What a Week!

Well, the last fortnight has certainly kept us on out toes. I would like to thank all parents and families for your patience while the School remained closed due to TC Alfred. While the closure was longer than I had originally anticipated, we are grateful that all school facilities remained dry and flood free, and all our families and staff were on the most part safe and unaffected.

With so much happening in the world, both near and far, I often look at our students and wonder how much of it they see, hear and absorb. I hope very little.

To me, it is obvious that the world needs a lot of positive meaning right now. It needs belonging, purpose, inspired storytelling, and something greater to believe in. There are many things we are told to believe in and focus on at the moment, we see and hear them everywhere, however, rarely are we told the importance of faith, hope and love. Faith in God, hope for an eternal future, and real love. Love for God, our family and most importantly love of ourselves. Without faith there is no hope, and without hope, there can’t be the expectation and desire for authentic love. Bishop Greg says, our children need to see God in us. For this to be the case, there must be God in us. Don’t be ashamed or shy to admit to yourself that God is on this journey with you. While we live in a time when a secular community is dominant, it is very important that we see through this easy, yet selfish option and; create a sense of belonging to our family, friends and community; have purposeful and positive long-term goals; and live in a world where God is present. I am sure you agree that right now, the world needs God.

As we have moved into Lent, let’s remember that God showed us what God looks like in the form of Jesus Christ, who was born, lived and died for us.

School Drop-off Pick-up Zone Reminder

A reminder to all parents, caregivers and families regarding the School drop-off and pick-up zone, and the proper use of the designated zones.

Cars parked in the designated Drop-off Pick-up ZONE on Kemp St outside the School Hall, should not be left unattended in this zone during both the AM and PM drop-off or pick-up.

The Law states that within this No Parking Zone between 8:00-9:30am and 2:30-4:00pm (pictured), you have 2 minutes to drop-off or pick-up passengers, and you must stay within 3 metres of your vehicle.

Failure to observe these rules can get you a $196 fine and 2 demerit points. This is monitored by the NSW Police.

In order to minimise congestion and for legal and safety reasons we ask that parents do not wait for children at this location, it is for quick and safe drop-off and pick-up only.  Parents and family members wishing to wait for their children are asked to park in a designated parking spot and walk to the School Gate. Alternatively, quick afternoon pick-up between 3:10-3:20pm can occur from the Council Oval, parking along Sea St. However again, this is for immediate pick-up only.

If all parents and family members could please follow this NSW roads regulation, it will make drop-off and pick-up a more efficient, safe and happier place.

As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth.

Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay

This weekend in Luke’s Gospel we hear and read about Jesus’
Transfiguration. In the verses prior to this scripture, Jesus is preparing his disciples for the coming journey to Jerusalem and the events that would lead him to Calvary. And so, following these disclosures, Jesus takes Peter, James and John away. Up a mountain, to be alone in prayer.

In that prayerful moment between Jesus and his Father, he is transfigured. The disciples briefly see Jesus as the Son of God and are embraced in that experience of relationship, love and peace. They see a vision of Jesus with Moses and Elijah and hear God’s voice confirming for them that Jesus is the chosen one, his Son, the new covenant. Peter wants to camp and stay in this space and place of revelation, but Jesus returns down the mountain because he knows that the journey is not finished, and he still has his Father’s work to complete.

The Transfiguration illustrates for us two essential elements of discipleship. The need to have time away in prayer, reflection, stillness and quiet. And the need to return to the world in which we live and work.

“We often wish the rest of the world would just go away, but the truth is, we can’t love God and ignore the world around us. We can’t love God unless we love our neighbour; and so, like the disciples we must follow Christ down the mountain again and become involved in human suffering and confront it with compassion.” (Fr. Jim Reilly)

And for Vincentians, this is where the Transfiguration experience continues. It is when you gather prayerfully together as members and reflect not only on the scriptures but on the work, you do in God’s name. It is in the daily contact with the people you assist, especially those who are marginalised and in need. Being open to see the face of Christ revealed in the person you are visiting and being the face of God for them. Reflection by Greg Ryan

PRAYER

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Sourced from; https://cms.vinnies.org.au/media/esollqua/1124-spiritual-reflection-guide-jan-2025-web.pdf?folder=nsw__publications-nsw__spiritual-reflection-guides&path=esollqua%2F1124-spiritual-reflection-guide-jan-2025-web.pdf