Catholic Identity and Mission
Welcome Back
It has been wonderful to see the yard full of children once again. The children's smiling faces and friendly games in the yard point to thel schools foundationa 'pillars' that value relationships and live the gospel message of love and acceptance.
If you havent been into the yard this term please make a point of coming in and seeing how wonderful the grounds are looking. The courtyard is alive with plants welcoming spring, creating a green backdrop to everything we see in the school.
HATS
We have almost 100 percent of children wearing hats at the moment. Hats are compulsory in the yard in Term 4 so please help your child pack their back with the hat included. Children without hats need to remain in the shade at break times.
YEAR 2 and YEAR 5 Class Mass
On Thursday 27th November, Year 2 students will walk to Good Shepherd Church to celebrate Mass with the parishioners. The children will walk to the church with myself and their teachers. Parents are most welcome to attend Mass with the children. Mass will begin at 10 am and go for approximately 40 minutes. There will be morning tea after the Mass for the children.
Year 5 children will attend Mass on Thursday 3rd November. Year 5 parents are welcome to attend Mass at Good Shepherd Church on the 3rd if you are available
ALL SAINTS DAY
Tuesday November 1st is the Feast of All Saints Day. A day we remeber the Saints and the example they have set in following the will of Jesus in their life's work. The Apostle's Creed which is a statement of faith in the Catholic Church proclaims:
"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
On November 1st we take time to remember the Saints and what they have done to help us come closer to Jesus. I invite everyone to pray to St Gabriel, our school's patron Saint and the Saints of your own confirmation.
Prayer for All Saints Day
We give you thanks, O God, for all the saints who ever worshiped you
Whether in brush arbors or cathedrals,
Weathered wooden churches or crumbling cement meeting houses
Where your name was lifted and adored.
We give you thanks, O God, for hands lifted in praise:
Manicured hands and hands stained with grease or soil,
Strong hands and those gnarled with age
Holy hands
Used as wave offerings across the land.
We thank you, God, for hardworking saints;
Whether hard-hatted or steel-booted,
Head ragged or aproned,
Blue-collared or three-piece-suited
They left their mark on the earth for you, for us, for our children to come.
Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us.
Bless the memories of your saints, God.
May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love.
Bernie Meixner APRIM