Dear Parents,

On the 1 st of July 2022, new Child Safe Standards were introduced to schools and organisations in line with Ministerial Order 1359. The Child Safe Standards aim to protect children and young people, by requiring schools to put policies, procedures, and processes in place to prevent and respond to
abuse. They aim to make keeping children and young people safe a key focus of organisations in Victoria.

One of our school-based procedures in response to this is ensuring that all visitors coming into our school grounds and buildings must sign in. We understand that at times this can become time consuming especially when you want to quickly talk to a teacher in the morning or sign in and out at large school events.

To try and make this process easier we have created QR code posters that link directly to our school sign in portal (see example below). These posters will be located at the entrance to classroom doors so in the morning parents can sign in quicker and easier to able to talk with classroom teachers. They will also be displayed and readily available when signing in and out for large school events. Upon enrolment at St Angela’s parents agree to play an important role in our school community by
respecting and upholding the policy and procedures of our school. Whilst we are trying to make things as easy as possible, we do expect that our families support our endeavours by doing the right thing and help keep all at St Angela of the Cross safe.

Next week our students will complete activities regarding Harmony Week in their classrooms. Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. ​ 

The message of respect and belonging correlates well with our St Angela of the Cross expectations and can be lived by each of us, every day, not just during Harmony Week. 

On Monday 18th March selected students will compete in the District Athletics Carnival at the Geoff Watt Track in Warragul. Students will travel by bus to the track and Mrs Dennis, Mrs Moschitz and Mr Thomson will be attending this event with the students.

They will compete in track and field events against other local schools with the opportunity to progress to the Regional Event later in the year. It is a fantastic achievement to make it to District level and we wish all the competitors the best of luck on Monday.

Paschal Law 

Jesus reveals in this week’s gospel (John 12:20-33) nothing less than the secret to life! 

 “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

Pope Francis calls this: “the Paschal Law – losing life in order to receive it renewed and eternal.” (Vatican 18/3/18) And what does losing life mean? That is, what does it mean to be the grain of wheat? It means to think less about oneself, about personal interests and to know how to “see” and to meet the needs of our neighbours, especially the least of them. 

The world encourages us to devote ourselves to being self-centred and selfish: to being the fastest, smartest, prettiest, strongest, wealthiest, most powerful individual we can be; at the expense of anyone in our path. Jesus’ message of self-less-ness is counter-intuitive – but deep down we know he is right. Pope Francis reminds us (Laudate Si 204) that “When people become self-centred and self-enclosed, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs to buy, own, and consume.” 

Growing and changing, as we yearn to do, will cost. Lent flushes out the pockets where selfishness reigns. “To joyfully carry out works of charity towards those who suffer in body and spirit is the most authentic way of living the Gospel. It is the necessary foundation upon which our communities can grow in reciprocal fraternity and welcome”. 

Does it hurt, this little death to myself? Sometimes. Parting with money for Project Compassion until it hurts; quietly taking on extra tasks in the parish or in the wider community; curbing our unruly tongue; skipping a favourite activity to spend quality time with an elderly neighbour. But sense the fruitfulness of new life filling your heart!

Deacon Mark Kelly