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Three Essential Elements to Catholic Lenten Devotion
PRAYER as an opening to God:
During Lent we are asked to make more of an effort with prayer. There are daily Eucharist, Stations of the Cross, Lenten Prayer Reflections and on-line Reflections, individual and communal Reconciliation Rites. It would be helpful to look up Scripture readings for the Sunday and reflect on them during the week.
FASTING as an expression of self-denial:
While the Church asks us to keep Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as days of fast and abstinence, we may well consider keeping all Fridays of Lent as penitential days where we keep our meal simple, perhaps. We should make a sustained effort to deny ourselves of our favourite foods or activities during Lent.
ALMSGIVING as an opening to others:
Giving to the poor has been a long held tradition in the Church. What can we do this Lent? Support Project Compassion by having a Project Compassion box in a prominent spot at home to put change in. The boxes can be returned to All Saints Parish Church by Holy Thursday.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we continue on our Lenten journey it is a great time to engage with our children about ways that they are preparing for Easter through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Discussing aspects of our faith as a whole family supports the children’s learning at school and will help them to see that their faith is a way of life, not just a subject they “do” at school. One small thing to do as a family is to introduce “grace” before the evening meal and thank Jesus for our daily blessings.
HEALTH CONCERNS
All parents would have received information this week via COMPASS concerning all matters related to COVID-19. We will continue to pass on regular updates as they come to hand. I would like to thank parents for your understanding especially in regard to the new “Drop and Go” morning arrangements and “Wet Weather- collect from classrooms” afternoon arrangements. It is important that children are kept at home if they have flu-like symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, cough. As well as this if students have been vomiting or have had a gastro bug, parents are asked not to send them to school for at least twenty-four hours after the condition has stopped. These small measures ensure that the sickness is not passed around to other students and staff. Everyone is also reminded at this time of the need to regularly wash hands thoroughly and to maintain a high level of hygiene. Students who are not showing signs of sickness or whose family members are not vulnerable or sick, should be attending school as normal.
Could I also clarify that if a child is absent from school with possible coronavirus symptoms (cold flu symptoms, runny nose, sore throat, cough, breathing difficulties, fever), you will be required to provide the school with written medical clearance from a doctor on the day of your child's return to school.
Thank you for your assistance with this, we really do appreciate it.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week was held in Week 6. It was an opportunity to celebrate all the great things that happen in our Catholic Schools on a daily basis. We constantly strive to bring Jesus to everyone so that we live with a spirit of respect and care for each other. The highlights of Catholic Schools Week at Stella Maris included school tours, a Catholic Schools Week Liturgy, Open Classrooms, and parents and grandparents joining their children for recess.
HARMONY DAY
World Harmony Day takes place each year on 21 March and it is a day to celebrate multiculturalism in our great country. Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live. Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. The theme of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’, and the day aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster sense of belonging for everyone.
To celebrate Harmony Day at Stella Maris, we are going to have a Mufti Day this Friday 20 March. The children are asked to wear something orange, e.g. t-shirt, shorts, wig, shoelaces, socks etc. and bring in a gold coin donation. Funds raised will be donated to Project Compassion, where the under-privileged will have the opportunity to feel as though they belong.
DIRECTOR’S VISIT
Mr Peter Hill, the new Diocesan Director will be visiting Stella Maris next Monday 23 March to meet the staff of Stella Maris. It will be wonderful to have the opportunity to share with Peter what a great school community we have here in Shellharbour Village.
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On Thursday 5 March, twenty-three students competed in the South Coast Swimming Carnival at Corrimal. Under very wet, grey skies the girls and boys participated in various events, giving maximum effort in every race. Our students represented Stella Maris with pride, displayed great sportsmanship and did our school proud with their effort and commitment to the swim team. We would like to thank the parents who came along to support the students and to those parents who gave up their time to assist on the day.
Six students qualified to represent Stella Maris in the Diocesan Swimming Trials the following Monday and we congratulate Siair Paillis who qualified for the Mackillop Swimming Trials later in the month.
CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
A successful school cross country carnival was held last Thursday with many parents and grandparents present to encourage the children as they ran for their house teams. Thank you to the parents who assisted on the day together with students from Corpus Christi. A big thank you also to the carnival organisers Mr O’Grady and Mr Price as well as various staff members who helped in so many ways. Congratulations to the champion House Team Smyth. Congratulations also to the following children who were placed in their respective races:
KINDER BOYS: 1st- Harry Kenneally (A); 2nd- Oliver Cunningham (W); 3rd- Kai Pascot (S).
KINDER GIRLS: 1st- Anabella Condy (S); 2nd- Lola Jimenez (W); 3rd- Dekoda Tolley (S).
YEAR 1 BOYS: 1st- Justin Lakeman (A); 2nd- Davey McMullen (M); 3rd- Olly Lachlan (S).
YEAR 1 GIRLS: 1st- Alani Waters (W); 2nd- Summer Barthelmess (A); 3rd- Ella Sanson (W).
YEAR 2 BOYS: 1st- Jacob Lakeman (A); 2nd- Harry Thomson (S); 3rd- Mason Gutierrez (A).
YEAR 2 GIRLS: 1st- Alyra Muller (S); 2nd- Chelsea Santana (S); 3rd- Grace Griffiths (M).
8/9 YEAR BOYS: 1st- Elijah Sim (W); 2nd- Zaine Harvey (A); 3rd- Archer Ridley (S).
8/9 YEAR GIRLS: 1st- Sidney Bartle (A); 2nd- Siair Paillis (S); 3rd- Sianna Badger (W).
