12th July, 2016 Reflection Peace Within May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us. (- attributed to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Theresa of Avila)
Dear Parents and Students, A warm welcome back to all members of the school community. Sr Sheila Flynn OP, a Dominican sister, (pictured below) was a keynote speaker at the Catholic Principals of Australia Conference held in Melbourne during the school holidays. Sr Sheila is Director of Kopanang Centre South Africa. This centre is a home for African women suffering from the HIV/AIDS virus. She is a practicing artist and her work has been exhibited in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, India, Switzerland and the United States. Responding to the deep need for women’s empowerment within a climate of HIV/AIDS where loss and struggle are part of everyday life, Sr Sheila founded the Kopanang Community Trust (situated 55 km south east of Johannesburg), a project that addresses these critical needs in life-giving and creative ways, within the context of a faith-building community. Two regular sayings at the Kopanang Community are: ‘Today I thank God for another day of living’ ‘Today, I choose to be happy’ For more information on the Kopanang Community Trust go to www.kopanang.org If you would like to see The Canticle of the Universe, a series of tapestries created by the Kopanang Community ,there is a display at Sacred Heart College, Kyneton on Thursday July 28 (Information can be found on the last page of this newsletter). NAIDOC weeks celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements, and recognising Indigenous Australians' contributions to our country. To celebrate NAIDOC week Jack Whitehurst, 12B, VCAL student designed the banner that hangs at the entrance to the College. Wominjeka means ‘welcome’ in the Woiwurrung language of our local Wurundjeri people. Best wishes for Term 3. Mark Sheehan Principal