Catholic Identity 

Catholic Education Week  

Last week as we celebrated and gave thanks for our wonderful education and school, we sought to bring peace to those beyond our door. Each Year level contributed to this collective initiative either donating toys, clothes or books; writing a message of kindness on a rock; writing a letter to an aged care resident; or by using their time to reach out and support others. Each gesture was from the heart and provided an opportunity for each learner to give of themselves. To give for no reward. To give to make the life of someone else's better. 

The generosity was overwhelming. 

This epitomises what Catholic Education promotes and lives each day. Living out the Gospel values is also what Our Lady of Good Counsel asks of us. A practical way to live out our Graduate Outcomes and our motto: In Faith, Trust and Love. 

All donations have now been provided to Opportunity Shops. 

Thank you for your generosity and outreach. 

Laudato Si Week 

‘Laudato Si’ Week is an annual, week-long global celebration in May where we honor the anniversary of Pope Francis’s 2015 letter about protecting the environment, titled Laudato Si’ (which means "Praise Be to You" or "On Care for Our Common Home").  

It is a call to action to address the "cry of the earth and the cry of the poor" by taking practical steps to care for the planet. 

Next week at school, each Year level has committed to an action to care for our earth bringing this year's theme to life: ‘From Hope to Action.’ 

The Year 6 Caritas Just Leadership Team have made posters for each Year level to display in their shared space as a reminder of their commitment this coming week. 

What commitment are you able to make at home and in your life? 

Pentecost 

Pentecost is a joyful day celebrated 50 days after Easter, often called the "birthday of the church". It celebrates the day the Holy Spirit came to Jesus's followers as a rushing wind and tongues of fire, giving them courage and the ability to speak different languages to spread God's message. 

It is this message that each of us is asked to spread in our homes, school, community and world today. 

The Feast of Pentecost is celebrated on Sunday 24th May.  

St Mary’s Choir have been invited by Father Novie to sing at the 9.30am Mass on this day which is certainly an honour. We hope many of our learners and their families are able to join us. 

Loving God,  

You sent the Holy Spirit to your disciples, 

 filling them with joy, peace, and courage.  

May we also be filled with your Spirit  

and have the courage to share your peace in our world.  

Amen. 

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is celebrated throughout the week of  27th May – 3rd June and is an important week encouraging our commitment to reconciliation. 

This year the theme ‘All in’ reminds us that we each have an important part to play.  

National Sorry Day is celebrated on Tuesday of this week, when a whole school liturgy will be held in the Brigidine Centre at 2.30pm. 

Some of our F.I.R.E. Carriers will also represent our school at the Diocesan Mass in Shepparton celebrating National Reconciliation Week. St Mary’s Primary school has contributed a symbolic piece representing what ‘All In’ means to our school community and reconciliation journey. This piece will be displayed during the Mass along with other Diocesan schools. Our piece reflects what peace means to each of us, depicted through a tapestry of calico squares representing every learner here and what ‘peace’ means to them. Peace is a true reflection of what reconciliation means. Every square sewn together represents that we are ‘All in’! 

Mary Magdalene’s diary entries 

This week Year 6 learners have been reading the Bible story of Mary Magdalene’s visit to the tomb. They explored the feelings experienced by the characters, particularly Mary Magdalene, and discussed what it means to be a witness. Through these discussions, learners reflected on themes of faith, hope, courage, and sharing important experiences with others. 

Learners wrote a diary entry through the eyes of Mary Magdalene:  

Today on Easter Sunday, I thank God. Yes, me, Mary Magdalene. I thank you today because I went to the tomb of Jesus. When I went there, I saw the tomb open. I leant over to see where Jesus was. The place where Jesus was laid . . . He wasn't there.  

Except the white angels. One at the top and one at the bottom. 

One said to me, "Dear, why are you crying?" 

I thought it was a gardener. 

So I said, "I hope you didn't take my friend!" 

But the white angel was Jesus. I didn't know that it was him until he said, "Mary Magdalene, why are you so thankful for Jesus and God?" 

Then I realised it was Jesus. 

Then I said, "Oh my Lord! Thank you!" 

Then I went back and told all my friends and that's why I was so thankful. 

                                  ~ Paddy 

Dear Diary, 

I just witnessed the most shocking and exciting moment ever! I was going to go see Jesus in the tomb but he wasn't there! I broke down in tears. I couldn't see straight. Grief took over me, then I saw two angels dressed in white saying, "Jesus isn't dead! Christ has risen!" 

Then I saw the gardener, tears still streaming down my face. 

"Do you know where Jesus is? If so, I will go get him." 

He responded, "Mary!! He has risen!" 

Then I went to the disciples and told them the good news.  

Thank God for the miracle of the resurrection. 

                         ~ Georgie  

Dear Diary, 

Today I had gone to pray with Jesus . I was crying next to Jesus' tomb without realising it had been pushed to the side, so I looked in to find it EMPTY! I asked the gardener if he'd seen him. He said my name: "Mary!" My jaw fell onto the floor. I couldn't believe it: it was him. Jesus has risen! 

But he said to me, "Do not hold onto me!"  

I felt a mix of many feelings all at the same time. He had risen. I got to see his beautiful alive face once again. 

Thank you God for his resurrection. 

                      ~ Harper 

Dear Diary, 

Today something amazing happened. I went to go and check on Jesus' tomb but I discovered that the stone had been moved. I was so confused. So I looked inside and Jesus' body wasn't in there. I broke down in tears and held my hands to my face. I couldn't have imagined what could have happened to him. Then suddenly, two angels showed up and said, 

"Woman, why are you crying?" 

I just said that they took my Lord away. I turned around slowly and saw another man and he also said, "Woman, why are you crying?" 

At first I couldn't recognise him and I just thought he was a gardener because my eyes were filled with tears. Then he said, "Mary!" 

Once I realised that he was Jesus I was instantly happy.  

Thanks for making today a special day. 

                      ~ Ivy 

ECSI Survey     

Thank you for completing the ECSI Survey which will provide a snapshot highlighting our strengths and areas to continue fo grow and build. 

The successful winners which were drawn from all names received are congratulated: 

• Terri Biddle: $100 meal voucher from The Shamrock Hotel 

• Madeline Gilby: Homemade beef lasagna and Sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce 

   

Enjoy your voucher/Homemade meal! 

Mass and Liturgy Timetable 

Colleen Hampson 

Catholic Identity Leader