My Teacher Diary by CathFamily

Year at a Glance 2017 JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

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OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

MAY

SEPTEMBER

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JUNE

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JULY

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Key Dates for 2017

as tm

Ordinary Time

Su Mo

Advent begins Birth of Jesus (Christmas)

Lent

& Blo

Year B Dec 3 Dec 25

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Easter

Body

Mary, Mother of God Epiphany of the Lord Baptism of the Lord Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Feast of St Patrick Annunciation Palm (Passion) Sunday Holy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday Easter Sunday Our Lady Help of Christians Ascension of Jesus into Heaven Pentecost Holy Trinity The Body and Blood of Christ Saint Mary MacKillop Assumption of Mary into Heaven Mary’s Birthday All Saint’s Day All Soul’s Day Christ the King

DECEMBER

Ordinary Time

Pentecosot d

Su Su Mo Tu We Fr Sa Su Th Fr Sa Su We Th Su Su Th Tu Tu Fr We Th Su

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Advent

Australian Catholic Church Feasts & Events 2017 Year A Jan 1 Jan 8 Jan 9 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 17 Mar 25 Apr 9 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16 May 24 May 25 Jun 4 Jun 11 Jun 15 Aug 8 Aug 15 Sep 8 Nov 1 Nov 2 Nov 26

AUGUST

ris

- Ash Wednesday - Easter Sunday - Pentecost - Advent begins

APRIL

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Mar 1 Apr 16 Jun 4 Dec 3

Australian Public & School Holidays 2017

Why do we have a Church calendar? As a Church family, we have a busy calendar of events and seasons. The Church year begins with Advent. Easter is the high point. The year ends with the feast of Christ the King. Colours as symbols: Purple = penance (Advent, Lent) Red = warmth, blood (Pentecost, martyrs) Gold = joy, purity, innocence, glory (Christmas, Easter) Sometimes white is used instead Green = life (Ordinary Time)

National Holidays (all States) 1 Jan New Year’s Day Holiday 26 Jan Australia Day 14 Apr Good Friday 17 Apr Easter Monday 25 Apr ANZAC Day holiday 12 Jun Queen’s Birthday (ex.WA&QLD) 25 Dec Christmas Day 26 Dec Boxing Day Australian Capital Territory 13 Mar Canberra Day 2 Oct Labour Day Term 1 27 Jan - 7 Apr Term 2 26 Apr - 30 Jun Term 3 17 Jul - 22 Sep Term 4 9 Oct - 15 Dec New South Wales 2 Oct Labour Day Term 1 27 Jan - 7 Apr Term 2 24 Apr - 30 Jun Term 3 17 Jul - 22 Sep Term 4 9 Oct - 19 Dec Northern Territory 2 May May Day 7 Aug Picnic Day Term 1 25 Jan - 7 Apr Term 2 18 Apr - 23 Jun Term 3 24 Jul - 29 Sep Term 4 9 Oct - 15 Dec Queensland 16 Aug Royal Queensland Show Day 1 May May Day Term 1 23 Jan - 31 Mar Term 2 18 Apr - 23 Jun Term 3 10 Jul - 15 Sep Term 4 3 Oct - 8 Dec South Australia 13 Mar Adelaide Cup Day 2 Oct Labour Day 26 Dec Proclamation Day Term 1 30 Jan - 13 Apr Term 2 1 May - 7 Jul Term 3 24 Jul - 29 Sep Term 4 16 Oct - 15 Dec Tasmania 13 Mar Eight Hours Day 6 Nov Recreation Day (North only) Term 1 8 Feb - 13 Apr Term 2 1 May - 7 Jul Term 3 24 Jul - 29 Sep Term 4 16 Oct - 21 Dec Victoria 13 Mar 7 Nov Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

Labour Day Melbourne Cup (Melb. only) 30 Jan - 31 Mar 18 Apr - 30 Jun 17 Jul - 22 Sep 9 Oct - 22 Dec

Western Australia 6 Mar Labour Day 5 Jun Western Australia Day 2 Oct Queen’s Birthday Term 1 1 Feb - 7 Apr Term 2 24 Apr - 30 Jun Term 3 17 Jul - 22 Sep Term 4 9 Oct - 14 Dec

Why do we have a Church calendar?

Easter symbols

Why do we have a Prayer of the Faithful?

