Term 3 Week 7

Weekly 5 with Leadership

Gullarn ngheeree - Welcome to this beautiful place,

This week provided an opportunity to join the Franciscan Schools Australia conference. Focus of our days was ‘In Our Own Backyard’. Keynote speakers shared many overlapping and familiar thoughts, the one that resounded again and again was that of deep listening. But not as an isolated action.

Brook Prentis, nationally recognised Aboriginal Christian and Wakka Wakka woman, shared the concept of Indigenous people’s deep listening as a whole of body action - with ears, eyes, heart, mind, spirit - whole body. And through this listening to elders and to Country to then respond to who the Creator is, how to care for country, how to live in right relationship within and with the world. As a non-Indigenous person, how do I listen to my Indigenous neighbours, our first and oldest neighbour, what can I learn from this ancient wisdom of deep listening, how do I learn and respond to the challenges that face First Nations’ people in our country today?

Hugh Mackay OA, a social psychologist, researcher and author, reminded us that to be heard, we must first listen. As humans, we are born into a social species, part of our essential nature is connecting and building relationships with others.  And indeed, it is our obligation as members of the human species to develop and maintain social harmony. Hugh suggests that the most powerful, eloquent act of kindness and love is to listen, not with glazed eyes but with a body that leans forward, attentive ears, and a mind willing to understand the message instead of ‘responding’ back. The danger of a world where we don’t listen can send a message to the other, “I don’t regard you or your thoughts enough to pause.” Social cohesion is built on the foundations of belonging, of being seen and acknowledged.

The echo chambers that exist as part of our ever-evolving world can lead to encounters only with those with similar backgrounds, demographics, political views, and life circumstances. We may be quick to judge the other outside ‘our tribe’.  The Gospel teachings of Jesus invite us to be counter-cultural and to extend a listening stance with those whom our world view and experiences differ from our own.

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 3:45-48)

Loving God, give us hearts that listen for your word.

Let us imitate the Good Samaritan, who does not turn away from suffering.

Help us listen to those who struggle daily for dignity.

Let us hear your voice in the stories of those on the margins.

Help us always see what binds us together as sisters and brothers.

Help us to heal.

May we be willing to stand in the place of others.

Let us be open to difference that we may arrive at understanding.

Help us to seek reconciliation that our world may reflect justice.

Help us respond.

May our faith move us to action in the public square.

Let us work with others of good will,

Finding solutions together.

Help us exercise political charity, 

Seeking the common good and dignity for all.

Lord, give us the courage to trust in your hand guiding us.

Give us the courage to respond like the Good Samaritan,

Setting aside divisions to attend to the needs of others.

May we know and see your love present in our communities,

Made real in the ways we love one another.

Amen

(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

God’s blessings upon your weekend,

PAX et bonum - Peace and all goodness,

Meredith Grove

(Principal 2024)

From Libby's desk - APRE

Today I had the absolute pleasure of joining Year 1B students, in our Mount La Verna Sacred Space, as we celebrated, ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus’ through prayer. We remembered Mary the Mother of Jesus and through the Gospel of Luke and her deep faith and trust in God.  Mary showed us how important it is to be forgiving, trusting and compassionate people. These qualities remain just as relevant and important to us today. Mary’s deep faith and love of God is an inspiration to us all.

Thank you Year 1B and Mrs. Hansen!

LITANY OF MARY

Let us pray this special prayer to Mary.

Holy Mary, model of faithfulness. Pray for us

Holy Mother of God, mother of us all. Pray for us

Mother of Christ, strong and constant. Pray for us

Mother of the Church, interceding for us. Pray for us

Mother most pure, model of wisdom. Pray for us

Woman of sacrifice, loving and true. Pray for us

Woman of courage, brave and determined. Pray for us

Woman of love, trusting and hope filled. Pray for us

Queen of angels, queen of peace. Pray for us

Help of Christians, protector of our land. Pray for us

Amen

Parent Teacher Conversations

Pupil Free Day - Friday 30 August

Child Protection Week 01/09 - 07/09

In light of Child Protection Week and to help raise awareness, please wear a fluorescent accessory to accompany your school uniform on Friday 6 September.  It could be socks / hair accessories / sun safe hat / or jewellery. Get creative.

Tuckshop News - Day change next week

Feast Day - Friday 13th September

Bush Dance - Prep to Year 2

Howdy partner .... dust off your dancing shoes and cowboy hats and get ready to show off your best bush dancing moves in the Prep to Year 2 bush dance on Friday 6 September.

Private Tutoring

We are Hiring ...

Our OSHC service is recruiting for an OSHC Assistant (minimum 2 years qualified) to join our dynamic team. Please share!

P & F Group News

Mark in your calendar the next parents and friends meeting, Tuesday August 27 at 6:30pm in the St Francis staff room. The school treasures your input and support, come and discuss the upcoming P&F events for 2024. 

Get excited for movie night under the stars at St Francis! Complete with popcorn and good vibes, the whole family will enjoy an evening together sharing a few laughs! Don't forget to bring your own picnic chair or blanket. 

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