If your burden's too heavy

Then it's gonna break you

And you might go crashing

To the ground

Keep yourself steady

And don't let it take you

Take you on down

Take you on down

Well I'm here beside you

Don't you forget it

I'm with you walking

Down this road

Give up what's inside you

You won't regret it

Together we can

Lighten this load

Archie Roach: We Won’t Cry 2012

Prayer

Blessing

May the light of your soul guide you.

May the light of your soul bless the works you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty  of your heart.

May  the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.

May your work never weary you.

May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.

May you be present in what you do.

May you never become lost in the bland absences.

May the day never burden.

May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.

May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.

May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.

May your soul calm, console and renew you.

John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, 1997

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

On Monday the staff participated in a PD focussing on scripture. In particular we studied symbolism in the Old Testament and the New Testament. 

Jo Anne Van Der Voort (DOBCEL) and Cara Chisolm led the day. 

We began the day with prayer using the Blessing (above) focussing on the gifts that we all bring to St Joseph’s.  Together our gifts created a piece of art which will be displayed in our foyer. 

CIRCUIT BREAKER WEEKEND

A reminder that all DOBCEL schools are closed this Friday and Monday. This weekend is designed to support students and staff through the depths of winter as COVID, the flu and other bugs are around our community.  High absenteeism has continued this term in the children and our staff.

I am grateful to all families who have kept their children at home when they have been unwell.

RAFFLE

Thank you to everyone who has supported our raffle thus far, particularly our sponsors.  And a reminder to everyone to get your tickets back to school ASAP.  The financial support of our PSA is an important part of our school budget as it provides us with some discretionary spending specifically four our children. This year we are looking at an art installation and upgrades to the playground to provide two creative play spaces for children. 

UNIFORM

The uptake of the regular wearing of sport uniforms has been positive and well received by our students. 

A reminder that the SCHOOL JACKET is designed to be worn outdoors. Should children require a second layer indoors the windcheater is to be worn.  

Similarly, the beanie is for outdoors only. 

WARRNIBALD COMPETITION

Francesca Di Cesara was awarded 2nd place in the junior section of the Warrnibald Portrait competition for her watercolour of her dad, Ross.