Compassion is defined as compassion implies pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare. The gospels are full of Jesus expressing compassion for the outcast, the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. His compassion was unconditional, it was complete and it reflected the very nature of God.

The challenge this week is to have a conversation around compassion and what it means for you and your family:

• When have you served someone else?
• How did it make the other person feel?
• How did it make you feel?
• What happens if I help 1 person?

Leaders of Partnerships

Our Leaders of Partnerships had a wonderful Term 1 with the introduction of initiatives to promote the 6 areas of focus for them and our Year 6 students. This term they are looking to further their involvement in the school life and promoting the important areas of our school to the community.

• SMW - The St Matthews Way partnership will continue to promote the call to be more and explore how Compassion, the value for Term 2, can be brought to life in our school.
• ART - Our art partnership has selected artworks from across the classes for display within our school and promote the important things we do through art competitions and displays. 
• SPORT - Playground initiatives for all students including obstacle courses and the upcoming Athletics Carnivals.
• SJ - The upcoming SVdP Winter Appeal will be the main focus for our Social Justice group. This will include a Can Appeal and also Winter Sleep out for years 5-12.
• ENVIRONMENT - After successful paper free days, our Environment group want to continue this promotion and also include looking at ways we can reduce plastics in our lunchbox and build new garden beds.
• SRC - Our SRC will establish and look for ways to work with all partnerships around improving student buy-in to the betterment of our school including the continuance of the suggestion box.

Parish News

The St Matthews Community would like to congratulate Fr Cong on his recent ordination to the priesthood.

He was joined by family (from Vietnam), friends and members of St Mary's Parish at the Cathedral of Bathurst as Bishop Michael spoke of the generosity he has offered in his life to share in the work of the Good Shepherd.

Ross McKeown

Leader of Mission