Newsletter 7 March 2022
St Joseph's Catholic School Onehunga
Kia Ora Koutou Katoa, Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Kia Orana, Hola como Estas, Marhaba, Greetings to you all
SACRAMENTS OF HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION
Yesterday we celebrated (online for many of us) our students who made their First Holy Communion and Confirmation. These Sacraments are at the very heart of our faith.
In order to meet COVID regulations, 2 groups attended yesterday with the remainder of the students receiving their sacraments next Sunday, again over 2 sessions.
We thank Melanie and Michaela Duarte for the preparation of our students. They have adapted and been responsive to our ever-changing COVID environment, and play a vital role in supporting our children's faith journey.
CONNECTED WEDNESDAYS
We strive to form close links with our families and wider school community. Historically at the start of each year we have connected as a community with a ‘Meet the Teacher - Talanoa’ evening.
This year we have had to be innovative and have changed this to an online platform.
Your childs teacher has sent you a short video of introduction and some questions that would support them learn more about your child.
- What makes you proud of your child
- What is your child inspired by / what are their interests
- What are your aspirations for your child
- What are your expectations of your child at school
This video and questionarre was sent ot you via your childs SEESAW class. If you have not recieved to please contact admin@sjs.school.nz
Your childs teacher will be calling you over the coming weeks to connect with you.
This will be an opportunity for your childs teacher to answer any questions that you may have.
FORTY DAYS OF LENT
The season of Lent is a special time which lasts for 40 days. We use this time to get ready for Holy Week and Easter; remembering how Jesus died on the cross for us, then rose again for us so that we could all share in his new life of grace.
The Lenten season provides an opportunity each year to deepen our understanding of our faith by reflecting on the Gospels. During Lent we are called both to turn away from those things that encumber our faith journey and to turn towards God. Lent is a wonderful opportunity to open ourselves to changes that God wants to make in us so that we can truly flourish.
Lent 2022: ‘Called to be Peacemakers’
The theme for Lent 2022 is – “Called to be Peacemakers” based on the Beatitude reference in Matthew 5:9 and inspired by the writing of Pope Francis in his recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. As we journey towards Easter, the theme Called to be Peacemakers highlights our encounter with God in building peace.
Week 1 - Gospel reading
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “lf you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “it is written, ‘one does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.”
Reflection
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit, revealing that there was purpose behind his experience in the wilderness. The leadership of the Spirit reminds us that times of wilderness are part of life, not to avoid, but to experience with God alongside us. Just like Jesus, we must live through these trials to grow; we need to trust the Holy Spirit to guide us through the hard times and times of conflict. The devil tempted Jesus not just once but many times, and the methods that the devil used are important, too. The temple in Jerusalem represents an enduring institution of faith, and the devil brought Jesus here to tempt him. As well as place, the devil quoted parts of scripture to try to tempt Jesus. Sometimes temptation in our life can be subtle or under the guise of what is good. Sometimes what is good can be the enemy of what is best. Afterward the devil departed until an opportune time, reminding us there will be more tests ahead. Jesus, like all of us, addresses the temptations again and again, in doing so we can grow closer to God. Jesus used the Scriptures to refute the devil’s temptations. How well do we know the Holy scriptures? When there is a temptation to speak rashly how do we respond?
COVID
The way in which we communicate case to parents has changed at Phase 3.
- Parents and caregivers are being informed of class cases if that student with COVID was at school during their infectious times (48 prior to test or symptoms)
- The number of cases and household contacts we have is being reported via the school app (not this is not a daily number - like the government's daily number but the current number of cases)
If you have any questions or concerns please contact cmassey@sjs.school.nz
SUPPORT
This is a challenging time for many families – high stress levels, children at home, cut off from family and friends.
If you or anyone you know wants some advice or support over this time here are some options that might be useful.
- VisionWest Community Trust https://visionwest.org.nz/
- Vaka Tautua Limited https://www.vakatautua.co.nz/
- TOA Pacific Incorporated https://toapacific.org.nz/
- MUMA Whanau Services Limited https://www.muma.co.nz/whanau-services
Work and Income services centres are closed, however you can apply for assistance via MyMSD or phone the contact centre on 0800 559 009.
If you need some assistance with food these food banks may be able to help out;
- Auckland City Mission, City 09 303 9200
- Salvation Army Royal Oak 09 639 1103
- Vinnies Auckland, Newton 09 815 6122 or 0800 6800
- Hope Centre, New Lynn 02108048436
- Vision West, Glen Eden (Mon, Wed, Fri only) 09 818 0716
Contact Us
Email: admin@sjs.school.nz
Website: http://www.sjs.school.nz/
Location: 125 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09 636 8102
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJSOnehunga