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- Principal Report
- Religious Education
- Primary Sport
- 3-6 Cross Country Photos
- K-2 Cross Country Photos
- Easter Bonnet Parade - Tomorrow, Thursday 11 April
- Premier's Reading Challenge 2019
- Pancake Day Race House Winner - Fielding!
- Year 2-6 Holiday Reading? Why not use the Sora app!
- Canteen Open at Athletics Carnival
- Uniform Shop
- Playgroup
- First Reconciliation - 10 April
- Parish News - Sacraments 2019
- Opportunities for Women to Connect and Reflect
- YASS NDIS Information Sessions - 7 & 8 May
- Yass Gymnastics - Easter School Holiday Program
- Yass Netball - School Holiday Clinic
- Spinifex Tennis - Easter Camp
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Parent-Teacher Interviews commence this afternoon in the Lacey Library. PTO is now closed for online bookings, but parents can still phone the school office if they have not yet booked an interview time. Teachers have many interviews to fit in over the next two days, so I ask all parents to respect the allocated fifteen-minute interview time. If any issues arise that require further discussion or if no suitable interview time has been available, parents are always welcome to contact their child’s teacher directly to organise a meeting at a mutually convenient time. I am very grateful for the hard work and dedication of Mt Carmel’s teachers, who regularly put in long hours outside of school time for the benefit of our children.
This evening twenty-one children from our school and wider parish community will be celebrating their First Reconciliation. I pray that their participation in this beautiful sacrament will help them to come to a deeper appreciation of repentance, forgiveness and unconditional love.
Loving God help us to teach our children that you love us totally and unconditionally.
Help us to encourage our children to grow in love and to learn how to say sorry, knowing that you always forgive.
Give us the courage to pray with our children and to share our faith with them as we journey together.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Easter Bonnet Parade
Everyone is invited to attend the Mt Carmel Annual Easter Bonnet Parade tomorrow 1.00pm under the shadecloth in the playground. Students from K-2 are encouraged to create an Easter Bonnet out of materials from around the home; reuse, recycle and be creative! Students in Year 3 to Year 6 may also with to participate in the parade.
Stations of the Cross
This Friday 12 April we will be marking Holy Week with an enactment of the Stations of the Cross from 9:30am, beginning at the Infants Playground (Equipment area). As we follow Jesus on the path to Calvary we will be moving solemnly through different parts of the school grounds. All are welcome to attend.
ANZAC Day
A reminder that ANZAC Day falls on the second Thursday of the school holidays and Mt Carmel School will be participating in the parade. I encourage all available students to join us, in their winter school uniform, as we honour the sacrifices made by past and present members the Australian Defence Force. We will be assembling in front of the Liberty Theatre in Lead Street at 10:30am. The ceremony will conclude outside the Memorial Hall at approximately 11:45am.
Women in the Catholic Church
One of the top three concerns that came out of our parish plenary survey last year was about the role of women in the Church. After further discussion at our parish plenary meetings there was consensus that much could be done at parish level to empower and support women. The Parish Pastoral Council would like to find out what you want to see happening in this parish for women and has designed a survey to gather some information about what action for supporting and empowering women would be most useful. I encourage all women within our school and parish community to take a few minutes to complete this survey; your responses are anonymous.
To take the survery, please click here
Traffic Safety
Many parents who regularly drop off and pick up their children along Dutton Street will be aware that there has been an active police presence around school zones lately, and several cautions have been issued for various parking and traffic infringements. I would like to remind all in our school community of the following: that from 8:30-9:30am and from 3:00-4:00pm the school side of Dutton Street is a No Parking zone, that is, you may not stop for more than two minutes and must remain in or within 3m of your vehicle; that the two designated disability parking spaces may only be used by vehicles displaying a valid Mobility Parking Scheme permit; and that it is an offence to perform a u-turn across unbroken dividing lines.
