Faith and Mission
From our WYD Pilgrims
Hi Everyone,
This is Althea and Bryce and we are the pilgrims from St Luke’s going to World Youth Day in Portugal next month. We are so excited for this experience, but above all, extremely grateful for the people who were able to make this happen. A massive thank you to the people who dressed up in mufti, bought Zooper Doopers, purchased doughnuts and attended the school disco. All of you who have donated are what have made this possible, and we could not be more grateful for your contributions.
We’d also like to especially thank Mrs Atkins, Mrs Bauer and all other teachers who helped with these events, especially those who stayed back to chaperone the school disco. All of you have allowed these events to run smoothly and this could not have been possible without you.
In conclusion, we want to express our sincerest gratitude to all the incredible people who made our journey to World Youth Day possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, generosity, and prayers. We are deeply humbled and incredibly blessed to have such a caring and loving community behind us.
With immense excitement and gratitude,
Althea and Bryce
WYD 23 Student Pilgrims
Formation
Year 11 retreat
On Tuesday June 13 year 11 went on Retreat to the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Grose Vale. The theme for retreat was “The movement of the Spirit”. This was an opportunity for students to stop and reflect on where they are at on their HSC journey. As a cohort it was an opportunity for the Year group to build community and through the different activities the warmth of the group shone through.
In reflecting on their HSC journey students were asked to write a letter to their future self. This was an emotional part of the day, where students needed to really think about where they are going and ensuring they have the strategies and skills to get them selves there.
Students were provided with many opportunities to develop strategies to help with well being as they continue through the next 18 months.
The feedback from students was very positive and they are all looking forward to retreat in Year 12.
Social Justice
Vinnies Winter Sleepout
On Friday the 23rd, St. Luke’s will be hosting their very first Vinnies Winter Sleepout for Years 9-12, in an attempt to raise awareness and develop an understanding of homelessness in Australia. We are thankful to our small team of year 12 students who have organised and will facilitate this event!
If you have not already, and would like to make a donation of any winter accessories, we will continue to receive these donations into term 3.
In term 3 we are planning to have a Pyjama Day for K-4 and a Vinnies Winter Awareness activity evening for years 5-8. In this way all students will have some exposure to the real life issue of Homelessness in Australia.
We are attempting to raise money and also provide donations of warm socks, beanies, gloves, mittens, scarves and hand warmers for St Vincent de Paul and those vulnerable people in our community that need help at this time of the year.
To make a donation please use the QKR App and click on fundraisers and you will see Winter Sleepout
As always, thank you for your support and generosity!
Operation Christmas Child - Term 3
Next term we’re hoping to support ‘Samaritan’s Purse’ in their Operation Christmas Child Appeal.
This is a Christmas appeal wherein we buy and pack Christmas presents for underprivileged children overseas.
Please keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks about this wonderful charitable opportunity.
Liturgy
In the last 3 weeks students and teachers had the opportunity to engage and share their learning in Religious Education through the celebration of Stage Liturgies.
In Week 7, Stage 1 celebrated their Liturgy centred around their learning of baptism and belonging to God’s family. Students were able to explore these concepts through the reading of the word of God, as well as, the prayers. Furthermore, students were able to share their understanding of how they belong to the Church family by reflecting upon their own learning.
In week 8, it was the turn for our youngest students to participate and share their learning on what it means to love our neighbour. Students in Kindergarten were able to explore further the meaning of loving one’s neighbour through the Bible passage of the Good Samaritan. Moreover, students share their understanding of the word “DIGNITY” and how their knowledge had changed from the beginning of the learning cycle to now. Students were also able to engage in prayer through hymns and prayer.
Following Kindergarten, in week 8, the School of Leadership came together to reflect on God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit. Students across Stages 3 and 4 had been exploring how the Holy Spirit acts in the Church from different lenses. Students in Stages 3 and 4 were able to lead a solemn and reverent celebration, in which their peers could celebrate and reflect on how the Holy Spirit acts in the life of everyone. Furthermore, students bravely shared the highlights of their learning in Religious Education. Finally, the choir used their gifts and talents to help us live a vivid encounter with God.
Last but not least, in Week 9, Stage 2 participated in their Stage Liturgy. Students reflected on the question: How does Jesus, as man and God, help us live his teachings? The Scripture passage enabled students to find how Jesus acted as God and human in his daily life. Students then were able to share their understanding of how Jesus was both human and God by using Drama and Reflective pieces of work. Finally, students were able to ponder on how Jesus can help them as God through the prayers of Intercession. We must not forget the incredible job that the Stage 2 choir did in leading us through the hymn to create a reverent and respectful liturgy.
YCS @ St Luke's:
YCS Leaders have been working collaboratively to identify areas of improvement at St Luke's. They sent out a survey link to all students from Year 7 to Year 12 to receive their thoughts on the various areas of improvement. Here are the interim results from the survey. 63% of them have recommended benches and tables in the play areas, 51% of students are recommending an academic initiative where support could be rendered using student and teacher tutors, 41% are waiting to enjoy additional vegetarian dishes in the Canteen and another 40% of them are recommending more bubblers around the campus. Our Principal, Mrs Bauer has kindly consented to talk to the YCS Leadership team to enable them to live the motto, 'See-Judge-Act'.