Mission and Religious Education

Mission and Religious Education 

Mission 

Term 4 Masses 

This week we commenced our Advent and Christmas Units in Religious Education. Today Friday 17 November, Year 2/3 celebrated Mass and the Mass had a Mary theme reflecting the current learning of the students about the important role that Mary plays in our faith story. Mary plays a central role in our Advent preparations and Christmas celebrations. The students are to be commended for their reverent behaviour and active and joyful participation. 

Our End of Year Mass will be celebrated on Friday 8 December at 9.30am. Everyone is welcome. 

The Year 6 Graduation Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 13 December at 6.00pm. Following Mass there will be a special dinner at the Golf Club for our Year 6 students, their families and staff. 

Donations for St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper 

The St Vincent de Paul Society does a lot of great work assisting people and families in need in our local community. One of the things they do each year is provide families in need a helping hand at Christmas time with a food hamper. As we come closer to Christmas, we are looking to share the joy of Christmas with families and support the work of St Vincent de Paul by collecting food for the creation of Christmas Hampers in our local area. 

Please help us to make Christmas a special time for all, by donating nonperishable foods that families can enjoy over the Christmas season. These may include festive foods such as Christmas puddings, candy canes, salsa, chips, biscuits, chocolates and lollies…as well as foods that families can use to create a meal such as flour, sugar, pasta, rice, tins of soup, jelly, powdered custard and gravy… and long life juices and soft drinks… 

A special container has been placed in the front office foyer here at school for all food items. We will be presenting all donated foods to St Vincent de Paul at our End of Year Mass on Friday 8 December. Thank you. 

Christ the King 

On Sunday 26 November we celebrate Christ the King. This is the last Sunday of the current Liturgical Year and the following Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent and the start of the new liturgical year. The liturgical year celebrates the story of Jesus beginning with the preparations for his birth. 

Happy Birthday Father Curran 

We wish Father Curran a very happy birthday on Monday 27 November and are looking forward to celebrating with him. 

Term 4 Reconciliation 

On Friday 1 December eligible students in Years 4, 5 and 6 will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 9.30am. 

Living Well, Learning Well - Pastoral Care and Wellbeing 

Legends of the Light Shine 

Our Legends of the Light Shine focus for Weeks 6-7 is ‘Friendship - Getting Along With Others’. Growing in our awareness of what it means to be a true friend and of ways to get along with others in a respectful and positive way is an important part of building positive relationships at St Michael’s. On Monday 13 November we joined with people all around the world to celebrate International Kindness Day. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has lots of good resources to encourage everyone to treat one another with kindness each and every day and as they say; “Kindness can be the norm, not the exception.’ 

Married Couples retreat 7-10 January at Immaculata Mission School 

Married couples and children aged 13 and under are invited to the Immaculata Mission School from 7-10

January in Armidale. Guest speakers from the USA, Dan & Stephanie Burke, will give a retreat for married couples while children will have a special program full of faith, fun and activities. Dan & Stephanie have many years experience in giving retreats and strengthening couples in their love for each other and for God! Cost (includes accommodation, food & all activities): $310 for adults, $200 for children aged 4-13, children 3 & under by donation 

For more information and to register visit: http://www.immaculata.org.au/ims 

Real Talk’s Parent Membership Site 

Real Talk have sent the following communication for staff and families. 

You (and your community) can gain access here https://realtalkparents.com/armidale. Valued at $49 it is FREE this year for your staff and families as part of our working relationship with Real Talk. Real Talk Parents Membership Site is a quality resource bank in the area's of eSafety, relationships and sex education. I'm sure many in your community will be helped and supported by accessing this resource in fostering Catholic values, resilience, and relationship success. So please encourage your parents and caregivers to take advantage of this Parent's Membership Site - because parenting doesn't come with an instruction manual! 

Catholic Earthcare 

Families interested in joining the Catholic Earthcare Household Community can do so by signing up on the Caritas Australia Catholic Earthcare site. 

Our class veggie gardens are growing well. 

 “Let Your Light Shine” support others to let their light shine and remember “We Shine Brighter Together” 

Jacquelene Cronin 

Assistant Principal - Mission