Religious Education and Social Justice

 Project Compassion 

We have now reached the half way point in the season of Lent. This week we reflect on Shaniella's story. 

Shaniella's story

Solomon Islands

Shaniella from the Solomon Islands was determined to forge a path out of poverty, moving away to a rural vocational school. With your support, she was able to overcome the challenges of natural disasters, and gain the skills she needs to create a brighter future for herself.

Shaniella grew up in a remote village in the Solomon Islands in a province which has limited educational and job opportunities – and one of the country’s highest poverty rates. 

After leaving school, she decided to move closer to the capital city, Honiara, to study hospitality and tourism. 

However, her vocational training school was hit by a landslide and cyclone in quick succession, destroying its water supply system and the vegetable garden that it relies on for food. The landslide destroyed the school’s main source of water, damaged school buildings and devastated the garden which the school relies on for food. 

Caritas Australia Solomon Islands (CASI) was able to help the school to install eight water tanks. This restored students’ access to clean drinking water and the tanks also supply water to nearby schools, health centres and the wider community.

CASI also supported the school by providing it with improved planting materials, 200 chickens, and training in agricultural skills and poultry management, to help it to boost its food security. 

You can watch Shaniella tell her story below:

Holy Week Celebrations: The Passion Story

Next Wednesday 6th April we will celebrate Holy Week. Our Year 5/6 students will act out the significant events of Holy Week at various locations around the school. Each class will visit each scene to complete the story. 

Families are welcome to join their child however we ask that a prayerful silence is observed during the liturgy. If you wish to follow the Holy Week story with your child’s class the approximate commencement times are:

11:45:                        Year Prep L

11:50:                        Year Prep N

11:55:                        Year 1/2B

12:00:                        Year 1/2C

12:05:                        Year 1/2K

12:10:                        Year 3/4K

12:15:                        Year 3/4R

12:20:                        Year 3/4S

The first scene, Palm Sunday, will take place near the statue in the Ormond Road playground.  

Please be reminded that parents/carers will need to show evidence of vaccination upon arrival.

Prayer for Peace - Ukraine-Russia Conflict

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine:

Heavenly Father, 

hear our prayers for our brothers and sisters 

in Ukraine.

Lord we ask for peace 

for those who need peace,

 reconciliation 

for those who need reconciliation 

and comfort for all who don’t know what tomorrow will bring. 

Lord may your Kingdom come,

 and Your will be done. 

Lord God, 

we ask for you to be with all 

– especially children who are suffering 

as the crisis in Ukraine deteriorates. 

Lord for those who are anxious and fearful. 

For those who are bereaved, 

injured or who have lost their lives. 

And for those who have lost loved ones. 

Lord hear our prayers. 

Lord, 

we ask that decisions makers 

hear Your voice. 

Parents protecting their families 

– deciding whether to stay or leave. 

Church leaders as they support

and comfort people. 

And Lord we ask for wise actions 

from global leaders 

- who have the power not only to start wars, 

but to stop them too.  

And Father God we cry out 

for an end to this crisis. 

For mercy, peace, and truth 

– because You are light, 

hope, power, and love. 

Amen. 

May God bless us all and keep us safe.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader