Faith and Mission
From the Mission Team
Mission Day - Jingle Bell Justice
Mission Day is gearing up to be an exciting fundraising event led by our enthusiastic students in the Senior and Junior School. This event promises a delightful blend of community energy and entertainment, all while supporting a worthy cause.
The student-led stalls sit at the heart of the event and will showcase a diverse array of fundraising stalls such as handmade crafts, delicious baked goods, fairy floss, pizza, and games such as sponge throwing, tombola, hair spray, photo booths and much much more! The event also give sour students gaining valuable experience in running a stall and connecting with their community.
Adding a splash of creativity and talent to the festivities, a talent show will showcase skills ranging from musical performances to dance routines, all performed by our Junior and Senior Students.
By participating in this event, attendees not only enjoy a day of fun but also contribute to Mary Ward International Australia's mission of making a positive impact on vulnerable communities. To read about the project we are supporting this year click here: Piriwa Op Shop and Enterprise Hub | Australia - Mary Ward International Australia (mwia.org.au)
A reminder about Money Cards
A reminder that all stalls will be cash free to purchase at stalls and you will need to purchase cards by COB Friday 22nd September. Mission Day Money cards in the value of $5, $10 & $20 are available through Flexischools. Follow the Mission Day link when you log in to purchase. Mission Day Money Cards will be distributed the morning of Mission Day. Cards are non-refundable with all funds going to Mary Ward International Australia.
IBVM/CJ NGO at the United Nations
This week we welcomed Sr Janet Palafox to Marryatville. Sr Janet is the UN NGO Representative for ibvm - Loreto Generalate. The IBVM are present at the United Nations (UN) to promote a more humane, just and sustainable world. Sr Janet spoke to our Junior and Senior students about the importance of the United Nations, advocacy and, being a voice for others with issues that affect young people, especially education, health, and the environment. Look out for Loreto UN coming soon!
To learn more about the ibvm/CJ NGO at the UN Home - Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto (ibvmunngo.org).
The Season of Creation – The Loreto Justice Network
As part of the Loreto Justice Network’s (LJN) celebration of the Season of Creation (Sept 1 – Oct 4), the LJN launched its Laudato Si’ Action Plan. The invitation to create such a plan is one way the Laudato Si’ Action Platform encourages organisations, schools and religious groups to further their journey towards total sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology. The LJN is proud to have launched its Laudato Si’ Action Plan (LS Action Plan) and hopes that it will encourage Loreto communities to continue to reflect on how they answer the call “to live sustainably, discerning what is enough.” (IBVM GC Call 2014; reiterated at IBVM GC 2022).
The LS Action Plan was launched during a webinar with Loreto Sisters. The structure of the event gave the Sisters the opportunity to pray together, to reflect on the LS Action Plan, to learn about what our schools are doing in accordance with the Loreto commitment to ecological justice, and to discuss what we do and what we can do in our daily lives to respond to the cry of the earth. If you are interested to view the webinar (edited to approx. 30mins), it can the accessed here.
Further resources can be accessed through the Loreto Justice Network action centre that can help you to advocate, act and reflect on our response as Mary Ward people to Ecological Justice. Action Centre – Ecological Justice (loreto.org.au).
Our Liturgical Life
A wonderful liturgy celebrating Fathers’ Day was led by our Year 1 classes on Monday, Week 7. Attended by many fathers and family members, the students shared pictures and amusing anecdotes about their wonderful dads. The girls had spent much time in preparation, learning to read their prayers and practising movement to the hymns culminating in a joyful, yet prayerful liturgy. The following week, led by Year 6 Gold, Monday liturgy focused on Child Protection Week with the strong message that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to flourish. We listened to the story: “I Have a right to be Safe” and prayed that every child globally might be given this right.
On Sunday 10th September, Loreto Old Scholars gathered in the chapel for the annual LOSA Mass celebrated by Fr Chris Jenkins. It was elevating to hear members from many different generations standing to sing school hymns “Causae Nostrae Laetitia” and “Queen of Loreto” as well as leading the prayers. Grateful thanks to Margaret Sullivan who every year, helps to coordinate this Mass. Following the Mass, scholars were treated to a wonderful morning tea, and were invited to enjoy the Spring Art Show.
RELAT in the Junior School
Year 4 students sat for the Religious Literacy Assessment tests (ReLat) this week. ReLAT focuses on knowledge content which is core to the Year 3/4 Crossways Religious Education curriculum. Results inform professional learning needs and the continuous improvement of teaching in Religious Education.