Book News
Last week Daniel Clark presented a book to the school called To Serve With Gladness, written to commemorate the history of the Sisters of Mercy. The book features chapters on Yass and on Sr Eliza Fielding, namesake of one of our school Houses; it has been accessioned onto our school library and will add to our fascinating and valuable collection of works about Mt Carmel’s long history. In other book news, Write-Along, poems and stories selected from the 2018 Write 4 Fun competition has been published and features the work of eighteen Mt Carmel Students. Congratulations to Maddelin Barker, Jeremy Bremner, Josephine Burke, Ella Cassidy, Shaylee Dunn, Scarlett Felizardo, Lucy Field-Wilson, George Foran, Catie Harding, Emma Henman, Lucy Leighton, Paige Maher, Amelia Markota, Sophia Nagle, Willoughby Walsh-Devoe and Rachael Widdows, whose poems and stories were submitted to the competition; special congratulations to Landon Glover and Flynn Wullaert whose poems were both recognised as Excellence in Writing. A copy of the book will shortly be accessioned into the school library.
Happy Easter
And finally, I would like to wish all students, parents and staff a happy and holy Easter. May you all have a safe, restful and joy-filled break. A reminder that Term 2 commences for students on Tuesday 30 April.
May God’s peace be in your families,
Michael Green
GOSPEL: John 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in the middle they said to Jesus, 'Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and in the Law Moses has ordered us to stone women of this kind. What have you got to say?' They asked him this as a test, looking for an accusation to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he straightened up and said, 'Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw a stone at her.' Then he bent down and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until the last one had gone and Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained in the middle. Jesus again straightened up and said, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' 'No one, sir,' she replied. 'Neither do I condemn you,' said Jesus. 'Go away, and from this moment sin no more.'
REFLECTION
This week’s Gospel is Jesus’ encounter with the woman who had been caught in adultery. He was teaching in the temple area when the Pharisees come to him, bringing a woman who had been caught in adultery. They placed the woman right in the middle of the crowd. Imagine how this woman felt. What are the emotions you would experience if someone brought you to where there was a crowd of people and then they told these people about all the wrongs you had done? I assume most of us would be humiliated, angry and perhaps afraid!
The Pharisees begin by quoting the law to Jesus (as if Jesus did not know the law). They tell him that the law of Moses said that any woman should be stoned to death for her adultery. (Note: the stoning did not apply to the man who also had committed adultery.) The only person to be stoned would be the woman.
The Pharisees want to hear what Jesus thinks should be her punishment. Of course, they were only testing Jesus. They hoped to find cause in his response that then would give cause to arrest him. This was the sole purpose of their encounter with Jesus. However, Jesus realized that the Pharisees simply were trying to trap him. He knew that if he deviated from the Law of Moses, they would charge him and most likely arrest him.
Jesus chooses an unusual course of action. He simply bends over and begins to write in the dirt. His action took the Pharisees by surprise. This was no answer! So they continue to ask Jesus the same question. Finally, Jesus responds by simply telling the Pharisees that whoever was without sin, should throw the first stone at the woman. And one by one, the Pharisees slipped away! Did they experience any shame about what they had done to this woman? Or were they simply furious that Jesus had bested them?
Then Jesus quietly asks the woman where everyone had gone. Had anyone condemned her? This woman must have been astounded that someone, a man, had stood up for her. She knew she had sinned, yet this man, Jesus, had protected her from the Pharisees. Then the woman responded to Jesus’ question simply by saying: No one had ever done anything like this for her in her lifetime!
What a life-changing moment this must have been for this woman! Did she now have the sense that she was worth something after all?
Do we trust Jesus to be as deeply compassionate and forgiving with us, as he was with this woman? Our sins may not be quite as serious as this woman’s was. Or perhaps they are! Regardless, do we trust that Jesus loves us and will forgive us, no matter how greatly we have sinned? If not, I invite us to focus on the compassion and understanding that Jesus exemplifies in the Gospel reading. Jesus has deep compassion and love for us also----no matter what we have done or how we have sinned!
Do we truly trust Jesus and his word? If not, may we pray for the grace to open our hearts to Jesus and receive his love and forgiveness! He is waiting for us!
(Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)
PROJECT COMPASSION
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. This year the theme for Project Compassion is 100% Hope. There is a class box in each classroom so let us give up something we would like this Lenten season and help others. So far we have raised $2045.15 which is an incredible effort. As we enter our final week, may we continue to open up our hearts and give to those less fortunate. Thank you for your generosity.
RECONCILIATION
We keep in our prayers those students from our school and parish community who will be receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation tonight at 6pm in St Augustine's Church. On this grace-filled occasion of your first confession, may you discover the peace and amazing love of God's forgiveness.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
On Friday, April 12th, we will be acknowledging Easter week with our Stations of the Cross Prayer Service at 9:30am on the Infants Playground (Equipment area). We welcome all members of our school community to come and join us.
HOLY WEEK
We commence Holy Week on Sunday through the celebration of Palm Sunday. It continues on Thursday with The Last Supper. On Good Friday we journey with Jesus through the Stations of the Cross and then remember his Crucifixion. On Saturday we again rejoice as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus through the Easter Vigil.
I encourage all families to spend time remembering these important days as they are the reason we celebrate Easter. A wonderful resource to help you explore these days with your children is the Understanding Faith Website. You may access it using the following link.
https://primary.understandingfaith.edu.au/
Username: ceo.cg.yass
Password: 35pickPUSH
Thank you for your ongoing support in developing the faith of all students at our school. I'd like to wish every family a wonderful and holy Easter vacation and I look forward to working with you all again next term.
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator
Years 3-6 Mount Carmel Cross Country Carnival - Friday 5 April
Well done to all the students who participated in the Cross Country Carnival last Friday. Congratulations to all the age champions and the winning house for 2019, Mullungang.
Northern Region Cross Country - Friday 3 May in Braidwood
The following students will be representing Mount Carmel at the Northern Region Cross Country Carnival in Week 1 of next term. Please return notes and payment of $5 if you haven’t already done so.
8/9 Year Boys Kobe Walsh-Devoe Ryan Witham Jed Newman Jonah Seselja Bryson Flynn Nicholas Cassidy |
8/9 Year Girls Georgina Burke Mia Buser Bailey-Jane Hass Ava Walker Audrey Maxwell Lulu Merriman |
10 Year Boys Angus Kelly Digby Connell-Hewlett Eli Cassidy Lachlan Brown Archer Lees Lewis Jones |
10 Year Girls Lola White Neve Luckie Rachel Bensley Hope Seselja Elliott Barnes Hayley Reardon |
11 Year Boys Jeremy Bremner Aidan Cassidy Oliver Smith Cooper Hodges Max Buser Hunter Hass |
11 Year Girls Ella Cassidy Lily Lachlan Delanie Brassil Rachael Widdows Tahlia Wullaert Willoughby Walsh-Devoe |
12 Year Boys Brodie Doyle Baxter Sicily Jack Kelk Joshua Inkster Rafael Waugh Harrison Barnes |
12 Year Girls Grace Miller Dominica White Ella Young Mia Watchorn Isabella Frean Ella Broers |
Easter Bonnet Parade - Tomorrow, Thursday 11 April
Students will parade with their class.
We look forward to sharing this enjoyable event with you.
Trish O’Dell
Primary Coordinator
Premier's Reading Challenge 2019
All passwords have now been sent home; please let me know if your child did not receive their card or the passwords aren't working.
Please note passwords are generated by the PRC site (I accept no responsibility for the unusual passwords) and I needed to update some passwords. Hopefully all issues have now been resolved.
Our first Monday lunchtime session was held this week. A special thank you to Maddelin, Aimee and Max who came and read to some keen Kindergarten students and even helped them log their books.
Happy reading,
Jaclyn Green
PRC coordinator
Year 2-6 Holiday Reading? Why not use the Sora app!
Remember, you can login to Sora with your normal CENet login that you use for Overdrive.
Visit https://soraapp.com in your web browser, or download the free Sora app from the Apple and Google Play stores on a mobile device.
This facility is always available for the students to use, especially during the holidays.
Happy reading,
Ev Turner
Librarian/Teacher
Canteen Open at Athletics Carnival
The Mt Carmel School Uniform Shop is open each Tuesday afternoon, between 2.30pm– 4.00pm during school terms.
Ordering Options - Uniform orders can be placed online via Qkr! or by order from which can be collected and paid for from the front office.
All Qkr! orders placed before 2pm each Tuesday, will be bundled up and sent home with your child on Wednesday afternoon.
Please note that if the incorrect size/item is ordered or the size selected does not fit correctly, please return the item along with a note regarding changes required and the correct size/item can be sent home.