Life can be hectic. So many dates to juggle: school holidays, birthdays, grand final day, election day... As a Church family, too, we have a busy calendar. We call it the liturgical year because it is comprised of the various Christian feasts and seasons celebrated over the course of a year. The Church year begins with Advent. Easter is the pinnacle. The readings in the Sunday Mass vary according to a three year cycle (A, B & C). This calendar allows our faith community to focus on the mysteries of our faith in some kind of systematic and unified way.

The Easter vigil is loaded with powerful symbolism. We begin with fire - for Christ the light of the world has shattered the darkness of sin. The Easter candle is lit and in turn sets alight the small candles held by the congregation until the whole church is ablaze. We sing ‘alleluia’ to uplifting music to express our joy. We use water to baptise newcomers into our Church and to remind us of our own baptismal vows. The newly baptised are adorned with white robes representing their release from sin. They are anointed with oil (chrism) symbolising the indelible mark of the Holy Spirit. Finally, they partake in the Eucharist as a sign of their union with the Christian community.

In these prayers (also called the General Intercessions) the congregation intercedes for all humanity. We pray that the Church will be a life-giving sign of salvation to the world. We pray for Church leaders and public authorities, for those oppressed by various needs, and for all people. In making these petitions we are conscious that the Church exists for others rather than simply for its own sake. United at the eucharistic table as the body of Christ, we are powerfully equipped to reach out as a loving and liberating force in the world.

Why do we have ‘ordinary’ Sundays? In between all the special festive occasions that occur in the life of a family there are many days which we might call ‘ordinary’. Filled with daily rituals - preparing meals, fronting up for work, dropping the kids at footy practice - they are an essential dimension of family life. Our Church calendar, too, has periods called Sundays in Ordinary Time or Sundays of the Year which are numbered consecutively. In between all the ‘special occasions’ (the various Christian feasts and seasons they are the sustaining celebrations of our life together as a faith family. Why the different colours? You may notice over the Church year changes in the colours of the vestments of the priest and the altar. This has nothing to do with the whims of fashion! Different colours are used to symbolise the truths and sentiments expressed by the various liturgical celebrations. Purple (symbolising penance) is used for Advent and Lent; red (warmth and blood) for Pentecost and for feasts commemorating the sufferings of Christ and the martyrs); white (joy, purity, innocence, glory) for celebrations such as Christmas and Easter, weddings, baptisms and funerals; green (life) for Sundays in Ordinary Time. ‘Today is the feast of...’ When families and friends celebrate birthdays, graduations and anniversaries they are making a statement about a person or a value which is collectively important to them. The Catholic Church, too, is full of celebrations - saints’ feast days and holy days - that affirm certain people and truths that are important to us as a faith family. Such occasions help unite and keep alive important events and relationships which have shaped our very existence as a Church. Advent The Church calendar begins with the Advent season, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. This period is a time of preparation, not just for Christmas gifts and luncheons and holidays, but for the great feast of God’s revelation through the birth of Jesus Christ. How privileged we are to live in this age of salvation! For centuries before Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people waited for the coming of the promised Messiah as foretold by the Scriptures. We find ourselves in a similar position as we look forward to the second coming of Christ at the end of time. Although we do not know the hour nor the day, each Advent we renew our faith in this great promise.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

Does your family enjoy looking back over treasured photo albums and re-telling the stories behind the pictures? The photos capture the highlights and carry a ‘sense’ of your family’s history, identity and values. The scriptures are a bit like that. They are our faith family’s ‘photo album’, the inspired recordings of our Christian ancestors, re-telling the stories of God’s revelation in their midst. As you listen to the readings each Sunday at Mass, allow God to speak to you through the stories of your faith heritage.

Having been nourished through scripture at the Liturgy of the Word, we turn to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. At this part of the Mass, the gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar and we begin the Eucharistic Prayer which is one of the most ancient prayers from our tradition. We ask the Holy Spirit to transform the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. We also ask that, in receiving Jesus, the entire assembly will be transformed as the body of Christ. By re-enacting the eucharistic words and actions of Jesus we remember and live anew the great events of his death and resurrection.

Why do we say ‘Alleluia’?

Why do we shake hands?

Alleluia comes from the Hebrew word which means ‘Praise YHWH’. It appears as a prayer in the Old Testament psalms and as the chant of the saints in heaven in the Book of Revelation. It was adopted by the Christian liturgy as the response of those redeemed through Christ. In the Mass, the alleluia verse is our way of preparing for the proclamation of the Gospel. For Christians, ‘alleluia’ is a bit like a victorious battle cry or a cheer leader’s whoop! It reeks of celebration, life, strength, freedom and all those wonderfully liberating qualities offered us through the resurrection of Jesus. To mutter it is to contradict its meaning!

