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Dear Families,
Tuesday was the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is marked in the church calendar to remind Catholics of the importance of Mary.
All of the Year 5’s and 6’s celebrated Mass with the parish on Tuesday morning, joining in with this special occasion.The school choir sang some beautiful songs about Mary to remind us of her importance too.
When we are told that Mary was taken up to heaven body and soul, it can be a difficult concept to get our heads around.
Like many mysteries of faith and religion, it makes us stop and think about the purpose behind it. Why is it, that Mary would be ‘assumed’ to be with God in both body and her soul. But we are led to believe that our soul is the most important part of us. Our body will eventually wither away and our soul lives on, forever. We’ve come to understand to not worry about that which does not last forever.
So, this presents a bit of a perplexing thought – that for some reason, Mary’s body is somehow important. Certainly, something to ponder…
Scripture tells us a few things about Mary. We’ve come to know that she was a courageous person. Someone very faithful. She thought of others before herself and gave of her time freely. She answered the call to be the mother of Jesus.
She bravely stayed by her son in the most difficult time imaginable when he died on the cross. Like other saints, she is a role model and someone who would intercede for us in times of prayer.
When you want to think of someone, especially a loved one, it’s human nature to carry around a photo of them. Soldiers, for instance, would carry around a photo of their wife or girlfriend when they went off to war - so that in difficult times,
they would reach for their photo and cherish the image to get them through.
We put family photos up in the house to have constant reminders of these special people in our lives.
Likewise, if someone wanted to pray to Mary, it would be handy to have a physical image of her in our minds. No one knows what she looked like of course, but there are plenty of artist impressions that can give us inspiration.
Many Catholics have a favourite image of Mary. Knowing that she was such a pivotal person in Jesus’ mission and that there is a physical aspect of her with God, gives us something even more tangible when we pray for Mary’s intercession. Mary was a great mum and is known to be very helpful that way!
Left: The stained-glass window in the St Thomas the Apostle church depicts the tongues of fire from the Pentecost event. The centre flame represents Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is a leader of the church and was pivotal in spreading Jesus’ mission.
Question for this week:
Why is there an Old Testament and a New Testament?
One of our students has obviously been wondering about the bible recently and wondered about the two sections of the bible and their purpose. We could easily answer this by saying that the Old Testament is the Jewish bible and the New Testament is about Jesus. These two sections were written at completely different times (thousands of years difference) and it would be confusing for someone regarding their purpose.
Many great movies started with one story and then explored more of the story in a sequel. Christians believe that God wanted to share more of the story of His love, so he sent his Son, Jesus to help us discover more of this story. Hence the need for the New Testament to be added to the bible. It’s a continuing story of love. And you know how sometimes the sequel doesn’t make much sense if you watch it first? Same can be said about the New Testament. There are so many links between them, you gain so much more when you know the whole story!
Communion
06 September First Communion – Reconciliation (for STAPS) After Weekday Mass
07 September First Communion - Retreat 11am-3.15pm (all candidates)
09 September First Communion - Mass
10 September First Communion - Mass
16 September First Communion - Mass
17 September First Communion - Mass
Little Friends of Jesus Enrolment 2023
For children in Government & Catholic Schools Prep - Grade 6
Introducing a new exciting program for young ones to learn more about Jesus and develop a deeper relationship with HIM and a deeper understanding of the faith as they prepare for their future Sacraments.
Event Timing: Every Saturday 4-5pm (during school Term)
Event Address: St Thomas the Apostle Parish Church
Contact Fraulin or Sr.Julie at friendsofjesussttap@gmail.com
Complete the form to enrol: https://forms.gle/2Lrs5BJr1YUEuMMh6
Currently we see many students coming to school in non-school uniform items (particularly hoodies). If your child has lost their school jumper please write a note/email to the class teacher alerting them to your child wearing non-uniform item/s for the day. The teacher will help your child check for lost property.
What a lovely atmosphere of excitement and splash of colour across our school on Wednesday. Whilst the wonderful Matildas didn't make the final they have made us all proud with their skill, passion and commitment. Here's hoping for a final win against Sweden on Saturday night to claim the bronze!
For that tiny minority supporting England or Spain enjoy the game Sunday, may the best team win!
Royal Botanic Gardens
In Week Two this term, the Ephesus Community visited the Royal Botanic Gardens. Students participated in a guided learning session about Minibeasts.
They explored habitats and learnt many facts about the habitats different minibeasts need to survive.
Some students were lucky enough to catch a shrimp!
Mad About Science
On Wednesday 16th August, Ephesus were fortunate enough to have the Mad About Science workshop visit our community.
Tracy taught us about living and non living things, discussed what a biologist does and how we use a microscope.
There were lots of opportunities to explore hands-on activities!
August
Monday 21st - Friday 25th August - Book Week - Read, Grow, Inspire
Thursday 24th August - Year 6 Excursion - Melbourne Aquarium and Immigration Museum
Friday 25th August - Book Week Dress Up Parade at 9 - 9:30am - Parents invited
Thursday 31st August - Year One Learning Expo - Parents Invited
September
Friday 1st September - Father’s Day Morning Event - 8:30am - 10:15am
Saturday 2nd September - First Communion Mass at 6:00pm
Sunday 3rd September – First Communion Mass at 9:00am and 10:45am
Wednesday 6th September - Year 2 Learning Expo at 2:30pm - Parents Invited
Wednesday 6th September - Year 6 Students - Interschool Sports Day 2 - St Peter’s College Campus
Thursday 7th September - First Communion Retreat - Candidates only
Thursday 7th September - Bethlehem Science expo - 2:15pm - Parents Invited
Friday 8th September - Year 4 Learning Expo at 8:45am - Parents Invited
Saturday 9th September - First Communion Mass at 6:00pm
Sunday 10th September - First Communion Mass at 9:00am and 10:45am
Friday 15th September – Last Day of School Term