Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for a Wonderful Term!

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff, students, and families for your ongoing support, collaboration, and positivity throughout the past 10 weeks. To our dedicated staff—thank you for your tireless efforts and commitment. To our students—thank you for your enthusiasm, kindness, and curiosity. And to our families—thank you for your continued partnership and encouragement.

This term has been filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments. A special congratulations to everyone involved in our Grandparents and Family Day celebration last Friday—what a beautiful community event! It was wonderful to see so many people come together to share in the warmth and spirit of our school. Thank you to our staff, students and volunteers for making it such a memorable occasion.

We also celebrate the achievements of our students who represented our Central Region at the Diocesan Public Speaking Competition on Monday. Well done to Arlo C and Josie S for their outstanding efforts. A special congratulations to Josie, who won the Stage 1 Division with her inspiring speech on Generosity—a fantastic achievement!

Looking ahead to Term 4, I would like to let our community know that I will be taking leave from Week 2 as I undergo knee surgery. During my absence, Deb Petersen will be stepping into the role of Acting Principal, Patricia Miller will be Acting Assistant Principal, Paula Dart will be Acting Religious Education Coordinator and Joe Hamilton will be continuing in the Primary Coordinator Role, Gifted Education Mentor and taking on the additional role of Pedagogical Mentor. I am confident the school will continue to thrive under their capable leadership and care.

I will send out my final update for the year at the conclusion of Week 1 next term.

Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and well-deserved break. We look forward to welcoming you back refreshed and ready for Term 4!

26^th Sunday Ordinary Time

This week’s Gospel is from Luke 19-31

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.^, He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus in like manner evil things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”                                                           

 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

This Parable highlights that true followers of Christ will not be indifferent to the plight of the poor like the rich man in this story was. God loves the poor and is offended when we, His children neglect them. Those who show mercy to the poor are in effect ministering to Christ personally, Christians are known by the fruit they bear. The Holy Spirit’s residence in our hearts will most certainly impact how we live and what we do.

First Eucharist

Congratulations to the following children who received their First Eucharist last Saturday:

Anastasia B, Lorenzo B, Alex B, Jack C, Beau C, Zoe D, Adalyn D, Callum D, Evelyn H, Max H, Annika H, Kyle H, Rory H, Maggie K, Rose M, Evie M, Eve P, Louis R, Nathaniel S, Roman S, Hannah W, Sophie W and Evie A.

Term 4 Liturgies and Celebrations:

Week 2	24th October: Year 6 Parish Mass 9:15am
Week 3:	Catholic Mission Day 31st October: Year 5 Parish Mass 9:15am
Week 4:	7th November: Year 4 Parish Mass 9:15am
Week 5:	11th November” Remembrance Day Liturgy 10:50am 14th November: Year 3 Parish Mass 9:15am
Week 6:	21st November: Year 2 Parish Mass 9:15am
Week 7:	28th November: Parish Mass 9:15am
Week 8:	5th December: Parish Mass 9:15am
Week 9:	10th December: End of Year Mass/Year 6 Awards 9:30am
Week 10:	16th December: Whole School Christmas Liturgy 11:30am

Catherine McCauley’s Mercy Production

On the 24th of September, St James students attended an educational performance on Catherine McAuley and the House of Mercy.

During this performance we learnt about Catherine's life and how she dedicated her life to taking care of the poor and mistreated women and girls in the 18th century. We learnt how her father influenced the way she showed mercy in the community. How she came to a generous sum of money 5 millon euro from the Callahan's that took care of her for 20 years. Her first instinct was to help and donate money to the poor and mistreated. During her life she created many foundations, schools, and houses for the poor, not only to live in but to learn how to be able to support themselves in their future.

In this performance we learnt the meaning of Mercy, and how to live it in our daily lives.

We loved watching this performance and we think it is a fantastic way to learn about people and their past lives. It was entertaining and engaging with questions and ways for us to participate.