Dear St Monica’s families and friends,

This week is Sabbath Week and although a number of us feel as though the busyness of life hasn’t slowed down, I hope some pockets of rest have been found. Pope Francis delivered this speech in March and brings our purpose on Earth back to reality.

“You can have flaws, be anxious and even be angry, but don’t forget that your life is the greatest business in the world. Only you can stop it from failure. You are appreciated, admired and loved by many. Remember that being happy is not having a sky without storms, a road without accidents, a job without effort, relationships without disappointments.”

“Being happy is to stop feeling a victim and become the author of your own destiny. It's going through deserts, but being able to find an oasis deep in your soul. It's to thank God every morning for the miracle of life. It’s kissing your children, cuddling your parents, having poetic moments with your friends, even when they hurt us.”

“To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each of us, free, joyful and simple. It's having maturity to be able to say: "I made mistakes". Having the courage to say "I'm sorry". It's having a sensitivity to say "I need you". Is having the ability to say "I love you". May your life become a garden of opportunities for happiness... that in spring I can be a lover of joy and in winter a lover of wisdom.”

"When you make a mistake, start over. Because only then will you fall in love with life. You will find that being happy doesn't mean having a perfect life. But she uses tears to irrigate tolerance. Use your defeats to train your patience.”

"Use your mistakes with the serenity of the sculptor. Use pain to tune into pleasure. Use obstacles to open the windows of intelligence. Never give up ... Above all, never give up on the people that love you. Never give up on happiness, because life is an amazing show."

POPE FRANCIS

Confirmation Retreat – Thank you Mrs Melanie Straford, Mrs Erica Tolich and Mr Ethan Mass for their careful preparation of this faith experience for our students. The students, with the support of their teachers and senior students from SFX, will explore the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and their own personal gifts and charisms. Following the discovery of their charisms, students will be invited to think about how they can use their gifts in practical ways and incorporate them into their interactions with others. I know the Holy Spirit is present with them, guiding and empowering them every step of the way.

Musical Update – Our musical is coming together nicely! Props and backdrops were moved up to the hall yesterday, our School Community Council funded sound upgrade and projector replacement is happening today and the Tech Crew from SFX, in official theatre terms, “Bump In” on Saturday.

If you haven’t done so already please send your child’s costume into school. It is expected that all students attend on both nights, not just on the night family and friends are coming to watch. Please advise your child’s classroom teacher if they are not able to attend a performance.