RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PROJECT COMPASSION 2018

Thanks to all students and teachers for your contribution to Project Compassion. We will now send $2000 to help people in Australia and overseas.

Our final story is about Bayan from Syria. “I recall the missile attacks. We used to think we were already dead, with each bomb that was dropped.” Those are words no 12-year old should ever have to say. But those are words that 12-year old Bayan did say. She was recalling the Syrian war, which turned her and her family’s lives upside down.

Before the war, we were safe. We lived a comfortable life,” says Bayan’s mother, Hanan. But then everything changed. Bayan’s family were forced to flee their home town of Damascus. They left on foot, and eventually crossed the border into Jordan. Bayan’s education came to an abrupt halt.

Through no fault of her own, she became a refugee, traumatised by war, timid, fearful and uncertain of what life would bring. Luckily, with the support of compassionate people like you, she was able to receive the vital academic and psychosocial support she needed. Now, every Saturday she attends one of Jordan’s Caritas Schools, which help refugee children catch up, integrate into the Jordanian school system, and continue their education. Bayan is now overcoming the trauma of growing up in a conflict zone, and is flourishing in her safe, secure learning environment. She also has a goal for the future. “I would like to become the best opthamologist, as sight is the most important thing in our lives.”

Tragically, Bayan’s story is not unique. More than half of Syria’s 22 million people have been uprooted during this long conflict, leaving children with deep emotional scars and little hope for the future.

Students have made a difference by donating to Project Compassion. Students have ensured that more children just like Bayan are provided with opportunities for a Just Future. Thank you for being a part of our Project Compassion community.

Mr Philip Opie

Religious Education Learning Area Leader

GOSPEL REFLECTION: FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

John 10:11-18

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

In this Gospel we have an example of Jesus using a common image of a shepherd to make an essential point about love – it requires more than duty. It requires full commitment to the person if we are to be truly in a loving relationship. The ‘hired hand’ does the basics, but when times get tough he/she is not be seen. The ‘good shepherd’ gives that extra commitment to be there when he/she is really needed – when times are difficult and support is needed.

Parents know all about this type of commitment as children grow and as relationships develop. When things are going along smoothly, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed. However, when there are obstacles thrown into the mix it is time for real commitment to show in practical support – emotional, physical, social, etc.

The same goes for schools. St Joseph’s College is committed to standing with staff, students and families through the smooth and tough times. This is our response to the Mercy vocation that we embrace: to live the Gospel; to show genuine love and to be there for families.

We invite all families who may have some issue where we can offer assistance to make contact with us so that we can work with you to find a respectful, supportive solution. This may be financial, educational, social, or a wellbeing issue. We always treat such issues confidentially and promise to work with you, as we genuinely want a partnership. We want the good shepherd relationship not the hired hand type.

Thank you for your support and encouragement of the College as we try to be Good Shepherds to our students and families.

Dr Tony Finn

Deputy Principal - Community