Religious Education News
Welcome back to a new year of learning and celebration. I trust you enjoyed the holiday break with family and friends. As we begin this new year as a school community, we welcome new students, families and staff. We especially welcome our Kindergarten students who begin their journey at St Columbkille’s.
Our vision “Learning Together, Shaping Futures” and our Core Values of Faith, Responsibility, Respect, Learning, Community and Celebration are a focus in our Religious Education lessons over the next few weeks. Take some time to discuss, and reflect on, these values at home.
In the Liturgical Year of the Church we are in a period called ‘Ordinary Time’. Some people think it is a time when nothing much happens. Yet it is important because we are growing to be more like Jesus in our everyday lives by listening to the words of scripture each week. Life is not only about the special events and celebrations, but also about who we are in our day to day interactions. At St Columbkille's we live this through our motto: "Christ is the Way." We think to ourselves… “What would Jesus say? What would Jesus do?”
JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE:
Every 25 years, the Church holds a special celebration called a Jubilee Year. 2025 is one of these years! The purpose of a Jubilee Year is to have a time of reset (economic, cultural, environmental, communal…) where the land and the people rest and we focus on our relationships with others and with God. Pope Francis announced late last year that the theme of the 2025 Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Therefore, it is a year to “rekindle our hope,” for every person in the world. Pope Francis invites us all to be signs of hope in our world as we reflect on Jesus’ message of the good news of justice, freedom and love.
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR MASS
On Friday 21st February our whole school will join together at 12 noon to celebrate the beginning of another school year. Father Anthony will lead us through our Mass based on the theme: Jubilee 2025 "Pilgrims of Hope". Parents and friends are invited to this event as we bless all those who are a part of our St Columbkille's catholic comunity.
NATIONAL APOLOGY TO THE STOLEN GENERATIONS
On Tuesday 13th February 2025, Australia commemorates the 17th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations which was presented to Parliament by the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd in 2008. National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes and commit to right the wrongs of past injustices and build a bridge of respect between all people.
Loving God, Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming,
You who created all people in your image and likeness,
May we listen with care to all people of this land and treat all with
respect.
Source of all creation and unity, bless us in our endeavours to live as
one in Christ.
All: Amen.
LEADERSHIP INDUCTION
On Wednesday 12th February we will induct our Year 6 students into their leadership roles. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide them as they serve St Columbkille's in 2025 with the many gifts they possess. I am sure they will make a difference in the lives of our staff and students, as they follow in the servant leadership footsteps of Jesus.
PARENTS/BUBS PLAYGROUP
Playgroup will run every Friday during the school term in the PARISH CENTRE (CORRIMAL). Starting at 9.30am on the 14th February after school drop off till 11.30am. Arts, crafts, songs, outdoor activities and morning tea for parents and children. Please bring a plate to share and a piece of fruit. This is a gold coin donation. For more information please contact 0423289320.
Have a wonderful fortnight!
Mrs Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator