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Dear parents and carers,
This week we welcome in the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. Lent is a season when we think about what we can do to be better people and follow Jesus. Sometimes we even give something up or start doing something new that will help us to follow Jesus more closely. Starting something new can be scary or hard, but we don't do it alone. God is with us!
We had the most beautiful Ash Wednesday Mass and the students in Years 5 and 6 were superb. They exemplified our focus on manners this week by being so wonderfully respectful and reflective.
Governance changes
I recently published a letter from our Director, Mr Ross Fox, informing parents and carers about Governance changes to Catholic Education, and in turn, our own Community Council structures. There will be more information coming in the next few weeks as we transition into a new Community Council model.
Parent engagement
I am pleased to announce that we are fortunate to be able to offer a new playgroup for parents and carers in the Good Shepherd community. Playgroup will be hosted here at the school. Playgroup will be held on Thursday mornings during term time from 9:00am-10:30am.
For the diary
I have included some upcoming dates to note and hope you can attend:
• Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st February - Parent/Teacher Conferences. Bookings via Compass parent portal;
• Tuesday 20th February - “Think U Know” presentation for parents only, commencing at 6pm in the Year 6 breakout space. Baby sitting available;
• Friday 23rd February - Swimming Carnival Years 3-6 only, as well as any Year 2 students who turn 8 this year. Please be reminded that there are NO lunch orders for students attending the swimming carnival and no canteen facilities at the pool - students will need a packed lunch;
• Friday 23rd February - There are no lunch order facilities at all for this day due to the Swimming Carnival; and
• Friday 8th March - There are no lunch order facilities at all for this day due the crazy hair day and subway lunch.
Have a wonderful week!
Trazel
On Tuesday Years 3 and 4 participated in a Burning of the Ashes Ceremony with Father Troy.
The branches left over from Palm Sunday last year were ceremoniously burnt in preparation for Ash Wednesday, where the ashes were blessed. These ashes became a reminder for us that Jesus gave his life for us so that we may have life. God wants us to share that life with others.
During the ceremony we held our school cross to remind us that to do what Jesus asks of us is not always easy, and sometimes involves a little pain. We prayed to be ready to accept the challenge so we may make a positive difference in the lives of others.
We also held palm branches in memory of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We reflected that the things we hold onto in this world will in time, pass away. The withered palm branches symbolise all that passes. Their ashes were used during Ash Wednesday as a sign that we will walk humbly with our God during this Lent. In walking with God, and with the strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit, we thought about practical ways we can take on the Lenten commitment to give hope to the hungry and those in need in our world.
At the end of the ceremony Fr Troy asked for God to hear our prayers and to send us blessings as we enter into Lent.
You may like to pray this prayer together as a family:
God of tender mercy, you fashioned us from the earth and called us to follow your Gospel with all your faithful people. Look on us with kindness as we reflect upon the ashes that were created, blessed and shared to mark the beginning of our Lenten journey. Grant that we who make the Lenten journey might come to the waters of new birth with a renewed passion for justice, may serve your people and bring them peace, may prayer make holy all our thoughts, words and actions. Amen.
It’s a time to think about the people we are becoming and how we can make a difference to the people around us. It is a time for us to pray and it is a time for us to act.
The beginning of the season of Lent is recognised with the wearing of a cross of blessed and holy ash on our forehead to we show that we want to turn away from sin and follow the teachings of the Gospel.
The wearing of ashes on our foreheads comes from the Old Testament where the king and others covered themselves in sackcloth and ashes to symbolise repentance, sorrow and the willingness to turn our hearts to God so we can be better people. God knows what is in our hearts and he waits with open arms to welcome us, show mercy and heal us.
The colour purple is used during the season of Lent as a sign that we are willing to ask for forgiveness and say sorry for all the wrong things we have done. Candles are lit to show that Jesus is always present with us.
Let us pray together…
Lord God, as we walk with you this Lenten season guide and strengthen us through the Holy Spirit, that we might do our best to make loving, compassionate, caring decisions. Give us your blessings, forgive our sins and heal our hurts. Help us to grow to be more like Jesus Our Good Shepherd.
Amen.
The students and staff of Good Shepherd School join our sister Parish schools and our Parish in exploring the theme of 'Masks' this Lent. Traditionally, Lent is a time for transformation and conversion. Lent may also be seen as a time for reflecting on the masks we wear and the reasons we do so!
