FAITH MATTERS

What a fantastic week of celebrations last week for JJAMM Week. This week has become one of the highlights on the school calendar each year.

The week started with a Staff V Student Basketball game in the JC, in what was a great contest! The staff came out on top, with Mrs Clark being nominated Best on Court! Tuesday was the day everyone was looking forward to - it was pJJAMMa day with Hot Jam Donuts at recess. Wow, what a huge line for the donuts! Around 500 donuts were sold to very hungry students! On Wednesday, plenty of students went into the LRC to make JJAMM Week badges. Everyone involved had a great time and many different badges were being worn by students afterwards. We celebrated our Feast Day Mass during Lesson 1 on Thursday. It was a lovely celebration of our founder, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Students were very reverent and respectful during the Mass. To finish off the week we had a casual dress on Friday with our annual Walkathon after lunch. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny afternoon, making walking (and running) conditions perfect. 

My sincere thanks to everyone who helped me and the Faith and Mission leaders, in the lead-up and during JJAMM Week. It takes a huge effort from a lot of people for this week to come together. Thanks to the RE staff for colouring and decorating the Mary and Julian silhouettes in their classes. These looked wonderful as they were displayed around Penola Square!

Our staff joined together yesterday for a Formation Day. We were blessed to have Sr Rita Malvisi lead us. The theme was “Living Jesus’ Mission in the World Today”, focussing on St Mary MacKillop. We heard stories, played games and spent time reflecting on the work of St Mary and what we can do to also live out Jesus’ mission in our lives. The session after lunch focussed on one section from the “Humble Beginnings” program, which has been developed to provide a deeper insight into the values and charism of Mary MacKillop, Julian Tenison Woods and the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The section we focussed on was “Intentional Inclusivity”, also our school theme this year. My sincere thanks to Sr Rita for coming to us, here in Swan Hill, to lead us on this day. I know she enjoys to come to Swan Hill as she still has connections here from when she taught here.

And in the spirit of Fr Julian Tenison Woods, a man who found God in creation, I congratulate Mr Rob Waterson and the Environment Committee for participating in tree planting for Schools Tree Day.  Fr Julian sensed the sacred in everything. He was often awestruck by the world around him. “I see God in the glorious sunset and sunrise” (1870)

All-powerful God,

you are present in the universe

and in the smallest of your creatures.

You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.

Pour out upon us the power of your love,

that we may protect life and beauty.

Fill us with your peace, that we may live

as brothers and sisters, harming no one.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission