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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are situated and remind you that we are gathered on Aboriginal land.
We acknowledge the Elders of this land both past and present.
Dear Families,
As we come to the end of a very busy term it’s a good time to take stock and focus on the life and death of Jesus. As we enter Holy Week and with the celebration of Easter imminent, you might however be forgiven for thinking that Easter is all about the chocolate. The supermarkets are awash with tinselled-up rabbits and eggs and you have to wade through acres of hot cross buns to get to a loaf of bread.
But the first Easter had practically no advertising and so when it came it was quite a shock and even years later the Gospel writers had trouble dealing with it. Generally, the Gospel writers liked to illustrate events in Jesus’ life with references from texts in the Old Testament….This or that happened so that the Prophecies might be fulfilled. This was especially true when they told the story of Jesus’ suffering and death.
The guards threw dice for his clothes. “They divided my garments among them, they threw lots for my clothing.” PS 22:18.
A soldier put a sponge of vinegar on his spear and offered it to Jesus. “When I was thirsty they gave me vinegar.” PS 69:21.
To confirm that Jesus was dead a soldier drove a spear into Jesus’ side. “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.” Zechariah 12:10.
Just before He died Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me.” PS 21:1
However, when the Gospel writers tell the story of Jesus’ Resurrection, they stop quoting the Old Testament and they are not so precise or certain in the manner in which they write. When these usually fluent writers stumble and search for words, we might well conclude that something has happened for which their experience has not prepared them. Probably, we can all think of times when something has happened in our lives when we feel we have little to say, not because there is nothing to say, but because there is too much to say and we falter in our attempts at expression.
The Resurrection isn’t just a happy ending to a sad story, it is the beginning of a new story not only for the disciples of Jesus but for Jesus’ disciples of today – us. This extract from a Newspaper editorial, offers real relevance to the Easter Story.
“Easter is essentially a universal story that reflects and reinforces this message: that if we allow it to happen, light can overpower the dark, that despite the fact that we live in an unpredictable world where unimaginable suffering can seemingly appear out of nowhere, it need not in the end overwhelm us. In our society, suffering is seen as uncool. We take great lengths to avoid it and hide it in a pile of tinsel and wrap it in distractions.
But Easter is a reminder of the inevitability of suffering and death that is part of the human story. It is also a reminder of the fact that this is not the end of the story. That its final chapter is not an end but the possibility of a new beginning.”
So what will we do with Easter in our lives this year? Confine it to rabbits, eggs and buns, or will we take its true significance into our daily lives and live its message of hope through any circumstance we might have to deal with.
Term 2 commences on Monday 19th April at 8.50am. Students are required to wear their Winter uniform in Term 2 & 3. School Photos will take place on Friday 30th April.
BISHOPS EASTER MESSAGE 2021
Christ Is Risen!
Recently one of our beloved priests died. I was blessed to pray with him and his closest friends on that day. It was a sad, but beautiful occasion. As we sat around his bed, his friends shared their stories of how he had touched their lives; It was clear they loved him dearly and were grateful that he had been part of their family for so many years. It was clear to me he had loved them too and their presence brought him enormous reassurance.
As we talked, I could not help but think of the reality of the Paschal Mystery - dying and rising.
I reflected on this priest's life and wondered at all the Holy Thursdays, Good Fridays and Easter days he had celebrated. Just as I was about to leave he awoke unexpectedly! He gave me a huge smile and gave me his blessing - it was if heaven and earth met for those few minutes. He was ready and peaceful. He awaited that final breath when he would see God face-to-face.
It is no mistake that we see the reality of the paschal mystery all around us! The pattern of dying and rising. We see this across our beautiful diocese marked in the beauty of autumn and as we fast approach the cold winter - we do so in the knowledge of Spring days and Summer harvest. We experience this too in our lives - dying and rising- loving and letting go - remembering and living.
We are mindful of the suffering of those who have lived through the torrential rains and flooding waters and losses they face. Once again we see the goodness of so many who quickly come to the aide of friend and stranger with such compassion.
Our news reminds of us the deep yearning for peace in Myanmar and other countries where people live in turmoil. There are tragic stories of individuals whose lives are beset by the violence and whose vulnerability is exploited by others.
St Paul uses a beautiful ancient hymn in his Letter to the Philippians:
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,
Did not count his equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave,
Coming in human likeness.
And being found in human form he humbled himself
And became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
(St Paul to the Philippians 2:6-8)
We will soon commence our spiritual journey through these three holy days of 2021, remembering that God came among us in his most perfect self-expression in his son, Jesus. A God who assumed our human condition in all things, but sin. A God whose face has been revealed in Jesus. A God who enters our human story and our suffering bringing healing, compassion, mercy and draws us into the communion of love. We enter these Holy Days of the Triduum not only to remember, but to live the reality of the love of Jesus who emptied himself in order that we would be filled with his love, forgiveness and salvation. He has died that we might rise.
Our spiritual journey commences as we enter:
Holy Thursday recalling the Last Supper and the call to service in the washing of the feet.
Good Friday we will remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. We will witness one another place our sufferings and prayer at the foot of the cross.
Easter Night we will gather around the fire recalling that the Risen Christ has conquered the darkness of sin and death.
Each year we celebrate this great Feast, we know the story, yet we hear it differently through the lens of our experience.
We remember our personal call to service as followers of Jesus and his enduring presence to us as we gather for Eucharist;
We remember our sorrows and painful losses;
We remember that our dying leads to life.
May the joy of Easter shine forth in us -may it illumine the darkness-may comfort in our sorrow -may it be our gift in our dying.
Christ is Risen, alleluia!
Bishop Greg
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TERM 2 GRADE FIVE
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION
Dear families,
Listed below are a few reminders for Grade 5 families to take note of for First Communion Preparation. Parents, please note your child has been given an invitation to take home on 29th March for your attention.
PARENT ONLY INFORMATION GATHERING.
This session will be held on:
Wednesday 28th April, 7.00pm , at St. Ita’s Church, Drouin.
If you are unable to come to this session the same session will be in Warragul on Thursday 29th April, 7.00pm at St Joseph’s Church, Warragul.
*For our Grade 5 families that also have a candidate in Grade 4 this year, and are wishing to receive their First Communion, we are happy for these children to receive their First Communion with their older sibling in Term 2, instead of Term 4 with this year’s Grade 4 candidates.
Families are required to attend one of the above sessions. Information packages with enrolment details will be given out on these nights
COMMITMENT MASSES
All families are asked to attend one of the following Commitment Masses:
Saturday 1st May, 7pm at St Joseph’s Church, Warragul.
Sunday 2nd May, 9am at St Joseph’s Church, Warragul.
Sunday 2nd May, 10:30am at St Ita’s Church Drouin.
Sunday 9th May, 10:30am at St Ita’s Church Drouin.
PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOPS
Families are required to attend two of the following sessions. One from Workshop 1 and one from Workshop 2:
Parent & Child Workshop 1
St Ita’s School Hall, Drouin:
Wednesday 19th May, 7pm
St Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Thursday 20th May, 4pm or 7pm
FIRST COMMUNION MASS
Saturday, 12th June at 7pm, St Joseph’s Church Warragul
Sunday, 13th June at 9am, St Joseph’s Church Warragul
Sunday, 13th June at 10:30am, St Ita’s Church Drouin
Sunday, 20th June at 10:30am, St Ita’s Church Drouin
Parent & Child Workshop 2
St Ita’s School Hall, Drouin:
Wednesday 26th May, 7pm
St Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Thursday 27th May, 4pm or 7pm
PARISH TEACHING MASSES:
TEACHING MASS 1 - Liturgy of The Word
St Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Saturday 29th May, 7pm
Or
St Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Sunday 30th May, 9am
Or
St Ita’s Church, Drouin
Sunday 30th May, 10:30am
TEACHING MASS 2 - Liturgy of The Eucharist
St Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Saturday 5th June, 7pm
Or
St Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Sunday 6th June, 9am
Or
St Ita’s Church, Drouin
Sunday 6th June, 10:30am
The above Masses are an important follow on from the sessions and therefore are an essential part of your child’s preparation for First Communion, so all Communion families are expected to come along to one of these Masses for Teaching Mass 1 and one for Teaching Mass 2. All the children will have the opportunity to participate fully in these Masses.
