APRE
News from the APRE
This term we have celebrated many special events already. We thank our St Joey’s Community for always having-a-go and participating in whatever opportunities come their way. Please spend some time reflecting on the events below and reading about some upcoming events this term...
Sacramental Program
This year we had 11 students from Year 3 to Year 6 participate in our Sacramental Program. The Sacramental Program is a series of parish-based activities designed to prepare children for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance), Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. It's a partnership between the school, the family, and the parish community. Students had been attending Thursday after school sessions for 7 weeks in preparation for the sacraments and were able to celebrate receiving their sacraments last weekend. Sponsors, family and parishioners were joined by Fr. Dariusz and Bishop Joe to celebrate the students’ special weekend. I am very proud of the students, their preparation and dedication to their faith formation.
Catholic Education Week
We celebrated Catholic Education Week with many activities throughout the week, including our Just Dance night, class activities, liturgy and cake. We celebrate Catholic Education Week every year in Week 3 of Term 3. It is an opportunity for all 312 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos. Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society. We are Communities of Faith, Hope and Love... not only was this our theme for Catholic Education Week this year, but what we strive to be every day.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
Celebrated on the 4th August every year, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day was chosen in 1988 to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken from their families at a young age – the Stolen Generations. This day is a chance for all Australians to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, language and the rich cultures of all First Nations Australians. At St Joseph’s School approximately a third of our students are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both. We acknowledge the importance of sharing their stories, language and culture in our classrooms, not just on this day, but throughout the year.
NAIDOC Week
We commemorated NAIDOC Week with a whole school liturgy that was led by Year 2 students. This year the theme for NAIDOC week was ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’. Throughout the week, we celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. As Australians, we are fortunate to share our home with the world’s oldest continuing culture who have upheld their rich and diverse cultural traditions for thousands of years. We are thankful for the deep and enduring legacy of these ancient peoples and their contributions to our continent. We recognise and appreciate the land on which our parish is situated and the people who have nurtured it over time, the Alngith People. Together, let us continue to cultivate a spirit of unity and respect for all cultures and traditions within our community. This is how we, as a community, support the next generation in strength, vision and legacy.
First Nations Leadership
Lala-Sue received her 'Nulung Kayn Kasi' First Nations Leadership Badge. This was presented to her on assembly last week by our Executive Director Mr O'Riordan. 'Nulung' for leader & 'Kayn Kasi' for young shoot. We are very proud of Lala & her leadership journey.
Transfiguration of the Lord
The Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated on August 6th, and commemorates the event where Jesus's appearance was transformed, revealing his divine glory to three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John. This event, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, saw Jesus's face and clothes become dazzlingly bright, with Moses and Elijah appearing alongside him. It's seen as a revelation of Jesus's divinity and a foreshadowing of his resurrection. The Transfiguration is recounted in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.
Feast Day of Mary MacKillop
We celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop on the 8th August every year. Thank you to Year 4 for leading us in prayer on this special day this year. Mary is this first Australian saint. This August, let’s walk in the footsteps of Australia’s most loved Saint. Just like Mary MacKillop, let’s be fierce in the face of adversity. Let’s be fair and act when we see injustice. Let’s give love to those we encounter each day.
“Let no obstacle deter us from proceeding with courage.” – St Mary MacKillop
When Mary saw families living on the margins without access to education, she set up a school to teach children herself — regardless of their situation. She and the Sisters of St Joseph went wherever the need was greatest. And despite facing enormous challenges, they continued to walk with people every step of the way. It was more than 150 years ago that Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph travelled through the heat of the outback to some of Australia’s most remote communities. They were willing to do whatever it took to set up schools, so overlooked children could pursue an education, reach their full potential, and flourish. They gave up everything to live amongst the people they served and teach with love and compassion. They saw injustice and were fierce to act, so children wouldn’t miss out on fair access to education.
“Never see a need without doing something about it.” – St Mary MacKillop
Information from marymackilloptoday
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This week, on the 15th August, we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This significant day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God.
20 Years of Service
It has been a pleasure working for Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns for the last 20 years. Thank you to Mr O’Riordan, our Executive Director, for presenting me with my certificate and gift at assembly last week. Here’s to 20 more years!!!
Yours in faith,
Mrs Julie Dore
Assistant Principal Religious Education (Acting)