Lent - Week 3 John 4:5-42

The Gospel of John shows us once again about the love that God shows for all people. During Jesus lifetime the Jewish people did not mix with the Samaritans, yet Jesus made the time to talk to a Samaritan woman by the well, even asking her for a drink of water. She was shocked that he would even make time to speak with her yet Jesus used this interaction with the Samaritan woman to explain the importance that he places on being kind to all people, regardless of gender, race or background. Jesus shows great compassion in all that he does. We pray that our interactions with other people will always seek to show understanding, kindness and gratitude. may we all be as compassionate as Jesus was in embracing each others diversity.

Harmony Day

On Wednesday, 22 March, St John's students will be celebrating Harmony Day. We have so many wonderful activities to help us gain knowledge and understanding about a variety of cultures. Please read the flyer which has been sent home with your children outlining the day.

It will include Chinese Cultural dancing, Aboriginal stories, as well as many fundraising opportunities such as the Lapathon and coin trail, to assist us with contributions to Caritas.

Our assembly at 2:20pm will showcase all of the learning which will be shared during the day.

Don't forget that our students are also able to wear their own Cultural outfits or the colour orange.

We ask that everyone brings in a gold coin donation as well as any other loose change, which will also help support project compassion.

Stations of the Cross

You are Invited to join us for the Stations of the Cross on Monday 3 April.

This year our school Holy Week Liturgy will focus on the 'Stations of the Cross'. Our Year 5/6 students will taking part in a role play of the 14 stations of the cross with guidance from our Performing Arts teacher, Amanda Hill. We will be recontextualising the stations with an indigenous perspective.

This will be held in the school hall on Monday 3 April, at various times, between 9am and 11am. We hope that you are able to attend with your child's class. A more detailed timetable will be shared in the next newsletter.

Learning in Religious Education

Year 1/2 Student's

Our Year 1/2 students have been reading the very beautiful picture story book about 'The Giving Tree', the tree that keeps on giving. There is always so much to think about after reading this together and especially in regards to having gratitude. Mr. Boyd's class have created their own tree of gratitude in their classroom.

Prayers of Gratitude and Praise

written by our Year 3/4 students

Lord, you are my holy light. You guide me towards greatness and mercy. You bring peace to the world and keep me safe in the light of the day.

Abigail Roberts - 3/4A

Oh Mighty Lord, you are the most holy one of all. You are always there to support me and help me throughout the hard times. I will always stay in touch with you and I will always trust in you as you defend me and protect me. As for this, I will praise you and worship you throughout my life.

Juan Fernandez 3/4A

Lord God, oh heavenly father,

Bless you above all peoples, the greatest one living.

Stay with my soul, protect us, be one with me.

Oh mighty Lord, guide me, lead me into the right choices.

We glorify you oh Lord mercy to you, the God of all peoples bless us.

Among us beings we praise you merciful God.

Protect me from evil, but lead me to goodness.

Glory be to you oh Lord.

Amen

Chelsea Dang 3/4A

By Lucas Mitchell - 3/4B

Sacramental Program

Year 4, Eucharist

Important dates for First Eucharist Preparation

Event:	When:	Where:
Commitment Masses	Saturday 18 March at 6pm OR Sunday 19 March at 9:45 am or 11:15 am (You only need to attend one of these masses)	St John's Church
Breadmaking Day	Wednesday May 10 at 11:45am- 1:45pm (A letter will be sent home to ask for Parent Helpers)	At School
Year 4 Mass in preparation for Eucharist and Reconciliation (Parents are welcome)	Tuesday, May 9 at 10am	St John's Church
First Eucharist Ceremony	Saturday, 13 May – 2:00pm St John’s Students and Thursday Program	St John's Church

Many blessings,

Melinda Buscema

mbuscema@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

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