The Sea of Galilee is a large freshwater lake and sometimes its calm blue waters are 

whipped into violent storms by sudden strong winds.  In Sunday’s Gospel, the disciples became afraid and ran to waken Jesus before they were all drowned.  Jesus calmed the storm that had suddenly blown up.  In their time of fear and trouble, the disciples immediately turned to Jesus for help.  We too learn to turn to Jesus, because he is the Son of God and ask for his help in time of trouble.  Our students get a little tired and relationships become strained as the term nears the end.  We are encouraging our students to STOP and think and make good choices in their behaviour in the last weeks of term so we can end on a peaceful and happy note, treating each other with kindness and respect.

This week at Holy Spirit we value justice.  Justice, for many people, refers to fairness.  We should always be looking to discover ways in which we are called to be people for others.  We are called to:  show dignity to others; help those in need with the essentials required for a decent life (food, clothing and shelter); pay special attention to the needs of those who are poor; care for one another; care for all that God has made.   This week we pray that our students pay attention to those around them and be examples of showing justice to others.

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe.  It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.  World Refugee Day 2021 focuses on the power of inclusion.  The shared experience of COVID-19 has showed us that we only succeed if we stand together.  We have all had to do our part to keep each other safe and despite the challenges, refugees and displaced people have stepped up.  Given the chance, refugees will continue to contribute to a stronger, safer and more vibrant world.  This year, they call for greater inclusion of refugees in health systems, schools and sport. Only by working together can we recover from the pandemic.  For more information, visit https://www.unhcr.org/en-au/world-refugee-day.html 

Grade 2 have been writing Haiku Poems.  Thank you, Jackson, for sharing your lovely poem with me.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller