God of the prophets you gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage.

In her we see one who was not afraid to speak fearlessly your gospel of love.

Help us to recognise, as she did, that the poor of our time will hear the gospel in the way we serve them.

Be with us as we strive to follow her and carry out our mission of service and care.

Amen

This week we celebrate Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint.

“Never see a need without doing something about it.”– St Mary MacKillop

When Mary saw families living on the margins without access to education, she set out right away to open a school in an old stable and teach children herself — regardless of their gender, race, faith, or wealth.

Mary’s faith and determination inspired the hearts of those around her with many other young women joining her ministry as Sisters of St Joseph. She and her Sisters went wherever the need was greatest. They gave up everything to live amongst the people they served and teach with love and compassion.

Mary knew the power of education to lift communities out of poverty.

Liturgy

This Thursday we celebrate Mary MacKillop at 10.30 am with our liturgy in the hall.

We invite all in our community to join us.

Filtered Water

We are grateful to the Cassey and Jerry O'Callaghan for organising Zazen Alkaline Water to supply filtered water units to all of our classrooms through the Water Ambassador School Program.

The unit filters out harmful water contaminants and replaces minerals that our bodies need.

The children are able to access filtered water for their drink bottles.

If you would like to know more about the units please view the website www.zazen.com.au or pop in and see the units at Wangaratta Wholefoods.

Staffing

Jacob Reidy from grade one and two is heading over to Galen to take up a teaching position in the PE domain. We wish Jacob well at Galen.

We are in the final stages of securing a teacher to replace Jacob.

Exciting events in August for our school community.

St. Bernard's Feast day is on August 20th. We will celebrate mass at 9.30 am, everyone is welcome to attend.

In addition to our liturgy and activities the P&F will be holding a special lunch for the children with a Sausage Sizzle and Juice Box

Our book week parade is on August 22nd the parade will start at 9.10 am under the basketball cover. The theme this year is

This is a great day for everyone, the children love to dress up and celebrate all things books and magic.

Keep the dress ups simple and come along and enjoy the celebrations.

Father's Day Stall 29th August in library.

Father's day Liturgy Friday 30th August at 9.00 am in the hall.

Arrive from 8.30 am to enjoy a coffee and biscuit for sale from the coffee van with your child prior to Liturgy, then stay for a short liturgy with your child.

Athletics Carnival

Our St. Bernard's Athletics Day Carnival will be held at the Appin Street Athletics centre on Wednesday 4th September. Families are all welcome to cheer their children and sports team on.

On the last day of term Friday 20th we will be holding a Footy Colours Day

- a special lunch will be available on the day with a Hot Dog Day and Juice Box.

Everyone is invited to wear their favourite footy colours on the day.

A schedule for the day will come out closer to the event.

Have a great week everyone

Patricia Boak

Principal

Winter Beanies