During this season of Lent, we take time to stop, listen and reflect on who we are and on who God calls us to become. Sometimes we use masks to disguise our feelings and emotions, or to distract others from recognising the truth. During this Lent we pray for openness and authenticity as we strive to imitate the authenticity of Jesus the Christ.
Let us pray together…
Creator God, here in this place new light is streaming. You fashion and form us in your image. We are the work of your hands. May this Lenten season be a time for reflection and renewal as we examine our lives, our attitudes, and our actions. Grant us the grace to be open to Your Ways and to follow as authentic disciples. Amen.Children in Grades 4-8 who are Catholic and have received the Sacrament of Communion, are you interested in serving the Lord and taking an active role during weekend Masses?
If you are - sign up to be an altar server - your Parish would love to have you be involved!
Please read the flyer for further details.
The following is an overview of key information regarding Confirmation. Please read relevant Compass alerts for full details.
REGISTERING YOUR CHILD TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION + PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
Parents and Care Givers of Year 6 Catholic Students who have made their First Communion
Parent Information Sessions for the Sacrament of Confirmation are as follows:
1.00pm Tuesday 27 February 2024, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 93 Burdekin Ave, Amaroo
6.00pm Tuesday 27 February 2024, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 93 Burdekin Ave, Amaroo
Attendance at one of these sessions is compulsory for one parent and the Confirmation candidate.
Important information about preparing for the Sacrament will be given to you at this time. The sessions will not be repeated.
If you have not registered your child for the Sacrament but you and your child wish to proceed with the program and with your child being confirmed, please register your child straight away: https://forms.gle/4zeJ8Vs333NTJWgX6
Thank you for your ongoing support. Please email Mel Unwin (Sacramental Preparation Officer) at: mel.unwin@cg.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.
Kindergarten | KD - Grace T | KH - Harper N | KTC - Alexander R | KT - Eliza J |
Year 1 | 1D - Zain K | 1L - Cruz M | 1M - Ruby Caulfield | 1R - Ivana S |
Year 2 | 2B - May R | 2C - Dilara V | 2E - Tristan L | 2FO - Teddy O |
Year 3 | 3Church - Pranshi S | 3Callaghan - Whitney B | 3T - Reed M | 3W - Isla H-B |
Year 4 | 4BG - Oscar W |
4I - Zara T |
4R - William E | 4T - Alani W |
Year 5 | 5DJ - Ariana C | 5G - Benjamin E | 5Scott - Gabe A | 5Smith - Naomi P |
Year 6 | 6G - Shivanshu B | 6K - Eden H | 6M - Alik D | 6W - Ruby M |
Soldier On
Our annual 96km March On challenge kicks off NEXT MONTH and we'd be honoured to have you join us again this year and continue your legacy to help veterans and their families.
Because together, we are stronger.
We're calling on YOU, to stand strong with us and support our mental health programs to help our heroes march on.
Register now for FREE and conquer 96km this March to help prevent veteran suicide and save lives.
Please click on the link below to access more information.
Soldier OnCommunity Council Meeting - Update
Our first Council Meeting of the school year was held on Tuesday 13th February 2024. It was great to meet and start planning for the 2024 school year.
There will be changes to the way the Community Council operates from Term 2. More information will be shared once available.
Canteen and clothing volunteers required
We are looking for some extra help to assist with the lunch order distribution on Fridays. If you have a spare 30 minutes to help between 1:15pm - 1:45pm, and also with filling clothing pool orders, please email your contact details to gscouncil1@gmail.com
Without volunteers, these services can't run - so please help if you can spare some time.
Clothing pool - donations
We are always looking for donations to our second-hand uniform pool. If you have any clean, undamaged uniforms to donate, please drop them off at the front office. We are especially short on summer dresses and sport shorts at the moment.
FREE COURSES
ADHD for Parents & Autism for Parents
Want to learn more about ADHD or Autism?
Catholic Education have registered to allow parents access to FREE Online Courses.
Head to Health is Canberra’s new mental health support service
Are you anxious, worried, stressed or feeling overwhelmed?
If you live, work or play in the ACT, you no longer have to wait weeks or even months for mental health support. The Canberra Head to Health Centre is now open and provides free mental health care services to people 18 and over.
Phone: 1800 595 212 Address: Canberra Head to Health, Shop G7 (Ground Floor), 14 Childers Street, Canberra City ACT 2601
Opening hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday (closed public holidays)
After hours: Request a call back via our website canberraheadtohealth.com.au
PARENT TV
Parent TV answering all your Parent questions is FREE for Good Shepherd parents.