RECONCILIATION WEEK

Each year our country celebrates National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week is Be a Voice for Generations challenging all Australians to listen to the invitation made by the Uluru Statement from the Heart by advocating for the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives.

As Catholics we understand deeply the concept of Reconciliation. We have the Sacrament of Penance which invites us to reflect on those times when we have missed the mark in how we live and then calls us to repair and restore the broken aspects of our lives and relationships with God, people and all of creation. During National Reconciliation Week we are called to repair and restore the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and all Australians, recognising the history of what has been and moving forward together in a spirit of love.

PENTECOST

Last Sunday, 28 May, was the feast of Pentecost. This day is extremely important as we remember the beginning of our Church.  

Jesus had ascended back into the heavens, the Apostles were hanging around, scared and confused, and nobody knew what to do. Going out to baptise people and preach about Jesus was the last thing they had in mind because their lives would be in danger.

But Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit – the force that turned a bunch of frightened, mixed-up folks into church. The Holy Spirit provided them with courage, knowledge, direction and commitment! Everyone started speaking and was understood, no matter what the language of the listener was! These were saints suddenly on fire with the Holy Spirit. And it all began with the sending of the Spirit.

MINI VINNIES GROUP

Mini Vinnies introduces children to social justice issues, to the St Vincent de Paul Society and to living faith through action. The Mini Vinnies groups use the simple SEE, THINK, DO model. 

Our team of year 5 students meet every Monday at Lunch time. 

We engage in fun activities that allow us to understand social justice issues like homelessness and bullying. Mini Vinnies also helps us develop leadership skills and engage with the local community.

This term we have 2 more exciting Vinnies initiatives:

• 2023 Winter Appeal
• Year 5 and Year 6 school sleepout (to raise awareness around homelessness)

We look forward to sharing the wonderful things we are doing this year. 

Keep a lookout in our weekly school newsletters for updates!

 By Ms Afchal