One of the great privileges of my life was the opportunity to spend several weeks in 2018 in the land of Israel, walking the paths, terraces, and steps of the Holy Land, retracing some of the journeys of Jesus. This experience changed forever the way I am able to visualise the scripture stories. On one occasion, our group travelled to the top of Mt Tabor, a mountain rising from the plains of Galilee. Our pilgrimage group celebrated Mass in the beautiful Church of the Transfiguration - the scene of last Sunday’s Gospel account. By tradition, it was to this mountaintop that Jesus, took three trusted disciples and was transformed into the vision described in the Gospel of Matthew. The church was built to replicate the three tents spoken about by Peter. This was the ultimate mountaintop experience for Peter, James, and John. Although they were sworn to secrecy until after the Resurrection, it would have been impossible for this experience not to have transformed the way they lived their lives as believers, when they returned to the ordinariness of their lives.

Every day at Mary Immaculate there are ‘mountain top’ experiences. These are visible instances of renewal, of growth and of transformation. Such growth and renewal can occur within the learning environment and is especially evident in those ‘ah-ha’ moments when learning connections are made, strengthened and consolidated. Growth can also be evident when relationships are impacted by conflict or disagreement. When conflict impacts relationships between students we take a learning stance and through structured dialogue seek to restore relationships through a focus on respect and the development of empathy. The restorative processes of our school provide a scaffold to support transformational change.

There is a moving prayer in the book Shaping Sanctuary. It captures the power of the Transfiguration event quite nicely.

Radiant God, source of light, as you surround Jesus with your glory, so you come to us in penetrating brightness. You catch us off guard and expose our weakness. We choose the limelight while you call us to explore the shadows and brighten the darkness. We seek the spectacular while you bind up the broken in countless acts of mercy. We seek to stay on the mountain or in a comfortable pew while you walk in the valleys of need. Radiant God, fill us with the courage to carry the good news into all the corners of the world and to bring back the joy of your presence off the mountain. Amen

We all must come down from the mountain. We all must return from “mountaintop experiences” to the normal course and order of our daily lives. The demands of everyday discipleship require us to return to the everyday reality our daily lives. Peter, James, and John were sworn to secrecy until after the resurrection. We are not. We are free to announce through our words and actions that our faith has actually transformed our lives. I pray we can be more conscious in the week ahead of the opportunities we have to share how our faith is continuing to transform us through the experience of grace.

Tina Murray

Principal

YEAR ONE PHONICS SCREENER

This week students in Year 1 will commence participation in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. This is a short assessment that indicates how students are progressing in phonics. The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check assesses how students blend sounds together to read a word. 

The Check takes 5–7 minutes and is carried out with each student individually. Teachers will be able to analyse the results and, if necessary, plan for any additional support that students might require by targeting teaching aligned with NSW English syllabus outcomes. The Check complements existing strategies to identify students' progress in developing foundational literacy skills. 

I am certain all parents would agree that the safety and security of our children is a priority and of the utmost importance. Therefore, it is deeply concerning whenever the safety and security of any of the children at Mary Immaculate is compromised. My concern stems from recent driver behaviour in the Church Car Park, especially at dismissal time.

Parents are reminded that entry to the Church Car Park is limited to those members of the community who may have medical/disability access permits or who are collecting children from OOSH. Recently cars have been seen driving at high speed, entering via the exit driveway, and parking in the church drop off zone. This behaviour places all community members at risk. The following information provides a timely reminder of the responsibilities associated with using this area.

Every week in Australia a child pedestrian is killed (about 50 a year). For every child killed another 25 are admitted to hospital. About 13 of these deaths are children run over by reversing vehicles, typically in driveways.

School car parks are also a major risk for children

• They are very busy places, with many distractions and everybody seems in a hurry.
• Pedestrian injuries can be severe and are a significant cause of child disability. 

How should adults behave around car parks and schools? 

1. Slow down!

Speed kills! Even in car parks. And the child could be yours or a close friends!

2. Watch out!

Children can move very quickly. And your reaction time is unlikely to be fast enough.

3. Obey the signs!

Car park/ pedestrian signs are there to help you and the children. Please obey them!

4. Set a good example!

Reinforce the school’s safety messages – the life you save might be your own child’s.

5. Take time!

Do not rush in and around schools. Time and patience give you flexibility to act properly.

6. Beat the rush!

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at school before the bell. This makes for a more settled start and end to a day of learning.

PLEASE MAKE SAFETY IN OUR SCHOOL A PRIORITY

menALIVE Raising Fathers Evening 2023

You are invited to a special evening event on 28 August 2023 in Campbelltown with Robert Falzon from menALIVE, as he unpacks practical advice and shares stories that are powerfully important, informative, and instructional for fathering in today’s world.

In an age where there is training to do almost everything, there are so many fathers who are in desperate need of tips and tools to do one of the most important and impactful tasks on earth – Fathering! – and this evening will be a source of great formation and encouragement for dads.

Speaker:  Robert Falzon: Fathering from the Front Line
Topic:       Fathering from the Front Line
Date:       Monday 28 August 2023
Time:       7:00 pm - 8.30 pm
Location:  Level 1, Micah House Resource Centre, 35A Cordeaux Street,                            Campbelltown 
Cost:        Free 

For more information and bookings visit: DOW Raising Fathers Evening. 

ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Many of our online subscriptions such as Bug Club have recently been due for renewal.

Due to the increases in these services, the decision has been made to not renew these subscriptions in favour of using the funds to purchase books for students to access both at home and at school.

We are also mindful of the need for students to limit screen time.

In addition to home readers students have access to regular borrowing from the school library. Students in Years 4 - 6 have access to SORA via the app on their iPads.

Other online reading platforms that can be accessed include

Epic - https://www.getepic.com

Storyline Online - https://storylineonline.net

We are currently in the process of centralising all reading material within the school and as a result of this process we expect home readers will be replenished.