Dear parents,

Congratulations to our year three students who received their First Eucharist over the last two weeks. It is an important stage of each child’s faith journey and it was great to be able to celebrate this in the church with families.

Thank you to Mrs Leet and the year three teachers for all the work they have put in preparing the students for their First Eucharist.  Thank you also to Fr Mark, Fr Thon and the parish workers for their assistance.

Community Council

Next Tuesday evening we will be holding the AGM of the Mother Teresa Community Council at 5.30pm in the school staff room. The meeting is open to all parents that may be interested in supporting the school leadership by providing advice across a broad range of issues. The Community Council also has a number of sub-committees such as a social committee which organizes events to enhance connection among parents.

More information regarding the work of the Community Council and its current members can be found on the school’s website under the ‘Our School’ tab.

Christmas Treats

In line with our policy dealing with student well-being and in particular allergies, parents are reminded that treats such as cakes, lollies, etc. are not to be sent to school to be given out to other students.

The same applies to candy canes which are often exchanged in the lead up to Christmas.

Maths Problem

Congratulations to Selina Li who had the first successful entry drawn out this week. She wins a free lunch and a handball. This week’s problem is below.

Two groups of kangaroos are facing each other on a narrow mountain trail. There are three kangaroos facing in each direction as shown below.

The challenge is for the kangaroos to swap places, moving according to the following rules:

• one kangaroo can move at a time,
• it must either hop into an adjacent vacant place, or
• jump over an on-coming kangaroo into a vacant place.

You need to work out the number of moves required to have the kangaroos swap sides. If there were five on each side how many moves does it take?

Can you see a pattern?

Transition to High School

The Catholic Schools Parent Association have developed a toolkit, ‘Gearing Up for Parent Engagement in Student Learning’, to assist families to help make the transition into Primary and Secondary school a great experience for children and young people. The toolkit includes a module on transitions, Nurturing Your Child Through Transition, for Primary and Secondary students. These modules provide practical and concrete advice to assist students and parents to navigate the anxiety that can sometimes happen with change.

Catholic School Parents Australia (parentengagementcspa.edu.au)

God Bless

Peter Hughes

WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS The Whole school focus theme for this year is:

‘We Are Bee-Attitude Keepers”

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

14 November 2021 - Year B

“You say that I am a king.”

Something to Think About

Are there any kings and queens living in the world today? Where do they live? What do they do?

Can you name a fairy tale about a king or queen? Describe the king or queen.

The Story

Today’s gospel shows us what sort of a king Jesus is, although his kingdom is not of this world. As Jesus talks with Pontius Pilate, he shows himself to be peaceful, fair and honest. Jesus tells Pilate that he came into this world to tell people about the truth of God’s kingdom.

Reflecting on the Gospel

Talk together about what the 'kingdom' of Jesus could or should look like today. Will it be a place of peace and harmony? Will there be poor, hungry and homeless people? Will each person have someone to love them?

Group Activity

JESUS IS THE KING

You will need: a paper plate for each child (flimsy paper plates work best), coloured markers, scissors. Optional: decorative beads, mini pom-poms or coloured buttons, craft glue.

1. Fold the paper plate and divide each half into four triangles like a pizza. (see image)
2. Cut along the lines with the plate folded. Unfold the plate to make the final two cuts.
3. Children decorate the paper plate with markers and other decorative items. You may wish to glue a pom-pom or button at the tip of each triangular piece.
4. Fold the triangles up into place.
5. Children can wear the crowns on their heads as they sing “Jesus is the King” one more time!

FIRST EUCHARIST

Many thanks to all who made this occasion so special:

• Fr Thonn who has played a big role in helping prepare the students for Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
• The teachers, Catherine Blackwell, Serena Cramond, Carly Snowdon, Justine Henshaw, Lauren Pye and Sarah MacArthur who prepared the students so well for this sacrament.
• Katrina Battilana our parish sacramental co-ordinator who ensured all aspects of the preparation and celebration of First Eucharist was beautifully prepared; and most importantly.
• The parents who have supported their child/ren in this important step in their faith journey.   

Peace and best wishes

Anne Leet

Religious Education co-ordinator