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Sabbath Week
Welcome to Week 7 which for our community is SABBATH WEEK! This is a time for families to take a breather. Teachers will not issue homework in the hope that it will free up families to enjoy some quality time and different activities after school. The beautiful sunny afternoons might mean a lovely walk/cycle around town or meeting up with some other families for a picnic and play in the park. Or maybe a popcorn and movie afternoon is more your thing? Just remember that Sabbath means rest, so whatever you do, don’t create more work for yourself!
Grenfell Show
The much-anticipated Grenfell Show is on this weekend and we are desperately seeking more volunteers to man the St Joseph’s Stall for an hour. Any time that you can spare would be truly appreciated. Please check Compass and complete your name and the designated time that you can help.
Fathers’ Day Breakfast and Mass
It was lovely to see so many Dads come along for breakfast and then stay and celebrate Mass with their children. Thank you to Sally, Scott, Bec and Ele and the students for helping and organising the celebrations.
Thank you also to Year 2,3,4, Mr Martens and Ms Washbrook for the beautiful Mass they prepared and to Fr Jiss for celebrating with us! Congratulations to our students who were so reverent in the sacred space and participated in the prayers and singing with enthusiasm.
Behaviour
The students may have informed you that we have instigated a card system on the playground. Staff have noticed that the ‘no hands on’ rule was being forgotten and that some students were not showing respect to teachers and each other. The yellow card is a warning which we hope will help students to think about their actions and make changes. A red card is issued after two yellow cards and this means time off the playground. This allows time and space to consider more appropriate actions, words and how they respond. If a student receives a second red card in a week, parents will be contacted and asked to support the school by revising with their child appropriate, safe and kind ways to play and speak to students and teachers. A green card is issued when teachers wish to acknowledge kind, fair, inclusive play and respectful attitude towards teachers and students. The teachers and I have noticed already a positive change on the playground!
Uniform
I have begun doing spot checks on uniform. This means wearing the correct uniform and wearing it properly. Students are being awarded orange tokens for meeting the bar on both these standards. I am very happy to report that our senior students in Year 5 & 6 are setting an excellent example! A gentle reminder if you are purchasing new shoes or boots, that they should be black.
I have noticed that the uniform pool, especially the larger sizes for girls is somewhat depleted. If you have done a clean out and have uniform items that you would like to donate, it would be very much appreciated.
I have really enjoyed my brief stay in Grenfell and being a part of the St Joseph’s community! Small schools are special places where the children are given so many opportunities to succeed and grow and this is what happens at St Joseph’s. The teachers and parents work so hard to provide a myriad of experiences and a wealth of resources that enable each student to explore their interests and find their niche in life. I hope the rest of the year is wonderful for all members of this special community.
God bless,
Katrina McGrath
Acting Principal
Father’s Day Mass
Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognise the contribution that Father’s and Father Figures make to the lives of their families. It is a way to honour them for their significant influence and the bonds we share with them. We celebrated this very special occasion at school today with a scrumptious bacon and egg breakfast, which was followed by a beautiful Mass led by Year 2/3/4, Ms Washbrook, and Mr Martens. The accompanying Father’s Day photo slideshow made the occasion all the more special, as students and guests reflected on the cherished moments they have shared with their Father’s/ Grandfather’s. We would like to wish all Father’s/ Grandfather’s/ Father Figures, on earth and in heaven, a special Father’s Day this coming Sunday. The following is a prayer for Father’s Day about ‘Dad’s’:
Strength of a Mountain
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
- Author Unknown
Key Leaders Day
On Friday the 25th of August I had the pleasure of attending the Key Leaders' Day in Canberra. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather with Clergy, Principals and Religious Education Coordinators from across the Archdiocese. The opportunity to dialogue as leaders is always invaluable.
The day’s events involved listening to dialogue between Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Mr Ross Fox based on faith in learning. There was also plenary discussion regarding identifying connections between the RE curriculum, evangelisation, and our core Catalyst program. Attendees then explored the core work of Catholic Education as developing centres for evangelisation and as partners in mission, linking school and community. To conclude the day, we heard from staff who had recently completed a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and others who attended World Youth Day, and how this has deepened their understanding of Encounter, Discipleship and Mission. Furthermore, the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese has launched a “Year of the Holy Spirit” (see above). The theme of Encounter, Discipleship and Mission linked well to discussions held during the day.
Sunday Gospel Reflection (August 27)
Gospel Matthew 16:13-20
“Who do you say that I am?” This question, put to the disciples by Jesus, is one, that as Catholic leaders, we should allow Jesus to put to us every day. This question provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the place of witness within our vocation.
In his letter to the Galatians, St Paul begins to explain the fruits of witness, noting the grace that comes from witnessing someone sharing their life for others. St Paul testifies that his apostleship is not born out of his own ambition but is due to the witness of God in and through the life of Jesus, “for I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).
This witness, to the life of Jesus, which all the disciples shared throughout their lives is what has been handed down and entrusted to those who have responded to God’s call to be leaders, teachers, and staff in a Catholic school for “On this rock I will build my Church”.
Lord,
you reveal yourself to us when we allow our hearts to be open to you.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
help us to always reflect your life and your love
in the way we serve through our vocations and ministries every day.
Amen
Source: Formed in Prayer, CSYMI
Student Prayer of the Week
Sacramental Program
St Joseph’s Parish will be offering the Sacrament of Confirmation to eligible candidates. To be eligible to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates must be in Year 5 or above and must have already received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
The meetings for the Confirmation candidates will take place during Terms 3 and 4. The dates are as follows:
- Wednesday 6th September – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
- Wednesday 20th September – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
- Wednesday 18th October – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
- Sunday 22nd October – Confirmation Mass at 8am
The preparation meetings will be held on each of the above dates in the St Joseph’s School Library. A Catholic parent (or caregiver) of each candidate must attend each of the meetings.
If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren please contact me (if you have not already done so) at the school on 6343 1514 or via email: danielle.mcfarlane@cg.catholic.edu.au
Furthermore, if you know of anyone else interested in further information, who may not have access to this newsletter or the Parish bulletin, please encourage them to contact me also.
Yours in Faith,
Danielle McFarlane
Religious Education Coordinator
Parish News
Sunday 8 am Mass
St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell
Please note that a Mass will be held on the second and fourth Sundays each month. There is a Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion, not a Mass, on the first and third Sundays of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend!
The Parish would love to welcome more children to be involved in Mass on weekends. There are many opportunities for involvement, including doing the readings. If your child can participate in any way, please let me know.
If you wish to visit St Joseph’s Church, it is open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm and following Mass on Sundays.
