RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
HELPING CHILDREN UNDERSTAND LENT
Today we celebrated Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent and our preparation for Easter. We are mindful during Lent of how we can reconcile not only with God but one another.
As parents of young children know, Lent can seem so “heavy” in comparison to the excitement of preparing for Christmas. What can this season mean for little children? For many of us growing up, Lent meant “giving up lollies”. That wasn’t a bad way to introduce us to the notion of self-discipline, but simply giving up something for Lent, without a whole spirituality that children can enter into, can leave kids dreading Lent more than looking forward to it.
The most important part of Lent can be how children are helped to make this a time to practice being more loving. In this spirit, every family can do something to make Lent special for children. The key features of Lent are:
- prayer
- almsgiving
- fasting
While children are too young to fast they are able to pray and offer help to others. One perfect way to offer almsgiving is to collect money for Project Compassion.
PROJECT COMPASSION
At this time of year we show our love through our support of Project Compassion. This year the theme is “Lives change when we all give 100%”. Project Compassion boxes will be sent home with families today. Could you please give generously to this appeal? All donations can be returned to school prior to the Easter break. Your donations will allow Caritas Australia to reduce poverty and hunger in more than 35 countries around the world.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
This week, we celebrate Catholic School’s Week. On Monday we celebrated with prayer in the hall. Tuesday afternoon we had open classrooms. Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and carers who were able to attend.
Staff will be attending the Diocesan Education Mass for all staff of the diocese on Thursday 7th March, beginning at 6pm at Fairy Meadow.
PRAYER TO CELEBRATE THE BEGINNING OF THE 2019 SCHOOL YEAR
Last Monday, we joined together to celebrate the beginning of the 2019 school year. This is the first time that our whole school has come together in prayer. Our Stage 3 student leaders each received their Student Leader Badge - which represents nine different areas - Library, ICT, Sport, Social Justice, Mathematics, Hospitality, Administration, Ignatian and Environment.
Congratulations to all of our Stage 3 Leaders - we know you will do a great job representing your various areas of leadership.
At this prayer celebration our SRC members were also named and received their badges for Semester One.
Representing the following classes are:
1S - Katie Sarin
1H - Ella Moreria
2E - Anton DeJesus
2L - Ruby Smith
3L - Kingston Vallario
3H - Jaida Robinson
4A - Sienna Guitierrezz
4R - Chloe Franklin
5B - Alyssa Vassallo
5O - Aymara Zamora
6U - Casey Batman
6R - TJ Kaufusi
The Kindergarten children are not members of the SRC for the first semester. They will represent their classes in Semester 2.
Many thanks to family members who came along.
STAGE TWO MASS
On Wednesday 20th March, Years 3 and 4 will be attending Mass at 9:30 am in the All Saints Church. Parents are most welcome.
SCHOOL FEAST DAY
At Nazareth, we celebrate our school Feast Day on the Feast of the Annunciation, Monday 25th March. The day will begin with Mass at 9:30 am in All Saints Church. Parents are welcome.
OUR CHILDREN - ENGAGING AND GROWING IN GOD'S LOVE
Our children are precious to us and to God – made in his image. As parents, grandparents, catechists and sacramental program leaders, how do we encourage and nurture our children as they grow in this awareness? These sessions will reflect on the process of growth in faith, how children are actively involved in their own social and spiritual development – sometimes for the good and sometimes through suffering and hardship.
When and where:
Tuesday 26th March 2019, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Ingham Room, Xavier Conference Centre, 38 Harbour St Wollongong
Wednesday 27th March 2019, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Phillip Room, Campbelltown Catholic Club, 20 Camden Rd Campbelltown
RSVP: To Helen Bennett by Friday 22 March on 4222 2403 or helen.bennett@dow.org.au
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WITH 1S
In Year One we have been learning about the 'Sacrament of Baptism'. When we are baptised, we are welcomed into the Church and become part of God's family. The children had to draw the four key symbols and signs of baptism in their books. These are:
- Water
- Oil of Chrism
- A white garment
- A lighted candle
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WITH 2E
This Term 2E have been learning about Images of God. We have explored the story of The Sower and the Seed from the Bible. We have thoroughly enjoyed expressing our understandings of this unit through images, role play, storytelling as well as prayer celebrations.
When asked what we have enjoyed learning about in Religion this Term, the following students contributed:
Olivia: I have learnt that we are the seed and the soil is our strength. It helps us to know God is in all things.
Mason: I have learnt that God is a Shepherd and we are the sheep. He looks after us and cares for us.
Aliana: I have learnt that God is always with us. He will always be in our hearts.
Kaiden: I have learnt that God’s word sinks in and helps us grow like a beautiful plant.
Jackson: I have learnt that God wants us to spread the word like the story of the Sower and the Seed.