Before receiving communion, the celebrant invites the congregation to ‘offer one another a sign of peace’, usually in the form of a handshake, smile or embrace. By this action we affirm our relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a sign of reconciliation that prepares us for the profound act of intimacy when we share at the one eucharistic table. The sign of peace is more than a ‘nice’ thing to do. It is an expression of the bond that unites us as Christians. Think about it next time you offer this sign. Please, no ‘dead-fish’ handshakes! Extend your hand with warmth and conviction.

Why a homily?

Christ is the light of the world! That little red light you see glowing on the sanctuary near the tabernacle indicates the presence of Christ in the form of eucharistic bread. We acknowledge this eucharistic presence when we genuflect (kneel on one knee). In our Christian tradition, genuflection is an act of adoration of Christ as Lord.

The Sunday readings

The homily is an essential part of the Sunday Mass. The homily, the scripture readings, the Profession of Faith and the Prayers of the Faithful form a unity which we call the Liturgy of the Word. The goal of this part of the Mass is to proclaim the Gospel and to illuminate its meaning and its ramifications for our lives. The homily, therefore, is usually based on a theme arising from the readings or from the particular mystery of faith being celebrated that day. Why do we recite the Profession of Faith? Why do people pledge allegiance to their national flag? Why do married couples renew their wedding vows? They are public declaration of their commitment to a particular relationship and to ideals which guide their lives. Similarly for Catholics, the profession of faith (‘We believe in one God...’) is a declaration of commitment. Having listened to God’s Word through the readings, we stand and declare our assent to the message proclaimed. Yes! We believe in God. Yes! We belong to this community that professes to live by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Adapted from: Why We Do the Things We Do by Teresa Pirola. Published by The Story Source.

What’s that little light?

Go! ‘Go in peace to love and serve the Lord’ says the celebrant at the end of Mass. This concluding rite is best understood as a commissioning. Renewed in our relationship as brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, we are sent to share Christ’s love with others. In fact, the word Mass is derived from the Latin word missa which in turn is derived from mittere: to send. As you leave the church, find a practical way of sharing with someone the strength you have drawn from this eucharistic celebration.

Prayers of the Church 1. The Sign of the Cross

5. The Apostle’s Creed

7. The Angelus

In the Name of the Father, [touch forehead] and of the Son, [touch chest] and of the Holy Spirit. [touch each shoulder] Amen. [hands together]

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen

The angel of the Lord declared to Mary: R: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

6. Hail Holy Queen

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

2. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

3. The Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

4. Glory Be Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Why do we make the Sign of the Cross? Do you rush through the Sign of the Cross as if swatting a fly? Don’t! This gesture is a powerful symbol that connects us with the Trinity and with our baptism. By making this sign you are declaring: I am under the power of God!

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy! Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate your eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us. Amen.

Why ‘Amen’? The word ‘amen’ was often spoken by Jesus and means ‘so be it’. When we say ‘amen’ at the end of a prayer, it is as if we say: I agree, this is true.

Hail Mary ... |Behold the handmaid of the Lord: R: Be it done to me according to your word. Hail Mary ... And the Word was made flesh: R: And dwelt among us. Hail Mary ... Pray for us O holy Mother of God! R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may be brought by his passion and cross, to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ, Our Lord, Amen.

8. Gloria

Prayers for Teachers 1. The Grail Prayer Lord Jesus, I give you my hands - to do your work. I give you my feet - to go your way. I give you my eyes - to see as you do. I give you my tongue - to speak your words. I give you my mind - that you may think in me. I give you my spirit - that you may pray in me. Above all, I give you my heart that you may love, in me, your Father and all mankind. I give you my whole self that you may grow in me, so that it is you, Lord Jesus, who live and work and pray in me. Amen.

