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Dear parents,
At Tuesday’s Community Council meeting, members examined the response from Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate in relation to the traffic flow concerns at Mother Teresa School. The meeting, held last term, discussed our concerns regarding traffic flow and safety especially when cars are forced to queue along Wimmera St and Mapleton Avenue, particularly of an afternoon. While several ideas were shared at the meeting, no action has been agreed to. To improve traffic flow for cars turning left when leaving the school of an afternoon, “no queuing stripes” may be painted on the road to allow cars turning right into Collaroy Street easier access.
They did re-emphasise strategies to reduce the volume of traffic. These include:
- Riding or walking to school,
- Using the bus service,
- Arriving well before the start of school and coming later to pick children up from the drop off/pick up zone, keeping in mind that supervision of this area finishes at 3.30pm.
The Community Council would like to put a small committee of interested parents together to write to, and lobby, local ministers and candidates in the run up to the next ACT election. I know many parents are frustrated with the current situation. If you would like to be on the committee I ask you contact the office and advise them of your interest.
The Community Council has also approved a proposal that we pump water out of the local settlement pond to irrigate our grassed areas during the warmer weather. Currently, we use potable water for this purpose which is very expensive. Potable water costs $2.46 per kilolitre while water from the settlement pond will cost approximately 29c per kilolitre. We have been given permission to extract 1.5 million litres annually but the more difficult task will be planning, constructing and completing the project which will require further government approval.
Below I have reproduced a note on the ACT election written by Mr David Austin, Principal at Good Shepherd School, Amaroo. While talking to the candidates about funding you could also raise our traffic flow issues.
ACT Election-Saturday 17 October
There are 8 weeks until the ACT Election and am sure you are seeing candidates from all parties at shopping centres (or even receiving phone calls from them). I encourage you to approach candidates at the shopping centres and mention or discuss the value of ACT Catholic Schools and quiz them on their party’s support for ACT Catholic Schools.
In the ACT, there are 29 systemic Catholic Schools who educate 15,000 students. In Canberra, Catholic schools are very similar to public schools, with our schools having almost exactly the same average ICSEA score (1077-1076). Our schools are inclusive, support families from all backgrounds, and operate on a modest budget.
Did you know that when you compare the total funding that Catholic schools in each state/territory receive, the ACT are the second lowest funded Catholic schools in the country? This is particularly impacted by the ACT Government’s low funding of Catholic schools.
Have a chat to the candidates and mention that you are a parent in an ACT Catholic School and funding of Catholic Schools is an important issue for you.
Maths Problem
Congratulations to Brad McCluskey who was the first correct answer drawn out this week. Willem van Galen and Brody Press also received a prize for telling me the problem came from Dr Seuss’ book ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’. This week’s problem is below.
The Whole school focus theme for this year is: Be Just Like Jesus
To be like Jesus is to be a person willing to put others before yourself, to seek wisdom, and to care about how you interact with all people you come across in life.
Confirmation
Congratulations to our Year 6 students who were confirmed this week by Fr Mark and Fr Jiss. Their sense of reverence and awareness of the importance of the sacrament in their lives was very insightful. Our sincere thanks to Fr Mark and Fr Jiss for their gentle and inspiring presence; Louise Johnson for her unfailing support, and to our Year 6 teachers for their dedication in preparing the children so well. Lastly, to the Year 6 children who did not make their Confirmation but walked the journey with their peers.
May the enthusiasm of the Holy Spirit leap incessantly within you and
help you to live a vibrant life.
May the warmth of the Holy Spirit’s fire be extended through your concern and
care for all those who need your love.
May the blaze of the Holy Spirit’s courage enable you to speak the truth and
stand up for respect, dignity and justice.
May the steady flame of the Holy Spirit’s goodness within you convince you every day of the power of your presence with others.
May the joyful fire of the Holy Spirit dance within you and set happiness ablaze in your life.
Joyce Rupp
First Eucharist & Reconciliation:
Booking to attend Mass
Please continue with our Mass booking system for up to 100 people at each Mass. To attend Mass in person, please follow this link to make a booking.
For those who are not able to attend in person at this time, please continue to join us for Mass on Sundays at 9.30am via Zoom using https://zoom.us/j/824036573.
Mass times for August are as follows:
· Saturdays: 5:00pm and 6:00pm
· Sundays 8:00am, 9:30am (with zoom) and 12:00pm
Parents please ensure that your child has their mass booklet with them to follow along with the mass.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday, 15th August.
This is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Good and loving God,
You are faithful to those you love.
As we celebrate the mystery of
Mary’s Assumption,
May her faith in you and your promise to her
Help us to trust in you more deeply.
This we pray in the name of Jesus your Son.
Amen
https://litedliturgybrisbane.weebly.com/family-prayer-week-by-week.html/
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Year A
16 August 2020
“Woman, your faith is great.”
Something to Think About
In today’s story, Jesus talks to a woman from a different country and, despite their differences, he eventually helps her because of her faith. Who, in your life, would you consider to be a foreigner or a stranger? Maybe a person you haven’t met yet or a person you have judged to be 'different'.
The Story
The woman in this week’s story from Matthew’s gospel is a stranger and a foreigner and the last person one would expect to seek out Jesus. She displays great faith, more faith, in fact, than the disciples ever show! It is her faith that saves her and heals her daughter.
Peace and best wishes
Anne Leet
Religious Education Co-ordinator
