In Sunday’s Gospel, we heard the story of the man born blind whom Jesus heals so that he can see.  However, the Pharisees remain blind because they refuse to see who Jesus really is.  They are more concerned about the Sabbath laws than they are about a fellow human being in need.  The blind man gains not only his sight but also insight to see with his eyes and his heart.  In this time of Lent, we also need to open our eyes to things that are wrong and try to do what we can to change them.  When we reach out to others with a helping hand we are making them feel better and touching them with the light of Jesus’ love.

This week our Project Compassion feature story is Tawonga from Malawi. Tawonga is a 10-year-old girl, living with a disability. She lives in a village in northern Malawi in a region plagued by food insecurity and poverty. For most of her life, her parents have struggled to put meals on the table. Tawonga often had to miss school because she was too sick from hunger. The family also faced discrimination in their community due to her disability. 

Since participating in a Caritas Australia supported program, Tawonga’s life has transformed. Her family now grows enough food to provide three meals a day, ending the struggle of malnutrition, and helping her thrive at school. 

Tawonga, whose name means ‘thank you’, says her community is blessed with many resources, like rivers, fertile soil and hills. However, with dry spells followed by floods, armyworm infestations and crop failures, her parents struggled to make a living.   In 2016, Tawonga’s parents heard about the A+ program run by Caritas Australia’s partner, CADECOM (Catholic Development Commission in Malawi). They learned irrigation farming and were given fertiliser and high-yield seeds. With these new techniques, their production of crops almost tripled. 

With your help, this transformational program can continue to empower vulnerable women, men and children, and strengthen the communities around them. Let’s Go Further, Together.

For more information on Tawonga, please visit https://lent.caritas.org.au/page/week-5

Chrism Mass

As part of the direction from the Commonwealth Government, internal gatherings of more than 100 are not permitted, therefore the Chrism Mass on Thursday 2^nd of April will no longer be open to the public.  Bishop Tim invites the community to view the Mass via Livestream.  Details of the stream will be made available next week.

Have a great week.

God bless

Caroline Fuller

this Friday 27th March  - NO Fine

Please be aware of the safety of the students, parents, staff and parishioners when using the Church car park.

Currently some drivers are parking illegally on the grass verge  putting the safety of others in jeopardy. We ask all drivers to take our students’ safety and that of all who use the car park into consideration.  

Mulkadee has been postponed till 2021.

Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system.  To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:  

Flexischools

Please be advised that Sushi will no longer be available at the tuckshop until the CV19 has passed.

We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am at Tuckshop.

Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) would be appreciated.  Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.

Defence Families Australia – Webinars: The first five years as an ADF partner

Over the month of March, DFA is hosting a series of webinars about the first five years as an ADF partner.  We’ve asked the Deputy Service Chiefs to talk about what to expect from a Services perspective such as how much the member will be away and in what locations. Defence Community Organisation (DCO) and the Chaplains will share top tips for keeping a relationship strong in these circumstances.

Some of the topics covered include:

What to expect

Relationships

Training expectations

Where to go if you need help

Communication with the ADF

Communication with your partner

The RAAF specific webinar has already taken place and the recording will soon be available on the DFA website. 

Navy      Monday 30 March 8.00pm (AEDT)

Follow Defence Families of Australia(DFA) on Facebook for links to these webinars

DFA website

Contact DCO

If you need support, help, or advice at any time, the Defence Family Helpline operates 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

The best way to access any of these services is to contact the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au or 1800 624 608.

Supporting children through the COVID-19 pandemic

"May you live in interesting times” is a well-known phrase, which is apt right now. 

As the measures to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold it’s evident that our lives will be turned upside down for some time to come.  2020 will be a year that we remember for the rest of our lives. 

With more than 20 years’ experience helping parents, schools and education staff via our  parenting resources,  courses, presentations, seminars,  school memberships and professional learning, we are well placed to assist your parenting journey in these difficult times.

As anxiety levels are high in the community, we’ve gathered a number of articles to assist your family. We have also included some responsibility development, independence-building and sibling rivalry resources which may become relevant during extended periods of time at home with the family.
 
Behind every difficulty lies and opportunity.  Stay safe, stay well. Enjoy the learning.

All uniform supplies are available at The School Locker, Domain Central (close to Bunnings).

Phone 1800 826 155

The School Locker

Uniform days for students:

Monday and Wednesday - Formal uniform
Tuesday and Thursday - Sports uniform
Friday - own choice
Senior shirts may be worn on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

If your child is going to be absent, please enter the details through Compass, as this is the most efficient way to inform the school.