Dear Parents and Friends of St Therese's,

We are quickly approaching the end of Term Three. In these last two weeks, we have a lot to do and to celebrate! Read on to hear what has been accomplished and what we can look forward to.

First Eucharist

Last weekend, Lucas, Brooke, Regina, Declan, Chelsea and William celebrated their First Holy Communion at St Agatha's Church.

The word 'communion' means to be united with; Catholics believe that in Holy Communion we are united in a special way with Jesus Christ. At his last supper, Jesus said of the bread that he shared among his followers, "Take and eat, this is my body." When we receive Holy Communion, Catholics believe that in a mysterious way we are sharing in the body and blood of Christ.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff who came along to support the children last weekend; Colleen, Rosina, Sharon and Trish.

Let us keep all the children who are celebrating their First Communion next week in our prayers.

Youth Wadaiko Concert

Our Taiko drummers and Japanese dancers wowed the crowds that gathered at Christine Strachan Theatre, South Oakleigh College last Sunday. They looked amazing in their happy coats and their smiles made our hearts fill with joy.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is with much pride that I congratulate each and everyone of your children. Your children, Wadaiko Tenshi, were the opening act of the Youth Wadaiko Concert 2019 (the first ever concert in Australia) and they did not fail to impress the Master drummer Toshi Sakamoto and other Taiko performers. I was standing backstage and I heard the audience reactions to your talented children. They had the audience captivated with their collaboration with the children of St Agatha's School. They were in awe of Wadaiko Tenshi. Your children were able to delight and captivate everyone with their confidence and performance. The dancers of Nanchu Soran Bushi also were amazing. Thank you all for making this wonderful experience happen for them. The comedy skit was dedicated to Mr Sanchez who thought of it! Thank you Mr Sanchez, Mrs Hogan Mrs Osthmuller and Mrs May, I could not have done this without your help. The finale was nothing short of incredible. We had 1 hour to practice with 100 children. The theatre was so alive with the drummers and children playing hand held drums on the stairs beside the audience, it just was amazing! I am blessed to have such dedicated children who want to learn more Taiko. None of this would be possible without the support of our staff and Mrs Bruitzman. God bless our Wadaiko Angels! You made us all proud of ALL of you.

With much Love,

Andrews Sensei and my family (Mum, son and husband....who have seen you grow into amazing performers)

Swimming Program

Yesterday, the Year 3-6s began their swimming program. This program is an excellent opportunity to develop and refine swimming skills. Most importantly, it provides our children with access to learn about water safety. Here are some happy snaps of some of our children enjoying the program!

Please remember, any parents/carers who wish to come along and help at any excursion, including swimming that you have a current Working With Children Card and have signed our Child Safety Code of Conduct prior. Thank you for assisting in keeping our children safe!

Crazy Hair Day

One of our Year Two students, Ella in 2B, has initiated an event to raise money for our soon to be created Japanese prayer garden. The garden is currently in the design stages and I'm happy to report that we have joined forces with the VCAL students from St Peter's College who will do the landscaping. Obviously, a lot of money is needed for this to happen and Ella has had the brilliant idea of holding a Crazy Hair Day to raise some money for the garden.

The Crazy Hair Day will be on Friday 11th October. If your child would like to take part in a Crazy Hair Day they are required to donate a gold coin. Ella has been in charge of organising posters to be made to hang around the school to advertise the event. Well done Ella! We love your initiative and budding leadership!

Lids for Kids

'Lids for Kids is an initiative to help disabled children. Lachlan D in 3C, heard about this great idea and would like St Therese's to get on board. Lachlan and his group of friends spoke at this week's Assembly about how we can be involved. Each classroom will be given 3 jars, 1 for each house colour. Classes are then invited to collect plastic lids from juice or milk bottles. House points are awarded for the most lids collected. The lids are then donated to be turned into prosthetic limbs for children who need them.

Great idea Lachlan and thanks for your ambitious leadership to help others! We look forward to seeing how many lids can be collected.

Diocesan Assembly

On 13-14 September 2019, the Catholic Diocese of Sale is holding its Diocesan Assembly, the first for over 15 years. The Assembly will be convened in the spirit of the preparation for the Plenary Council 2020 in which we have already been engaged for the past eighteen months. Bishop Pat and the Diocesan Gaudium et Spes Plenary 2020 Committee have been aware that, through the feedback from hundreds of listening and Dialogue conversations held in parishes, schools and regional gatherings, there is much that can be done in our Diocese right now.

The five main themes to be discussed are;

Faith Formation & Spirituality (living out the joy of the Gospel)
Leadership & Governance (providing leadership and structures that promote evangelisation)
Families and Vocation (raising disciples in our families - so that they can go out into the world)
Liturgy and Prayer (nourishing our communities)
The Welcoming Community (a community on mission, not maintenance)

There may still be places available. If you are interested contact the St Agatha's parish for more information and for details on how to purchase your ticket.

God of the journey,
we are drawn by your Spirit to look beyond the immediate horizon,
to be led to places where you wish to take us.
Like Abraham, our father in faith, we’re invited to place our trust
in you knowing that we will not be abandoned.
Like the disciples who travelled up the mountain with Jesus,
we gain glimpses of the glorious life to which you beckon us.
Help us to trust in you,
Lord as we journey together in your way of truth, light and hope.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN

Have a lovely week.

God Bless.

Michelle Bruitzman

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