Faith & Wellbeing

 

STEM & Sustainability

WELLBEING

Last week I had the huge pleasure of going on camp with the students and staff of the 3/4 Collaborative Community. Not only was this the first camp for many of our students to go on but it was also the first time away from their families for some time. There were many heightened emotions as the students and their families said goodbye to each other last Monday morning. Some were excited to go to camp, some apprehensive and nervous. However, the group pulled together and spent 3 fabulous days together. 

I cannot tell you how good it was to see our students, your children happy, laughing and engaging in so many different activities. Bike riding, ropes course, mini golf, basketball, bush walking, tug of war, archery and rock climbing. Although the activities were fantastic, the thing that really stood out the most was the playing that everyone was involved in. I never ever thought it would give me so much joy just to see children interacting and playing with each other. 

Proud is an understatement. The resilience that was shown on camp was uplifting. I guess that is the thing about camp- it challenges you in ways that you never thought you would be. Yet you manage with the help of those around you to do it. So well done to all our campers and the staff who made it possible. What a privilege to be able to take away such a fabulous collaborative community!

I guess one of the other reasons it was great to be on camp was because our students had the chance to separate themselves from their lockdown experiences. During lockdown and now coming out of lockdown negative patterns and loops of worry have started to creep into our lives. Especially around relationships that may have changed, or school work that may have been missed. I think at this time it is important to recognise our worries and do something about it. Teaching our children how to turn their worry into a wonder is a skill that helps them not only through this time in their lives but many challenges they may face into their future.  

Mrs Georgia McNamara

Student Wellbeing Leader

gmcnamara@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 

Advent - Sunday 28th November - 24th of December

In the Catholic Church, Advent is a period of preparation extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio, "to come to," and refers to the coming of Christ. And the term the coming includes three references: first of all, to our celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas; second, to the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion; and finally, to his second coming at the end of time.

Over the coming weeks students will explore the concept of Advent in their classrooms by participating in prayer and activities to develop their understanding of the tradition, through exploring symbols and scripture of this beautiful period.

Christmas Hampers

Tomorrow we begin collecting items for our end of year Christmas Hampers. St Vincent De Paul is always blown away by the generosity that St James shows for those in need within our community. 

We will hand over all the donations on Thursday 9th of December during our end of Year Paraliturgy.

Sacraments 

Congratulations to all the Year 6 students in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. We thank all the staff and parents for their ongoing support in the faith development of these young adults and wish them all the best in the years to come. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit shine within them and around them.

Important Dates

Nov 9th - End of Year Liturgy @ 9:15am

Dec 14th - Year 6 Graduation and Mass

For Parish Newsletters, please refer to the new Parish Website

https://www.baysidecatholicmission.org/ 

Emma Herbert

RE Leader / STEM & Sustainability Leader

eherbert@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au