Dear Parents and Caregivers
Today is World Teachers’ Day (it should actually be for anybody who works in a school) and we take a moment to give thanks to our amazing staff for all the great things they do for our students. Teaching has become a vastly different profession from when I started 38 years ago. It has become increasingly complex and challenging and now we find ourselves with a world wide teacher shortage. The ones we have left are the true believers who know they are making a real difference to the lives of the students in their care. Teaching can be a thankless job. Therefore, I ask you to take the time to send a message of gratitude to your children’s teachers today. I know our amazing P&F have ordered donuts and a coffee van for Friday morning for the staff and we are extremely grateful for that kind gesture.
Scripture Reflection Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Whole School Mass Our first Whole School Mass for the term will be held on Thursday 30 October at 8.45am in the Church. The focus of the Mass will be All Saints and All Souls days. Many of us are aware of the saints, but we don’t really know much about them. When I was Confirmed as a boy, I took on the name of St Paul because my dad also took on his name at his Confirmation. Little did I know that St Paul was one of the greatest evangelists of the early Church. Through his travels, he was instrumental in introducing Christianity throughout the ancient world. Did you know that every time you go to Mass and listen to the Second Reading, that it is generally taken from one of St Paul’s letters he wrote to the communities he visited? Most of these communities are now in places we call Greece, Malta, Italy, North Macedonia and Turkiye. We will also focus on All Souls Day, where we remember anyone who has already returned to God. This is an important Mass and everyone is welcome to come along and join us.
Interschool Athletics Carnival Mr Boyce has been very busy selecting the interschool squad from the results of the highly successful Faction Carnival a couple of weeks ago. All squad members would have received all the details by now for the carnival which will be held at WA Athletics Stadium at Mt Claremont on Friday 31 October. The bus will be leaving from here at 7.30am, so please make sure all competitors are at school by 7.20am. Parents and grandparents are most welcome to come along and cheer on our athletes.
Remembrance Day We live in a very troubled world these days. Apparently, there are 36 separate conflicts going on now in different places. This Remembrance Day, we not only pray for our Australian servicemen and women who have fought in any war, but we remember those people around the world today who are suffering the trauma of war. I know that a number of our families here at Mary Mac have their own family members living in these areas of conflict and unrest. Our prayers are needed more than ever!
Laurie Bechelli
Principal