Education in Faith

Grade 4 First Eucharist 

What beautiful celebrations we had at Mass on Sunday for our Grade 4 students who made the Sacrament of First Eucharist. We appreciate so much all the conversations and preparations that took place at home, and hope you all enjoyed your special celebrations of this event. 

A big thank you to our Middle team (Eliza, Ellie, Gen, Nicole and Fi), as well as Colleen (leader of the Parish Catechist program) for all your work to help your students learn more about this Sacrament of Initiation and prepare to come to the Lord's table for the first time. 

First Eucharist Reflection Day

On Monday 16 June our Grade 4 students participated in a First Eucharist Reflection Day. Throughout this day, children engaged in activities to pray, reflect, meditate, explore and discuss what it is to receive the Eucharist. One of our activities was this gorgeous collaborative art piece that hung proudly on the lectern during the Eucharist Masses.

Grade 1ES Class Prayer Service

Thank you to Grade 1ES for rounding up our Junior Class Prayer Services this term. Yet another example of prayer, reverence and family partnerships as we gathered together to give thanks to God for our wonderful world. 

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal

Who is experiencing homelessness?

Homelessness in Australia has grown significantly. In 2021 122,949 people were recorded as homeless. Nearly a quarter of all people experiencing homelessness are from 12-24 years of age. People over the age of 55 represented 1 in 7 of people experiencing homelessness. 56% of the homeless population are males, 44% are females, 25% are First Nations and 30% were born overseas. 

What leads to homelessness?

One of the reasons of homelessness is because rental housing is becoming more expensive.

Some people with health challenges also don’t have access to appropriate care.

For young people homelessness is not a choice, it often happens because of changes in family life or loss. 

What are the impacts of homelessness?

For some families homelessness is a hard time that many families struggle if they are going through it. It can disrupt education, lives and things you enjoy. Studies show that people who experience homelessness die 22 to 33 years before the person with the average household. There is a 63% increase in preventable deaths for people experiencing homelessness. Some households are food insecure so they are skipping meals. They sometimes don’t eat for 2 days so they can keep a roof over their head. Families reduce buying meat and dairy products and cleaning products and toiletries.

How can we help at OLA?

We can help at OLA by donating food to the people who need help. We must be grateful for what we have, because the homeless don’t have a lot of resources to help them. We want to make the human society more helpful to people in need. Things you can donate:

• Pasta
• Rice 
• Canned food or other non-perishable food
• Gloves
• Jumpers
• Blankets
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Deodorant

Please bring any donations to your classrooms by the end of term. 

Ollie W, Alex F, Xavier M and Oscar J

OLA Mini Vinnie Leaders

Caitlan Taig

Religious Education Leader