2. A Morning Prayer God our Father, open our eyes to the splendour of your creation, to the dignity of those who are made in your image and likeness, and to the opportunities each day brings. Create new miracles this day that, transformed by your Spirit living within us, we may touch the hearts of those you have entrusted to us. Help us all to walk more faithfully in your presence and seek first your kingdom, with Jesus your Son. Amen. 3. A Blessing for Students May the Lord bless you in the years ahead and inspire you to be positive in your attitude, faithful in loving and generous in the service of others. May you learn from the difficulties that you will face, and so grow in wisdom and understanding and in compassion for others. May you be patient and forgiving in your relationships. May you live in such a way that the words “thanks” and “sorry”

Why Pray? Relationships thrive on good communication. To grow in love and friendship we need to communicate, not just openly but often! When we pray, we express our desire to grow closer to God. Through prayer we can praise, thank, ask, cry, argue and express many emotions. We can speak, listen, sing, chant, dance, smile, embrace or just sit with our God.

come readily to you. May you retain a sense of wonder and awe, and may you grow as the person God calls you to be. Amen.

4. A Student in Difficulty Loving Father, we read that you treasure and hold a special place for each and every person, as though only that one individual exists. And so I thank you for (name of student) who is very close to you, even though he/she may not realise it. Help this student to overcome the difficulties found at school. Break down the barriers that are keeping (name) from making good progress. Clear his/her mind so that concentration will come easily and success in school work more readily. Give me wisdom, patience and understanding, so that I may lead (name) forward. Inspire me to promote the best in this student whom you have entrusted to me and let me be an agent of your love. Amen.

5. The Low Moments of the Day Father, when things are not going well, touch the hearts of all of us, That we may see the best in each other. Alert me to different approaches I might take and remind me to remain positive in attitude, treating others with respect. When things are going well, prevent me feeling smug or better than someone else, and remind me then how important it is for us to work together and support one another. Amen.

6. Learning Alongside the Young Lord, inspire us to learn alongside the young people you have entrusted to our care. May all that we learn together today draw us closer to one another and to you. Amen.

7. Appreciating Each Other as Teachers Lord, we ask for your Spirit that, as teachers, we may minister to each other as well as to the young people you have entrusted to us. Lead us to grow in appreciation of one another, in acceptance and support, and with understanding and generosity. Help us to grow in awareness of the feelings and needs of others, and inspire us to look beyond ourselves in offering kindness and hospitality to others. Amen.

8. For Someone Who Has Died Loving Father, to you the dead do not die and, in death, our life is changed - not ended. We believe that all that binds us together in love and friendship does not end with death. Hear our prayers for _____ who has died. As you have made each of us in your image and likeness and have called us by name, hold him/her safely in your love in your kingdom of light, happiness and peace. Amen.

Gender differences and the classroom In the last 40 years, gender-neutral parenting and education has been the accepted best practice. Gender-neutral education was supposed to level the playing field and give boys and girls equal opportunity across all academic areas. However, Dr Leonard Sax argues that gender-neutral education and parenting has reinforced gender stereotypes and has short-changed both boys and girls in the education system.

Girls and boys are physiologically different from each other, and therefore, learn differently and have different needs. At school age these differences are at their most pronounced. Ignoring these very real and scientifically demonstrable differences for ideological motivations has done a lot of damage. However, these differences when harnessed are the key to motivating children to learn and making the classroom a dynamic environment.

The Key Psychological Differences

A summary follows of the key physiological differences between boys and girls that most directly relate to the classroom. For a full explanation and the references, please refer to ‘Why Gender Matters’ by Leonard Sax. This text is very readable and is well-researched with insights for both parents and teachers.

1) Male-Female Brain Differences 2) Auditory System 3) Visual System 4) Emotional Processing 5) Behaviour: Risk Taking and Aggression 6) The Student-Teacher Relationship 7) Stress and Learning

Male-Female Brain Differences •

•

Male and female brains are very different. This difference is genetically preprogramed in the X and Y chromosomes and is evident from birth. Male brains compartmentalise tasks. For example, language is primarily driven by the left hemisphere of the brain. Women on the other hand, use both hemispheres equally for language. Girl’s and boy’s brains are organised differently. They are all capable of learning the same thing, but the way they process and learn are substantially different.

Applying the Theory: Consider single sex activities, or even single sex classes, so that the tasks can be optimised for the learning needs of each sex. Even single stream schools can apply these principles by combining classes across stages. 14

Auditory System

Visual System

•

Girls are born prewired to be interested in faces while boys are prewired to be interested in moving objects.

•

The anatomy of the vision system is different in boys and girls; in boys neural pathways go to regions in the cerebral cortex that specialise in motion and spatial distance. In girls, the neural pathways predominate to regions that specialise in texture and colour.

•

From birth, girls have substantially more sensitive hearing than boys, particularly in the higher frequency ranges which are crucial for speech discrimination. This difference increases as they get older. Girls are distracted by noise levels ten times softer than levels that boys find distracting.