2ND RITE RECONCILIATION.
(Preparation for First Communion candidates and families)
Wednesday 9th June 7pm:
St. Joseph’s Church Warragul
OR
St Ita’s Church, Drouin
Thursday 10th June 7pm:
Please note Church and time.
If you have any queries or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact Thérèse Meggetto Sacrament Coordinator at St Joseph’s Parish Office: 56231642 or M: 0499 116 428
BOOKINGS FOR MASSES
Weekend of March 27th & 28th - Palm Sunday:
Go to https://www.trybooking.com/BPRNP
Bookings for Easter are open from Monday 15th March until 3pm Thursday 1st April (Holy Thursday). Please book early.
The Sacred Paschal Triduum
Go to https://www.trybooking.com/BPQLC
This will bring up the list of Masses.
Click on book now button and follow the prompts
Click on the Mass you wish to attend (please only choose one Mass)
Then click on the number of tickets required.
(Please note Children over 12 months need to have a ticket booked)
Then fill in your details.
Click on purchase ticket. TICKETS ARE FREE.
Make sure that you have completed the purchase of your ticket by checking your email confirmation. If you do not get an email confirming your ticket please contact the parish office.
(You don’t need to print or bring your ticket.)
You must book in to come to a Sunday Mass.
Warragul & Drouin Masses are strictly limited to 80 people. Neerim South 50 people.
If you have any issues please call Prue at the Parish office p: 5623 1642.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
St Joseph’s and St Ignatius’ on Good Friday at 10.30am or Civic Park Drouin:
STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE PARK
Where: Civic Park, Drouin (Starting from the eastern end (off Hopetoun Rd)
When: 10.30am Good Friday (April 2nd)
Who: Anyone who would like to join us
Why: An opportunity for the Christians of Drouin to gather in reverent witness around the cross. We need volunteers from the various congregations of Drouin as readers of scripture/ prayer. It would be wonderful if each congregation could take on 2 of the 14 Stations.
Contact: Rev Mark Kelly. (mkelly@mscw.vic.edu.au or 0427748646)
FAREWELL MRS. CLAIRE GARNER
I’d like to take this time to announce to the St Ita’s Teaching and Learning Community that our wonderful Admin Officer, Mrs. Claire Garner will be finishing up at St Itas to take on a role with the Marist Sion Finance Team starting in early term 2.
Claire has been such an amazing contributor to our school and has given above and beyond in her role, to make sure children staff and parents feel supported.
It was a really tough decision for Claire to make but she felt it’s the right decision as she starts the next exciting phase of her career.
On behalf of the staff, children and parents of St Ita’s, I’d like to thank you Claire for everything that brought to the job. You have been an amazing addition to our great school and I wish you every success in the future. You will be sadly missed by all.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Today on Holy Thursday our grade 6 students performed the Stations of the Cross. Jacob Rushbury portrayed Jesus and his struggles from being convicted to death to his dying on the cross and being buried. Jesus' resurection will be focused on at the start of next term.
HOT CROSS BUN FUNDRAISING DRIVE
PROJECT COMPASSION BOXES
Can any outstanding project compassion boxes please be returned to the office as soon as possible. Thank you to all the families that have contributed. A final count of the monies raised will be outline in the next newsletter.
SCHOOLPIX PHOTO ORDER FORMS
Student Schoolpix school photos will take place on Friday 30th April, the second week back of Term 2. Students will be required to wear their full winter uniform including jumpers and black school shoes. Please contact Beleza now if you require any winter uniform to ensure they have stock.
