Deputy Principal / Religious Education 

Dear Parents and Families

As a Catholic School, we continually endeavour to engage in dialogue with the aim to re-contextualise faith and belief. The process of re-contextualisation is one where we seek to find meaning in the Catholic faith in the world today.  As theologian Lievan Boeve tells us, it is also a process where not only Catholics can become better Catholics but Hindus better Hindus, Jews better Jews, Sikhs better Sikhs and so forth (2016).

At St Luke's we celebrate the diversity of many faiths and cultures.   Events like Harmony Day and National Reconciliation Week help students appreciate diversity within our school as do wider Shepparton community events such as the Albanian Harvest Festival and St George's Rd Food Festival.   

It is through engaging with diversity and difference that allows for deepening of one’s own belief and understanding of the Catholic story.  When we look around at our world today and reflect on ongoing conflicts such as that in Israel and Palestine, it highlights the importance of our ongoing mission as Catholic Schools to know our Catholic Identity and discover ways we can seek out opportunities to offer hospitality and dialogue.

I wonder how we can be more open to dialogue in our own homes and school community?

Thank you to our children for embracing the many learning opportunities offered this term on a daily basis to further develop knowledge, understanding and skills across a range of learning areas, interests and the ongoing spiritual development as a person.    Our Learning Expo today certainly attests to this. It was great looking at the variety of learning experiences our students have been involved in this term.   A wonderful celebration of learning and engagement.  

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the year 3/4 Beechworth ~ Valley Homestead Camp.  Our students were great ambassadors of our school values and were extremely well mannered.   Whilst in Beechworth I was impressed with the level of knowledge and understanding the kids had when asked many questions of Ned Kelly and history of the Gold Rush.    We also had loads of fun participating in the many activities on offer at Valley Homestead, with many of our students getting out of their comfort zone and trying new activities.  Thank you to our teachers and parent volunteers who attended for making the camp a wonderful learning experience for all.

Have a wonderful rest of the term.

Kind regards

Chris Summers

Deputy Principal ~ Catholic Identity & Wellbeing Leader

St Brendan's Parish Bulletin