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Reflection
All people thirst for meaning, but of what does that meaning consist? The people in the desert thirsted for water, but they misunderstood their thirst. The woman of Samaria thirsted. Her conversation with Jesus showed that she thirsted for understanding and insight as well as water. For what do we thirst in this world of such great excess and unmeasured need? Life has not become simpler with all of our advances. We still thirst for more – for the newest, the fastest and the best. How much is enough, and when do we cross the line into ‘too much’?
The gospel readings for the scrutiny Sundays very clearly lay out the choices that are placed before the catechumens and the rest of the believing community as well. This Sunday it is between water that quenches thirst and water that does not. Jesus identifies himself as the source of water that guarantees eternal life. He places before the Samaritan woman a choice that requires a step of profound faith. She knows the thirst-quenching quality of the water from Jacob’s well, but she is not acquainted with the water promised by this stranger who is also an enemy of her people. The choice is not an obvious one. A similar choice is placed before us. We know the demands of our culture and the circumstances of our lives. Are we able to acknowledge the sins of which we are guilty, recognise the grace that is being offered to us, and make the right choice?
© Dianne Bergant CSA
Dear Families,
From time to time we discuss children’s usage of social media, however today I would like to raise some concerns I have around our use of the tool, as adults. Social media is an excellent tool for us to keep in contact with people, however it can also be used in a negative way that can harm a person’s reputation. Recently you may have heard of a Principal in Queensland who was subject to harassing and defamatory comments on platforms like Facebook who won a case against the parents which posted them. Although this case was in Queensland, I am aware of negative posts being posted against Tasmanian teachers and even unfortunately here at St Thomas More’s. Posting a negative post is not going to resolve any concern, it only models negative online behaviours to our children and can create unnecessary stress for the staff and families involved. The best way for us to resolve concerns is to follow our school grievance protocols, which are always to see your child’s teacher in the first instance. If your concern is not resolved then you see Mrs Pearce, then myself. We always take your concerns seriously and endeavor to resolve them as quickly as possible. It is our responsibility to model good behaviours for our future generations.
I wish to inform you that Mrs Tracey Kidd has been appointed as the G3/4S teacher from Term 2. Mrs Kidd is known to most students in our school as she has been doing relief here for 2 years. Prior to doing relief Mrs Kidd has had extensive classroom and educational leadership experience. I trust you will join me in congratulating Mrs Kidd on her appointment.
I wish to congratulate our NIJSSA Swimming Team who put in a gutsy effort yesterday at the carnival coming 4th. Everyone tried their best, well done. I would also like to thank Mr Stacey who coordinated the NIJSSA event.
As we are a Catholic School, we often attend Masses and Liturgies in our Church. This link is to inform you of the actions being taken by the Australian Bishop’s Council to prevent the potential spread of COVID19. https://www.catholic.org.au/acbc-media/media-centre/media-releases-new/2258-national-liturgical-advice-on-coronavirus-covid-19/file
We will continue to send COVID19 updates as we receive them. We have attached the lastest fact sheet in this newsletter.
Have a great week.
God Bless,
Shayne Kidd
Throughout the year we administer Book Club for Scholastic Australia. Approximately every month students will be given catalogues offering books for sale. Please feel no obligation to buy.
Ordering is easy - simply go online and place your order. Payment is to be made ONLY via Scholastic’s Linked Online Ordering and Payment system (i.e. no cash/cheque payments to school). LOOP allows parents to order and pay via the Scholastic website or app. Please see information below. There is no need to return order forms to school. Books are sent directly to the school and distributed to students.
Each order earns the school valuable reward points which are used to purchase Library and classroom resources.
For more information about Scholastic and Book Club, visit www.scholastic.com.au
Rebecca Thomas
Library