St Joseph’s Primary School 1 Week 9 - Issue 39 - 02 December 2015

Joey’s Journal

St Joseph’s Primary School Phone: (07) 4662 7850 , Fax: (07) 4668 9732 Principal: Mr Aaron Wells PO Box 467 www.chinchilla.catholic.edu.au A.P.R.E: Mrs Deonne Crowe Chinchilla QLD 4413 Email: chinchilla@twb.catholic.edu.au Admin Officer: Mrs Bronwyn Cookson

JACKSON’S PARTS N INDUSTRIAL

SUPPLIES

WARREGO HIGHWAY

CHINCHILLA

4669 1244 *Hydraulics *Filters *Tools *Welding*

Nuts &

Bolts *Oil *Bearings and much more

“If we haven’t got—we’ll get it”

General and Family Counselling services Phone 1300 477 433

Christmas Concert & P&F Thank you BBQ

2016 Year 6 Graduates

Year 5 - ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ Year 3 - ‘I’m getting nuttin’ for Christmas’ Prep - ‘The Nativity’

Year 1 - ‘Country Christmas’ Year 2 - ‘Christmas in Australia’ Prep/1—’Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’

Year 4 - ‘It’s Christmas Day’

Year 6 - ‘A Thrilling White Christmas’

St Joseph’s Primary School 2 Week 9 - Issue 39 - 02 December 2015

Dates to Remember

Week 9 2 Dec - Yr 6 Graduation & Awards 9.30am 3 Dec - Yr 6 Fun Day 4 Dec - End of Year Mass—9.30am - Final School Day for 2015

School resumes for 2016 on

Wednesday 27 January

The School Office will be open next Monday/Tuesday for any last minute

administration. The office will then reopen on Monday 18th January, 2016

There will be no Assembly this week

Our Lady Help of Christians’ Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist Sunday 29th November 9.00 am

From the Principals’ Desk Dear Parents

As we enter the final days of our 2015 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to all for your contributions throughout the school year. We have achieved a lot this year and like always it was a year of growth and learning. To those who will be leaving our school at the end of the year, I wish you all the very best and hope the future brings the realisation of many hopes and dreams. On behalf of the entire school community, I acknowledge the many

contributions of our wonderful year 6 group. It is my hope that all students will take with them some part of the Joey’s community as they venture on to new places and adventures. Year 6 Graduation & Presentation Ceremony A special thank you to Mrs Crowe for the many hours that she put into organising today’s Graduation and Presentation Ceremony. With Mrs Guymer and staff the ceremony was a great success and a fitting way to congratulate and farewell our year 6 students. Congratulations to all of our award winners for their achievements and to each and every student for the respectful way they participated in the ceremony. Parish Ladies Group Awards Prep: Chloe Pitt Yr 3: Francheska Pedrido Prep/1: Petra Hutton Yr 4: Jorja Cookson Yr 1: Jessica Rowan Yr 5: Zachary Cross Yr 2: Toby Allen Yr 6: Lachlan Smith Mary MacKillop Award (Walsh Family Shield): Joven Raguse Rotary Excellence Award Mathematics: Keegan Sutcliffe English: Jade Kirkwood Sportsperson of the Year (Chris & Maree Scott Trophy): Chloe Ellem Instrumental Music Excellence Awards Beginner Band: Sophie Bender Concert Band: Regan Olsen St Vincent de Paul Award: Althea Dagasuan Chinchilla Country Women’s Association Award: James Crothers Chinchilla RSL Sub-Branch Awards (Dux): Elizabeth Dorries & Kai Ironmonger School and House Captains Congratulations to the following students who were elected as captains for next year: School Captains: Holly Sperling & Charlie Lloyd Vice Captains: Lauren Brennan & Jack Watson Leichhardt House Captains: Cobi Zerbst & Jack Stackman Warrego House Captains: Emma Watson & Ky Harth While these students will undertake the majority of official leadership work, all year 6 students will be expected to undertake leadership roles in their final year of schooling at St Joseph’s. Thank you everyone for an amazing year, have a safe and merry Christmas and I will see you all back refreshed and ready to tackle 2016. God Bless Aaron Wells Principal

