Dear parents,

Today we signed an agreement between Catholic Education, representing Mother Teresa School, and the University of Canberra. The agreement, signed by Mr Ross Fox (Director Catholic Education) and Mr Geoff Crisp (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UC) formalized the program currently running at MTS where both fourth year and Masters students, studying occupational therapy, work with identified students at our school under the supervision of their clinical supervisor.  This program has been operating since the second half of term one and the agreement is in place for three years.

The clinical supervisor has meet with a number of families to discuss the assistance that they are providing to their child. Several families have also attended information sessions at UC.

This is the first time UC has undertaken placements in a school setting and both they, and MTS, are looking at how we can expand to other areas of need.

It was the vision and passion of Mrs Karen Garrity, our diverse learning coordinator, who began working with UC in 2019 that put this program in place.  COVID meant that it did not begin until this year.  I congratulate Karen on this achievement.

Any parent trying to access any type of therapist knows there is a long waiting list for those that work with children.  While there is a monetary cost to the school, we believe the benefits for the student is well worth the time and investment and will lead to improved educational outcomes.

A reminder to parents that next Tuesday is the next meeting of the Community Council.  It begins at 6 pm in the staff room. All parents are welcome.

ELC

As parents of children in the ELC are aware, Mrs Sarah McCulloch is finishing up as director.  The position has been advertised and while we await the outcome of the recruitment process, Ms Janene Sadler has generously offered to be the nominated supervisor.  She will be supported in her role by a member of the ELC team from Catholic Education and myself.

Math’s Problem

Well done to Brody Press who was the winner of last week’s problem. I have been told Brody now has over 20 handballs at home. This week’s problem is below. I would love to see a lot more entries.

God Bless

Peter Hughes

WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS

The Whole school focus theme for this year is:

‘We Are Bee-Attitude Keepers”

Our value for the next two weeks is: Justice

At Mother Teresa we are going to show justice towards those we meet in our class and on the playground by:

• embracing differences
• treating others fairly
• respecting our self and others
• having the courage to speak out
• recognising similarities and difference

FOCUS ASSEMBLY

Thank you to Mrs Tanchevski, Miss Mackenzie and Mrs Shelley and Year Ebony and Onyx  who presented a fabulous focus assembly about justice. The Bible passage they told gave us a very important message. Zacchaeus promises to take drastic measures to right the wrongs he has done, and to live his life in a better and more righteous way: he promises to give much of his wealth to the poor and to go above and beyond in repaying what he took illegally from others (Luke 19:8).

Being just is having "a concern for justice, peace, and genuine respect for people". The song ‘Raise Your Voice for Justice!’ was beautifully and powerfully portrayed.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Parent Information Session:

Tuesday 15 June 1pm & 6pm

Attention all parents who have a child in Year 3 who will be making the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist!

We invite children in Year 3 and above who are baptised Catholic to take the next step on their faith journey and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. This is a significant step as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. The school supports the Parish in the coordination of these Sacraments. However, it is important to remember that you, as parents, are the first teachers of your child, and preparing children to receive the Sacraments is a relationship between parents and the Parish. If you would like your child to receive these Sacraments, please attend an information session.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
 (Corpus Christi)
Year B
​6 June 2021
​“This is my body. This is my blood.”
​

Reflecting on the gospel - discussion

A family meal is more than just eating. It is a time when we build our relationships as a family. We nourish each other by spending time together. Just like the special meal Jesus had with his family, our family meals take preparation too.
​What happens in your family to prepare for a meal?

The Gospel story

Today we hear the story of the Last Supper. Jesus asked his friends to prepare a place for them to share a special meal. During the meal, Jesus blessed the bread and shared it with his disciples, telling them that it was his body.

Then he blessed some wine and shared it with his disciples, telling them that it was his blood.

Jesus knew that he was going to leave his friends, so he wanted them to remember him whenever they shared a meal.​

Peace and best wishes

Anne Leet

Religious Education Coordinator