GOSPEL REFLECTION - FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

This is the story of a father who had two sons. He “lost them both, one in a foreign country, the other behind a barricade of self-righteousness.” A more appropriate title for this parable may be the parable of the forgiving father, because the focus of the story is primarily on the father’s love and mercy toward his sons.

One can imagine the father’s feelings when the younger son requested his inheritance—what would belong to him when his father died. Although it was not uncommon to see an estate divided among heirs before death, it seemed as if the younger son could not wait for his father to die.

As he watched his son go down the road, carrying “all he had,” the father must have been filled with apprehension for him. Then his worst fears were realised! The son lavishly spent and wasted his father’s gift until he was reduced to abject poverty. He was hungry; he was homeless; he was alone.

He had sunk to what, for a Jew, was the lowest possible level, for he was reduced to caring for the pigs of a Gentile landowner. For the Jews, the pig was considered the most unclean of all animals, and to be employed by a Gentile was to be under the influence and control of one who worshipped foreign gods. Finally, at the point of death—“I am dying of hunger”—he came to his senses and was filled with the desire to return home.

Even in the moment of deepest despair, his father’s love was active in his memories. The father’s deep longing for his son was present within the son’s burning desire to return home. Though distant, father and son were united in love and yearning for each other—one calling, one responding.

The father showed unconditional love to both his sons just as God shows unconditional love to each of us. We often describe the love between parent and child as an example of unconditional love. The gift of love from God is no different. Reflecting on the story of The Prodigal Son always provides an opportunity to take stock and see if we may too have wandered or lost our way – and how we might return to the warm embrace of our loved ones or to our heavenly Father.

We remember those students from Year Three and above who are making their first Reconciliation next Thursday 7th April. May they come to know the forgiveness, compassions and mercy of our ever-loving God in a personal way.

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the completion of Term One, I wanted to extend to you my personal thanks for your support over the past ten weeks. This term, has in no doubt, not been without challenges, as we continue to navigate the impact that COVID can have on our day-to-day lives. As you would be aware, our school community has not been immune to these challenges. We have much to be grateful for as we reflect on the first term of the school year. This includes the continued easing of restrictions that has enabled parents to be welcomed back onto the school site (after a significant timeframe), have the return of whole school events such as the Athletics Carnival and Cross Country Carnival (date to be rescheduled) and students returning to play on various playgrounds.

We are also grateful to parents who have continued to show support to the school in a wide variety of ways over the past term. In the true essence of the home and school partnership, it is important for both home and school to work closely together, so as to benefit the child.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL THANKS

Last Friday 25 March 2022, in spite of the inclement weather, we gathered at Campbelltown Sport Stadium for the Annual Athletics Carnival. Students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of track and field events, this would not have been possible without the support of parents, staff and students working together towards a common purpose.

While the weather permitted, everyone contributed so generously, to enable the morning to run so smoothly. A day like last Friday, is not a reality without the combined efforts of many. Gratitude is extended to our wonderful staff, enthusiastic parent volunteers and the energetic and committed students from John Therry Catholic College. Our most important people, our students, had the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic events using the fantastic equipment available at Campbelltown Stadium.

Plans are underway for the completion of the track and field events that were impacted due to the rain. This will be communicated to parents next term.

We particularly thank the staff who worked together to convene the Athletics Carnival, Mr Myerscough, Mrs Cotterill and Miss O’Sullivan. Without the level of planning and organisation from these staff, the carnival would not have been such a success.

P AND F EXECUTIVE 2022

The P&F are a critical part of building community in any school setting.  It is the primary advisory to the principal concerning school matters. They provide a forum where matters relating to the growth and development of the school community can be explored. It is a means by which the school can also promote social contact between parents and friends of the school.  The P&F is a consultative body under the auspices of the principal.

The quality of the relationships between parents and the school is reflected in how each member present is significant for the education of the child.  Such relationships call for tolerance and mutual respect for the position and perspectives of the other person.  This is the goal for every P&F meeting.

After the AGM held last week, we congratulate members of the P&F executive for 2022 -

President -  Mrs Liana MacDiarmid (Hannah and Kamryn (5M), Lucas (3M))

Vice - President -   Mrs Casey Hailes (Sophie (5M) and Chloe (1M))

Secretary -   Mrs Louise McHugh (Alexis (1M))

We are still desperately seeking a volunteer to be Treasurer for the 2022 school year, as at the AGM this position was not filled. A role description is included in the P&F section of this newsletter for your reference. 

Please speak to a member of the P&F Executive if you are interested in finding out more information about this position.

As a school community, we extend our grateful thanks to Mrs Belinda Federico, Mrs Holly Venters, Mrs Kelly Tabone and Mrs Monica Dickey who as outgoing members of the P&F executive, have provided practical support over many years.

Wishing you and your families a blessed and safe Easter. May the Risen Lord bring joy and peace to you and your families. Looking forward to seeing you in Term Two.

Jane Webb 

PRINCIPAL

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