2016 Staffing

We are pleased to announce the following Administration and School Support Staff Positions for 2016: Administration: Mrs Bronwyn Cookson & Mrs Michelle Fraser OHS Officer: Mrs Michelle Fraser Teacher Aide: Mrs Wendy Ferguson (Prep & Additional Support) Teacher Aide: Miss Katie Walsh (Prep/1 & Disability Support) Teacher Aide: Mrs Margie Lees (Yr 1/2 & Additional Support) Library Officer: TBA Groundsperson: Mr Brett Mispelhorn

UNIFORM SHOP

Holiday Opening Hours

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Monday 25 January 2016 9.00 - 10.00 am

If you require alternative opening hours, please contact Bernadette Lenihan 0412 775 580

We gratefully accept any 2nd hand uniforms.

St Joseph’s Primary School 3 Week 9 - Issue 39 - 02 December 2015

From the APRE This week we say farewell to some much loved members of our staff and Parish. At Joey’s, we are cherishing these last few days with Leeola and Hannah, as well as enjoying Fr Jim’s involvement in Graduation and look forward to seeing Fr Darrell at the End of Year Mass too.

It is always sad to say goodbye to people who have been such a big part of our lives, but exciting too, as they take the next step in their journeys and carry a little of us with them in their hearts always.

This prayer, attributed to St Brendan, is one of profound trust in God. Brendan launches out into deep waters, in his fragile boat, leaving his homeland to journey to foreign lands. As you pray this prayer, be mindful of those who are ‘letting go’ of what is familiar, and moving into the unknown.

Beyond these shores

Into the darkness

Beyond these shores

This boat may sail

And if this is the way

Then there will be

A path across this sea.

And if I sail beyond

The farthest ocean

Or lose myself in the depths below

Wherever I may go

Your love surrounds me

For You have been before

Beyond these shores.

May the love of God, the courage of Jesus Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with Hannah, Leeola, Fr Jim and Fr Darrell as they continue our journey of faith.

I pray you all enjoy a safe, happy and holy Christmas! God Bless, Mrs Deonne Crowe

Term 4 Week 8

Principal’s Time Out Awards

P Harper Liddell, Carter Llewellyn P/1 Olivia Fraser, Oliver Wells Yr 1 Jessica Rowan, Joe Maclean Yr 2 Finn Brennan, Lawson Llewellyn Yr 3 Katelyn Bellgrove, Jock Lloyd Yr 4 Sam Playsted, Tillee Smith Yr 5 Briony Isles, Lauren Brennan, Yr 6 Lottie Keating, Charlie Hiesler (absent)

Mary MacKillop Awards

P Brooke Ellem P/1 Charlie Gurski Yr 1 Patterson Frame Yr 2 Gemma Lenihan Yr 3 Skyla Lake Yr 4 Myles Lenihan Yr 5 Neo Harth Yr 6 Piper Smith

Congratulations Mini Vinnies on a fantastic year of fundraising and fun!!! Mrs Vonnie Hughes and Mrs Pam Walsh were special guests at last weeks assembly, accepting a cheque from the children for $525.00, to help with the local St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.

