In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks his apostles to “Come, follow me”. This makes us think of the many disciples, who all left various lives to follow in the footsteps and mission of Jesus. Peter and Paul are two such disciples, who, each in their own particular way, are responsible for the Church we have today. It is not an exaggeration to say that wherever in the world we are reading this, we do so thanks in great measure to Peter and Paul. This does not in any way downplay the work, prayer and ministry of so many other great women and men of the early Christian churches. It simple acknowledges the leadership of both Peter and Paul.

You see, the words of Jesus, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” was a call Peter heard and it is true that he did leave his nets and followed…and died…for Jesus. But as with every ‘true’ statement there is a backstory which explains the call and the response. That backstory is not important to the point the Gospel writers are making and so it is left out. 

At times, as the Gospels and letters of Paul starkly tell us, he was unsure and vacillated; at times he was rash and hasty; at times he was irritable and angry; at other times we see him gentle and sensitive and above all he loved Jesus with a loyalty and affection which never wavered.

The call of Jesus to each of us is just as real and just as important as the call of Peter and Paul. Jesus wants us to respond just as Peter and Paul responded. The wonderful thing is that in calling ourselves Catholic, and proudly professing the Creed, we already have responded and we already are “following him….”

For that alone we can be truly thankful.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S VIDEO

 NAIDOC WEEK 2024 

This week, we celebrate NAIDOC Week, a week where celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Our staff, lead by Mrs Grados, are excited to provide our students with a range of Aboriginal learning experiences this week

This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

"Blak, Loud and Proud" encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity, empowering us to stand tall in our heritage and assert our place in the modern world. This theme calls for a reclamation of narratives, an amplification of voices, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.

Through our collective efforts, we can forge a future where the stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated, enriching the fabric of the nation with the oldest living culture in the world.

 ONLINE

Parents and carers play an important role in helping children to develop digital intelligence — the social, emotional and practical skills needed to successfully navigate the digital world. Unfortunately we see students placed at risk by using apps such as Snapchat, which is not age-appropriate.

We have included below some very useful fact sheets for parents from the eSafety Commission, and will continue to

 https://www.esafety.gov.au/

This website is great as it as resources for parents, children and educators. 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide

This lists information about all the latest games, apps and social media to be aware of, that children may be using. 

 https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/are-they-old-enough

Tips for check the age rating and requirements

• Apps usually state a minimum age for users in their terms of use but they don’t all have verification requirements.
• The eSafety Guide includes the stated age for many popular apps.
• Common Sense Media makes an independent assessment of provides age recommendations.
• Check the advice on the eSafety Parent page Are they old enough?
  eSafety tip: When deciding if an app is suitable for your child, think about their level of maturity and judgement as well as the age recommendation.
  Consider privacy – read the terms and conditions and ask yourself these questions:
• What information does the app request?
• Does the app provide privacy protections?
• Can you restrict who sees your profile?
• Who can find you in a search?
• What information can people see about you?
  eSafety tip: See the eSafety page Connecting safely – Apps for more advice. The eSafety Guide contains links to information about how to adjust privacy settings in popular apps.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Please ensure that permission for your child, your ability to assist in volunteering, and nomination for your child in 800m and High Jump events has been made via the Compass app. Please indicate if your child requires bus transport to and from the venue via the separate Compass app.

Congratulations to all our St Eugene Award recipients!