Prayer 

Loving God, who led Jesus into the desert to fast and pray, lead us into deserts where we too can fast and pray; reflect and give generously. Give us the courage to scrutinise our hearts with honesty; give us strength to deal with what we find; give us love to forgive ourselves and each other, so that, in peace and joy, we may celebrate at Easter the death and resurrection of Jesus. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Call to Action This Lent 

 As a family, take time to think about your idea of God’s love for you and your children.  

Explore the theme for Project Compassion ‘For All Future Generations.’ and share stories from the Caritas Australia website.  

Discuss as a family what you may be able to do or give to show God’s love to others in your community during Lent. 

Project Compassion 

Last week Year 6 launched Project Compassion, an initiative led by Caritas Australia. You will see the little boxes popping up everywhere at this time of year as donations are sought for the work of Caritas Australia. Their ‘Project Compassion’ Campaign is run during Lent every year and the students are invited to donate money to show their support for those in need in Zimbabwe, Nepal, Vietnam and Australia. The Year 6 students shared Priscilla’s story and how through joining Caritas Australia’s partner in Zimbabwe, was able to learn conservation farming techniques that help increase their harvests. Priscilla now trains and supports others too and used the money from her bumper harvest to start poultry farming which now helps her pay for education and food. This is just one success story which is a result of the generous donations.  

Some classes will also be leading their own initiatives this Lent and as a school we will be holding an Easter Raffle. Families are asked to bring in a donation (eggs and easter crafts) to contribute to the raffle. All proceeds will go to Project Compassion.  

Sacramental Program 2023 

The Sacramental Program for students at St Joseph’s Parish School will be offered in 2023. Children will have the opportunity to receive Baptism, First Eucharist (Holy Communion), Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Father Dariusz our Parish Priest will be present for all the Sacraments.  This year our Sacramental Program will be offered as follows:  

Baptism: available to all students under 16 years, one parent must be baptised Catholic. (Student can receive this sacrament and participate in the sacramental program to receive Reconciliation/ Holy Communion later in the year) Any adults or children over 16 years wanting to be Baptised will need to go through the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).  

Baptism Dates when Father Dariusz is Visting:  

Saturday 15th April or Sunday 16th April  

Saturday 20th May or Sunday 21th May  

Saturday 17th June or Sunday 18th June   

Saturday 15th July or Sunday 16th July   

Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation are all available to students who have been Baptised as Catholics and are in Years 3-6.                                 

Dates:                                   

 Reconciliation Liturgy at Parish on Saturday 12th August 3/4pm.   

 First Eucharist and Confirmation will be at a Parish Mass on Sunday 13th August at 8:30am  

 If you have a child that you would like to participate in the Sacramental Program for 2023 please indicate on the parent slip which will be sent next week or email Michelle Gear mgear@cns.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.  

General Reminders  

• Students need to bring a hat to school every day. Our school is a sun safe school and all staff and students are required to wear a hat in all outdoor settings. 
• Check in with your child to see if enough food is packed in their lunchboxes daily. Some students are eating all their food by first break. If your child is coming home with an empty lunch box have a conversation with them about whether they need more food. 

• Students are asked to bring in a drink bottle every day; they will have access to this at break times and in class, which will prevent time at the water fountain during learning time.  

Swimming Lessons and Carnival 

This week you would have received a parent slip for the school Swimming and Water Safety Program. It is important that you complete this slip to allow the school to gather information on your child's swimming ability and plan accordingly. 

Swimming will take place in Week 9 Wednesday 22/3- Friday 25/2 and Week 10 Monday 27/3 - Wednesday 29/3 

Our school Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday evening from 4pm at the local swimming pool.