St Joseph's Primary School Merewether eNewsletter

Celebrating our Faith - Stephanie Colvin

Prayer of the Aboriginal People

Father of all, You gave us the Dreaming,

You have spoken to us through our beliefs,

You then made Your love clear to us in the person of Jesus

We thank You for Your care.

You own us, You are our hope.

Make us strong as we face the problems of change.

We ask You to help the people of Australia to listen to us and respect our culture.

Make the knowledge of You grow strong in all people,

So that You can be at home in us and we can make a home for everyone in our land.

Amen

Prepared by Aboriginal people for Pope John

Paul II’s visit to Alice Springs 1986

NAIDOC Week (July 7-14)

NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Celebration. It is a week when the whole country celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Officially, it is recognised during the upcoming school holidays beginning on Sunday, 7th July. We have celebrated NAIDOC week at school during this week.

This year the theme is Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s Work Together for a Shared Future. We celebrate the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made – and continue to make - to our communities, our families, our rich history and to our nation. We pray that we may continue to work together so that all people feel listened to, valued, respected and accepted.

Thank you to the whole school community for joining us in the NAIDOC week liturgy held Monday 1st July. A special thank you to Mr Nolan and Miss Slattery, and the Year 5 students who led the school in liturgy.

Sacramental Program

Many children from our St Joseph’s community and the wider Newcastle Parish over the last two weekends have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It has been a privilege to see these students at St Joseph’s Church or Sacred Heart Cathedral make their first Holy Communion and experience this very special sacrament of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. Thank you to those in the community who have supported the children and families during the Sacramental Program. We continue to pray for these children as they continue on their faith journey.

Mini Vinnies

On Tuesday 25th June the students and staff of St Joseph’s generously supported Pyjama Day. This Mini Vinnies initiative involved raising money, support and awareness of the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal.

A number of parents and Mini Vinnie students made and sold hot chocolates with delicious marshmallows at recess. All profits were added to the donations students brought in. Together we raised approximately $1500.

We also wrote a postcard message of love and support during class for the St Vincent De Paul Society to distribute.

Thank you all for your generous support.

Joanne Standing