Principal's Report

First Reconciliation

Dear Parents,

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Next week, the students in Year 3 will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. The students, their families and their teachers have been preparing for many weeks for this significant celebration in their faith journey.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to all baptised Catholics in Catholic Churches around the world. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is normally available each weekend at times prescribed by the parish. 

In the Catholic Church today, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated through one of three ‘rites’ . The First Rite involves only the priest and the penitent – the person confessing his/her sins.  The penitent confesses his/her sins and receives forgiveness. This is the way the Year Three children have been preparing for and will receive, the Sacrament for the first time.

The Second Rite is a communal celebration that includes all the elements of the First Rite of Reconciliation.  Normally students participate in this celebration with their classes. It involves listening and sharing the Gospel, an individual reconciliation and a thanksgiving response at the conclusion of the celebration. 

The Third Rite is a communal celebration that does not include an individual reconciliation. This form of Reconciliation can only be celebrated with the permission of the Bishop of the Diocese. 

We especially thank Fr Greg, the Sacramental Team, led by Faith Rico and the Year Three Teachers, Miss Melissa Myles and Miss Yen Wong for their efforts this year.

PRAYER 

Christ, our Light,

we believe that you are here among us as you promised you would be when we gather in your name.

With a trust that goes far deeper than our limited capacity to imagine,

you have handed over to us responsibility to carry out your works and wishes in our world.

We ask you now

 to walk beside us on our  journey,

to fill our minds, memories and imaginations with hope and vision.

Help us to see our lives and work within your Church 

with strong creative clarity, 

so that we may serve more effectively,

all who search for faith and meaning  in our world.

Amen.

 ANNUAL COMMUNITY MEETING

“The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church)

As parents are aware, our Annual Community Meeting will take place on Tuesday 28 November, at 7.00pm.  Attached to this newsletter is further information about the ACM as well as details about the election process for position on either the School Board or the P&F Association Executive and Committee. We encourage parents to consider assisting the school community by serving on one of these committees.

SCHOOL BOARD

Attached to this newsletter is information regarding the School Annual Community Meeting as well as nomination forms to join the Infant Jesus School Board. 

School Boards are imperative to the correct functioning of all Catholic Schools in WA. To be a member of a School Board is a tremendous experience and well worthwhile for any parent or member of the community. Our current School Board is comprised of the following members:

School Board Members 2017:

Fr Greg Burke  - Parish Priest 

Mr Rick Oliveri  -  Board Chair

Mr Sam Modica  - Board Treasurer     

Mrs Jessica Musca -  Secretary 

Mrs Min De Leo -  Board Member (co-opted)

Mrs Hein Trang -    P&F Rep

Mrs Nevellene Linquist -  Parish 

Mr Paul Hille - School Principal 

Ms Clare Moffat - Observer

Mr Frank Colangelo - Observer

The School Board members have been wonderful in their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the year.  We thank each of them for their contributions, skills and dedication. As a group, they have worked productively to plan for the future development of the school, particularly in the area of school finance.

Their ability to work cooperatively and constructively with the school as a parent representative body has been tremendous.  As parents, they too, have the vision of providing better facilities for the present and potential students and this has certainly been the foundation of all their decision-making.  The overall role of the Board is to help the school fulfil its educational responsibilities in accordance with the constitution, policies and practices of the Catholic Education Commission of WA and the Planning for the present and future operation of the school by:

•    Providing membership on selection panels for employment of staff for the school in accordance with CECWA policy.

•   Liaising in all matters relating to the financial management of the school with persons and organisations in the local Catholic community.

•    Providing representation on the committee which recommends the appointment of a Principal in accordance with CECWA policy.

•  Managing all the finances associated with the school.

•   Advising the Principal with respect to school policy that has financial implications.

Currently, there are two (2) positions available for election to the Infant Jesus School Board in 2017.  Interested community members are encouraged to apply.

PARENT AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

The P&F Association of Infant Jesus School is an integral part of our Catholic school structure and is a valuable instrument in the Church’s ministry of education.  This council has been structured to hopefully enhance collaboration and consultation with parents.

Most of the work that this council of parents is doing is most definitely evolving and a work in progress, but they are committed to:

•    Striving to develop at the school a ‘real’ community of parents, teachers and students, which reflects a   truly Christian ethos.

•    Working closely with the school Principal and staff as much as possible and asking for guidance as to the schools funding priorities and achieving common goals.

•    Endeavouring to have all parents enjoy the exciting experience of their children’s formal school years by active participation and personal involvement in the school programs.

•  Assisting in planning and organising functions associated with the social, sporting, cultural, and educational life of the school community.

•    Working to provide additional resources which are considered necessary for the children or to assist the teachers in their professional work.

Prayer

The way I act affects many other people, like the ripples of water that spread out on a pond when I throw a rock into it.  When I am selfish, angry or hurt and choose to act violently, how many other people do I hurt?  In the end, how many people are affected because of the

way I choose to act.

“Love one another as I have loved you,”

May seem impossible to do,But if you try to trust and believe,great are the joys that you will receive. For love make us patient, understanding and kind,And we judge with our heart and not with our mind.For as soon as love enters the heart’s opened door, the faults we once saw are not there anymore,And the things that seemed wrong begin to look right,When viewed in the softness of love’s gentle light.For love works in ways that are wondrous and strange,And there is nothing in life that love cannot change,And all that God promised will someday come true.

When you love one another the way 

He loved you.

Amen.

Thought for the Week

We are each of us angels with only one wing; to fly we need only to embrace each other.

Source unknown 

God Bless,

Paul Hille

Principal

#ExpectGreatThings