R.E. News

Lent is a special time of reflection and faith, practiced in prayer and by the act of giving up something. That “something” depends on the person observing Lent, with the main guidelines being that it has to be something that’s challenging to give up during this time. The act of giving up something for Lent is to practice self-discipline and remember the sacrifices Jesus made.

During Lent, we are exploring topics focusing on Lent and the events, symbols and stories of Holy Week. 

• F / 1: Following Jesus – Lent and Holy Week; Palm Sunday
• Year 2: Lent and Holy Week; The Washing of the Feet
• Year 3/4: Lent and Easter – A Time for Hope; The Last Supper
• Year 5 and Year 6: Lent to Holy Week; The Stations of the Cross.

As we prepare for Easter, we will introduce Prayer Liturgies that recount the events of Holy Week. We will listen to the Gospel stories that follow Jesus as He journeys towards His death on the cross and His Resurrection (after the school holidays).

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is an initiative of Caritas Australia. During Lent, we are asked to support this fundraising project by donating money. Each family and classroom has been sent a Project Compassion box for the collection of any money you are able to donate to this cause. Project Compassion in 2021 inspires us to “Be More”. This challenge to ‘Be More’ to our brothers and sisters in need, is at the heart of the Christian message. Jesus, Pope Francis writes, “asks us not to decide who is close enough to be our neighbour, but rather that we ourselves become neighbours to all.” (Caritas Australia)

Each week, at school, we share the stories of people in our world who have benefitted from the care and support provided to them by Caritas, through Project Compassion.

Sacraments - Reconciliation

Next Thursday 11th March, eight of our Year 4 students will be making their first Reconciliation. The word “reconciliation” means “to call (someone) back again”. When we come to celebrate the Rite of Reconciliation, we go through a process of reflecting on our lives, we take responsibility for our own choices that result in wrong doing, we express our sorrow and we ask for forgiveness. We also promise to make an effort to avoid making the same poor choice again. We pray for Kiran, Rose Mary, Noah, Marley, Ella, Eilidh, Aaron and Samantha as they continue their sacramental journey at St Martin’s. They are learning to pray the Act of Contrition as they ask for forgiveness from God and make peace with others.

Oh my God,

I am very sorry

that I have sinned against you

because you are so good,

and with your help

I will try not to sin again. 

Amen

St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He is also recognised as an important saint in Australia and in other countries around the world. His feast day is celebrated on March 17th in almost every country of the world, as people celebrate their "Irish-ness" or links with Ireland through family and friends. To celebrate Saint Patrick's Day is to commemorate his life and works and to give thanks to God for the gift of this great saint. According to a legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock to try to explain how there can be three persons in one God, because there are three leaves in one stem on the shamrock.

An Irish Blessing 

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand

Margaret Cronin

Religious Education Leader

Social Justice / Environmental Student Leaders News

Our Social Justice / Environmental Student Leaders have distributed Project Compassion boxes to all the classrooms and families in our school community. We ask that you put any loose change in the box for this worthwhile cause. At the end of them, we are organising a fund-raiser (gold coin donation) to add to our collection of money for Caritas Project Compassion. More details coming soon!

Last Friday, we surveyed the school playground with Ranger Andrew, from Hobson’s Bay Council, to ascertain suitable areas to plant the 50 trees and shrubs we were allocated through the “1000 Trees for Hobson’s Bay Project”. When our selection of trees is delivered, we will be planting them in the back corner of the playground and in the garden beds around the hall.

This year, we will be introducing some waste reduction and recycling practices, our first one will be the setting up of worm farms and a compost bin. 

Social Justice / Environmental Student Leaders

Bella, Isla, Chagai and Dale