SPIRITUALITY

Sit down and relax and enjoy this piece of poetic expression by Denise Lovertov.

It’s called “The Thread”. Read it slowly.

“Something is very gently,

invisibly, silently,

pulling at me – a thread

or net of threads

finer than cobweb and as elastic.

Not fear, but a stirring

of wonder makes me

catch my breath when I feel

the tug of it,

when I thought it had loosened itself

and gone.”

Poets have the ability to call us beyond where we are and to expose us to more subtle aspects of life. Probably, we have all had the experience when the busy rush of life falls away and we find ourselves in a pocket of calm and momentarily in touch with our spirituality. Perhaps the poet’s “thread” is the weave of God’s spirit throughout our life.

Are our busy hands every stilled in prayer? Do we ever take notice of the tug from the spirituality element within us? Oscar Romero stated “Life is not about having more but in being more”

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross supports this idea using a different image when she writes. “People are like stained –glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within”.

St Paul reminds us that the cultivation of the Spirit within us has many benefits for us as individuals and as Christian people influencing our community. “But the spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control: --Galatians 5:22.

From Leon Burke writings

As the busyness of pre-Christmas descends on us all it is timely to take some time for self and to check on our well-being and spirituality. We are always very aware of our physical condition but we should also take care of our mental health and wellbeing.

MISS SIMMONS WEDDING

This coming weekend, Saturday November 26th, Miss Bianca Simmons will marry her fiancé Peter Brook. Bianca’s wedding will be in Cullulleraine 45 mins west of Mildura where she spent her childhood and teenage years. Staff are looking forward to celebrating with Bianca and Peter.

This week Bianca is on leave and she will return on Wednesday November 30th as Mrs Brook. Congratulations Bianca and Peter for a life time of love and laughter.

Ms Smith, Ms Marshall, Mrs Barlow and Mrs Fraser will be teaching 5/6 in Miss Simmons absence.

ST MARY’S FETE

Our parents and friends must be congratulated on the fabulous fete that they organised. The hard-working group spent many hours planning activities, seeking donations for the spinning wheel prizes, setting up and packing away.

All ages were catered for and the BBQ meal was delicious. Thanks to Bill and Nathan for cooking the meat and washing up. We were so lucky with the weather as the rain clouds seemed to roll around us.

Thank you to our wonderful families and community friends for their support on the evening. The final figure is still to be determined.

ZOO EXCURSION

Our Melbourne Botanical Zoo Excursion last Monday was enjoyed by all students. Unfortunately, the forecasted ‘cloudy, breezy with light showers’ turned into a heavy downpour and our students and teachers had to scramble to find cover. The decision was then made and communicated to families that the bus would be leaving early due to the rain. This meant that our students missed out on seeing some of the animal compounds.

The Zoo is always a great family outing so maybe over the Christmas break you can visit the Zoo as a family. Thank you to Mrs Donoghue and Mrs Parry for their organisation of this excursion.

GRADE 3/4 CAMP TO NILLAHCOOTIE

We are excited that our 3/4 camp to Nillahcootie has been rescheduled to Monday December 12th until Wednesday December 14th. Mrs Angela Brockett, Mrs Kerry Morse and Laura Martin will attend the camp.

A new permission form has been uploaded to PAM due to the change of dates.

TRANSITION DATES FOR OUR 2023 FOUNDATON STUDENTS:

Our 2023 foundation students have enjoyed their transition days at St Mary’s. They have 2 sessions left including the statewide transition day.

Friday November 25 - 8:50 – 11.30am

Tuesday December 13 – State-wide Transition -8.50 – 1.35pm

Mrs Fraser, Mrs Parry or Mrs Jamieson will take these sessions.

NAMING OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS:

In line with Catholic Education Sandhurst policy and procedure and following discussion at School Advisory Council, our school buildings will be named in honour of our foundation sisters who taught in our schools from 1954 until 1997.

The newly refurbished north side building will be named “The MacKillop Learning Centre” and the south side building will be named ‘The Josephite Building’. We will be having an opening of the refurbished building in the new year.

SCHOOL FEES:

As it is nearing the end of the school year, I would encourage those who pay in instalments to ensure that you are still making regular payments in order to clear your 2022 School fees by November/early December. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL FLOOD APPEAL

St Vincent de Paul Society has now established a Victorian Flood Appeal. Schools are encouraged to make contributions by:

Calling 13 18 12
Visit https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-vic/vinnies-vic-flood-appeal-2022
Make a monetary donation through anyone of our Vinnies Shops at point of purchase
Via you local IGA where the purchase of a token supports the recovery of Victorians devastated by these recent floods

KEY DATES:

Sat Nov 26th – Miss Simmon’s wedding

Fri Dec 2nd – Pupil Free day -2023 Planning day

Mon Dec 5th - Students choose their KK

Thur Dec 8th - Swimming Carnival

Fri Dec 9th - End of the Year and Graduation Mass & BBQ

Mon to Wed Dec 12 – 14 – Grade 3/4 School camp

Tues Dec 13 - Statewide Transition day

Wed Dec 14 – Reports released

Thur Dec 15 – Students last day

PRAYERS:

We pray for all those who are impacted by the floods in our region. Many people in our neighbouring towns have been displaced and are in need of support.

We also continue to pray for the lonely, sick and suffering.

Have a good fortnight

Catherine Fraser

Community News