Dear Parents & Caregivers

Hospitality could be said to be the central theme of Mass last Sunday, but in the specific context of what it means to those who follow Christ as their Lord. Martha was being highly practical in serving the immediate needs of her guests. It is difficult for us, living in such an action-oriented society, not to feel sympathy with poor Martha sweating it out in the kitchen while Mary just sat listening to Jesus. Martha’s trouble was that she forgot about her guest, Jesus. She was so busy preparing the meal that she didn’t make her guest feel welcome which what Mary was doing. Martha did not seem to understand that there can be different ways to serve the Lord.

As so often happens in the Gospel we are meant to learn something, something about God's, and hence, our priorities. Martha and Mary are both in the service of the Lord, for both of them have answered the call of God's grace. But the ways in which the two of them carry out this service differ. To be a disciple of Christ is not to be hyperactive in charitable works for others, nor is it to be totally devoted to prayer and oblivious of what is going on around. It is a combination of both. Real hospitality means a two-way relationship between the host and guest. Excellent hosts are able to manage to get food prepared and are able to listen to and converse with their guests.

There are times when we need to be busy, but we can never allow ourselves to become too busy for the people in our lives. This week we can take stock of the ways we spend our time. We can seek a balance between the time we work and the time we give to our loved ones. We can resolve not to miss the best things in life. We can choose the better part, and it will not be taken from us

I hope everyone has had a lovely break away from the routines of school and are refreshed and ready for another term whilst still remembering the message from the Gospel about balancing time.

Thank you for your prayers and best wishes for Mrs. Lane who is recovering from her operation well and is now home. I thank the students, staff and parents that I have met for your warm welcome and guidance over this week. I look forward to working with the community again this term while Mrs. Lane recovers.

Father Sean is celebrating a special anniversary this year - 35 years since his ordination!  We congratulate Fr. Sean and express our gratitude for his continuing guidance and support and wish him well for his annual leave that starts next week.

Have a lovely week everyone! 

Kayleen Petzer
Acting Principal

Reminders!

In order to ensure the safety of our students it is a requirement for afternoon pickup at the back gate that parents/carers come to the gate to collect students. Students are not to leave the gate without an adult accompanying then.

I have noticed that there are a number of students wearing coloured shoes as part of their sport uniform. Please ensure that joggers are predominately white with white shoelaces.

STA Vinnies Winter Appeal

Many thanks for all your generous support of the Vinnies Winter Appeal. A representative from Vinnies will attend our next assembly to collect the blankets and money donated. It’s not too late to give, donations are still being gratefully accepted.

More and more older Australians are living in poverty.

When older Australians struggle to make ends meet, they are often doing so alone, without social support. After her husband died a decade ago, 73-year-old Ruby found herself living alone, barely able to pay for food, or cover the rent. Like many older Australians living in poverty, Ruby felt forgotten.

Loneliness is more than a feeling, it's a danger. 

When you live alone, away from friends and family, poverty can be dangerous. Loneliness has been linked with high rates of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And often, shorter life expectancy. Older Australians, like Ruby, are among the most at risk of loneliness. Their shrinking social circle, increased physical limitations and financial hardship only increases the risks they face. 

You can change the way poverty feels.

By supporting Vinnies, you will help provide vital assistance to older Australians to remove some of the stress of living in poverty. Thanks to donations from people like you, Vinnies have been able to help Ruby with the essentials to take the pressure off making ends meet. But the biggest difference for Ruby was the support she received from our dedicated Vinnies volunteers. 

"I appreciate the food and the help, but I love having someone visit me for a chat. That makes my day." Ruby.

IMPORTANT DATES

ALTAR SERVERS

We have now fully migrated to the Compass program.  We now will be using Compass only for attendance, consent for events (excursions), alerts, teacher/parent interviews, semester reports, news, communications, fee billing, etc.  We no longer have access to Skoolbag.  The newsletter will be emailed to you and will also be available via the Home Page of your Compass app.

If you have any difficulty with your log in or password, please contact either Eileen or Shauna and we will be happy to assist you.  This should provide a one-stop shop for administration and finance.

Friday 2 August:  Assembly 2.15 pm Fr Glynn Centre

Wednesday 7 August:  Year 6 Mass with the Bishop

Thursday 8 August:  Feast of Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Friday 9 August:  Western Region Diocesan Athletics

Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 August:  Visiting author - Sue Whiting

Friday 16 August:  SHIPS Athletics (Tudor House)

                               Indigenous Performer visiting STA

                               Assembly 2.15 pm Fr Glynn Centre

Friday 19 August:  Religious Literacy Assessment

                               Activate Fire (Year 6 Spirituality Day)

Friday 23 August:  Super Hero Day - Book Parade

Book Week News - SAVE THE DATE 

If you require further information regarding any of the above,
please contact the school office.