Dear Parents and Carers

Last week I invited all members of our school community to engage with the parish renewal process instigated by our Bishop, Tim Harris.  The first stage of this process has begun with the first face to face meeting on Wednesday evening.    Included in the newsletter this week are the first 3 questions for reflection.  

This is an opportunity to enter into real dialogue with what you think our parish could look like in the future.  It is an opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and suggestions that have the potential to shape our community.  I say 'our community' because the parish and our church are an integral part of our community.  We are inexorably linked with our parish and the mission of the church.  That is why this is such a wonderful opportunity to engage with this process, provide feedback and help to create change.

I realise face to face meetings are not for everyone.  I also know that people are busy and the thought of completing answers to some bigger picture questions may be the last thing on your radar.  But I am hopeful that some members of our school community will engage.  If we say nothing and do nothing, then nothing changes.  This is an opportunity to affect change and to help build opportunities to make our community stronger.  I hope you will accept my invitation to participate.

Answers to the posed questions can be left in the school office in the box at the front counter.  Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Have a great week 

Tim

Lenten Journey Continues

Week 2 of Lent- Margaret's Story

Margaret, 39, is a vocational teacher at school for children with hearing impairments and profound deafness in the Solomon Islands. Margaret was born deaf herself and understands the difficulity it poses to education and employment. 

Each year, the school faces water shortages for almost half of the year. Students would need to walk for up to half an hour to collect water for thier school garden, drinking, washing and cooking. 

Last year, Tropical Cyclone Harold hit, destorying their school gardens and school buildings. 

Through Caritas Australia, Margaret's school was able to install 8 water tanks and use cyclone proof building materials to repair the damage. Caritas Australia also helped the school become Covid safe by providing fabric for students to learn to sew and make face masks. 

Margaret's school, now, has enough safe water to supply it's 150 students and has capacity for more students. The school plans to build it's argicultural capacity by building food producation security, improve nutritional opportunities and income for the school. The increased food production will build resilience to future natural disaters. 

Your family can help communities like Margaret's by placing a few coins in your Project Compassion money box, buying an icy cup at school or donating online. 

Thank-you for your support of our Icy Cup stall. We have raised over $100 this week.

Sacarmental Journey

This week our students, through our St Joseph's Parish, continue on their Sacramental Journey. Please keep them in your prayers as they learn about the Sacrament of the Eucharist in preparation for becoming full members of the Catholic faith. 

Hope all have a wonderful week,

Trina

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