Religious Dimensions

Feast of Saint Mary Mackillop

“We must teach more by example than by word.”

Next Monday, 8th August, we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Students will have the opportunity to learn a bit about Mary Mackillop and her impact on Catholic Education. Classes will participate in prayer services and reflect on what actions they can take to live more like Mary.                        

Ever-generous God,

You inspired St Mary MacKillop

to live her life faithful

to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and constant in bringing hope

and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy.

We ask the Holy Spirit to inspire us to live

like Mary MacKillop, with courage,

trust, and hope.

Amen

Feast of the Assumption

On Monday 15 August we look forward to the annual Feast of the Assumption. 

On this day, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this Feast, Catholics traditionally celebrate Mary going to heaven. The tradition is that 'God took Mary, body and soul, to heaven after her life on earth had come to an end'.

At OLA, Assumption Day will be dedicated to celebratory activities such as a whole school prayer service, learning about our House team namesakes, whole school trivia and Mary activities. An Operoo will be sent to all families in the lead up as well. 

We also use Assumption Day as an opportunity to fundraise for a charity and people in need. This year, all donations will go to Woodburn Primary School near Lismore that experienced disastrous flooding recently. Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools has supported all Catholic primary schools in the Peninsula area to raise money to help rebuild their school. On Friday 19 August our Grade 6 Social Justice Leaders will attend a networking picnic lunch with other schools to share our donations and talk about how we can support Woodburn Primary. 

All OLA students are invited to wear casual clothes on Assumption Day (Monday 15 August) and a touch of their house colour. We ask that students bring along a gold coin donation. 

Grade 1/2 Parent/Child Workshop

On Thursday 4 August our Grade 1/2 students and families were invited to participate in a parent/child workshop. These workshops are a wonderful opportunity for families to learn a bit more about faith and Religious Education at OLA. 

I thank the Junior teachers for their work in preparing the evenings’ activities. By all accounts it was a fantastic session and we are so proud of our students for the reverent way they participated with their teachers, parents/carers and peers. 

First Eucharist Reflection Day

On Monday 1 August our Grade 3 students and some Grade 4 students participated in the First Eucharist Reflection Day. 

We had a great day as a level, learning more about the upcoming Sacrament. We shared stories, participated in craft activities, were guided through a reflective meditation and even baked some bread of our own!

We are looking forward to the Masses to celebrate the First Eucharist on 21 and 28 August.

Caitlan Taig

Religious Education Leader