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Stirring the Possum
Afghanistan’s new masters have a well-earned image as women haters, of treating women brutally without compunction or compassion. They seem to regard half of humanity as subservient sub-humans to be viciously kept down.
Yet we see images of brave Afghan women with placards demanding fundamental justice of the Taliban. Such courage is unfathomable. They know their defiant bravery can’t end well but there is no safe or easy way to proclaim what they must. Courageous stirring like this is the only way to change society. It has ever been thus – people with the purpose and bravery to challenge injustice and absorb the consequences (think Eureka Stockaders or suffragettes), inspiring and paving the way for others through their suffering.
Jesus is the greatest stirrer of all. He hasn’t gone out of his way to challenge the authorities but simply pursued his mission of proclaiming the Good News of God’s love. Inevitably, the authorities wouldn’t like his message and his witness. Jesus was not naïve; he knew the odds of a violent end if he continued his activity and kept insisting on the irruption of God’s reign. It was impossible to live in solidarity with the poor and downtrodden, as he did, without suffering the reaction of the powerful. (Mark 8:27-35) (Pagola p332) Sooner or later it would lead to his death.
What are the thoughts of those young Afghan women, proclaiming their message, insisting on respect and dignity for women, their right to make their own decisions and to pursue employment and education? Surely, sooner rather than later, the crazies who have taken their country will violently suppress them; probably kill them.
We Christians see in them Jesus, who died bravely proclaiming the greatest message of all: God’s absolute, infinite, intimate love for us. Signing up with Jesus means turning away from our old easy life and seeking new life in the Father’s Kingdom. Proactively supporting our brave Afghan sisters might be a start.
Deacon Mark Kelly
Dear Parents,
This week is Child Safety week, the theme for this year is, every child in every community needs a fair go. Students will participate in a number of activities throughout the week to learn about behaviours that will help to keep them safe and highlighting the importance of speaking to a trusted adult if they have any concerns.
As well as Child Safety Week this Thursday in National R U Ok? Day. In challenging times it's more important than ever for us all to say connected. R U OK? Has developed resources for all in our community to think about who in their world might need to be asked how they’re really going and how to make a moment meaningful by asking “are you OK?” Please visit https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day
Many in our school community continue to face financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to supporting families experiencing financial challenges through our School Fee Concession programs, and encourage any parent/carer/guardian experiencing difficulties to contact us regarding fee assistance.
Please contact Lauren in the office on 5622 9800 or email
lsoumilas@stangelawarragul.catholic.edu.au to explore confidential financial support
arrangements or to obtain further information.
Thank you to the families who completed the Remote Learning Survey. The feedback was very re-affirming for the wonderful work our teachers are doing. This week after responding to the feedback from parents our classroom teachers have included a second Google Meet each day. This is not compulsory, only if your child needs some further clarification or assistance with any of the daily learning tasks. Meetings are scheduled as follows;
12:00pm (HG3)
12:15pm (HG2)
12:30pm (HG1)
Results Below,
It is important that students have a shared responsibility for child safety at our school. Therefore, students at St Angela of the Cross are included in the Child Safety Committee to assist in developing child safe
This morning the students have participated in Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson with tasks designed to help them recognise safe and unsafe behaviours and what to do if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.
Thank you and Congratulations to our MS Readathon Superheroes!
The team at St Angela of the Cross read over 160 books and raised $1487 towards vital support services for families with multiple sclerosis.
Thank you to all of their sponsors.
As part of our STEM task this week, students needed to make the tallest card tower possible!
The only requirements were that only playing cards were used and that it stood unassisted for 10 seconds!
Here are some of our amazing towers….