Applying the Theory: Think about your voice decibel level. If you are a male teacher, what seems like a normal level will probably be perceived by the girl in the front row as you shouting. On the other hand, if you are female, the girls sitting at the front will hear you fine, but the boys at the back absently staring out the window are probably struggling to hear your higher pitched voice. Organise your class so that the boys are at the front and girls to the back. This will ensure that the boys can hear you and the girls will not feel like they are being shouted at.

Applying the Theory: Be alert to differences in the subject and manner that girls and boys draw. Girls typically draw people or objects arranged symmetrically, facing the viewer, use 10 or more colours and prefer warm colours. Boys typically draw action using at most six colours in the cool range. They are also more likely to draw from a remote perspective watching the action.

In short:

Girls draw nouns, Boys draw verbs.

Teachers should be aware of their own gender biases and visual preferences when assessing student visual art projects. Think of Jackson Pollock. When you understand the male visual preference for movement, abstract perspective and cool colours, Pollock’s art is clearly very masculine.

Emotional Processing •

In young children, negative emotional activity in response to unpleasant or disturbing visual images is processed in the primitive parts of the brain, specifically the amygdala.

•

In adolescence, a large part of the brain activity associated with negative emotion moves to the cerebral cortex. However, this change only occurs in girls. For boys, the centre of emotional brain activity remains in the amygdala which is why asking a seventeen year old boy how he feels is no different to asking a six year old boy!

Applying the theory: Emotional literacy as a verbal framework is very difficult for boys to engage with because it uses parts of the brain that don’t normally connect. Sitting down face-to-face and making self-disclosures is a boy’s worst nightmare. To engage with the boys emotionally, centre it around an activity, such as walking and avoid eye-contact. When their hands are busy and you give them enough time, they will open up.

Behaviour: Risk Taking and Aggression Boys •

From the time they can toddle around, most boys enjoy taking risks for their own sake and are impressed by other boys taking risks, especially if the risk-taker succeeds. Boys are much less compliant when adults attempt to stop them.

•

Boys fight a lot, as much as 20 times more than girls. BUT boys who fight often end up better friends after the fight. Boys who act aggressively when provoked usually raise their standing in the eyes of other boys. If it is unprovoked aggression, the opposite effect is observed.

•

They are more likely to attribute injuries erroneously to bad luck rather than a lack of skill or foresight, are less likely to tell their parents about injuries and are more likely to be around other boys unsupervised when taking risks.

•

Boys who bully often have few friends, are socially inept and may not be doing well in school. They victimise someone else (usually someone they don’t know well) in an attempt to raise their status among the other boys.

•

Boys find the adrenaline rush from triggering the fight-flight response irresistible and they systematically over-estimate their own ability.

•

Boys are mean to each other, but it is on the surface and generally follows a pattern of provocation, leading to an aggressive response, followed by resolution.

•

Girls are much more likely to use verbal aggression because other girls generally don’t approve of physical aggression, even when provoked. Aggression between girls ends a friendship.

Applying the Theory: Boys benefit from having physical outlets to express their aggression and risk taking, so active games during lunchtime are important. Limits of course are absolutely essential to ensure safety and must be strictly enforced.However, boys need to run, jump, chase each other, trip and scrape their knee, and throw balls around, otherwise they will discharge their energy inappropriately in the classroom.

Girls •

•

Girls may be willing to take risks but are less likely to seek out risky situations for their own sake. They are critical of other girls who take risks for no reason. Girls are more likely to emotionally process the fight-flight responses as fear where boys process it as exhilarating. Girls systematically underestimate their ability. Girls are often raised in a way that promotes ‘learned helplessness’ by sheltering them from physically risky behaviour like tree climbing or contact sports. This can make them more risk-adverse.

•

A girl-fight can be difficult to detect as girls use passive aggression that creates ongoing tensions from subtle provocation.

