Catholic Education Week

During Catholic Education Week, our students have been participating in activties which reflect the theme "Every School a Home of Peace".  This theme is based on John's Scripture  “Peace I leave with you”, says the Lord, “my own Peace I give you.” (John 14:27).

For us simply, these words that we hear spoken so often at Mass mean that Jesus is telling us that he gives us a special kind of peace, like a calm and happy feeling inside our hearts. This peace comes from God and helps us feel safe and loved, even when things are scary or confusing. As Catholics, we receive this peace when we pray, trust God, and go to Mass, especially when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Jesus wants us to remember that we are never alone. His peace stays with us like a quiet hug, helping us be brave, kind, and loving to others every day, no matter what happens around us in our lives, always.

Around the classrooms: Celebrating Catholic Education Week at St Agatha's

Year 4 students have been focusing on Reconciliation and genuine and heartfelt ways to say sorry and reconcile with others and themselves when they have made mistakes. Through song as a form of prayer, they have also been learning about Mary Help of Christians, and how Mary, Patron Saint of Australia is an example of charity and peace. 

Year 2 students explored the Ascension of Jesus through the Scripture passage Acts 1:8–10. Through class discussions, students reflected on what Jesus’ Ascension means and made connections to their own lives and faith. They then responded to the prompt, “I can follow and share the mission of Jesus by…”, sharing thoughtful ways they can live out Jesus’ teachings each day. To conclude the learning experience, students created a visual artwork of Jesus ascending into Heaven.  

Our Level 6 students have been exploring the theme of ‘Every school a home of peace’in a deeply intentional way. Each morning during prayer, students have taken time to reflect on how they can live this theme in their everyday interactions. They identified practical, actionable behaviours that show peace through grace; from offering encouragement, to including others, to choosing patience in challenging moments. These daily reflections have helped students recognise the impact of small, grace-filled actions and how they contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate school community.

Year 5 students took part in a range of meaningful activities celebrating this year’s theme, “Every School a Home of Peace.” Students participated in a Year 5 and Year 1 buddy Mass, where they came together in faith and community. We were also proud to have two Year 5 students commissioned as Fire Carriers - Sienna Williams-Watson and Yonatan Rengha. To celebrate Sister Faustina’s 25th Jubilee, students created thoughtful messages of thanks and appreciation as part of her gift from the school. Throughout the week, students reflected on what peace means to them at school, responding to the prompt “I feel peace at school when…” and created posters that highlighted our school values of courage, faith and love, as well as the importance of kindness and belonging within our school.

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal

In keeping with Mary as our example of charity and compassion and the upcoming Sacred Heart of Jesus Feast Day, our Mini-Vinnies are asking families to again join in collectining long life pantry items to support the tireless work of St Agatha's SVDP Chapter.  There will be collection points in every classroom.  We thankyou in advance for your support of this vital collection.  The collection will start next week.

CARITAS and Project Compassion Update 

Thankyou for your generous finacial support of the work of CARITAS Australia and in particular Project Compassion.  In total we raised $1134.25! An amazing effort, thank you so much.  Our support of CARITAS and Mission work is our Catholic Social Teaching in action. We are called by the principle of solidarity to take the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) to heart, and to express this understanding in how we live and interact with others, not as a matter of charity, but of justice. Solidarity makes it impossible for us to look away from the injustices that our sisters and brothers experience. Monies raised will contribute to remote communities here and overseas to provide basic, life giving resources such as clean drinking water, rejuvination of farming land and education. 

Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday is a Christian feast celebrated 50 days after Easter. It commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and gusts of wind and tongues of fire , filling them with courage and wisdom to preach the Gospel to all nations (Acts 2:1–11). This event marks the birth of the Church and reminds believers of God’s presence and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

A Pentecost Prayer for Families

Come, Holy Spirit,fill our hearts with Your love.

Just as You came to the Apostles, come into our family today.

Help us to be brave, kind, and faithful.

Teach us to love one anotherand to share Your peace with everyone we meet.

Guide our words and actionsso we may follow Jesus each day.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Yours in Faith, 

Bec Kollaris

Acting Religious Education Leader