MISSION MONTH LITURGY AND STALLS 

On the 25th of October St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Thirroul engaged in a Mission Liturgy and fundraising efforts for World Mission Month. The students, staff and families of St Michael’s were invited to think about the importance of education as a path to dignity, opportunity and peace for the people of Ghana. We celebrated a whole school liturgy in order to come together in faith to pray for the country of Myanmar. The school community engaged in a liturgy of the Word which incorporated symbols that represented the hardship faced by the people of Ghana, including malnourishment, lack of education, harsh living conditions and limited care for those living with a disability. These items were then replaced with positive symbols that represent hope for the future, including a bowl of rice, a book with writing in it and a pillow. 

Then we took our faith into action and the community of St Michael’s had the opportunity to be a light of hope for those who are trapped in darkness, by contributing to the education of the children of Ghana during World Mission Month. The students of St Michael’s prepared and set up stalls in order to raise money for Catholic Mission. There was slime, donut off a string, basketball shoot out,  ice-cream, lucky dips, show bags, cakes and much more! Grandparents, parents and friends all came along and there was a great sense of solidarity, passion, enthusiasm and justice. This truly showcased living the faith in partnership with our community. 

In 40 minutes our small school raised: $2400  to support Catholic Mission in building schools, training teachers, providing food and allowing children, especially those with a disability to have access to an education in even the most remote parts of Ghana. Thank you to all the parents, families and friends who came to support our St Michael’s Mission Day! The generosity and the money raised on the day speaks volumes about what we value at St Michael’s. Thank you also for your support in bringing in the different items that we used to sell at the stalls. We really appreciate your involvement, support, generosity and enthusiasm.

See below the ways our money can be of service:

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a healing Sacrament. This is where we learn to mend our broken relationships with God and others. Congratulations to our students who received their First Reconciliation on Wednesday and in doing so have taken the next step in their Catholic Faith journey. In the following weeks, students will continue their preparation to receive their First Holy Communion (the second step in their initiation into the Catholic Faith). We wish students and their parents the strength to continue to share with each other their beliefs and love in Jesus Christ. A reminder that the second preparation lessons are on the 12th & 19th of November at 3:45pm.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

On Monday 11th November our school will again be participating in a joint service with the Austinmer -Thirroul RSL and Thirroul Public School.The Captains and Vice Captains from both schools will be leading the service on Monday morning from 10:30am -11am. Students from Years 3 to 6 will be representing our school at this service. Parents and friends are invited to join us at Thirroul Cenotaph at 10:20am ready for proceedings to begin at 10:30am. Students may bring individual posies of flowers to lay at the cenotaph.

YEAR 5: FAITH AND LEADERSHIP 

In line with our School, Review and Improvement goal of authentic faith formation for students and teachers on Wednesday November 13 the Wollongong MX Mission Team will be facilitating a Leadership and Faith Formation retreat for all Year 5 students. 

During the day the team will facilitate three distinct sessions and use various elements to engage students in the theme of ‘Leadership & Faith Formation’. Through the lens of leadership, the day will present the students with opportunities to discover how God has gifted every person as a leader, seeking to inspire a life lived to the full. 

This day will assist in preparing our Year 5 students as they become the leaders of St Michael's in 2020. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING

On Wednesday October 23rd two of our wonderful Stage Three students represented St Michael’s in the Regional Diocesan Public Speaking finals. Charlie Lamberger from Year 6 and Zoe McNamara from Year 5 were selected to represent our school after finishing first in our school competition. Both speakers came up against some extremely talented public speakers from across the south-east cluster of our Diocese. Both Charlie and Zoe did an outstanding job of delivering very powerful and engaging speeches to a large audience. A special congratulations to Zoe who finished second and will now compete in the Diocesan finals in Bowral. We wish you all the best in the next level of the competition and know you will do our school proud.

UPCOMING RE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: 

Friday, 1 November: Year 6B Mass: All Saints & Anointing of the Sick 

Friday, 1 November: All Saints Liturgy - 6B Hosting @ 2:30pm

Friday, 8 November: Year 3 Mass: 31st Week in Ordinary Time

Friday, 15 November: Year 5 Mass: 32nd Week of Ordinary Time

Monday, 11 November: Remembrance Day Service 

Tuesday, 12 November: First Communion - Class 1 - 3:45- 5:00pm

Wednesday, 13 November: National Evangelisation Team (NET) Leadership & Faith Formation in Year 5

Friday, 22 November: Year 4B Mass: St Cecilia 

Tuesday, 19 November: First Communion - Class 2 - 3:45-5:00pm

Monday, 25 November: Lord Jesus Christ - Christ the King Liturgy - Hosted by 4W @ 2:30pm

Friday, 29 November: Year 6W Mass: 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday, 30 November (5:30pm) and Sunday, 1 December (8:00am): Holy Communion 

Monday, 2 December: Year 6 Graduation Liturgy & Supper tonight - 7pm

Saturday, 7 (5:30pm) and Sunday, 8 of December (8:00am): Holy Communion

Friday, 6 December: Year 4W Attending Mass: Friday of the 1st Week of Advent & Anointing of the Sick 

Friday, 13 December: Final School Mass 2019 @ 9:30am

Miss Emma Groves - Religious Education Co ordinator