•

Girls who bully are often the good girls who are polite to adults, are the most socially skilled and often one of the most popular girls. Girls will bully other girls in their social group and

usually work to manipulate the group to isolate the victim. Bullying is often because of jealousy rather than triggered by behaviour from the victim. Applying the Theory: On the playground, keep an eye on the dynamics between girls. Jealousies and fights between girls can arise from subtleties and even the girls won’t be able to pinpoint who started it. If a girl comes to tell you she is being excluded, she probably is, even though it may be difficult for her to provide concrete evidence. Many schools have enacted an ‘open circle’ policy where friendship groups are required to always have an extra space for a late comer. 15

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Sunday January 8 Epiphany

MONDAY Baptism of the Lord

TUESDAY

Jesus Star of Bethlehem THE WORD Wise men came from the East asking, “Where is the infant king of the Jews? We saw his star and have come to honour him”. Herod sent them to Bethlehem. And there was the star! The sight filled them with joy. And seeing Jesus, they fell to their knees and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Before School

Appointments

Is 60:1-6 | Ps 71 | Eph 3:2,3,5,6 | Mt 2:1-12

LOOK CLOSER Follow the star. The starry night has long fascinated human beings. Its sheer size and complexity points to the majesty of God. Try it: Spend some time stargazing. Pick a clear night, snuggle up under the doona, then marvel at the heavens.

PRAYER SPACE Symbol: Star

Lord Jesus, your light is strong, your love is near. Guide us with your light. Amen.

DID YOU KNOW? The word epiphany comes from the Greek word, epiphaneia, meaning ‘apperance’ or ‘manifestation’. The feast celebrates the visit of the three wise men, foreigners from the East. This feast reminds us that our faith is not for us to keep to ourselves, but to be offered as a gift to the whole world. You can read about the story in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 2:1-12.

PUZZLE Colour in the three wise men. What do you think they looked like?

8 36

SUNDAY The Epiphany of the Lord

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY St Hilary

Before School

Appointments

SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES Make prayer a part of your day this year. The simplest daily prayer is the Angelus. It takes about a minute at midday and is great for kids. See pg 10.

SATURDAY

Sunday April 9 Passion Sunday

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Hosanna in the

Highest

THE WORD Jesus told two disciples to bring him a donkey and her colt from a nearby village. So the disciples brought the donkey and colt, threw their cloaks on them, and Jesus rode into Jerusalem. People spread their cloaks on the road and waved branches that they had cut from the trees, calling “Hosanna! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Before School

Appointments

Is 50:4-7 | Ps 21 | Ph 2:6-11 | Mt 26:14-27:66

LOOK CLOSER Praise Him. Why do we praise God? After all, God knows he is good and powerful. One reason is that when we praise God, we feel blessed. Even when we have big problems, praising God helps us keep them in perspective. Make it: Write a praise prayer to God and decorate it.

PRAYER SPACE Symbol: Palm or Olive Branch

Praise to you Lord Jesus, You are our Redeemer, Saviour of the World, Hosanna in the Highest!

WHY DO WE DO THAT? Palm Branches. On Palm Sunday we remember the Lord’s joyful entry into Jerusalem. The Gospels tell of crowds laying branches on the road before Jesus and proclaiming him as king, yet before the week is out, he has been betrayed and crucified. Palm Sunday highlights the paradox of Christ’s kingship; our palms represent his victory, but a victory that comes only through suffering and self-sacrifice.

PUZZLE We give Jesus many different names. Solve the clues to work these out. Jesus rules a kingdom but not on earth (line 1)

Someone who saves

Sent by God to be a sacrifice for our sins Two titles: Jesus is both human and divine Means “God with us”

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H O

“In the name of the _ _ _ _”

SUNDAY Passion Sunday

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY Holy Thursday

FRIDAY Good Friday

Before School

Appointments

SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES Check out these creative Palm Sunday craft ideas from pinterest.com. This site brings loads of different ideas from websites and blogs and you don’t need to sign up to browse! Just a simple search for ‘Palm Sunday’ will get you started.

SATURDAY Easter Vigil

Sunday December 10 Advent 2

MONDAY St Damasus

TUESDAY Our Lady of Guadalupe

Prepare for the Lord

THE WORD A voice cries in the wilderness, “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.” And so it was that John the Baptist appeared proclaiming a baptism of repentance. People made their way to him to be baptised in the Jordon river. John preached: “Someone is coming who is more powerful than I, and I am not fit to undo his sandal.”

Before School

Appointments

Is 40: 1-11 | Ps 84 | Pet 3:8-14 | Mk 1:1-8

LOOK CLOSER Repent! Advent is a time of waiting. Like Mary awaiting the birth of her son, we too await the coming of Jesus into our lives in a fresh and new way. It’s a time to prepare our hearts and minds to receive Jesus anew. Take some time this week to unclutter your heart and mind: reflect, pray, go to Reconciliation, commit to change. Talk about it: How can we, as a family, make Christmas more Christ-centred?

