Filter Content
Two themes seem to weave through the readings for this Sunday: treasure and delight. The treasure is the extraordinary gift that comes from God; the delight is the joy that we experience when we realise that the treasure is ours. A third theme, which is found in the first reading, picks up a theme that we have considered several times during this period of Ordinary Time, namely, service of others.
The treasure is the kingdom of heaven. It is the prize that gives meaning to the present, and its fullest delight draws us into the future. The reign of God is the fulfilment of our deepest desires and our fondest hopes. Nothing in the world can compare with it, and that is why we are willing to sacrifice everything to attain it. The treasure that we find is really a gift that is given. We need not work to attain the kingdom, nor can we earn it in any way. It is given to us by God. All we have to do is accept it.
Solomon chose to be of service to others. In this he is a model for disciples to follow. We have discovered the treasure in the field; we have found the pearl of great price. What we have been given, we must now give to others. In giving we will lose nothing. In fact, we gain an abundance of blessings.
All things work for good, and God is glorified in all. Such is the character of the kingdom of God.
© Dianne Bergant CSA
Dear Families,
Welcome back! We’ve had a great start to Term 3. Firstly, I wish to thank you for all your support. As you know this term restrictions are slowly being lifted and the respect you have shown of our requests is greatly appreciated.
I would like to share with you that over past couple of months we have seen a notable growth in our younger students’ independence, something I haven’t witnessed in a number of years. Sometimes I think we forget that our children are very capable, they can carry their own bags to their classroom and unpack what they need for the day. It is amazing how much growth we can see in a child when we give them a little independence. This has also led to all our students being able to be engaged in their work from the start of school without the disruption of an adult unpacking a late student’s bag, or adults wanting to quickly tell the teacher something. We are seeing some positives from the forced restrictions we have had, and we need to ensure we keep these.
Again, I thank everyone for their respect of our new conditions. Also, a gentle reminder that any visitors to our classrooms must sign in at the office first, as we have a responsibility to maintain a register of all visitors to our school. If you are visiting our school during the day, please enter the school through our Abbott Street gate. The Campbell Street gate is open in the mornings and afternoons for students.
You may have read Deacon Chathura Silva’s Ordination into the Priesthood is next Friday. This year Deacon Chathura has become a regular visitor to our school providing a great insight for our students on our Catholic faith. I ask that you keep Chatty in our prayers as he prepares for this important part of his life. Please refer to the invitation to the Ordination Mass for the live stream links.
Have a great week.
God Bless,
Shayne Kidd
School Photos Monday 10th August
School photos are being held on Monday 10th August, 2020.
Please ensure students are in the full winter uniform, including jumper (we have spare jumpers at the office if needed for the day). Prep and Kinder students are to wear their sports uniform.
Photo envelopes have been distributed for every student. Please note the shoot key listed on the envelope is unique for each student - please contact the office if you have not received one.
Please get a sibling photo envelope from the office for anyone wishing to have sibling photo's taken. Sibling order envelopes need to be handed directly to the photographers on photo day at the time of sibling photo being taken.
Parents can order and pay online through the MSP website (www.msp.com.au). Instructions are included on the envelopes.
Please see the attached flyer for information.
Congratulations to the following students for receiving awards this week.
Deacon Chathura Silva Ordination to the Priesthood
On Tuesday, Deacon Chathura Silva visited our classes to talk to the children about his upcoming Ordination to the Priesthood. The children were keen to hear about his journey so far, which began as he joined the Junior Seminary in Sri Lanka at the age of 13. Deacon Chathura also talked about the joy and excitement of becoming a Priest and living his vocation, helping people and sharing the love of Jesus with the people he works with. We are fortunate that we are some of the people he works with!
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to attend the Ordination. However we can all be part of this important occasion by tuning in to the live stream on Friday 31st July at 7:00pm. Details on how to access the live stream can be found in the attached document.
Q&A With Deacon Chathura Grade 5/6
Owen -
Q: how long does it take to become a priest
A: about 7 years
Lucas
Q: Can you become a bishop?
A: Well the other bishops choose you.
Caleb
Q: Are there any benefits of being a priest?
A: I wouldn’t call them benefits, I am not paid to be a Priest, it is a vocation. It is something I have chosen to do because it makes me happy.
Ella
Q: Does Pope Francis write you a letter for your ordination?
A: No I don’t receive a letter from Pope Francis, however I will get one from the Bishop as the Bishop does the work of the Pope because he is unable to get around to every Priest that is being ordained.
Emmerson P
Q: Can your family come to the ordination?
A: They would have been there but unfortunately they are unable to come to my ordination because of COVID-19. My mum is very sad that she will not be able to be there. They will be able to watch on as it will be live streamed for all to watch. I hope that when things go back to normal I will be able to go back to Sri Lanka and have a big celebration with my family.
Lucy
Q: What’s the hardest thing you have done so far in your journey to become a Priest?
A: The hardest thing I have had to do is leave my family in Sri Lanka, but I am happy here in Tasmania.
Joseph
Q: Did you have any worries when you started your seven year journey to become a Priest?
A: Yes I was worried and said that I would not be able to experience Marriage and have my own family however this is what I have chosen because this makes me happy and who I want to be!
Tory
Q: If you become a priest, can you un-priest yourself?
A: If you do want to not be a priest anymore, you can write a letter to the Pope explaining your difficulties of being a priest and/or your reasons why you don’t want to be a Priest anymore. So yes, you can remove yourself from the Priesthood if you wish.
Q: Does the Parish supply you with basic necessities like a house and a car?
A: Yes, they supply us with a house, car and groceries. They also pay for the petrol for the car from donations from the Sunday services. They also give us some ‘pocket money’ so we can buy other things that we need and/or we can use it to go on a little holiday.
Uday
Q: Is being a Priest hard?
A: Yes it is hard, like everything it has its challenges, however that is part of the vocation.
We are excited to be starting up our Joeys group again on Tuesday 28th July. Joeys is our Setup for Success program; an initiative of Catholic Education Tasmania to engage parents and children (0-5) in early learning in our school setting.
All families with young children are encouraged to come along on Tuesdays during the school term from 9:00am - 10:30am. Joeys is free and open to all.
In line with our Covid Safety Plan you will need to register for Joeys prior to attending using this link. Joeys
Looking forward to seeing old friends and new next week!
Jacquie Wood and Annie Lee
Emergency Practice
Within the next 8 weeks 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 able.
If you have queries you are welcome to call our Safety Officer Simon Natoli on 0400 105 476
Please take a moment to re-visit our policy on outdoor play and learning.
Any queries can be directed to the office.