St Joseph’s Primary School 4 Week 9 - Issue 39 - 02 December 2015

From the Sports Desk of Mrs Hart

What a year it has been!! We have again had an extremely busy Sporting Year in 2015. I would like to congratulate all those Joey's Students who have been named Age Champions or Runners Up in our Cross Country, Athletics Carnivals and Swimming Carnivals; been involved in School, District, Regional or State Sporting Teams; and for each and every Joey's student for participating and trying their best, to be the best they can be, in all aspects of Sport throughout the year. I am so proud of all your achievements and your commitment and dedication to strive to overcome challenges and to improve and excel in so many different sporting pursuits. I wish the Year 6 leavers all the very best in their new ventures. I will miss you all and I hope you continue to strive to achieve in your sporting ventures during your time at High School. I would like to personally thank my Parent Helpers, who have been so supportive throughout the year. Your ongoing support with sporting teams, school swimming and assistance at our Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming Carnivals is invaluable and I thank each and everyone of my Parent Helpers for your invaluable support. I hope all our Joey's students and families have a lovely family Christmas and a safe and happy holiday. Stay fit and I look forward to sharing another year on the Sporting Field with you all.

++++++++Jn

``

APRIL 2nd MASS @ 7.30P

MONTHLY

ROSTER December

Grounds Terry Dwyer Team

Sanctuary

Cleaning M O’Leary C Smith

Floral P Wells

Brass G Dwyer

L Gadsby

Linen J Gorring

Meals on

Wheels

4th Monday

Elaine Jahnke Mary Achilles Cecil Weir Monica Weir

Bulletin

Typing Pam Wells pam.wells@twb.catholic.edu.au

MASS

ROSTER Saturday 5th December at 6:00pm

Welcome C Smith

Readers C Smith J Davies *

Gifts C & M Weir

Organist M Cousins

Special

Ministers J Bourke M Casey

Church

Cleaners C Smith J O’Leary & Family

Collection

Counters T Dwyer

Diocesan Inservice 2016 – 8-9th March.

The theme “Earth’s Distress and the

Mercy of God: A Biblical Exploration”.

WE are delighted that the Sr Veronica

Lawson RSM, a well-known author and

presenter on this topic will facilitate the

In-service for us. Further details will be

circulated once finalised.

PARISH PRAYER MEETING

Tuesday 8th December at 9:30am.

Meeting to be held in the convent.

Our Lady Help of Christians’ Parish

Chinchilla

Fr Jim Cronin: Ph 4662 7 031 Year C 30.6.13

29th November, 2015 – 35th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Sunday of Advent (year C readings) Fr Jim Cronin: Ph: 4662 7031 Email: jimcronin5@bigpond.com

Fr Darrell Irvine: Ph: 4662 7031 Email: almamater1@rocketmail.com St. Joseph’s School Principal - Mr Aaron Wells: Ph: 46627850

Email: chinchilla@twb.catholic.edu.au

FAREWELL for Fr. Jim & Fr. Darrell: Sunday 20th December following 6pm mass. BYO food to share, your drinks and chair. Volunteers are needed please to set up tables at 3:30pm that afternoon. Contact Deonne if you can help – 0413 401 163.

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: This

year will go to Palotaka Parish, South

Sudan. This parish, with a population of

approximately 8,796, comprises

subsistence farmers and internally

displaced persons. The economic

indicators of the parish are poor with no

industrial production in the area and

limited employment opportunities.

Women, especially, struggle every day to

make ends meet and the majority are not

educated. Fr Joseph Mawa, the parish

priest of Palotaka parish has connections

with our Diocese. His sister Pauline is a

member of St Patrick’s Cathedral parish

and Fr Joseph spent a month visiting

Toowoomba earlier this year. Funds

raised from our Christmas appeal will

help build a shelter to protect the parish

from the weather and repair a tractor that

is used for a parish agricultural project.

The church building and agriculture have

been disrupted and destroyed through

years of civil war. One of the main

priorities for Fr Joseph is to give local

women the skills for empowerment and

self-reliance to improve and sustain their

lifestyles and fight chronic poverty.

HOSPITAL MINISTRY TRAINING

COURSE. Are you interested in becoming

a PASTORAL CARER in a healthcare

facility? Course Training will begin January,

2016. If you are interested in Hospital

Ministry Training and would like an

application form, please contact Pastoral Care

Office, Toowoomba Hospital for further

details. (Applications will close during month

of October and interviews will follow). Phone Lyn Cash on (07) 4616 6415

.

