Filter Content
Family life helps us learn about the values of solidarity and the common good. As a family, we strive to respect the rights of each family member and make decisions that promote the common good of the family. Imagine what it would be like if the family ordered a pizza and then divided it unevenly, with some members getting as many pieces as they wanted while others got only a half slice. In a family we work to make sure that everyone has his or her fair share.
Each of our individual families are also members of the human family, called to share the goods of creation fairly and justly. In last Sunday's Gospel, Jesus challenged us to remember that the goods of the world are intended to be shared by all. Luke’s gospel recounted the parable of the rich fool. Although the man in the story doesn't seem bad, Jesus points out that this man's flaw was that he was thinking only about himself and his own comfort and security.
The parable is told as a warning against greed, and challenges us to ask ourselves how we can be “rich in what matters to God”? The rich man has a ‘me, me, me’ complex. He does not come across as wicked or evil but as selfish, greedy, preoccupied with himself to the exclusion of others. St Paul says we can be truly rich when we are rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.
During the holiday break I had the chance to watch the Steven Spielberg movie that was based on the Thomas Keneally novel Schindler’s List. The gospel message resonated with the events in this very harrowing story set in World War II. At the end of the movie, the war is over and Mr. Schindler is leaving the many Jews whom he saved by employing them in his munitions factory. He has spent his entire personal fortune to bribe German officials in order to save these people from the death chambers. But as he looks at them, he breaks down weeping and laments, “I could have done more.” They try to console him, but he points to his nice car and says, “I could have sold it and saved a few more lives.” He pulls out an expensive fountain pen and a watch and says, “These could have been sold to save another life.”
Oskar Schindler was a Catholic who truly preached the messages of Jesus’ gospel through his actions. When we consider the implications of our commitment to our own baptismal promises we too need to ask ourselves, “Am I doing enough?” How are we going to become “rich in what matters to God”? The answer involves an awareness and appreciation of our place in community. The blessings God sends are meant for us but are also meant to be passed on so that others can be blessed, especially those who don’t have enough.
Wishing you many opportunities in the week ahead to appreciate the riches of your life and to become “rich in what matters to God.”
Tina Murray
Principal
We continue to experience high rates of sickness within our student and staff community. As always, we appreciate your support when it comes to your child / ren being unwell in that you keep them home until they are well enough to return. If you or someone in your family tests positive for COVID, students are still able to attend school. It is recommended that they wear a mask whilst at school.
We are maintaining our COVID safe practices here at school by ensuring that we:
- Stay home if unwell or showing any symptoms & not returning until we are fully recovered.
- Rapid antigen test when exhibiting symptoms & for close contacts who are able to be at school.
- Practice good hygiene including regular hand washing & sanitising before eating & entering classrooms.
RATs are available on request and can be sent home with your child / ren as needed. If you require RATs, please email the school info@mievdow.catholic.edu.au. We appreciate your support in helping us to keep our school community safe and well over the coming weeks.
TERM 3 P&F General Meeting RSVP/Agenda Items
Thank you to the parents who have already registered for this meeting.
To register your attendance for the Term 3 General Meeting on Wednesday 10 August and assist in formulating the agenda please add any general business items using the linked form below. Please add any agenda items by COB on Monday 8 August to allow meeting documents to be finalised.
https://forms.gle/LLGAQN9scXSQFwqT6
The meeting will be held via Zoom to support parent attendance. Zoom meeting links and documents will be emailed to all registered attendees on Wednesday 10 August.
Have your say on what matters regarding the wellbeing and learning of your child.
For example, has COVID or your partnership with the school affected your child’s wellbeing and learning?
If you are a parent or carer with a child in a Catholic school, CSPA would love to hear from you.
Click on the survey link and share your feedback to assist CSPA in reporting to the Federal Government and Catholic education.
Your feedback will remain anonymous.
The survey is available on CSPA’s new ENGAGE website.
Congratulations again to the students who are remembering to bring their Library bags and return their books. Sadly there are many who are forgetting and unfortunately we cannot borrow without a Library Bag to protect the books as we bring them to and from school! We have lots of lovely new books ready to borrow, so please remind your children on their Library day to pack their Library bags. We understand that there may be confusion with some classes as to when they will actually have Library, but it is a good idea to send the Library bag in just in case!
During the Library lessons students have the opportunity to select books of their choice for reading for pleasure at home. Borrowing is an important part of the lesson – even if the children have lots of books at home to read, the idea of borrowing during the lesson is for them to learn to find their way around a library, and to choose books which are appropriate for them to read. It also gives them the opportunity to perhaps find different types of books they may not have previously considered. The library bag protects the books in transit.
Tomorrow, Thursday – Kinder
Next week:
Tuesday – Year 2
Wednesday – Year 5
Thursday – Year 3
Premiers' Reading Challenge
We now have a good number of students who have already completed the challenge, and many more who have logged in and registered their books read so far. There are only THREE (3) weeks left now to complete the challenge, so it is important to ensure that any books read are registered . It would be a shame to miss out by just a few titles. Go to. https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/logon.html
Remember that it is meant to be a CHALLENGE – let’s challenge ourselves to finish!
Any student who is having difficulty registering the books or finding the right books is urged to come to the Library at Lunch 2 for assistance.
Book Week
The theme this year is ‘Dreaming with eyes open...’ Our Book Week celebrations will be in Week 6, Thursday 25 August. Author Sue Whiting will be visiting, and we will have our Book Character Parade to coincide with the author visit. All classes will participate in a number of fun activities on the day. Parade time will be first thing in the morning, after Morning Assembly. Where the Parade is held will depend on weather and any restrictions regarding numbers.
Sue Whiting is an award-winning children’s and YA author and editor who has worked in publishing for twenty plus years. Sue was a senior commissioning editor and publishing manager for Walker Books Australia for many years before leaving in 2016 to concentrate on her writing. As a storyteller and schools’ performer, Sue has informed, inspired, and entertained thousands of kids across the country. She is also a freelance children’s book editor and writing coach, and the author of numerous books, including the bestselling. Missing, the acclaimed The Book of Chance and a number of CBCA Notable Books. Sue’s latest books are Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast, the first in a new junior series, and the narrative non-fiction picture book The Echidna Near My Place, illustrated by Cate James.
Students can order signed copies of Sue Whiting’s books on the following link:
https://www.thechildrensbookshopspeakersagency.com.au/person/whiting-sue-speaker/
The Children’s Bookshop will deliver the books to your child’s school (free delivery).
Alternatively, you can call The Children’s Bookshop directly on Ph: 9571 1897 to order and pay over the phone. Please note: The Children’s Bookshop will endeavor to get books to the school in time for the author / illustrator visit. There are, however, sometimes delays beyond our control and in these cases or in the case of orders within 5 days of the visit the books may arrive after the visit has occurred. Books will either be signed by the author / illustrator or have a signature sticker from the author / illustrator in the front cover.
Please direct any queries you may have directly to The Children’s Bookshop on 02 9571 1897. Thank you!
"The more that you read,
the more things you will know.
The more that you learn,
the more places you'll go."
Happy reading!
Mrs Sue Bryant
Teacher-Librarian