Front room of the PAC (off Dutton Street)
$3 for the first child, $1 for each subsequent child
Morning tea provided.
Everyone Welcome
Confirmation
Registration- Wednesday 31 July and Thursday 1 August 5-6pm Presbytery
Commitment Mass -Saturday 3 August 6pm St. Augustine's and Sunday 4 August 10.30am Uniting Church Hall Murrumbateman
Church Liturgy 1 -Thursday 15 August 7pm St Augustine's
Church Liturgy 2 -Thursday 29 August 7pm St Augustine's
Reflection Day - Friday 6 September 9am-3.10pm Hartigan Centre and St Augustine's
Sacrament of Confirmation - Sunday 8 September 10am St Augustine's
Opportunities for Women to Connect and Reflect
There are several opportunities currently on offer in the local Archdiocese for women to connect & reflect. Billeting can be arranged for women from regional areas. For more information see http://bit.ly/EatConnectPray or contact lara.kirk@cg.org.au.
There are a number of significant events coming up over the next few months for women in our Archdiocese. The events are opportunities to come together to connect with each other and to be nourished and strengthened in faith.
Mother’s Prayer Women’s Retreat
Friday March 29 – Sun March 31
Registrations close this Friday for the annual Mothers Prayers Women’s Retreat which is from Fri March 29 to Sun March 31 at St Clement’s Galong. The theme of the retreat is Make your home in Me, as I make My home in you. The weekend costs $260 which includes single room accommodation, shared bathroom and all meals. Organiser Anne Hartwell says “All women are most welcome to join us on our retreat. We come away together to be cared for and blessed, to be nourished and enriched in God’s love”. Enquiries ring Anne Hartwell on 6282 0874 or email australia@mothersprayers.org
Anima Women’s Network
Saturday April 6 from 2pm – 4.30pm
Local members of the Anima Women’s Network are hosting a retreat afternoon at St Joseph’s Parish O’Connor on Sat 6th April from 2-4.30pm. The afternoon’s theme will revolve around the Stabat Mater, a beautiful 13th-century Christian hymn devoted to Mary as she witnessed the crucifixion of her son, Jesus. The retreat will include adoration, an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation and will finish with afternoon tea. Event organiser Clara Geoghegan says “Please join us for an afternoon of prayer and fellowship as we journey through Lent in companionship with Mary and the women who accompanied Jesus to the Cross. We hope this will be the first of such opportunities for the women of Canberra” Donation $10 for afternoon tea. Enquiries phone 0448 411 389 or email geoghegan.clara@gmail.com
Disciples of Jesus Twilight Retreat
Wednesday May 29
Women from the local branch of the Disciples of Jesus Community are hosting a Twilight Retreat on Wednesday evening 29th May. The theme of the retreat is: “REAL Life to the Full: how longing for a Pinterest-worthy life can stifle your mission and steal your joy”. Event organiser Cathy Madsen says “Women of all ages are most welcome. It’s a chance to reflect on your day to day experiences and connect them meaningfully with your faith in Christ”. The event includes dinner, input, reflection time, small groups and supper. Cost is $15 for those who can afford it, otherwise just come. Enquiries contact Cathy Madsen on 0422 117 210 or cathcarlmadsen@gmail.com
Sisterhood Canberra Retreat Day
July 27 from 9.30am – 4pm
Sisterhood National Catholic Women’s Movement are co-hosting retreat days around the country with the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia. The Canberra Retreat Day will be held in the Haydon Hall at Manuka on Saturday 27th July from 9.30-4.00pm. Organiser Karen Doyle says “The retreat is a wonderful opportunity for women to take time out and to reconnect with God and other women of faith. The retreat welcomes women of all ages.” The day costs $25 Enquiries ring 0499 877 833 or email info@sisterhood.org.au
Call to Connect
Another opportunity for women to grow in their faith is through the “Call to Connect“ prayer sharing groups that presently operate in Canberra, Yass, Goulburn, Queanbeyan and Braidwood.
These groups meet every three weeks for prayer, hospitality and sharing the faith journey. Call to Connect offers resources and starter kits for new groups to form. Enquiries to Bronnie 0432 257 622