Fourth Week of Lent 

Arsad, an Indonesian farmer, had no toilet in his house, so always had to walk into the forest to the open defecation area. His family was often sick and open defecation caused many neighbourhood disputes. With the support of Caritas Australia and its partner agency, Laz Harfa, Arsad took part in hygiene, sanitation and financial management training. He then funded the building of a toilet in his house and helped other community members to save money to construct their own toilet.

Now, Arsad’s family is healthier, their community no longer practices open defecation and is more harmonious. Arsad inspired his community to ‘Be More.’

• Around 17 percent of Indonesia’s rural population, or 45 million people, practice open defecation – going to the toilet outdoors in fields, forests and other open spaces. (World Bank)

Watch a short film about Arsad’s story here.

 “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

St Monica’s Fundraising Tally so far…

Last Friday, while the Social Justice Team was at camp, the Year 4 children collected the donations from each class and we raised $191.60. In total we have raised $533.15  

The class that has raised the most so far is…. 5EM!

There is one week left to bring in your donations! I wonder which class will win the class prize!

We wanted to say THANK YOU! To all our families who have donated so far! We have exceeded our goal of $200 and our new goal is $600!

The Social Justice Team

Harmony Day

This Sunday is Harmony Day and at St Monica’s we are celebrating Harmony Day this Friday 19 March. Ms Maguire has encouraged us to all wear something orange or wear your cultural dress this Friday too! We will also be celebrating Harmony Day at our Whole School prayer this Friday afternoon.

What is Harmony Day all about?

Harmony Week/ Day is all about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian Values. (Australian Government).

Why do we wear orange?

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day. Traditionally, it signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. We wear orange to show our support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

Holy Week

This year we are so grateful to be together so that we may experience Holy Week as a School. Children will be part of a walking journey through Holy Week. We will begin our Journey with Jesus next Friday morning for Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday will be led by Year 2 and we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Monday Week 9, we will be continuing our journey after recess. Each grade will walk with Jesus as He shares a last meal with the Disciples, watch as he is betrayed and arrested and then walk with Him as he carries his cross, preparing for his death.

Year 4 will be leading the Last Supper with year 5 leading Praying in the Garden and Year 6 leading the Stations of the Cross.

On Holy Thursday, we will celebrate Jesus resurrection. Year 1 will lead our liturgical celebration.

Unfortunately, we are unable to invite parents and friends of St Monica’s. We will be taking lots of photos and some short clips of our journey to share with you all. We will post them on our Facebook page throughout the day!