Principal's Message
This week's Gospel Reading
This week's reading is the story of the events leading into Holy week:
“All this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled,” Jesus says in today’s Gospel (see Matthew 26:56).
Indeed, we have reached the climax of the liturgical year, the highest peak of salvation history, when all that has been anticipated and promised is to be fulfilled.
By the close of today’s long Gospel, the work of our redemption will have been accomplished: the new covenant will be written in the blood of His broken body hanging on the Cross at the place called the Skull.
In His Passion, Jesus is “counted among the wicked,” as Isaiah had foretold (see Isaiah 53:12). He is revealed definitively as the Suffering Servant the prophet announced, the long-awaited Messiah whose words of obedience and faith ring out in today’s First Reading and Psalm.
The taunts and torments we hear in these two readings punctuate the Gospel as Jesus is beaten and mocked (see Matthew 27:31), as His hands and feet are pierced, as enemies gamble for His clothes (see Matthew 27:35), and as His enemies dare Him to prove His divinity by saving Himself from suffering (see Matthew 27:39-44).
He remains faithful to God’s will to the end. He does not turn back in His trial. He gives Himself freely to His torturers, confident that, as He speaks in today’s First Reading, “The Lord God is My help . . . I shall not be put to shame.”
Destined to sin and death as children of Adam’s disobedience, we have been set free for holiness and life by Christ’s perfect obedience to the Father’s will (see Romans 5:12-14, 17-19; Ephesians 2:2; 5:6).
This is why God greatly exalted Him. This is why we have salvation in His name. Following His example of humble obedience in the trials and crosses of our lives, we know we will never be forsaken. We know, as the centurion realizes today, that truly this is the Son of God (see Matthew 27:54).
Athletics Carnival
A sincere thank you to both Kerrin Henderson and Brendan Mitchell for the time and effort put into organising today's carnival. After heavy rain the sun started to shine and we are fortunate to have reasonable weather for our very first ELC - Year 6 Athletics Carnival at Woden Athletics Field. Thank you also to all our staff, volunteers and Katrina's band of helpers for making today a success. I am disappointed not to be in attendance, however, my surgery went well and I am looking forward to being back on deck on Monday.
Prime Energy Drinks
We have become aware that some students are consuming ‘Prime Energy Drinks’. Like all drinks containing stimulants such as Red Bull or Mother, children’s health can be seriously harmed if consumed. We are aware that some versions don’t contain stimulants, however, our school does not allow energy drinks of any kind. If students bring them to school we may ask parents to collect them from the front office.
Pupil Free Day Monday April 24
A reminder that Term 2 will begin for students on Wednesday April 26. Teachers will be involved in professional learning on April 24. We will have Brian Parker a reading specialist from New Zealand working with our Year 3 - 6 teachers, whilst K-2 will be exploring strategies to enhance writing.
Staffing Changes
As you would be aware, Leanne Thomas is on LSL leave for Term 2. Over the past 7 weeks I have advertised for a music teacher, however, have not received suitable applicants. Emily McKenzie Kay will be working in 2T during Term 2. We have been fortunate in being able to offer some alternate programmes to music in Term 2. K-2 will have Art lessons, taught by Emily on a Tuesday. 3 - 6 will have IT lessons taught by our IT specialist Richard Kaltner. There will be a focus on familiarisation with their particular devices and exploration of appropriate apps and websites. We are very fortunate to have Richard on staff. Junior and Senior choir will continue during Term 2 and we have organised a couple of visiting performers. Music will return in Term 3 when Leanne returns. In summary:
2T - Keryn Thiele on LSL for all of T2, will be taught by Anna Kelly Mon & Tue, and Emily McKenzie Kay Wed - Fri
Art - K - 2 on Tuesdays - focusing on fine motor development and nature art
IT yr 3 - 6 - taught by Richard Kaltner
Junior and Senior Choir to continue on a weekly basis.
If you have any queries, please dont hesitate to contact me.
Holy Week Celebrations
Next week the students will lead the school community through the events of Holy Week. The events are:
Holy Week
Palm Sunday - Kinder Monday April 3, 2.10pm @ Church
Holy Thursday - Year 4 Tuesday April 4, 2pm @ Hall
Good Friday - Year 6 Wednesday April 5, 12pm @ shelter shed + Church
Easter Sunday - Year 1 Thursday April 6, 2.10pm @ Church
As all students are in attendance, there will be limited space for parents. Most liturgies run for 10 - 15 minutes in duration, perhaps ask your child at the end of the day what they saw, heard or learnt.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
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Cameron Reed - Principal |