Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

"Let us try to keep God with us by charity of thought, word and act."

This Saturday we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first Saint and the founder of the Sisters of St Joseph, who founded our school in 1956. As a parish, and as a school community, this is a very important day in our faith life. We celebrate the example that Mary gives us today and the leadership she showed when forging ahead in difficult times, always committed to a love of God and guided by the strength of St Joseph.

On Friday, all students will participate in a number of activities to reflect on the teachings of St Mary of the Cross, as well as coming together virtually for a prayer liturgy to celebrate her life and Saintly example.

I encourage the community to find out a little more about St Mary of the Cross MacKillop at https://www.sosj.org.au/our-foundress-mary-mackillop/marys-story/mary-story-beginnings/

Sacramental Program

Last week it was announced that the parish-based sacramental program would restart, adhering to the on-going COVID-19 restrictions. Students in Years 3, 4 and 6 will complete units of Religious Education in the coming months preparing them for the sacraments. Families are invited to enrol their child/ren into the sacramental program – information has be sent out to the respective year groups.

• Reconciliation – Retreat Day 14 August, followed by making the Sacrament during the retreat. If parents would like to be present for the Sacrament, they are invited to attend on the day.
• First Holy Communion – This will be a home-based program, followed by a Retreat Day 11 September. The Sacrament will be held on Sunday 13 September, with final details about Masses and planning to be confirmed.
• Confirmation – This too will be a home-based program, followed by a Retreat Day (TBC). The Sacrament will be held on Sunday 1 November, with final details about Masses and planning to be confirmed.

Car Park

It is necessary to again raise some issues in the car park. While almost all parents adhere to the road rules and also the school guidelines, others are asked to be more considerate to ensure the safety of all users and the effective movement of traffic. The Drive Thru is only for drop off and pick up. Please do not park in these spaces, especially in the morning. It has been observed that some cars are parking, or waiting for supervision to begin, or parents are completing a quick email etc. If you need to remain in the car park for any reason, please use the parking bays so as to allow other parents to move freely through the Drive Thru. Your continued support with this is always appreciated.

Please see an updated copy of the Car Park Guidelines.

Hats on in August

From now, all students need to wear their hats when on the playground. This is inline with advice from the Cancer Council ACT. Please ensure your child’s name is on their hat.

Enrolments - REMINDER

For those families with children enrolling at St Joseph’s in 2021, please return the acceptance of offer and signed Parent Commitment Agreement ASAP.

Also, if you are aware that your child/ren will not be returning to St Joseph’s in 2021, you are please asked to inform the school by Friday 21 August. This does not include our Year 6 students who are leaving the school.

This week my focus was spending time with the Defence children whose parents will be away for a lengthy period of time. We enjoyed finding out about places their parents will be working and came up with some great ideas for connecting with them before they go, while they are gone and when they return. I also had the pleasure of visiting the Defence children in their classrooms. I love this weekly check in time with all the kids.