Dear Parents, Staff and Students

Holy Week for Christians is a time of special intensity. It is a week during which we do things that we don’t usually do and hear things we usually don’t hear. Holy Week has been held in great reverence since the very early years of the Church and no other Christian observance has interested the world so much.

Like everything that happened in Jesus’ life there is something to be learned from this experience. Jesus’ belief in Himself and the purpose of His life was being tested to the extreme. Even though things did not seem to be working out the way He might have expected, the events that followed were totally momentous: Jesus died, Jesus rose and Jesus, eventually, will come again.

Christians are to be strong in their love for one another and for all people. Holy Week is definitely a week with a difference and spiritually rewarding for Christians who, willingly, are part of its unfolding.

At St. Clare’s we focus on the value of Community and this has a special focus on being ready to serve others and be served by others.

COVID update

Yesterday all families were sent an email from Bill Dixon, Executive Director of Cairns Catholic Education advising about the 3 day lockdown in Brisbane and how this affects us due to Queensland Health requirements. 

The two key statements in the letter that affect our operating procedures are:

• parents and other visitors to our schools will need to wear masks when on site.
• to assist with reducing the risk in the community, parents will not be allowed onsite at pickup or drop off times, with the exception of parents of prep, first year and higher needs students.

Your assistance in following these is much appreciated.  Decisions are made to ensure that our schools are safe places for staff, students and families.

Cross Country

With regards to our Cross Country tomorrow, our procedures already in place will continue and are within the guidelines. Due to the event being outdoors, parents are able to attend if they sign in with the QR code (located at the bridge) and ensure that physical distancing between adults is adhered to. Parents must carry their mask and if social distancing is not possible then the mask must be worn. Thank you for your cooperation.

We aim to commence races at 9am starting with the 12 year old students and working our way down.

ANZAC day

The weekend after our first week back next term is when ANZAC day is – Sunday April 25.  We are awaiting information regarding the celebrations of this in Tully and will advise families during the first week.  We hope we can show our respect with the march and ceremony.  Stay tuned.

Wishing all staff, students and families a happy and holy Easter break. Enjoy your special family time and stay safe.

Narelle

Welcome   Community   Hospitality

HOLY WEEK

Welcome to Holy Week. Holy Week is the last week of Lent, where we remember Jesus arriving in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to the Last Supper and to his death on Good Friday in preparation.  We then prepare for his rising from the dead on Easter Sunday. Each of these events occur in the last days of Jesus’ life and it gives us an insight into the great love Jesus has for us. Students are having prayer liturgies in their classes to commemorate these special events of Holy Week. On Thursday, classes will participate in a Stations of the Cross Pilgrim Walk around the school reflecting and praying at each station. We will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus when we return to school in Term 2. Wishing our St Clare’s community, a Holy Easter and a wonderful holiday!

Easter Prayer

Lord, the resurrection of Your Son
has given us new life and renewed hope.
Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal.
Grant us wisdom to know what we must do,
the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it,
the perseverance to continue to do it,
and the strength to complete it.

Source: New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Easter Mass Times

THURSDAY 1 APRIL
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Tully 6pm

FRIDAY 2 APRIL
Good Friday
Stations of the Cross, Tully 10am
Tully 3pm
Liturgy, Mission Beach 3pm

SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL 3 APRIL
Vigil Mass, Tully 6pm

SUNDAY 4 APRIL
Mass, Mission Beach 7am

St. Joseph’s Feast Day – 19^th March

Anna Jimenez and her husband Jay from Catholic Missions visited St Clare’s on Friday 19^th March and students in Prep to Year 4 participated in activities about St Joseph.  These activities focused on honouring St Joseph and learning how they could be like him in their own lives.  Anna also met with the Year 6 Captains and they spoke about the work of Catholic Missions and her message to them was that fundraising is FAITH RAISING.

Project Compassion Boxes

This year, we have presented five stories from people striving to ‘Be More’ – just a few amongst the millions who have been helped through Project Compassion.

Caritas Australia has worked alongside vulnerable communities with the generous support of Australians. St Clare’s families have made an amazing contribution towards Project Compassion this year.  We are so proud of the students for their continued almsgiving for people who need our support.  All Project Compassion boxes are to be returned to school as soon as possible.  Thank you again for supporting your children with this project.

Year 6 Leadership and Justice Day

The Year 6’s had a wonderful day with Ms McLean and Mrs Burns from the CES Identity & Outreach team on Wednesday 17^th March.  Here are some comments from the children about their day:

'After attending the leadership day I have learned to be grateful for what I have and I want to spread the word about National Girls' Day.' Makayla

'The leadership day has helped me to know my worth at this school and shown me the strength that I have to pass on to others.' Corrinne

School Calendar

In the last fortnight we had students compete in the 10/11 year old rugby league on the 19th March.  They had a great game against some really difficult opponents.

Well done to Liam, Clay, Ben, David and Declan. We also had two students go to Cairns to participate in the Peninsula trials for AFL this would have been great experience for Case and Riley learning a new sport, well done boys.

Cross Country

Front Row: Blake

TERM 2 - TUITION FEES 

HCC Discount Scheme - For any new families/legal guardian - Card is to be in the name of the person responsible for fee payment.

“Families who are eligible for the Health Care Care/Pension Card discount should ensure they complete an HCC Tuition Fee Discount Scheme Form and provide a copy of their health care card. HCC Tuition Fee Discount Scheme Form can be completed and a copy of card can be done at the school office.

Due date for this is Wednesday, 21st April 2021 no later than 1pm.

Any applicants with an expired card are also required to re-apply before the Term 2 School Fees are generated.

No tuckshop this week. 

Friday 2/4/2021 - Good Friday - Holiday

Our next P & F meeting and Fete meeting will be held on Tuesday April 27th @ 7pm.

Interested fete co-ordinators and stall co-ordinators are encouraged to attend.

Message from the Editors of the Cairns Diocesan News

We are pleased to advise that the Easter edition of the magazine, including all parishes Easter Mass Times,  is now available for viewing.  Please click on the link below and this will take you straight to our magazine. 

https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgvmy/kcsv/#p=1  

For parents and carers who have subscribed, you will receive a copy to your inbox.  For those who wish to subscribe, please follow this link https://cairns.catholic.org.au/news-and-events/diocesan-news-magazine

We thank you for your support and welcome you to our readership.