For 50 great days, the heart of the Christian community has a sense of ultimate fulfillment. It is a delicious time. A shaft of light has come to pierce the uncertainties of the seeking. We are living now with a torch in our hand, however dark the darkness...Pentecost is a period of Christian enlightenment. We come to know during these fifty days not only who Jesus is but who we are meant to be, as a result...it is a time of unbounded assurance and a sense of limitless liberation. It is hope and faith and trust all bound into one in us. It is the 50 great days of illumination meant to carry us across the darkness of life’s divides. From The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister

This Week Let us include in our prayers…..

• The gift of reconciliation. Help us learn from our past and dream of a better future through the grace of faith, hope and charity. Remind us, when we fail to forgive, that the great gift of reconciliation begins when we listen to the fear in our own hearts and then dare to listen to the wisdom of others
• Those who suffer from systemic racism. For those in Australia, the Americas, Europe and all countries where people are judged on the colour of their skin. We stand peacefully and in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones and pray for healing for those who continue to suffer as a result of prejudice and racism
• Our resilient planet in the week that we celebrate the proclamation of Laudato Si. May we remember that we are co-creators and custodians of the land, waterways, seas and skies. Help us to respect and care for these sacred places and all that live and are nurtured on them.

World Environment Day

Friday was the celebration of World Environment Day. As Catholics we are called to be Steward of  God’s Creation.  For something different, perhaps this week we could pray the an examin about nature:

All Creation: reflects the beauty and blessing of God’s image.

Where was I most aware of this today?

Can Identify and pinpoint how I made a conscious effort to care for God’s creation during this day?

What challenges or joys do I experience as I recall care for creation?

How can I repair breaks in my relationship with creation, in my unspoken sense of superiority?

As I imagine tomorrow, I ask for the grace to see the incarnate Christ in the dynamic interconnections of all Creation.

World Oceans Day

Monday is the day of international recognition of our oceans. We are so fortunate in Australia, especially Far North Queensland, to be blessed with some of the most spectacular marine life in the world. It is important as Stewards of God’s Creation that we take our responsibilities to protect our oceans and waterways seriously.  Maybe in the coming weeks as isolation restrictions ease and we venture out more into the wonderful outdoors we could be extra vigilant and do our little bit to take care of the environment. As we learnt in Year 4 Health lessons, we rely on the environment for our health and wellbeing just as much as it relies on us to take care of it.

Prayer of our Oceans

Swirling God, who at the dawn of creation swept over the face of the waters, hover over our oceans and all waterways with your blessed presence.

May each droplet of mist and sea be clean and fresh for all life who come in contact with these holy streams.

Bless each cell and molecule of life below the surface of the waters who trust in you and us to create a prosperous world.

Continually nudge us to nurture creation, joining together with humans all over this planet to covenant with one another and celebrate the gifts of water, air, fire, and land that you have given us.

Amen.

Curriculum News

Semester One Student Academic Reports

As the end of Semester One fast approaches, teachers are busily preparing Students Academic Reports. Due to the interruptions to learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, student reports have been modified for this semester.

Reports for Prep

For our Prep students, their report will cover 5 learning areas of Religion, English, Maths, Science & Health & Physical Education. Your teacher will provide a statement of learning attainment against the achievement standard in each learning area, as to whether your child has achieved or is working towards the Foundation Curriculum.

Reports for Year 1 & Year 2

For students in Year 1 & Year 2, we will be reporting on your child’s overall achievement in 5 learning areas, Religion, English, Maths, Science, & Health & Physical Education. The overall achievement will be based on a 5 point scale of Very High, High, Sound, Developing and Support Required. The overall grade of Sound means that your child is achieving what has been covered from the year level curriculum for that learning area. Your teacher will also provide a general comment.

Reports for Year 3 to Year 6

For students in Year 3 to Year 6, we will be reporting on your child’s overall achievement in 5 learning areas, Religion, English, Maths, Science, & Health & Physical Education. The overall achievement will be based on a 5 point scale of A to E. An overall grade of C means that your child is achieving what has been covered from the year level curriculum for that learning area. Your teacher will also provide a general comment.

May St Joseph smile on you,

Meg Newell