Religious Dimension

Welcome to Week 7

The Great Commission - Matthew 20:16-20

This contemporary art work by He Qi is a beautiful interpretation of the Great Commission.  Soon after Pentecost, Jesus tells his disciples to carry on his work and spread the Good News.  We see Jesus in this painting pointing ahead as a reminder to those who knew him to go forth.  The dove is also moving amongst the people to show that they are not alone. Filled with the Holy Spirit the energy is high for Jesus' believers who all want to carry on with Jesus' mission. They continue to show God's grace, love, forgiveness, healing of all and spreading hope just as He did.

• I wonder if we see ourselves as continuing the works of Jesus?
• Do we feel the Holy Spirit within us working towards helping others?
• Are we always energised or do we have times when we feel somber?
• Where or who do we go to in order to help us renew and go forth?
• How does prayer help us to prepare for the work of Jesus in our families and communities?

Feast of the Sacred Heart 

Feast of the Sacred Heart - Friday, 7 June

Beginning this week our Social Justice Leaders will be preparing baskets for our classrooms so that all families can contribute non perishable food to support the vulnerable people in our communities.  St John's works closely with Ross Hancock and St Vincent de Paul Society at St John's Parish, so that there are plenty of supplies for this Winter.  

Non perishable food items and blankets are readily accepted as donations, so that they may be given to families in needs.  If you have any of the following items, please send them to school so that we are able to work together as a Parish Community to support those in need.  

The list below covers our core non-perishable food range. Any donation of food of this type would help us immensely.

Tinned food, typically around 400gm size is best:

• Tomatoes
• Fruit
• Baked beans
• Soup
• Lentils
• Vegetables 
• Pasta sauce
• Pasta
• Instant coffee
• Rice (1kg)
• Long life milk (1 Ltr)
• Biscuits
• Breakfast cereal

Reconciliation Week 2024

Today was such a beautiful was to start the week with our social justice leaders and fire carriers as we went to Aquinas College to participate in the Long Walk which Michael Long started several years ago.  Our students listened to some wise words about the importance of this event. There were several guest speakers including Nova Peris who was the first Indigenous Australian to win an Olympic Gold medal for the Hockeyroos.  Here are some of our students' personal reflections and some photos too.

On 27 May, we went to Aquinas College to represent our school St John's. I learnt that Reconciliation can take longer than a day or week. It is an ongoing commitment.  Michael Long showed this by walking from Melbourne to Canberra several times to honour their rights and land. By going on the long walk we are recognizing the effort they put into this and have helped create awareness. Written by Allegra (Year 5/6A)

After the long walk at Aquinas today,  l learned more about the true meaning of Reconciliation week. It is important to take a stand in this ongoing fight for equality and justice and to come together as a community and lay a stronger foundation of understanding.  The fact that discrimination is still going on is not right and our Aboriginal ancestors may look different, but although we all look different we all have right to be respected. The future is up to our generation we can’t change the past, but we all have the decision to do what is right now.  Written by Alona ( Year 5/6C)

After the long walk today I have a better understanding of the importance of recognising the people who were hurt in the past. I have learnt how important the Aboriginal people are and that we must respect and treat them how we want to be treated.  Future generations may become the solution to their healing. 

Written by Sheridan (Year 5/6A)

I have learnt to respect and care for the Aboriginal people and now know that they are one of us. God made all of us to care for each other and they are human just like us. I was overwhelmed by how many schools were there and how many people were supporting this cause. I learnt that the Aboriginal people have cared for the land before us and we need to repay them for there help.  Written by Jackson (Year 5/6C)

When we went to Aquinas, we learnt to understand more about the courageous Aboriginal leaders such as Vincent Longari, Eddie Mabo and Michael Long.  At different times in Australia’s history, they showed immense courage and stood up to claim their land back while others may have hidden in the shadows. These courageous leaders represent the voice of many and we should continue to strive and inspire the voice of others. As a social justice leader at St. John’s Mitcham, I was inspired to make change and stand up for others just like the brave Aboriginal people who have a rich connection to our land.     Written by Valerie (Year 5/6A)

Important Dates This Term

Everyone is welcome to join us at the community mass each Tuesday at 10am when our classes will also be celebrating and particpating.

TERM 2 CLASS MASSES - Tuesday at 10am at St John's Church

Confirmation dates

Student Learning in Religious Education

Here is a sample of R.E. work that was completed about Pentecost in Year 1/2.

They are learning to reflect on the story of Pentecost and recall the key events. 

They can recall and sequence the story of Pentecost. 

Melinda Buscema 

(Deputy/REL)

mbuscema@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au