A Message from Mrs Escalante
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
This is the first commandment, and the second is similar to it.
One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared to question him anymore.
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
The Gospel of the Week tells us when we are committed to love, we are not far from the kingdom of God. It's like the open door to the kingdom. Our need for love sometimes brings us to darker places and selfishness, so we need the help of God that love be purified and so bring us closer and closer to the sincerity and purity of love in God's kingdom.
This Gospel also means that He addresses the call to deny yourself and take up your cross to all believers, not just Christian leaders. Some are called to a life of ministry. Some are called to sacrifice their lives for God's kingdom. But all of us are called to give up our worldly lives and dedicate ourselves to Christ.
And this can be done in so many ways. It can be going out of our way to help someone in need, recognise and acknowledge someone’s pain and anxiety; cook a meal for friends or family or simply ask, how are you? I am here for you. None of these are hard. And for the most part, things like this do not cost us anything other than some time. And if we have made a difference in small actions like this..doesn’t that make it all worth it?
Today our Year 3 students had their Fun Day, which does not end until 7pm tonight! The students have had a wonderful day filled with so many activities. These include learning a cultural dance, participating in an Amazing Race, watching a magic show, some classroom games, Virtual Reality games, Giant ball and an obstacle course. And for dinner, PIZZA!!! Thank you to Tresa Andrews, Dez Orchard and Trish Gibson for their efforts in getting this fantastic event organised!
In staffing news, at the end of the year, we will be farewelling Alex Taylor, one of St Patrick’s incredible office administration assistants. Alex has only been with us for a few years; however, it is fair to say that she has had a wonderful impact on the school in her short time. Alex has initiated many new things in the school, including the colour fun run and her warmth and dedication to the students and families at our school is incredible. Alex is going to be moving into a world of travel and completing further study. I would like to take the time to acknowledge the many contributions that Alex has given to our community of St Patrick’s. She will be missed terribly but we absolutely wish her well for the future that lies ahead for her!
Tomorrow is a PUPIL FREE DAY, and therefore students are not required to come to school and Monday 4th November is a Time in Lieu Day and Tuesday is a PUBLIC HOLIDAY for all staff, so students will return to school on Wednesday the 6th November.
God Bless
Meg