Dear St John's families,

Thank you everyone for your understanding regarding the cancelling of the athletics carnival. As anticipated, we had a significant number of staff away today and wouldn't have been able to run it safely or effectively. Plans are already in motion for forming a school team for the Belconnen region carnival next term. Thank you to Mrs Dess and Mr Seaman for their continued optimism and organisation.

We're looking forward to holding a Mini Olympics next term. Mrs Fraser has gathered a small committee of students to help organise the event. I remember doing my own Mini Olympics at school. It was fun to 'belong' to a country, to march under their flag and compete in some silly events. We'll share more details about the event in the coming weeks.

Cases of Influenza

We have had a large number of students away this week. From a third to a half of many of our older year levels. Some families have reported case of Influenza. This has often been identified through one of the more common influenza/covid tests that are now available in chemists. Influenza is very contagious so we really appreciate families keeping their children home to prevent the spread!

Be on earth the heart of God

Last week I shared my understanding about what 'the heart of God' is. It was based on the scripture 'God is Love' (1 John 4:8). We are called to be love.

Our charism also calls us to be love 'on earth.' On earth.

The first thing I notice is that 'Earth' is not capitalised. As our students learn, the name of our planet should have a capital letter. So this charism doesn't really mean 'be [on our planet] the heart of God'. It means something else. Something more nuanced. We also use the word 'earth' to mean soil. I think it is pretty obvious that our charism isn't 'be [on our soil] the heart of God'. That's not really what our Catholic faith and tradition is about.

So what does 'be on earth' mean in this context? I think our charism reminds us the be the heart of God (love) in a very real, grounded and tangible way.

Earthiness is about being present to our senses; to everything around us that we can see, hear, touch, smell, taste. It can be gritty, noisy, quiet, soft, warm, cold, sweet. Every moment of our day we are situated in a very physical space with all of creation, including our friends and family, other people, our pets, our garden, the neighborhood, the local community, the trees, the air we breathe the food and drink we consume. We are earthy people living as part of an earthy world around us.

To 'be on earth the heart of God' is to be present to everyone and everything around us in this very moment. To value the uniqueness and complexity of creation. To connect. To also see ourselves as an integral part of the very creation we find ourselves in. To love it all as God loves it. In short, our charism reminds us to be grounded in the present and to look on the world around us with love.

Naturally our minds go to to our family and friends when we talk about love. But I think our charism also pushes us to think beyond our immediate concerns. It reminds us that we are called to love all creation. We are called be mindful of the very earth itself and our impact on it. We are called to be aware of the many people we share our earth with at this very moment and to love them in whatever capacity we have right now. That often begins with loving what is in front of us.

As you read this, take in where you are situated right now. Use that often referred to strategy of mindfulness to stop, sit, focus on your breathing and just take in the sense of your own earthy body and the earth you sense around you. Who is with you? What of creation can you hear and see around you at this moment? Isn't it amazing that we are all here together and share this space and time? How can I show love to the people, the creation around me right now? What is one simple, tiny way can I 'be the heart of God', be love to them right now?

That's a question for next week's newsletter.

Groundsperson/Janitor Needed

Just a reminder that the position Groundsperson/Janitor has been advertised. If any community members know of someone that might be interested please direct them to the application site. They are also welcome to contact me directly matthew.garton@cg.catholic.edu.au. 

Kind regards,

Matthew Garton

Principal