our Lord could have contrasted his realm with all the other ways in which societies are ruled, he chose a contrast about the use of force. Rather, his reign springs from his Father’s will that humanity should live together in a realm of non-violence.
We can easily criticise ISIL’s blasphemous use of barbaric violence in the supposed service of religion. It is the most extreme opposite of Our Lord’s teaching which He embodied in his practice. But, even for us, the challenge is there to restrain too-ready resort to armed violence and to humanely moderate its exercise where it is used to protect the innocent.
We could pause for a moment to pray for the coming of the Kingdom, not as an ‘out of this world’ experience, but in the words of the Our Father: ‘Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’
© Fr Michael Tate; mtate@bigpond.com
Dear Families,
After a brief hailstorm it was great to see the sun on what turned out to be a fantastic gathering of our grandparents. This year our focus was the children interacting with their grandparents, with a shared lunch and activities. It was great to see our children interviewing their grandparents about their schooling, playing chess and other games, and even seeing some of our grandparents reliving their youth on our slide! Having our children interact with their grandparents is so important for their development and wellbeing and something we should be strongly encouraging. I wish to thank all the grandparents who were able to participate in the afternoon, and in particular to those grandparents who shared some lovely homemade treats with me.
On Wednesday our students challenged the staff in the annual Student/Teacher Netball game. After a close first quarter, our staff managed to get the upper hand in the game and did win despite the late comeback from the students. It was a fun game and I thank the students for the challenge.
Last night our Board farewelled three long-standing members at our AGM. I would like to thank Paul Mannion, Mel Limbrick and Jane Adams for many years of dedicated service to our school Board. At the AGM we elected our 2022 Executive. I would like to congratulate Kirsty Pedder for being elected Board Chair, Derek Bye for being elected Deputy Board Chair and Chris Massey who was elected Treasurer. I know you’ll all do a great job in these roles next year.
I would like to congratulate Ivy in G2 for receiving a highly commended in the recent TCEO writing competition. Ivy’s story was that well written that when it was read to the class, we were all held in suspense on what was going to happen next. Well done Ivy. Also, Paige in G2 was recognised for her story that was entered. All our students in Mrs Love’s writing extension class participated in the writing activity.
Have a great week.
Shayne Kidd
PRINCIPAL
Congratulations to Gabby, Isabelle and Gemma, 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!
Thanks for supporting our Treasure chest by purchasing a key to try on Friday night - congratulations to the winners!
If you still have a key, please return it to the office so we can do it all again next year!
Thank you
Emergency Practice
Within the next few weeks, whilst at recess or lunch we will hold an unannounced emergency practice with staff & students, to test our response to a potential scenario that staff identify a threat warranting the school go into lockdown (opposite to evacuation).
Like for fire evacuation drills, we recognised the worth to test this process. We have plans in place to make this practice as least disruptive as possible.
If you have queries please call our Safety Officer, Simon Natoli on 0400 105 476.
Please find attached this weeks Parish Bulletin.
Just Swim School Holiday Program