Dear Parents,

Gandhi, the great leader of the Indian independence movement, is credited with saying, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi sought a life free from tyranny and violence. He led a movement of non-violent resistance by his own personal example and changed the course of India’s national history. In Matthew’s Gospel last weekend, Jesus used the symbols of salt and light to challenge the people of his time and his followers of the future. The symbol of the humble condiment of salt reminds us that as followers of Christ our existence should preserve and enhance not only our own life, but also the life of those we come into contact with. Salt in Jesus’ time was highly valued, not just for flavouring, as it is today, but most importantly, as a preservative for food. For salt to be effective, however, it must come into contact with the item it is to preserve. This is the challenge laid before us. We must be part of the world, but we are challenged to preserve our own faith, to retain our “saltiness,” but also to enhance the faith of others by our personal example. It’s a constant balancing act we’re called upon to maintain. Salt that has lost its taste is good for nothing. We are challenged by Jesus to be on guard to make sure that our faith remains fresh, so it is able to do its job well.

Today, when we describe a person as being the ‘salt of the earth’ it’s generally interpreted that the person is hard working, straight talking and pretty down to earth. To be salt of the earth means to be the one who puts their hand up and steps forward to speak for, work for and act for those who are the least in this world. We are each called to be the presence that brings out the best in our own corner of the world.

Just as darkness is indiscriminate, so too is light. It has the power to provide clarity, promote courage and confidence and to banish fear and anxiety.  Just think of how we feel when the lights come back on after a power blackout. Jesus said our light is not necessarily only in the witness of our words, but more importantly in the witness of our deeds—our 'good works'. Actions we know, speak louder than words and reflect both credibility and integrity.  Jesus’ followers are called to “Let their light so shine before men that they may see their good deeds.” The beatitudes have spelled out what are considered the good works of the Kingdom. They help us work for right relations, for merciful actions, and for peace. When we live as people of blessing, we are salt and light— in our homes, in our school, in our workplace, and in our world. Put simply, we should be a life-giving presence wherever we are.

When Jesus encouraged his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, he was urging them above all else to make a difference. He was encouraging them then and us now, to not be apathetic but committed, and at times, countercultural. This is what we strive to promote with our students in the context of our Catholic School Community.

Dear God, please help us be an example to others as we shine our light to them. Let us be the salt of the earth by being kind and loving towards one another. Give us courage and strength to spread the Gospel, by making Christ our Way and Life through both our words and our actions.

OPENING SCHOOL MASS - On Friday, we will have our first opportunity to formally gather as a school family in our parish church for our Opening School Mass at 10am. This Mass is a wonderful chance to join with members from our parish to celebrate a year of new beginnings at Mary Immaculate. During the Mass, our 2020 School Leaders will receive their badges and publicly state their pledge of leadership to all present. All parents are very warmly invited to attend this important school celebration.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Often at school events parents take photos of their children. It is important to respect the fact that not all parents are comfortable with their child being photographed by other people. As such, all parents are asked to ensure that photos are only taken of their own child/ren.

Parents should never post photographs of students, other than their own child, without the express permission of each child’s parent on any web based social media site including Facebook,

Twitter or Instagram. This information supports the protocols documented in the CEDoW Social Media Policy. (https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies/social-media-policy/)

Let Christ be our Way and Life

Tina Murray

Principal