Filter Content
The moment of eschatological fulfilment gathers together the sense of the past (‘the days when Christ was in the flesh’), the future (‘the days are coming’), and the present (‘the hour has come’). We live in the time when the past and the future are made present; we live in the ‘already-but-not-yet’ time of anticipation/fulfilment. This is a moment of great ambiguity, of fear and trepidation but of electric excitement. It is a moment of decision. We hover at the edge of dawn, weighing whether or not to step forward into the new day or to return to the darkness of night.
This ‘hour’ brings a new covenant, a deep interior relationship with God that is not based on law but which overflows from a commitment of the heart. It brings an abundant harvest that springs from a simple grain of wheat. It brings a promise from God’s own Son that those who serve him will be honoured by God, and those who obey him will enjoy eternal life.
Although the ‘hour’ brings all of these blessings, it only does so with a price. The new covenant could only be written on new hearts; the abundant harvest sprang from the dying grain of wheat; eternal salvation was won at the price of Christ’s blood. As challenging as the message of these readings may be, the last note is one of hope. It can overcome the demons that control us, because it is the power of the almighty God.
© Dianne Bergant CSA
Dear Families,
It has been lovely this week having the opportunity to chat with a number of you throughout our Parent/Teacher Interviews. Your involvement and care about your child’s education will greatly improve their results and well-being at school, thank you. Being a short term, we have noticed that the weeks have gone quickly. That being said, I would like to note that our students have settled in really well this year and every time I visit our classes I am always pleased to see how independently engaged our students are with their work.
On Tuesday we celebrated Harmony Day, a day where we acknowledge the wonderful diversity of cultures Australia is blessed to have. As part of our celebrations our students made flags to identify their cultural heritage, then they placed them into a world map on the oval. This was followed by some activities led by our Grade 6s. Our students enjoyed a great day and all the money we raised through our free dress will be going to Caritas, a Catholic mission that supports communities around the world.
Our Easter Break commences next Friday 2nd April 2021, the last day of school is Thursday. This year there is a 3-week holiday and school resumes for students on Monday 26th April 2021.
This week we commence Holy Week with Palm Sunday, our celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On Thursday we celebrate the Last Supper, Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, this is also the Jewish Feast of the Passover. On Good Friday we commemorate the crucifixion and on Easter Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Easter is an important time for the Church and the basis of our Catholic faith: we believe that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead for the forgiveness of our sins. If you wish to participate in any services over Easter you must book in, please see the Parish Bulletin for details.
I have started our 2022 Kinder interviews this week. We have over 50 expressions of interest at the moment. A reminder that Kinder 2022 enrolments close on the 28thMay 2021. I encourage you to submit expressions of interest early.
Unfortunately, this year school students are unable to participate in Launceston's ANZAC Day parade. Our School Captains are allowed to participate in the Cenotaph service, and they will be representing St Thomas More’s there.
Have a great week and our newsletter will be published next Thursday.
God Bless,
Shayne Kidd
The next P&F meeting will be held this Wednesday, 31st March at 7pm in the Staffroom.
All welcome.
School Fees Early Payment Discount
The Early Payment Discount for school fees paid in full is closing soon.
Accounts paid in full by the 31st March attract a 5% discount on Fees and Levies (excluding Capital Levy). If you intend to take up this option, please ensure you do so before 31st March, 2021.
School Photos, Monday May 10th 2021
A reminder to parents that School photo's will be held on Monday, 10th May.
You would have recently received an email from MSP Photography regarding ordering photo's online. Photographs are to be ordered online via Compass. Please log in to Compass and order via the Photo Ordering option in the menu.
Photo envelopes will not be sent home with students - if you are unable to access a computer and need to pay with cash, please contact the office to discuss.
All sibling photos will be taken before school from 8.30am. Students must present themselves to the photographers at the allocated time for the sibling photo to be taken.
All students will have their photograph taken on the day, regardless of whether an order is placed.
For anyone requiring assistance with Compass, please contact the office on 03 6337 7200 or stm@catholic.tas.edu.au. For photo package enquiries, please contact MSP Photography directly on 03 6231 5880, or tasmania@msp.com.au.
Congratulations to Rosie, Isabelle, Charlotte, Emily, Ethan, Matilda and Elliot who have received 25 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!
St Patrick's College Year 7 2022 Enrolments closing soon
Enrolments for St Patrick's College in Year 7, 2022 are closing soon. Please note the cut off date to be considered in the first round of offers is April 23rd, before Term 2 resumes. Please see the attached flyer for details.
Attached is the Launceston Parish Bulletin for Palm Sunday, 28th March 2021.
With every blessing and best wish,
Fr Mark Freeman