Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Newsletter

Term 3 Week 7, 27th August, 2021

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark

The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes. So these Pharisees and scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?’ He answered, ‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture:

This people honours me only with lip-service,

while their hearts are far from me.

The worship they offer me is worthless,

the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.

You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.’

He called the people to him again and said, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that goes into a man from outside can make him unclean; it is the things that come out of a man that make him unclean. For it is from within, from men’s hearts, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within and make a man unclean.’

Ref:Liturgyhelp.com

Gospel Focus – The things within

We live in a culture that is very quick to lay blame on external factors; some people are very reluctant to accept responsibility for their own actions and look for opportunities to distance themselves from feelings of guilt or even regret. Jesus makes it very clear that evil intentions – the things that make a person ‘unclean’ – actually come from within. He presents a confronting list of the things that come from within and we may be able to add others relevant to our own time. In our culture of no personal responsibility, Jesus challenges us to rethink just where the buck does stop.

 © Greg Sunter

Remote Learning

As we complete our seventh week of learning at home I hope all our families are doing well in these difficult circumstances. I am sure that children, parents and teachers are all feeling exhausted. The staff appreciate the support of the parents and the wonderful work of our students. I do ask that parents remember that not everything always goes smoothly with remote learning. There are times when there are technical issues with zoom and there are times, like this week, when the restrictions for setting up zoom were changed from head office without our knowledge. While this can be frustrating I ask that parents remember that some of these issues are out of our teachers' control. Google classroom is not the forum for parents to raise issues with teachers, any concerns should be communicated via email . Any email sent to a teacher should always be respectful no matter what the situation.

Return to School

Today the Premier announced a staggered return to school for next term beginning in late October. When we have more information from CEDP about the details of this plan we will inform parents.

Jersey Day

WEAR YOUR FAVOURITE JERSEY, HAVE SOME FUN AND START A CONVERSATION ABOUT ORGAN DONATION

JERSEY DAY is a simple concept designed to raise awareness of The Organ and Tissue Authority and the DONATE LIFE network.

On Friday, 3rd September, 2021 we encourage all students  to wear their favourite sporting jersey to show their support for the DONATE LIFE network and begin the conversation with family and friends about the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor.

Jersey Day was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to six people when he became an organ donor at age 13.

Jersey Day is all about raising awareness – there is no requirement to raise funds. Jersey Day is fun, it’s free and by registering to become an organ and tissue donor you could be helping to save a life. For further information please see Jersey Day

#JERSEYDAYAU         #DONATELIFE

Student Data Validation

A reminder on Monday 16 August all families received an email or SMS (for those parents without email) from Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) asking you to review and, where necessary, update the key information they hold about your children currently enrolled in CEDP schools. 

The link will close on Friday 3 September and I encourage you to complete the review/update as soon as possible to ensure that your family’s correct details are on file. 

 If you have any questions or to seek help, please contact the CEDP Community Liaison Team on 9840 5796.

School Fees 2021- INSTALMENT 3

Term 3 Statements have been mailed to families. Please contact the school office via email (ololbhills@parra.catholic.edu.au) if you have not received your statement. 

CEDP is working hard to support the families in our communities who are struggling financially as a result of COVID -19.

As always we encourage parents who are experiencing hardship to seek support.

Book Week

Library

Cubby OOSH

It's Book Week!  

This year our book journey takes us to Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other WorldsTo kick things off Gada steps back in time and cooks' bread & butter pudding with a twist, inspired by Norman Lindsay's the Magic Pudding. Our favourite storyteller Jess reads Not Cute and Anemone is Not the Enemy and we take Quokka selfies!

Cubby OOSH Kids Activity Guide Week 7

Download

Parish News

Youth Ministry

From Friday the 3rd of September, our youth leadership team will be offering weekly online youth groups via zoom, for Y5-12. Youth groups will be hosted via break out rooms, so that youth have the opportunity to connect deeply with their friends. We encourage youth to nominate who they would like to be in a group with (in the registration form), each group will consist of two youth leaders - who will facilitate the groups.

The sessions themselves will have a great focus on games and activities, and are an opportunity for youth to relax, and take a break from the different pressures and anxieties of the week.

Sessions will take place weekly on Friday nights, for Y5-8 they will run from 7-7:30 (with youth able to jump on from 6:50-7pm), for Y9-12 they will run from 8-8:30pm (with youth able to jump on from 7:50-8pm). If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the youth office via email or mobile (youth@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au | 0407 773 174). To register your child, simply fill out the Google Form (below) and the email you nominate will receive the zoom link for each session.

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRlGpVdBB4AC_-wOZPvZfdvIQYdbu5lIQoy3hpBmoFD2oW4w/viewform?usp=sf_link

Kind Regards,

Paul Fam

Youth Minister 

Parish of Baulkham Hills, NSW

Children's Rosary

Skoolbag App- Have you downloaded the app?

Skoolbag is the school’s primary avenue for immediate communication with parents.

Skoolbag is a communication app which all parents are strongly advised to install on their smartphones, ipads etc.