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In the midst of challenging times it is important that we have supporting routines and processes so that we can remain calm, grounded and continue to make decisions that are life affirming.
One of my routines is using the serenity prayer - many of you may be familiar with the common shortened version:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.”
Brene Brown, a researcher into vulnerability in leadership, adds the word discernment into the final sentence. She identifies that having the wisdom is a little unclear. She adds instead the idea of sitting with the discomfort, seeking an answer through listening and feeling in an act of discernment.
The full prayer (which you will find below) gives greater insight into how we might enter into challenging situations in a wiser, calmer and more courageous way. It brings the human experience of hardship on our path to peace and happiness. It reminds that without hardship and challenge we cannot grow and become wiser.
Currently at school we are experiencing many hardships through staff illnesses and absences, the shortage of relief teachers, the illness among students and the colder weather. Each of these needs to be met with calm, acceptance and with a curious mind seeking ways to find fair solutions to meet the needs of most.
Our students have on occasions had new and visiting teachers, sometimes they have had a member of senior leadership (I have thoroughly enjoyed being back with a Year 6 class this week) or even had to be split among other classes. Our students have demonstrated their ability to act in the way that the serenity prayer suggests. Perhaps this is why Jesus told his followers and others (Mt18:3) that they should come to God as little children do – with faith, curiosity, trust and openness. We too need to rediscover this in ourselves and find joy in the small things in life and wisdom in simplicity.
Wishing you a blessed week and my prayers for your peace and happiness as you traverse the challenges in your life.
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.
Attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
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
Think UV not heat
UV levels are starting to rise
It's time to dust off those sun hats, check the sunscreen expiry date and get SunSmart ready.
In Victoria UV levels start to rise from mid-August.
Regardless of the weather, remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK and SLIDE whenever UV levels reach three or more.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! LENNOX
Congratulations !!! Lennox M on representing the school/state in the SSV U12 Boys Touch Rugby Team.
Their team placed 5th overall and improved each day of the competition. A fabulous experience had by Lennox building connections with players from all over the country
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 9am- Parents Welcome
Thursday 31st August - Year One Learning Expo - Parents Invited 9-10am
September
Friday 1st September - Father’s Day Morning Event - 8:30am - 9:30am
Saturday 2nd September - First Communion Mass at 6:00pm
Sunday 3rd September – First Communion Mass at 9:00am and 10:45am
Monday 4th September - Free Dress Day (Gold Coin donation - Catholic Mission in India)
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 & 10:45am
Monday 11th September - Year 5 Excursion - Melbourne Zoo
Friday 15th September – Last Day of School Term
Outside School Hours Care Program
It takes a village to raise a child and we are yours! VillageOSHC partners with schools Australia-wide to keep children safe and happy outside school hours as parents work or study. In our care, children make new friends, build on old friendships, get exercise, eat healthy food, embrace their imagination, and have loads of fun in a safe and respectful environment.
Operating Hours and Fees
Before School Care:
Times: 6:45am-8:30am
Fees: $20.85*
Pay from $2.90 after CCS
After School Care:
Times: 3:15pm-6:15pm
Fees: $32.45*
Pay from $3.24 after CCS
Vacation Care:
Times: 7:00am-6:00pm
Fees: $76.95*
Pay from $7.69 after CCS
Visit villageoshc.com.au to enrol and book via LookedAfter, the VillageOSHC booking platform. LookedAfter is Government approved, highly secure and user-friendly. Create an account for your family for free by clicking the Book Now button.
Book early! Book 24 hours or more in advance to pay the lowest rate! *Fees listed above are per child per session before CCS is applied. For a full list of fees and charges including late notice and walk-ins, see Terms and Conditions at villageoshc.com.au
For more information visit our website at villageoshc.com.au
For all enquiries contact VillageOSHC on 1300 366 437 or email support@villageoshc.com.au.