The second Sunday of Advent is focused on PEACE.

As Catholics we tend to think about acting for peace, i.e. to bring about peace we need to work for justice. Our work in collecting food and goods for St Vincent De Paul Society to distribute this Christmas is a a small example of supporting those who are disadvantaged through injustice. Supporting the inclusion of those with disabilities is important in helping us dismantle societal practices that create injustices for some of its members. Being an active advocate for the humane treatment of refugee and migrant people who are simply escaping the injustices and dangers of their land of origin is another way we work to bring peace in our world. Action can create peace.

Buddhists would suggest that the only way we are going to be able to create peace in the world is if we first create (or better, find) peace in our hearts, i.e. if you want peace, be peace. It is through practices such as mindfulness and meditation that we deepen our awareness and build our capacity to be present to those around us, to understand their needs and to then respond with compassion. Through this deeper presence to our day we bring peace to each person, event and feeling we experience.

In my view it is through both action and contemplation that we can be peacemakers. First bringing peace to ourselves and then, from this place of deep awareness, sharing and creating peace with others.

December is always a very busy time. It is hard to find peace. This week I encourage you to find small moments each day to bring calmness and presence, to bring peace to yourself. In doing so you will find that you create greater peace for those around you that you love and that may need it.

Classes and teachers 2020

The teachers in each year level will be announced in next week's newsletter. Students will be told their classes the following week and have a 'one-up' afternoon on Tuesday 17 December.

Class lists are almost finalised. We have begun helping some of our students with transitioning to their new year level by taking them for walks and visiting their classrooms or even giving them an opportunity to play in new areas of the school.

St Vincent De Paul donations

Thank you everyone for all of the St Vincent De Paul donations that have been provided so far. We will make a fantastic difference to many families this Christmas. Keep it up!

Community Council

The Community Council met on Wednesday evening for the last time this year. Among our usual topics of conversation we met to discuss the draft school budget and to ratify the proposed school fees for next year. We will send home information next week outlining the school fees and any changes.

I would like to thank Kerrie Politi, Victoria Scarano and Jack Gibson for their time on the Community Council as they step down from their positions. Thank you for the wisdom, compassion, optimism and care for our students and families that they have shared in our important conversations.

The AGM for the Community Council will be held early next year and nominations for any available positions will be sought prior to this.

Key dates coming up...

Just a reminder that:

• Semester 2 Reports sent home - 11 December
• Year 6 Graduation Mass - 11 December
• End of Term Awards - 12 December
• Christmas Concert - 16 December

Look to our school calendar on our website and app for more information.

Have a lovely weekend.