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The King of the Jews
The Crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:35-43)
A reflection on the Gospel from the Feast of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Year C)
Written by Mr Casimir Douglas
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
In the passage from Luke’s Gospel this week, the writer draws the attention of the reader to the inscription affixed to the crucifix above Jesus, which read: “The King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38). Such an inscription was common at crucifixion, and was called the titulus. It was to describe the charge against the ‘criminal’. However, on this occasion the inscription is filled with ironic testimony. Even though carved and scribed in mockery and disdain, the words celebrate the truth of the Christ.
In this passage we also hear the testimony of the two thieves crucified on either side of Jesus, one who shares the mockery of the titulus, and the other who makes a revelatory plea to the Christ for eternal life.. The man who spoke the words listed in the biblical reference listed above this reflection, offers somewhat of a deathbed confession, conversion and conversation. And by the power of God’s grace, his faith is rewarded.
The Gospel writer, Luke, is challenging his readers to answer the question for themselves: Who do you say Jesus is?
As we approach the liturgical Season of Advent, and anticipate the miracle of the Incarnation; the Birth of Jesus Christ that we celebrate on Christmas day, we enter into a season of waiting, anticipating, and reflecting. We, St Thomas More’s, as a Catholic School community, are invited to contemplate the following questions from this Gospel passage:
- Who do you say Jesus is?
- How can we be Christ for each other?
- What action can you take to bring hope to your family, friends, and community?
- How will you be remembered?
- Where is forgiveness needed in your life right now?
Friday 18th November, 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
COLOUR EXPLOSION: RUN 4 FUN TONIGHT!
After COVID-Safe restrictions have hampered the capacity of schools to hold community events over previous years at their fullest and 'free-est' capacity, we are thrilled this evening to host St Thomas More's Catholic School's first ever Colour Explosion: Fun 4 Fun event! The weather looks to be warm with some sun, with only a slight wind, and most importantly, no rain!
I wish to congratulate and acknowledge all those students who have committed to the fundraising for the event. Your spirit, energy and excitement is the key ingredient that brings events such to life!
I must express my sincere appreciate to the members of the school's Parents & Friends Association for their tireless planning and organisation leading up to this event. Particularly, I wish to thank to Mrs Kylie Smart and Mrs Abbie Massey for all their commitment and service to the school community. I must also thank Mr Anthony Healey and Mr Chris Massey for lending their considerable physical gifts to the process of setting up the course for the evening's festivities.
I look forward to sharing the event with you all, and reporting on the evening in next week's Newsletter!
JACQUIE WOOD - OUR LADY OF MERCY 2023
Jacquie Wood has taken up a 12-month teaching position at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Deloraine next year. Jacquie is already a teacher at Our Lady of Mercy, where this year she has been teaching Music and Drama to all year levels. Her husband, Simon, is also a teacher at Our Lady of Mercy. Therefore, Jacquie will not be teaching at St Thomas More's Catholic School for the 2023 school year.
Jacquie has been teaching at St Thomas More's for over 20 years and her professionalism, her care and compassion for her students, and her gentleness and genuine faith will be missed. Even as we discussed her taking up this opportunity at Our Lady of Mercy, Jacquie celebrated her deep connection with the school, its history, its charism, its story, its people, its culture, and its values.
On a personal note, I wish to thank Jacquie for her constant support of my leadership since I have arrived at St Thomas More's Catholic School. When a quality teacher and quality person with the depth of wisdom and experience that Jacquie possesses is in your corner and affirming the school's direction, it is humbling, energising, and encouraging.
Please join me in wishing Jacquie all the best for the next 12 months and into the future!
VALE, SR MARY CYRIL ANDREWS
It is with mixture of sadness and deep gratitude that the St Thomas More's Catholic School community acknowledges the passing of Sr Mary Cyril Andrews. Sr Mary passed away at the end of October at 98 years of age, and her funeral was held on Friday 4th November.
Sr Mary joined the Josephite Order in 1942, a mere four years after the founding of our school, and upon entering the congregation took on the vocation of teaching. Cyril, as she was known to her colleagues and friends, taught at St Thomas More's Catholic School in 1953, 1958-1961, and 1979-1981. A keen historian, and protector and purveyor of the history and charism of the Jospehite story, after retiring from education, Sr Mary established the Tasmanian Josephite Archives at New Town and volunteered in the Archdiocesan archives.
Vale, Sr Mary Cyril Andrews.
CATHOLIC COLLEGE OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERS CONFERENCE
This week (Wednesday 16th - Friday 18th November) I attend Catholic Education Tasmania's Catholic College of Educational Leaders Conference (CCEL) held in Orford. CCEL brings together the Principals of every Catholic School in Tasmania once a term to discuss educational trends, strategic planning, pedagogical currency, Catholic identity, curriculum developments, and emerging realities in the space of wellbeing and pastoral care.
The focus of this CCEL Conference was the Insight into Learning project, which is a whole of system initiative focussed on evidence-based practice informed by the Science of Learning, Cognitive Load Theory, and High Impact Teacher Practice, and the delivery of an explicit and structured Knowledge Rich Curriculum for the benefit of every student. I look forward to sharing further information regarding this major statewide learning initiative with the school community in due course.
FINAL GREETING
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
God bless,
Mr Casimir Douglas
Principal
Is your child planning on entering the STM Wearable Arts Competition?
There are only 4 days left to get your costume ready!
The final issue of Scholastic Book Club for 2022 will be issued shortly. If you would like any items kept aside for gifts please mark as a “Gift Order” when ordering by LOOP. The items will be set aside for collection at the office.
Regards,
Rebecca Thomas
Librarian
Our lost property container near the office is overflowing!
There are a lot of expensive jackets and jumpers in there, along with sports equipment, lunch boxes, drink bottles, and even shoes.
Before we empty the container at the end of the year, please take the time to stop by and have a look if your child has lost something recently.
The container is accessible during the weekends as well!
The library will be closed for the last three weeks of term for stocktaking. Next week (Week 6) will be the last week that students will visit the library. Therefore, it would be appreciated if all outstanding library books could be returned.
Thanking you,
Rebecca Thomas
Librarian