Luke 12:32-48
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Sunday, In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' instructions on how to be ready for the coming judgment continue. We are not to be like the greedy rich man in last Sunday's Gospel who planned to store his great harvest in barns rather than share it. We are, rather, to share our wealth with those in need. We are encouraged rather to relinquish our possessions and provide for the needs of others. Our treasure will be found in heaven where it will not wear out or be destroyed.

The other major way to be ready for the coming judgment is to be watchful. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about watchfulness to begin making this point. We must be like servants waiting for the master's return from a wedding banquet, which, even now, can last for a few days. We must be watchful so that even if the master comes after midnight, we will be ready for him. This is what the coming of the Son of Man will be like.

We do not know when the coming of the Saviour will occur. We need to ensure that we remain alert and watchful so that we are ready and can respond to those around us with care and compassion. In this way, we are being like Christ or Christ-like to others. Pope Francis begins "The Joy of the Gospel" by inviting all Christians to a renewed encounter with Jesus Christ — an encounter that he says blossoms into an enriching friendship that liberates us from narrowness.

Faith calls us to move beyond our current boundaries — be those mental, physical, theological or spiritual. These scripture readings lead us to contemplate the kind of faith that puts us on the road with Christ. We may not reasonably be able to sell all our goods, but we can surely step into a situation that is new or let loose of our hardened opinions, to show the face of Christ to others that we come into contact with.

Wishing you a blessed week ahead,

Mrs Jane Webb
Acting Principal

PARLIAMENT AND CIVICS EDUCATION REBATE (PACER)

Last week, Year 6 students had an educational tour of the national capital on Thursday and Friday. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s rich history, culture, heritage and democracy.

For many years the Australian Government has recognized the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as a part of their Civics and Citizenship education and has contributed towards costs through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program.  Funding of $20 per student was provided under the PACER grant.

We are extremely grateful for this support and look forward to sharing student reflections via the newsletter in the weeks ahead.

As you may aware our school is focusing on Mathematics this year. One strategy we use is called Newman’s Prompts to assist student’s to solve problems using words.

SCHOOL FEE COMMITMENT

Whilst no child will be denied access to a Catholic education due to genuine financial hardship, when families decide on a Catholic school for their children they knowingly take on additional financial responsibilities associated with school fees, which must be honoured in accordance with normal commercial practices.

Although the management of school fees happens at a local level, If families have the capacity to meet their commitments and fail to do so, follow up regarding unpaid fees may be undertaken by the CEO School Fee Liaison Officer and debt collection processes may result.

Please be assured that there are a variety of processes in place to support families to meet school fee commitments and parents having difficulties are always encouraged to discuss these options directly by making an appointment to see Mrs Webb.

Whole School Mass

This Thursday, 15 August, we are having a whole school Eucharistic celebration for the Feast of the Assumption. It is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Mass will commence at 12 midday.  Please come and join us in this special Mass to celebrate Mary, the Mother of God.

Sacramental Program – Confirmation

Confirmation preparation continues. The workshops start this week and continue for the following 3 weeks – 4 weeks in total

Two important upcoming dates are:

Reconciliation Date:  Saturday 14 September 2019 at 10.30 to 11.30 am

Rehearsal Date:         Thursday 19 September 2019

 6pm – Rehearsal for 11.00 am Mass

 7pm – Rehearsal for 2 pm Mass

As a school community, please pray for these young people as they prepare to receive this special Sacrament. 

Grade Mass

Years 2 and 4 will be celebrating a grade mass on Wednesday 21 August at 9.30 am.  Please come and join us in this Eucharistic Celebration.

Religious Literacy

Our Year 4 students will be undertaking their Religious Literacy Exam on Monday 19 August. All Year 4 students in the whole Diocese also undertakes the same assessment.  Please pray for our Year 4 students as they prepare for this special assessment.

RE Newsletter for Parents

The latest Religious Education Newsletter for Parents is attached to this week’s bulletin. 

Enjoy your week.

Mrs Hampton

On Friday 9th August 2019 a team of twenty five students from grades 3 to 6 competed at the Western Region Athletics competition. It was a very enjoyable and windy day. The excitement filled the cold air from the moment we arrived. We were missing some competitors as they embarked on their Year 6 camp but were thankful to have so many students in attendance who we were very proud of. Each student took on the challenge of competing against other schools and participated with drive and quality sportsmanship. A great day was had by all.

All students did a wonderful job and we had many students who did particularly well and have earnt themselves a place in the Wollongong Diocese Primary Athletics Selection Trials. Congratulations to the following students who placed in their events on the day and who have progressed to the next level of competition:

Mrs Samantha Seweryn

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS TINA MURRAY – PRINCIPAL APPOINTMENT 2020.

Parents would have received an announcement yesterday from the Director of Schools, Mr Peter Turner, that informed the school community that Mrs Tina Murray has been successful in gaining the substantial position of Principal at Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Eagle Vale that will commence next year.

Mrs Murray has held the Principal position at St John the Evangelist, since 2012.  During this time, Mrs Murray has been instrumental in making significant changes to the physical learning environment at St John’s. Mrs Murray has also has been pivotal in promoting opportunities for students to strive to improve in learning and grow in their understanding of their faith. I am sure that many parents have had a personal connection with Mrs Murray over this time and have valued her support, understanding and ability to respond.

We thank Mrs Murray for her instrumental leadership over the past seven years. We wish her continued blessings as she continues to support students, parents and staff in the Mary Immaculate School community from 2020.

The recruitment process for the Principal role at St John’s will now commence in the near future. Parents will be invited to submit feedback as to the qualities that they identify as important for the new Principal.

Please see your child's teacher if you have any questions regarding the attached flyer for Cutural Sharing Day.

Movie Night!

Please see attached flyer regarding the Book Fair for 2019. Brochures may be collected from the school office or the library.

A reminder that these books are only available during the book fair.

Remember Waste Free Wednesday every week.

Our school banking day is: Wednesday