Our school value for this term has been STRIVING for EXCELLENCE (‘striving to be Jesus’ mind – persevering and striving for excellence’). Our students’ school reports reflect their striving to do their best no matter what stage they are at in their learning journey.

Scripture tells us that we should strive for excellence in everything we do in our lives.  

 “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That you may approve things that are excellent;” Philippians 1:9-11

For many today, living the Christian life is summed up in the words: “God is still working on me.” Jesus wants us to keep striving for excellence in reflecting His own goodness… holiness, love, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, perseverance, courage etc.

The winter school break is a good time to reflect on how we are striving to live an excellent life that reflects these values and is pleasing to God. Of course, we must first open our hearts to Jesus’ love for us.

Lord,

From the rising of the winter sun to its setting, on these short winter days…

Make me short on mindless activity, long on reflecting on your love for me.

Make me short on being driven, long on paying attention.

Make me short on rushing and tiring, long on walking and wondering.

Make me short on focusing only on myself, long on looking beyond.

Make me short on mean thoughts, long on offers of words of comfort.

Make me short of obsessive lists, long on spontaneous acts of kindness,

Make me short on tradition as a habit, long on rediscovery and re-owning.

Make me short on false jollity, long on stilling and rooted joy.

Make me short on guilt, long on being merciful to myself.

Make me short on being overwhelmed, long on peacefulness.

AMEN

PARISH MORNING TEA

We very warmly welcome families to join us after mass on Sunday 30 June for a parish morning tea. This is a great opportunity for parents and children to engage with our parish and to strengthen our community bonds.

Romans 12: 5

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Mini Vinnies Social Justice Crazy Hair Day -CHANGE OF DATE

Mini Vinnies Social Justice at St Mary’s

‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.’

However, not everyone in the world is as fortunate as us and many people struggle to survive from day to day, while we live in comfort, with three meals a day and a bed to sleep in each night. It can be easy to remain unaware of actual people who are experiencing an injustice like homelessness.

The St Vincent de Paul Society is very active in social justice advocacy. They not only support people who are experiencing hardship but also work to eliminate the problem. They attempt to do this by researching the problems to learn more about them and educating the wider community.

As a way of making a donation to the Vinnies Winter Appeal, the SRC has organised a Crazy Hair Day on Thursday 4 July. Students will come along with a crazy hairstyle, wearing school uniform and a gold coin donation.

Family Engagement in Faith- Term 2