Dear St Angela of the Cross School Community

It is with a sense of sadness that I write my last newsletter as Principal of St Angela of the Cross. I have accepted a new position as a School Leadership Consultant working for Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL). My last day will be this coming Thursday, 24th October. This decision was not made lightly, as my time here has been filled with fantastic experiences and great memories.

I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from each of you. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff, whose dedication, passion, and teamwork have truly made our school a special place. Your commitment to our students and each other is second to none, and I am so proud to have worked alongside such hard-working dedicated professionals.

As a community we have celebrated many achievements, navigated challenges, and built a nurturing and wonderful school. Whilst I am excited about the new opportunities ahead, I will miss the daily interactions with the students and families. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together, and I carry those experiences with me as I embark on this next chapter.

Wishing you all continued success and happiness.

Regards,

Justin Greenwood | Principal

Congratulations to Our First Eucharist Candidates!

We are delighted to congratulate our students who will complete the sacrament of First Holy Communion this weekend. This is a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication and commitment.

May this sacred occasion bring them closer to their faith and fill their hearts with joy and peace. We extend our heartfelt blessings to each of them and their families during this special time.

First Holy Communion Post Teaching Mass

Date| Thursday November 7

Location| St Ita’s Catholic Church Drouin

Time| 6pm

This Mass will then be followed by the sharing of a light meal together.

At the end of this Mass there will be an opportunity for a whole group photo. Feel free to invite special family members, such as grandparents. 

Please ensure to RSVP to Liz Shellekens by Friday October 25.

Liz Schellekens | Sacrament Coordinator

Catholic Parishes of Warragul & Drouin

Some years ago, Pope Francis preached on this Sunday’s gospel (Mk 10:46-52), highlighting Bartimaeus’ great act of faith in recognising Jesus and calling to him to cure his blindness. Pope Francis goes on to observe parallels of modern behaviours in Jesus’ audience.

Some in the gospel story fail to hear the blind man’s cry, as some today don’t hear the cry of many in need of Jesus. Pope Francis criticises these as selfish people, living for themselves and unable to hear the voice of Jesus. Then there are those “who don’t hear, don’t want to hear the cry for help, but prefer to use the People of God, use the Church, to conduct their business”. Including disciples, some “hear this cry for help, but want to silence it, keeping Jesus for themselves; separate from those who cry out, who are in need of faith, who need salvation.” Modern examples are the “gatekeeper” excluders and those hypocritical exploiters who “instead of responding to the cry for salvation, push people away.”

But Pope Francis upholds another group “who help people to approach Jesus” saying to Bartimaeus: “Be brave, get up, he’s calling you!” Modern parallels are “Christians who are consistent between what they believe and what they live, who help people who cry out, asking for salvation, asking for grace, asking for spiritual health for their soul, helping them to get close to Jesus.”

The Pope concludes that, “each of us can answer in our heart, which group I am in: those deaf to cries of need, those pushing away the needy or those who hear the cry of so many people and help them to approach Jesus?” [Pope Francis, What kind of Christian are we? Thursday, 28 May 2015].

Deacon Mark Kelly

A big congratulations to Oliver Fak who ran in the hurdles and 800m running events at Regional Athletics last week. Ollie came first in the hurdles and has made it through the State Championships. This is a phenomenal effort! Well done Ollie, we are very proud of you and wish you all the best in your upcoming race.

Jacqui Dennis | PE Coordinator