PRAYER SPACE Symbol: Shepherds

Lord God, you call us to repentance, to turn away from sin and give our hearts and minds to you. Forgive us for our sins. Amen.

DID YOU KNOW? The Immaculate Conception. Most people misunderstand the Immaculate Conception, thinking that it refers to Jesus being conceived by the Holy Spirit. That is called the Virginal Conception of Christ (celebrated at the Annunciation). The Immaculate Conception is actually about Mary and celebrates that she was conceived without the original sin that marks human beings.

PUZZLE Solve the code to find out what else the book of Isaiah says John the Baptist will proclaim.

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SUNDAY Second Sunday of Advent

WEDNESDAY St Lucy

THURSDAY St John of the Cross

Before School

Appointments

SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES This week is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, this amazing Marian apparition is so relevant at this time because the image we have of her depicts her as pregnant. Learn more from www.cathfamily.org/mother-of-life

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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Puzzle Solutions

Sunday January 1 Do not be afraid, I am bringing news of great joy to all people.

Sunday March 12 Moses and Elijah. This is my dear Son the beloved, all my delight. Listen to him.

Sunday January 22 The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light.

Sunday January 29 Turn to the Lord all you humble people of the land who obey his commands.

Sunday March 19 We believe he is really the saviour of the world!

Sunday February 5 A light rises in the darkness for the upright.

Sunday February 12

Sunday March 26

Sunday February 19

Sunday February 26 Do not worry about tomorrow it will take care of itself.

Sunday March 5 Sunday April 2

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Sunday April 9

Sunday June 11 In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Sunday June 18 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in them.

Sunday July 25 27

20 by 20 orthogonal maze - Solution

Sunday July 2

Sunday April 23

Sunday April 30 Jesus explained what was said about himself in all the scriptures.

Sunday May 7 He calls them by name and he goes ahead of them.

Sunday July 16 Some seed fell on good soil; it grew and gave a great harvest.

Sunday July 23

Sunday May 21 Love God with all your mind and heart and strength and love others as yourself.

Sunday May 28 Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.

Sunday June 4

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Tax Record List the tax deductible work-related expenses that you have incurred throughout the year. Ensure you keep a copy of all receipts as part of your taxation records.

Date

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Tax Deductible Work-Related Expenses

Purpose

$Amount

Travel Expenses Date

From

Distance (km)

Purpose

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Yearly Overview 2018 Key Learning Area

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Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Resources

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Building a Faith The Catholic School as a Place of Faith Formation

Faith Rituals in the Family

Over recent decades, Catholic culture 5. School Feast Day. Every school has a unique history that originated in and parish identity among Catholic the faithful devotion of its founders. school families has become weaker Don’t let these spiritual patrons ‘rest and more sporadic. ‘Occasional’ in peace’ – put them to work and Catholics outnumber weekly attendees celebrate your school patrons with and the school, rather than the parish, enthusiasm! is now the place that most Australian 6. Communication. Be it print Catholics associate with their faith. newsletters, digital bulletins, emails Here are some simple strategies for or web, your school communication schools to encourage families to is a powerful resource to connect engage with their faith: with families. Add an extra page and

Packed schedules, stress, kids’ activities, work pressure, homework, committees – these are just some of the factors that compete for the attention of the modern family. The practice of the faith through Mass attendance and family devotions has largely been overwhelmed by the busyness of families and with each generation it seems that Catholic culture and parish identity is getting weaker.

include an excerpt from a spiritual 1. Prioritise prayer. It can be tempting classic or a commentary on the under the pressure of curriculum Sunday readings. Create a regular demands to cut back on daily prayers ‘what’s happening in the parish’ and school Masses. An unwavering column*. commitment to prayer demonstrates that 7. Faith Heritage. Invite some parish God comes first in school life and will be retirees to visit classes and share what a powerful example to students and their it was like growing up Catholic 30, families. 50, 70 years ago. It’s local history and 2. Involve Families whenever possible in heroes with a Catholic twist. the faith practices of the school. Invite 8. When | How | Why. Ask faith-filled parents to participate in the readings members of the community such as or processions at school liturgies and parents, religious, migrants, retirees, assemblies. Ask families to contribute working professionals, teachers etc to with flowers, liturgy preparation, music, share with your older students: When hospitality etc. do you pray? How do you pray? Why 3. Parent Parish Liaison. Appoint a faithdo you pray? filled parent to interact with the parish, 9. Meditation. The Christian Meditation REC, principal and parent community. movement is now a global Their job would be to communicate phenomenon. Some dioceses have parish events to the parents, assist with implemented daily meditation in all joint parish-school initiatives such as their schools and the results are sacrament preparation and generally look well worth the effort. Parents as well for ways to make parish life and school as teachers could be involved in life a natural association. establishing this as a daily practice. 4. Saint of the Month. Connect with our 10. Parent’s Prayer Group. Approach rich spiritual heritage by focusing on one some parents about establishing a of the saints each month. Many of them prayer group to pray for the school have left wonderful prayers that could community. Have a prayer intention feature in school assemblies and liturgies. register and encourage families to bring their prayer requests to the group.** *For ideas and reproducible resources, subscribe to the free eMagazine www.Cathfamily.org

