Thank you to the parents, students and teachers who participated in this week’s Three Way Conferences. I hope the sessions were beneficial and gave families a clearer picture of how their child is performing. Following the sessions I had informal chats with some staff members to see if they prefer the extra night of interviews or putting comments on reports. Those I spoke to felt the extra scheduled meeting with families was more beneficial as they could give a more detailed explanation of the students performance as well as gain information from families about what may be of concern for the child or the parents.

Parents are reminded that while we provide formal meeting times for families throughout the year, parents are more than welcome to contact their child’s teachers to discuss any concerns at any time of the year.

Father’s Day Breakfast

A reminder that next Friday we have our Father’s Day Breakfast starting at 8am. We are still after a couple of volunteers to assist Jamie with the BBQ as Mr Hughes will be away.

GOSPEL: Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And suddenly out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, 'Lord, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.' But he said not a word in answer to her. And his disciples went and pleaded with him, saying, 'Give her what she wants, because she keeps shouting after us.' He said in reply, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.'

But the woman had come up and was bowing low before him. 'Lord,' she said, 'help me.' He replied, 'It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to little dogs.' She retorted, 'Ah yes, Lord; but even little dogs eat the scraps that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'Woman, you have great faith. Let your desire be granted.' And from that moment her daughter was well again.

REFLECTION

This week, we experienced a side of Jesus that we do not expect. Jesus and his disciples withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. As they were walking along, a Canaanite woman came to Jesus. She called out to him, begging Jesus: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is possessed and the demon is tormenting her!” However, Jesus did not even acknowledge her presence or her plea.

The woman did not give up. She continued to call out to Jesus. Finally, his disciples went to Jesus and told him to send the woman away. Jesus’ response to them was curt. He said: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

The woman persisted. She did him homage and said: “Lord, help me.” Jesus refused. He told the woman that he could not take food from the children of Israel and “throw it to the dogs” (for the Gentiles typically were called “dogs” because they worshipped idols). However, the woman was determined. She told Jesus: “Even dogs eat the scraps that fall from the master’s table.” She begged him to throw a few scraps to her beloved daughter. Jesus was amazed at her faith, her persistence, and her deep love for her daughter. Jesus then tells her: “Let it be done for you as you wish.”  Immediately, her daughter was healed!

What are the scraps you desire from Jesus’ table? How persistent are you with Jesus? Today may we be as persistent with Jesus as this mother was. May we trust that Jesus will not disappoint us! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

FATHER’S DAY PRAYER SERVICE

Next Friday, St Mary’s will be celebrating Father’s Day. We will commence with a breakfast at 8am followed by a Prayer Service at 8:50am in the Hall. We extend a warm welcome to all Fathers and Carers in our community to come and celebrate this special occasion with us.

CATHOLIC MISSION FAIR DAY

On Friday, 22nd September, we will be holding a Fair Day to raise money for Catholic Mission.  As the Pope’s international mission agency, Catholic Mission respond to the call to love God and to love our neighbour by forming individuals and communities as missionary disciples of Jesus who share their faith in action and through prayer. They share in God’s mission to reach out, give life by sharing their personal and financial resources to: - proclaim the Gospel, - serve people in need, - act for peace, justice and creation; In partnership with local churches, so that all may have life in Christ.

Activities and purchases will be available from as little as 20c so make sure you start gathering your change for what will be a fun-filled exciting day!

CONFIRMATION

As our Year 6 students commence their final weeks of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, we keep them in our prayers. Their journey will conclude on Thursday 7th of March with a retreat day led by Hennessy College at the Parish Centre. The day will commence with Mass at 9am and conclude at 2:30pm. More details will be sent home next week.

NATIVITY OF MARY MASS - YEARS 3 - 6

On Thursday 7th September, all students from Years 3 to 6 will be attending a Mass to celebrate the Nativity of Mary. We ask that all students are dropped off at the Church by 8:50am. Students who catch the bus will need to leave the bus at Hennessy. Supervision will be provided from 8:30am.

God Bless,

Warren Ziebowski

(Religious Education Coordinator)

Archdiocesan Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to our squad of athletes who attended the carnival at the AIS on Tuesday this week. We had lots of students placing 3rd, 4th and 5th which is a fantastic effort!!

Congratulations to Sam Presser and Kynan Burgess who were Runner Up Age Champions in their age group on the day. Amazing achievement!!

Well done to the following students who placed either 1st or 2nd in their events and are off the MacKillop Athletics Championships in Sydney in Week 10.

Zander Ashton - 12/13 yrs High Jump

Kynan Burgess - 10 yrs 100m, Jnr Long Jump

Oscar McRae - Jnr Shotput

Sam Presser - 11yrs 100m, Int Long Jump

Harry Robinson - 13yrs 100m

We wish you all the very best of luck and are very proud of your efforts to achieve at this level!!

Boorowa Touch & Netball Carnival

Please find a copy of the DRAFT teams below. Please note these are in draft form only and participants may be swapped between teams within the same year group. Blank rows indicate the spaces we have available. Once teams are full we are unable to add any more players. Currently our Year 5 touch team is full. Our Compass permissions have closed so please email Mrs Challen if you wish to add your child in a team or on a waiting list. As you can see we need some more players for Year 4 Touch Football. Please contact me at leonne.challen@cg.catholic.edu.au