The school office has a small selection of second-hand uniforms available for sale for a gold coin donation. Please contact or call into the office and advise of the size and items required.
|
GIRLS. . . . . . WINTER |
BOYS. . . . . . WINTER |
|
Blue tartan tunic |
Dark grey trousers / or grey shorts |
|
Royal blue polo shirt with school logo |
Royal blue polo shirt with school logo |
|
Navy blue tights or navy blue long socks |
Grey socks |
|
Black lace-up or buckle, leather shoes |
Black lace-up or buckle, leather shoes or boots |
|
Royal blue windcheater / jumper with school logo |
Royal blue windcheater / jumper with school logo |
|
or Navy blue bomber jacket with school logo (Grade 6 only) |
or Navy blue bomber jacket with school logo (Grade 6 only) |
| Optional : Royal blue beanie with school logo | Optional : Royal blue beanie with school logo |
|
Optional: Navy blue rain jacket with school logo |
Optional: Navy blue rain jacket with school logo |
|
Optional: On days of extreme cold, tailored navy blue school pants can be worn with black school shoes. |
|
|
Sport uniform - royal blue tracksuit pants instead of shorts/skort permitted |
Sport uniform - royal blue tracksuit pants instead of shorts/skort permitted |
BUS FREE DAYS
School buses will not be operating in the Drouin network on the following days in Term 2 & Term 3. All bus travellers will need to make alternative arrangements to/from school on these days.
Term 2 - Monday 10th May 2021
Term 3 - Monday 16th August 2021.
TARAGO DISTRICT ATHLETICS POSTPONED
The Tarago District Athletics for the Grade 4-6 students who qualified is postponed until the first week back in Term 2 and will be held on Thursday 22nd April.
SCHOOL CLOSURE
Early notice - We have a whole school closure on the 11th June (This is the Friday before the Queens birthday Long weekend)
BELEZA SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Dear School Community,
School Holiday Closure
We’re writing to inform you that our Beleza retail stores will be temporarily closed for part
of the school holidays. All Beleza stores will be closing at 2pm on Thursday 1st of April.
We’ll be closed between Friday 2nd of April to Sunday 11th of April, with stores re-opening
for regular trading from Monday 12th of April.
We hope you all have a great holiday and look forward to helping you prepare for Term 2
when we return!
Kind regards,
Beleza School Uniforms
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE
The Conveyance Allowance application is now open for term 2 for any families that qualify for the travel allowance as per the criteria below.
You may apply to claim this Government Allowance if:
- You must lodge a new application each year.
- Eligibility is assessed when the School completes your child’s application on the Government Student
Conveyance Allowance System (SCAS). If approved, the allowance payable is based on the one way distance to make the journey to and from school. No private car allowance is payable if the journey to and from school could be made using a public transport service or contract school bus.
- You live more than 4.8 kilometres by the shortest practical route from our school and we are the closest Catholic school to your place of residence.
- You live more than 4.8 kilometres from our school and you cannot access a bus.
- You access a bus and live more than 4.8 kilometres from the bus stop.
Please complete the Conveyance Allowance application form from the office and return to the school office by Friday 23rd April 2021. Late claims cannot be accepted.
Please contact admin for any support - admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au
SCHOOL FEES & FEE CONCESSION
Term 1 school fees are now due. BPAY details are available on your school fee statement. School fees are due by the 4th week of each term and must be paid in full by the end of the school year they are due, December 2021.
If any families would like to pay off their fees either weekly, fortnightly or monthly, please set up a direct debit schedule by completing a Direct Debit Form and returning to the school office at your earliest convenience. Please calculate the total fees payable by the number of weeks/payments required for your fees to be paid by December 2021. For any assistance please contact the school Admin office via email on: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au
For any families that have recently received a Government means-tested health care concession card & have not already advised the school office, please forward a copy of your card to the office to check your eligibility, as a fee concession may apply. The card must be in the name of the parent/fee payer for a fee concession to apply with the student details listed on the card. A CSEF (Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund) form must also be completed. New forms must be completed each year.
If your current Health Care concession card has expired, or is due to expire and your card is re-issued or any details have changed, please send a copy of your new card details to the office as soon as possible for the concession to be checked and applied to your fees.