Many families report that they just don’t have the confidence to pass on the faith to their children. Some complain that the traditional practices of family devotion don’t appeal to 21st century kids. For others, their faith has slipped to the background of their lives. Whatever the reason, the decline in active participation in the faith is of major concern for Catholic schools and parishes. Faith Rituals One of the most effective ways for families to live their faith is with faith rituals. Rituals are tremendously important in family life. Many of our fondest memories of childhood relate to family rituals, such as long Christmas lunches, Sunday walks on the beach, buying ice creams after Mass, praying the Rosary or reading bedtime stories together. Rituals nurture the emotional and spiritual health of the family. They promote belonging and intimacy in family relationships. They punctuate our lives with purposeful and memorable encounters with each other. Faith rituals in particular play an integral role in forming our children in their faith.

Ember Days Faith rituals don’t have to be grand or complex in order to be effective. Short, simple, daily rituals form the skeleton of faith upon which more elaborate and creative rituals can be added. Here are three simple resources for schools and parishes to encourage families to establish family rituals that will engage their faith: 1. CathFamily.org is a free online resource for families, schools and parishes that publishes a monthly e-newsletter. Archives can be accessed online and all material is available for reprinting by parishes and schools for non-commercial purposes. 2. My School Diary features a simple family prayer ritual for every week of the year. Based on the Sunday readings, each week contains activities and prayer suggestions that can be used in the classroom and the home. Many families report that the diary makes it easy for them to pray together in ways that children enjoy. www.myschooldiary.com.au 3. TeresaPirola.net has a vast array of downloadable resources for parishes and schools. In particular Walking Together in Faith has over forty handouts to encourage faith rituals in the home and classroom.

An ancient tradition dating back to the early Church, ‘Ember Days’ mark the beginning of a new season. They have deep roots in the Hebrew calendar that has four fasts a year on the change of seasons and have been a feature of the Roman Catholic Church since the 11th Century. The name comes from the Old English ymbryne meaning ‘cycle’, referencing their periodic occurrence and the cycles of the seasons. Ember Days have gone a little out of fashion due to the growth of urban populations and the dramatic technological forces that have changed the way we do agriculture. None the less, they are opportunities to thank God for the gifts of the Earth that we enjoy. In Australia, the Bishops Conference has ordained the first Fridays of March and September (Spring and Autumn) as Ember Days. The liturgical colour is purple and all are encouraged to fast, abstain from meat, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and attend Mass when possible. The fasting and abstinence are offered to God to repent of the times we have misused our natural resources and to practice discipline and restraint. It is also a time to pray for good harvests, the relief of drought and famine and for comfort to those suffering from flood, fire and disaster. Celebrating Ember Days 1. Fast and abstain from meat. Fasting and abstinence has long been a valuable tool for spiritual discipline. Today especially, we can fast and abstain in solidarity with those suffering from famine and in penance for the time where we have wasted food unnecessarily. 2. Use what you have. Spring clean the pantry and freezer. Don’t buy groceries this week - get creative with what you already have available. 3. Electricity Fast. Turn off the lights, the TV, computer and don’t use the dishwasher, food processor or coffee

machine. Not everyone has the luxury of on-demand power and the environmental cost of electricity hurts us all. Social Media Fast. Quit trying to take the perfect Instagram photo and just enjoy the sunset! Spend 24 hours offline… and enjoy connecting with your loved ones and the natural world without a screen in the way. Pray outside. Take a Rosary walk, find a quiet spot to meditate or visit a naturally beautiful spot near you. Just get outside where you can connect with God’s presence in the natural surroundings.