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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Love is the only thing that transforms the human heart. In last Sunday’s Gospel we see Jesus fully revealing this divine wisdom. Love takes the shape and symbolism of healing and radical forgiveness. Lukes’s gospel last Sunday recounted the gospel story of Zacchaeus whose job as a tax collector gave him the power to abuse others. When Jesus visited Jericho, the town in which Zacchaeus lived, their encounter allowed Zacchaeus to see past the poor choices he had made to the person he could be. Jesus, who represents God, usually transforms people at the moments when they are most uncomfortable with themselves, when they most want to punish themselves or feel shame and guilt. During Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus he doesn’t belittle or punish Zacchaeus; instead, Jesus goes to his home, shares a meal with him, and treats him like a friend. Zacchaeus’ heart is opened and transformed. The forgiveness and acceptance Zacchaeus received from Jesus allowed him to see himself differently. Not only did he apologise for his poor choices of the past, but he also promised to action his apology by repaying people “four times over” if he had treated them unjustly. He pledged also, to share his wealth with the poor. Forgiveness allowed Zacchaeus to grow into the person he could be, instead of remaining stuck in the expectations of his past behaviour.
Zacchaeus can be our role model of us. I bet if you look around, you’ll see people just like him.
I know others who constantly go out of their way to see Jesus’ spirit in people who are written off. They remind me of Zacchaeus.
I have friends who will quickly admit their wrongs and make things right. They remind me of Zacchaeus.
I admire others who have great emotional, spiritual or material wealth and focus on sharing it with the poor rather than keeping it for themselves. They remind me of Zacchaeus.
I am aware of people who have never been part of the 'in crowd'. But they are not bitter. They focus on living a good life. They remind me of Zacchaeus.
I bet if you look around your parish, family, school or local community, you’ll see Zacchaeus too. You might even catch a glimpse of him if you look in your mirror. Others may see some of Zacchaeus in you. Don’t sell yourself short. Whom do you know that reminds you of Zacchaeus?
Enjoy a week ahead filled with the grace of transformation.
Tina Murray
Principal
PARENT INPUT SURVEY
Thank you to the 72 respondents who have contributed to the Annual School Report. This anonymous parent survey provides input into areas affecting the education of your child / ren and the general functioning of the school. All feedback is greatly valued and will assist in contributing not only to the preparation of the Annual School Report but also to future directions and school improvement initiatives.
The survey has been extended and available until Thursday 3 November 2022 and can be accessed via the following link - https://forms.gle/yfcBpPgeBaKmFumm7
PB4L – Playground Games
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, a variety of games have been introduced in both the Infants and Primary Playgrounds. The activities that students can participate in are rotated daily to ensure that all students have an opportunity to play in each area.
I have included the rules and expectations for Infants and Primary Handball, for you to discuss with your children.
The PB4L focus for Infants students this week is ‘Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself’. Students are expected to practice safe and respectful behaviour by ensuring that they use their words rather than being physical with each other when on the playground and in the classroom.
The focus for Primary students continues to be ‘Freeze and five’. Students are expected to freeze on the bell and raise their hand in the air. This allows all students to hear the instructions being given.
Mrs Lillian Del Giudice
Assistant Principal
ALL SAINTS DAY LITURGY
Yesterday, Year 3 led our All Saints Day Liturgy which was reverant and prayerful.
This years Remembrance Day Service will be held in the classrooms this year due to the construction.
GRANDPARENTS DAY PHOTOS
Congratulations again. Well done to all the students who remembered to return their books and bring their Library bags. Some classes were very close to a Gold Star! Let’s try again this week – there are nearly 400 outstanding loans from students.
Library tomorrow – Year 3
Next week:
Monday – Year 4
Tuesday – Year 6
Wednesday – Year 1
Thursday - Kinder
POETRY
Year 3 students this week were learning about Haiku Poems. A Haiku is based on a traditional Japanese poetic form, and is an unrhymed poem with three lines. Though there are different ways to write Haiku, our usual pattern in English is to write the first and third lines with five syllables, while the middle line has seven. They are often based on something in Nature or the Seasons, for example:
However they can also be about anything you choose:
My homework is late.
My dog ate it this morning.
I sure like my dog.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Thank you for your support of this programme, there will be one more, Issue 8, before the end of term, so you can do some more Christmas shopping.
DAILY READING
Don’t forget to try to make time to read with your children for at least ten minutes a day – maybe after dinner or just before bedtime.
"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world.
Love of books is the best of all."
Happy reading!
Mrs Sue Bryant
Teacher-Librarian
Are you a talented artist? Do you like drawing, painting or computer design?
This year, St Vincent de Paul are looking for five beautiful designs to use as the official Vinnies NSW Member Christmas Cards for 2023, designed by students!
What are they looking for?
The designs for these cards are used by Vinnies NSW members to gift to one another at Christmas time, and in some cases to on-sell as a fundraiser for their Good Works. It is worth noting that the Christian meaning for Christmas is very important for Vinnies members, so designs that are reflective of this are likely to be preferred, but all designs will be considered!
You can use any artistic medium you like – draw, paint, craft, digital design – just keep in mind that it’s going to need to look good when scanned or captured by photo and re-printed. And of course, all designs must be your own original artwork.
You can see examples of previous Christmas cards loved by Vinnies members here.
Enter your design at the bottom of the St Vincent de Paul page using this link - make sure you get Mum or Dad permission.
We’re looking forward to seeing your festive designs.
Friday 25 November - Bradbury Pool - Start - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Swimming Trials will be held on Friday 25 November for selection to represent Mary Immaculate at the Western Region Swimming Event held in Term 1 next year.
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Students must be able to swim 50m confidently and unassisted.
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Events are held for 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 year old students.
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This is the AGE YOUR CHILD TURNS in 2023.
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Parents will need to organise transport to and from the trials.
Parents can nominate their child to be included by completing the COMPASS form - 2023 SWIMMING TRIALS NOMINATION
When all nominations are received a COMPASS event will be shared for those students accepted to trial.
Mr Andrew Astill
Little Jay
Little Jay was a little boy, he dreamed big but was a small boy in a very big world. Little Jay may be tiny, but Little Jay is very smart. Some people make fun of Jay, but little Jay doesn’t care. Little Jay says “Who cares what others think?” He thinks people who laugh at him are silly.
Loads of people loved Little Jay, he loved them too. Jay wants to be a big boy, but being small can be good sometimes. He always wins at limbo and he always wins hide and seek. But it can’t always be good, some people can’t easily see him. But Jay doesn’t care!
He loves life, he even made the coolest thing ever! A web shooter! He loves Spider-Man, he’s his favourite superhero! Spider-Man shoots webs, can fly, grab the remote from 10 metres away, even win hide and seek too! Now Jay can be cool at school! Who needs to be cool? He just loves attention, his cousins always want to use his web shooter.
Jay is happy, he is nice to others, Jay always says “Don’t be afraid to be you, because you are special in your own way”. And that has inspired many, that doesn’t stop it from inspiring others too! Jay does his chores, he loves them too! He loves seeing the smile on his mum and dad’s faces when he does it. When he completes it, his face lights up every time his parents give him money!
The little man is happy, he does the best he can to support others, he has some friends, including Devon, Mark, Joe and Keith! Jay loves his friends, his parents too. Maybe Jay could make little books about his friends! But most of all, he loves writing books, it’s his favourite.
