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The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Saint of the Day for June 24
Saint John the Baptist’s Story
Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John….” But John would have agreed completely with what Jesus added: “[Y]et the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28).
John spent his time in the desert, an ascetic. He began to announce the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone to a fundamental reformation of life. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. His baptism, he said, was for repentance. But one would come who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John was not worthy even to untie his sandals. His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).
John was humbled to find among the crowd of sinners who came to be baptized the one whom he already knew to be the Messiah. “I need to be baptized by you” (Matthew 3:14b). But Jesus insisted, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15b). Jesus, true and humble human as well as eternal God, was eager to do what was required of any good Jew. Jesus thus publicly entered the community of those awaiting the Messiah. But making himself part of that community, he made it truly messianic.
The greatness of John, his pivotal place in the history of salvation, is seen in the great emphasis Luke gives to the announcement of his birth and the event itself—both made prominently parallel to the same occurrences in the life of Jesus. John attracted countless people to the banks of the Jordan, and it occurred to some people that he might be the Messiah. But he constantly deferred to Jesus, even to sending away some of his followers to become the first disciples of Jesus.
Perhaps John’s idea of the coming of the Kingdom of God was not being perfectly fulfilled in the public ministry of Jesus. For whatever reason, when he was in prison he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah. Jesus’ answer showed that the Messiah was to be a figure like that of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. John himself would share in the pattern of messianic suffering, losing his life to the revenge of Herodias.
Reflection
John challenges us Christians to the fundamental attitude of Christianity—total dependence on the Father, in Christ. Except for the Mother of God, no one had a higher function in the unfolding of salvation. Yet the least in the kingdom, Jesus said, is greater than he, for the pure gift that the Father gives. The attractiveness as well as the austerity of John, his fierce courage in denouncing evil—all stem from his fundamental and total placing of his life within the will of God.
Pick-Up (3pm – 3.20pm)
The busyness of Powell St is undeniable, but especially during this 20min period, There is little that can be done about this but to accept it as a reality of having two schools in close proximity. A very high percentage of our parent community need to be congratulated and the traffic flows smoothly albeit a bit slow at times.
Late Arrival
Parents are reminded that the morning bell goes at 8.50am. All students arriving after the gate is closed will be marked as a late arrival.
Canteen
The canteen will continue operating on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only throughout Term 3. Online ordering should also commence from the beginning of Term 3.
Convent Demolition
The convent demolition will commence on Monday, 6 July and will continue for the first couple of weeks in Term 3. This site is an out-of-bounds area for students anyway but any further restrictions for them will be explained and carefully managed when we return.
Lego / Duplo
Mrs Hiscox is looking lego or duplo that she can use with her STEM and/or extension groups. If you have any lego or duplo that you no longer need, or know of someone looking to throw some out, Mrs Hiscox would love to hear from you.
Covid - 19
For all information and updates from the diocese, please go to: www.dow.catholic.edu.au/covid19
Lola Flynn - 1B
Blake McLeod - 1B
CYBERSAFETY
24 June to 30 June
Happy Birthday to:
Sienna Rodrigues
St Therese School Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/westwollongong.sttherese
School Vision Statement
“St Therese Primary School – a dynamic, Catholic community
educating and empowering learners for life’s journey.”
PARISH
KEEPING THE LORD’S DAY HOLY
Join Fr Duane and Seminarian Sinh Le for Sunday Mass
live streamed 5pm EVERY SUNDAY from St Therese Church at the St Therese Facebook page at:
Those without Facebook can still view it through this link which will take you to the stream
To view through YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6HKCV4D_a1JMWx0gS7rTw
Registering to Attend Mass
Fr Duane will this week start celebrating weekday Masses with up to 50 people. Please see the attached directions on how to register – this is compulsory before you can attend any Masses.
COMMUNITY
Catholic Care Vacation OOSH Services are available at Good Samaritan, Fairy Meadow and St Pius X, Unanderra. Please see the attached flyers for further details.
BOOK WEEK ST THERESE DEWEY AWARDS 2020
Our Dewey Awards are happening again. Student authors and illustrators are invited to submit ONE entry only in an attempt to have their names engraved on the very special Gold or Silver Dewey trophies in the library. The winner of the Infants category will be awarded the Silver Dewey and the winner of the Senior category will win the Gold Dewey. All books must be handed in or emailed to Ms Rose, Mrs Macdonald or Mrs Hamitlon by Friday of Week 8 - 11th September, 2020.
Happy Reading and Writing,
The Library Team - Mrs Hamilton, Mrs Macdonald & Ms Rose
Calendar Dates 2020
July 2020
3 - Last Day of Term 2
20 - Term 3 Commences
All Students Return
August 2020
7 - 9.30am Year 5 Blue attending Mass - TBA
21 - 9.30am Year 6 Blue attending Mass - TBA
28 - 9.30am Year 3 Blue attending Mass - TBA
September 2020
4 - 8.50am Fathers' Day Prayer
9.30am Year 4 Blue attending Mass
6 - Fathers' Day
11 - 9.30am Year 6 Gold attending Mass - TBA
16 - Diocesan Launch Liturgy for Mission Month - TBA
18 - Christmas Art 2020 Due
9.30am Year 5 Gold attending Mass
24 - School Photos - WINTER UNIFORM
25 - Feast Day for St Therese Mass - Time to be confirmed
11.30am End of Term 3 Assesmbly
Last Day of Term 3
October 2020
12 - Term 4 Commences - Students return
19 - Book Week 2020 commences
1.30pm Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
20 - 9.00am Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
22 - Year 3 Excursion to Minnamurra Rainforest - TBA
23 - Year 6 Excursion to Canberra - TBA
26 - 1.30pm Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
27 - 9.00am Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
30 - 9.30am Year 3 Gold attending Mass
November 2020
2 - 1.30pm Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
3 - 9.00am Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
9 - 1.30pm Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
10 - 9.00am Kinder 2021 Playgroup - Transition to School
11 - 10.45sm Rememberance Day
13 - 9.30am Year 6 Blue attending Mass
18 - 9.30am Kinder 2021 Orientation day
27 - 9.30am Year 1 Gold attending Mass
December 2020
10 - 5.30pm Year 6 Graduation Mass/Dinner
11 - 9.30am Christmas Celebration - Whole School
16 - 11.30am End of Term 4 and School 2020 Assembly
End of Term 4 - Students Last Day of School 2020
18 - Teachers Last Day of Term 4 and School 2020
24 - Christmas Eve
25 - Christmas Day
26 - Boxing Day
31 - New Year's Eve
January 2021
1 - New Year's Day 2021
26 - Australia Day
27 - Term 1 2021 Commences - Staff Returns
Staff Development Day/Pupil Free Day
28 - Students Year 1 to Year 6 Return
Best Start Assessments Commence Kinder 2021
February 2021
3 - Best Start Assessments Conclude Kinder 2021
4 - Kinder 2021 commence