10 YEARS BOYS: 1st- Mason Soligo (W); 2nd- Campbell Knox (M); 3rd- Kobi Lorkin (A).
10 YEARS GIRLS: 1st- Lily Griggs (W); 2nd- Isabella Clowes (S); 3rd- Noemi Branchi (S).
11 YEARS BOYS: 1st- Tyne McGregor (A); 2nd- Cole Motbey (M); 3rd- Chayce Tenana (M).
11 YEARS GIRLS: 1st- Bronte Grove (A); 2nd- Eden Corcoran (M); 3rd- Tahlia Muller (S).
12 YEARS BOYS: 1st- Joshua Lakeman (A); 2nd- Beau Hart (M); 3rd- Jude Collinson (W).
12 YEARS GIRLS: 1st- Ella Greatz (W); 2nd- Emily Klein (M); 3rd- Ruby Jones (M).
At this stage we are not training children for the Diocesan carnival as there is great uncertainty regarding whether it will go ahead.
NAPLAN ONLINE PREPARATION
Next Monday 23 March, all Year 3 and Year 5 students will be involved in a NAPLAN Online test. This test is not intended to be a student assessment, but a way to ensure that the school’s server can sufficiently cope with the amount of users who will be online during the NAPLAN testing period in may.
SCHOOL SAFETY SURVEY
Anna Watson, Labor Member for Shellharbour, has asked if parents could provide feedback about what traffic conditions need the most attention around our school. If you would like to complete this survey, please go to http://www.nswschoolsafety.com/shellharbour. This link will close on Friday 10 April 2020. If you would like more information or to provide feedback, please contact Anna Watson's office on 4297 3111.
P & F FINANCIAL SUPPORT
With the cancellation of this week’s P & F Meeting, I have passed on the following list of priorities to the P & F Executive, that the school is seeking financial assistance with in 2020:
- $5000- purchase classroom furniture in Years 4 Gold, 5 Gold and 5 Blue
- $3000- purchase and installation of a classroom Apple TV and new whiteboard in Year 3 Gold
- $3000- purchase of new classroom home readers
- $2000- purchase of VEX robotic equipment for STEM
- $2000- Library equipment including a new laptop.
- Total- $15 000.
I would like to thank the P & F for their ongoing support and all that they do, which encourages parents to become involved in the life of the school.
MINI VINNIES CAKE STALL
Due to the current health concerns, there will be no Mini Vinnies Cake Stall at this stage.
This Sunday’s Gospel,
On the Sabbath, Jesus cures a man who was blind from birth.
All Saints Catholic Parish Shellharbour
Mass times: All Saints Church
College Ave, Shellharbour City
Saturday 5:00pm Vigil
Sunday 9.00am - Children’s Liturgy
5:00pm
Feast Days
19 March St Joseph’s Day
St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the designs of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a single phrase, "Foster-father of Jesus."
Harmony Day 21 March
Harmony Day is 20 years old in Australia this year. It is celebrated every year on 21 March as a day of acknowledging Australia’s inclusiveness and cultural diversity.
This year the day also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Since 1945, well over seven million people have migrated to Australia. Harmony Day is put forward as a special day for recognising the cultural, religious and social enrichment of our nation.
A significant part of Harmony Day is also the recognition, not only of the newest, but also of the oldest Australians, of the continuous culture of our first Australians.
Students will be wearing orange to recognise Harmony day on Friday 20th for a gold coin donation which will support Project Compassion.
Reconciliation
All Reconciliation classes have been cancelled and will be completed at home with parents.
Masses
Classes will not be attending Parish Masses or Liturgies until further notice.
Directive from Bishop Mascord
As you may be aware, the Prime Minister announced that all non-essential gatherings of 500 or more people should be cancelled to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Attending work and school has been defined as 'essential' and not subject to the mass gathering advice. In light of the Prime Minister's direction, I ask the following be put into immediate effect:
- All non-essential pastoral meetings and gatherings be cancelled, postponed or conducted via video or teleconference.
- All parishioners are dispensed from the obligation to physically attend Sunday Mass while the Prime Minister's advice remains in effect.
- Parishioners should be informed that they can honour their Sunday obligation by participating in a time of prayer within the home, reading the Scriptures or watching Mass on television or online.
Please join me in praying for those currently impacted by COVID-19 and for all those who care for the sick, including clergy who risk their own wellbeing in the service of others.
Yours in the Lord
Bishop Brian Mascord
Coronavirus Prayer
Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with the families of those who are sick or who have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus Christ, heal us.
AMEN
(Father Francis)
Julie Hopkins
Acting Religious Education Coordinator
When reporting a child's absence through the Compass App, please only put the reason into Compass ie: illness, family holiday etc, please do not write an explanation or any requests here as they are not visible to teachers or office staff, this area is only for the reason of turning an unexplained absence into an explained one.
If you have a questions, please contact the school office staff who will be happy to assist you if possible.
Stella Maris is taking part in the 2020 Premier’s Reading Challenge. The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is available for all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 9, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools.The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. K-2 are required to read or be read to 30 books, which will be completed during Library lessons. Primary are required to read 20 books and are encouraged to read at home in order to complete the Challenge Students in Years 3 to 6 will be given a user ID and password to enter their books through the website https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
To see a list of PRC books please go to the Library Home Page and click on the PRC links (https://oliver.dow.catholic.edu.au/lib8/libraryHome.do
Due to the health situation at present, the uniform shop will not open until further notice.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
