Religious Education News
As you know, the Diocesan theme this year is Fully Alive!
Last newsletter we looked at being Created and Known by God. The second theme, which we will reflect upon this week, is Being in and Building Relationships. Relationships are key to all facets of our lives. The children are nurtured daily in their growing relationship with God. From a school perspective, positive and cohesive relationships between our colleagues prove crucial for a happy school environment. Love, trust, friendship and support of one another is visible amongst teachers and support staff at our school. Positive and trusting relationships between students and teachers are crucial for student success and something we highly value here at St. Kevin’s. The positive and open relationships built between our teachers and parents ensure that St. Kevin’s children are nurtured in their learning and in their lives.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’
When you get a moment of quiet this week, take some time to contemplate the following: Where, when or by whom do you feel loved and appreciated? When have you felt, or when do you feel God’s love?
Mini Vinnies
The St. Kevin’s children have been thoroughly enjoying purchasing ice blocks at lunch time over the past week. We have raised lots of funds already for Project Compassion, and there is more fun to come! The Mini Vinnies have planned lots of fabulous activities.
Today, the Mini Vinnies children will begin taking guesses for how many jellybeans are in this jar. Only 50 cents a guess. The children can have as many guesses as they like over the course of one week! I look forward to announcing our first clever winner in the next newsletter.
Beginning on Thursday 10th March, the Mini Vinnies children will be selling raffle tickets for one week. 50cents each or 3 tickets for $1. We 15 prizes so far and the pile is growing daily. Check out Facebook for photos of the prizes during the week!
Your generous donations over the next 6 weeks will go to Project Compassion, helping to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. In 2022, Project Compassion will be helping poor people in Mozambique, India, Australia, The Dominican Republic of Congo and The Soloman Islands. If you would like to learn more about Project Compassion, please follow this link https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
Project Compassion officially began on Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday March 2nd, we began the day with a beautiful Ash Wednesday liturgy for our primary students, led by Year Three. The weather played havoc with our original plans to have our whole school together, but the Infants children were blessed to share a meaningful liturgy in the library. It was lovely to have parents joining us back on site again after such a long time, thank you to all those that were able to make it. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time to pray, fast and give.
We pray to grow ever closer to God and to live as Jesus teaches us.
We fast to join in solidarity with those living with poverty through no fault of their own.
We give to show our thanks to God for all we have been blessed with and to help those less fortunate in our world.
Throughout Lent, we will be fundraising for Project Compassion, giving hope to many people throughout our world.
United in Prayer
So many are suffering from the devastating floods in Queensland and Northern NSW. May we join in a quiet prayer for resilience and strength for the people affected as they begin to face the reality of trying to put their lives back together as he flood waters recede. If you would like to donate to Vinnies, please see the information below.
I also invite you to unite in prayer for the people of Ukraine, that God may protect the innocent and place love in the hearts of the violent.
May God’s Spirit be with you all each day.
Mrs Jasmina Boudan
Religious Education Coordinator