If you have ever frequented our Front Office space, you may have noticed a curious, round table, close to the shelf with all the information pamphlets. Atop it sits a sizable plate, decorated with plants and at the centre of this is a smaller bowl, home to a candle. If, in fact, you have noticed it, then it has fulfilled its purpose. You have interacted with our prayer bowl. 

Back when we redesigned the Front Office, we wanted a prayer space that was minimalist and elegant, yet powerful. We worked with a local potter to create the ‘prayer platter’, decorated with botanical elements that are mentioned in the Bible. You will notice the Saint Joseph Lily, Cyclamen (Luke 12:27), Mint (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42), Olives (Genesis 8:11) and Chamomile (Peter 1: 24-25) amongst others. In fact, there are so many botanical elements mentioned in the Bible that we prepared one with all the plants highlighted. It sits on the shelves close to the prayer table.

Now, if you pay close attention, you will notice that the bowl at the centre of the platter changes colour. We have a white, a green, a purple and a red centre bowl and we swap them around according to the colour of the Liturgical Calendar.

And the candle? We light it when someone in our community needs prayers.

The purpose of this design is to cause questions, because Faith is all about asking questions, and wondering, and believing without total truth. I invite you to stop by the Prayer Platter when you are next in the school’s Front Office.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Have you felt that chill in the air recently? With the dropping temperatures, St Vincent De Paul Society register a rise in needs amongst those doing it tough in our community.

In response to this, this week we have launched the Vinnies Winter Appeal 2024. We will be accepting donations until week 10. Please see the poster attached for the list of items needed the most this year. 

Many thanks for the generous support you all show this cause every year.

It has been a big term for the Eco Warriors so far. Since the Eventful Learning excursion, the team have worked tirelessly to launch the 10c drink container recycling program. They created Bob the 10c drink container bin, and a fun competition to encourage students to use it: every week, those who name it, drink it, rinse it and bin it, are in the running to win a $1 voucher from the tuck shop and be crowned the Recyclonator of the week.

In Week 7 you may be approached by one of the Eco Warriors to respond to a survey about litter. This is to help them collect data that will help inform action towards a more eco-friendly school.

Blessings,

Christine Farrugia

Assistant Principal: Religious Identity and Mission