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).

https://stpaulcenter.com/audio/sunday-bible-reflections/all-is-fulfilled-scott-hahn-reflects-on-passion-sunday/

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. 

Thank you!

It was wonderful to see so many students participating in our Rice Day. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Dil, Alex and Truc who cooked and cleaned up for us, we could not have done it without you. Thank you also to all those who sent in rice cookers. 

Next week we celebrate Holy Week, below is the schedule. Parents and family are welcome to join, please remember that these liturgies are a time for prayer and reflection.

Holy Week

Happy Birthday to Abigail M

Term 2 is nearly upon us and that means we commence gymnastics sessions at the Woden Valley Gymnastics Club. Permission notes will be in your children’s note pockets next week. Please sign and return ASAP as our first session is in Week 1.

School Holiday Casual Bookings

There are places available in the ELC Holiday Program.  Casual bookings are available for $150 per day and your normal rate of Child Care Subsidy will apply. The Holiday Program runs from 8am – 5:30pm.

Project Compassion

Throughout Lent we are learning about the importance of doing kind things for others.  We are participating in Project Compassion to help people living in poverty.  Children can bring in gold coin donations to contribute to their class Project Compassion box.

Open Day

The St Jude’s Primary School and ELC Open Day will be held on Tuesday 2 May.  There are 2 sessions, 9am- 11am and 4pm-6pm.  If you know any families with children approaching preschool age, invite them along to have a look at our amazing ELC!  Online enrolments are open via the ELC page of the school website.

Borrowing limits at school are a starting point for children but may always be negotiated if your child is “taking off” with reading and would like “more please”! Children may come into the Library any / every day of the week to change their books – lunchtime or after school – with or without parents – and get new books.                                                                                                

*Next week children may borrow an extra book for the holidays if they would like. Just need to bring Library bags K-3 to borrow!

Also the Public Library Service is available free for everyone and is a good habit to develop.

                 Happy reading!  Verna Comley

Menu Items

You may notice on Qkr! that flavoured milk and Glee may be unavailable – we are still waiting for stock to arrive, due to supply issues.

Canteen Volunteers – Week 10

Wednesday 5 April - N. Berthelot & D. Sadreddini & J. Long

Thursday 6 April – R. Buckley, R. Arnold & I. Shames

Friday 7 April – Good Friday

The Volunteer Roster for Term 2 is currently being prepared. If you would like to volunteer please email katrina.howden@cg.catholic.edu.au

Families and friends, this week we welcome/introduce the new long sleeve winter sports polo. 

This polo has been introduced for purchase in the last week or two, in response to feedback that children (particularly the smaller/younger ones) did not have an option for a warm sports polo for the cooler months. At this stage, we are only stocking to a size 10/12, with the option to expand these sizes based on demand. Please email the uniform shop ( uniform.stjudes@gmail.com ) if you have any questions or would like to see the shirt in larger sizes. **This polo IS NOT COMPULSORY. It is an optional extra for the winter months, for children who feel the cold. 

With winter term fast approaching, a reminder: there is a two week transition into winter uniform from the start of Term 2. This gives families a grace period whereby, depending on weather, children can wear elements of summer uniform and/or winter uniform until the END OF WEEK 2. After this time, it is expected that all children will be in winter uniform - including long sleeve blue polos with navy trousers, or a skivvy or blouse with the tunic. Short sleeve polos are a summer uniform item and should not be worn with winter trousers. 

 Opening Times:

- Friday 31 MARCH FROM 8.45am - 9.30am, AND

- Tuesday 4 APRIL FROM 2.30pm - 5pm

**The uniform shop will CLOSE at 5pm Tuesday 4 April for this Term** Orders made after this time will not be packed and/or delivered until we return in Week 1, Term 2. 

Athletics Carnival

With sun shining, our Athletics carnival went ahead today. Goodluck everyone! 

We held our second general meeting for the Community Council yesterday evening. Thanks to all those who attended in person and online. The minutes will be made available on the school website for review. One of the key points of discussion was the resurfacing of the shelter shed, with a number of options being identified for further investigation. Funds raised from the fete are being directed towards this project.

Term 1 has certainly been a busy one. In addition to our Fete we have also had the Hot Cross Bun and Bulb sales. Bulb sales will remain open until the 6 April, with deliveries direct from the supplier to your home. To order visit this webiste https://www.bulbfundraiser.com.au/STJUDESH

The next Community Council meeting will be in the middle of term 2.

Many thanks,

Gemma Cabot

Stjudes.scc@gmail.com