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Reflection on Sunday’s Gospel
The baptism of Jesus in the gospel of Mark serves as a revelation of the identity of Jesus. Throughout this gospel there is secrecy about who Jesus really is. Whenever a person’s faith reveals that Jesus is the Messiah or the Son of God, Jesus commands them to remain silent and not tell anyone else about him. However, through the baptism event, the reader is let in to the secret from the outset. Unlike the public announcements of Jesus as the beloved Son of God that occurs in other gospels, in
the gospel of Mark, the voice is addressed to Jesus himself and there is no indication that anyone else hears it. The words used are, ‘You are my Son’ not, ‘This is my Son.’ But the reader is placed in the privileged position of knowing the truth about Jesus from the very beginning of the gospel. As they read further, they observe the disciples’ growing yet imperfect understanding of this truth.
John the Baptist serves another particular function in the gospel story. Aside from fulfilling scriptural prophecy by proclaiming the one who is to come, he provides a point of contrast with Jesus. In many ways, John represents the Jewish religious belief of the time. For John, baptism is a ritual of purifying and forgiveness of sin that can be administered as often as required. The way to God is through strict observance of the Law and through ritual acts of prayer and purification. For Jesus though, the way to God is through love and through Jesus himself. The baptism that Jesus will give is a baptismof the Spirit – pouring out the Spirit on those who realise and accept the love of God in their lives.
By Greg Sunter (Liturgyhelp.com)
Dear Families,
Welcome back to 2021, it is great to see that all our children have settled back into school routine well and everyone has enjoyed the first week. Thank you for your assistance with school drop offs over this week, this has really help us have a great start to the year. Unfortunately, our week was marred on Thursday, with someone burning down half our fort playground in the early hours of the morning. I would like to thank the neighbour who contacted the emergency services and our local fire brigade, whose quick response saved half our fort. We have had it assessed and expect to have the undamaged area of the fort reopened within a couple of weeks. We are consulting with playground experts on a replacement piece as soon as possible. Also, a big thank you to all our community members who have reached out and offered help to repair the playground, thank you.
This week we welcome all our new Kinder families and Mia, Edison, Kade and Tom (Prep), Samantha and Lara (G1), Axel (G2), Rose, Ava and Myles (G3), Alex (G4), Cooper (G5) and Laila (G6). We also welcomed new staff, Mrs Wheeler (1/2T), Miss Nichols (G1/2M) and Miss Geale (3/4T). Sadly we farewelled during the holidays Eyobed (Kinder), Sophie and Kievan (Prep), Dawitt (G1), Ava (G2), Yoel and Lulu (G4) and Hugh (G5), we wish them and their families all the best.
We are pleased to introduce our new counsellor Ms Natasha Lebrocq. Natasha will be at school Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you wish for your child to see Natasha, please inform your child’s teacher.
A reminder that our Parent Information Night and Welcome BBQ is on Tuesday 9th February commencing at 5pm. To register please follow this link. Thank you to all our families who have already responded.
Monday 22nd February is our first P&F Meeting for 2021 at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting is held in the staff room.
We are now taking expressions of interest for Kinder 2022. Forms are available online or from our office.
Pick up in the afternoon can become a bit stressful, however if we all follow the rules and show courtesy to each other it can run very smoothly. The pick-up areas on Abbott and Campbell Streets are No Parking Areas, meaning you can only stop there to collect your child immediately. If your child is running late you will need to either drive around the block or find another place to legally park. Also please be mindful of our neighbours and do not block their driveways. Campbell Street exit is supervised between 3 and 3:15pm and Abbott Street between 3 and 3:30pm.
We have two marked crossings; we expect that you will model safe behaviours to your children by using them. Children learn from what is modelled to them.
St Thomas More’s is a PBS (Positive Behaviour School). We take pride in ensuring we have a safe and enjoyable environment for our children. If your child does have a concern with another child, we encourage them to see a teacher immediately so that we can assist. We often use the UR Strong phrases of “Friendship Fire” and “Mean on Purpose”.
Friendship Fire – a disagreement or misunderstanding with a friend. This is a normal part of any relationship.
Mean on Purpose – a deliberate act to upset another person.
We also need to remember that children come to school to learn, and just like the academic subjects, children are also learning how to behave socially. It is our job as a community to teach them.
Our school rules are:
Be Respectful – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Jesus)
Be Responsible – Never see a need without doing something about it. (St Mary MacKillop)
Be a Learner – Education is … making visible what is hidden as a seed. (St Thomas More)
God Bless,
Shayne Kidd
Lunch orders are back from Monday, 8th February!
Lunch orders are available for our Prep - Grade 6 students, and can be ordered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays using the Flexischools app. They are delivered for the second eating break at 1.25pm.
To access lunch ordering please download the App, "Flexischools", register, and follow the prompts. Further information is available here: www.flexischools.com.au
St Thomas Mores can not place orders on behalf of students. All orders must now be placed through the Flexischool app.
Menu's are below, and are also available on our website:
A reminder that our Swimming Carnival is being held at Riverside Pool on Thursday, 18th February.
A note has been sent out through the Compass App. If your child is in G3 to G6 and you didn't receive the notice please contact the office.
Congratulations to Sam and Kasey who have received 25 stickers in their sticker 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!
As we start the new school year, please take a moment to review the type of play we support in our school environment. Please don't hesitate to contact the school if you have any feedback or queries.
Attached you will find this week’s Launceston Parish Bulletin. A few things to note - commencement of regular weekday Masses, Youth Group gathering on Thursday, 4th February and the Marriage Mass with Archbishop Porteous on Sunday, 7th February. We welcome Fr Chatty back to the parish after his holidays in Victoria. Every best wish and blessing,
Fr Mark Freeman
Please contact mary@stompin.net or call Caitlin on 0413 832 703 to register.
Community news - Music Tree Choir
Where: 100 Punchbowl Road, Launceston
Why: Come along if you love to sing!
How: Visit The Music Tree website to enrol or find out more now! themusictree.com.au/