Upcoming Masses MASS NEXT WEEKEND:

Saturday 5th December at 6pm

Miles: Sunday 6th at 8:00am

Condamine: Sun. 6th at 11am

Weekday Masses: Thursday 3rd – 9.00am Friday 4th – 9:30am (with St Joey’s School) Christmas mass in Chinchilla: Thursday 24th – 7:00pm Communal Rite of Penance Chinchilla: Tues. 15th – 7:00pm Miles: Wed. 16th – 6:30pm -----------------------------------------

Reconciliation: By appointment. Please contact Fr Jim Cronin or Fr Darrell Irvine Anniversaries: Joe Roche, Kev Bottomley, Betty

Ainsworth, Frances Kathleen Bull,

Stan Noonan, Walter O’Connell,

Robert Michael Gleeson, Heather

Taylor, Les Smith, James Meara.

Want a bargain for Christmas

for just $10? Send a message to

those you love, and give a gift to

those in need. A Global Gift brings

a moment of joy and helps create a

lifetime of change for some of the

world’s most vulnerable people.

Water is vital to the health of all

people. Bring the joy of fresh, clean

water to some of the world’s most

vulnerable communities. This

Global Gift will help improve health,

sanitation, and hygiene, so

communities can flourish. For more

Global Gifts see www.caritas.org.au

or contact DD Robyn-Anne on

0421102214.

RESPONSE TO PSALM:

“To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.”

Advent Longing Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once suggested that peace and

justice will come to us when we reach a high enough

psychic temperature so as to burn away the things that

still hold us apart. In saying this, he was drawing upon a

principle in chemistry: Sometimes two elements will

simply lie side by side inside a test-tube and not unite until

sufficient heat is applied so as to bring them to a high

enough temperature where unity can take place.

That’s wonderful metaphor for advent. What is advent?

Advent is about getting in touch with our longing. It’s

about letting our yearnings raise our psychic

temperatures so that we are pushed to eventually let

down our guard, hope in new ways, and risk intimacy.

John of the Cross has a similar image: Intimacy with God

and with each other will only take place, he says, when we

reach a certain kindling temperature. For too much of our

lives, he suggests, we lie around as damp, green logs

inside the fire of love, waiting to come to flame but never

bursting into flame because of our dampness. Before we

can burst into flame, we must first dry out and come to

kindling temperature. We do that, as does a damp log

inside a fire, by first sizzling for a long time in the flames

so as to dry out.

How do we sizzle psychologically and spiritually? For John

of the Cross, we do that through the pain of loneliness,

restlessness, disquiet, anxiety, frustration, and

unrequited desire. In the torment of incompleteness our

psychic temperature rises so that eventually we come to

kindling temperature and, there, we finally open

ourselves to union in new ways. That too is an image for

advent. Advent is all about loneliness, but loneliness is a

complex thing. Nobel Prize winning author, Toni Morrison

describes it this way:

“There is a loneliness that can be rocked. Arms crossed,

knees drawn up, holding, holding on, this motion, unlike a

ship’s, smoothes and contains the rocker. It’s an inside

kind – wrapped tight like skin. Then there is a loneliness

that roams. No rocking can hold it down. It is alive, on its

own. A dry and spreading thing that makes the sound of

one’s own feet going seems to come from a far-off place.”

All of us know exactly what she is describing, especially

the latter type, the roaming kind of loneliness that haunts

the soul and makes us, all too often, too restless to sleep

at night and too uncomfortable to be inside our own skins

during the day.

And what’s the lesson in this? What we learn from

loneliness is that we are more than any moment in our

lives, more than any situation we are in, more than any

humiliation we have experienced, more than any

rejection we have endured, and more than all the limits

within which we find ourselves. Loneliness and longing

take us beyond ourselves. How?

Thomas Aquinas once taught that we can attain

something in one of two ways: through possession or

through desire. We like to possess what we love, but that

isn’t often possible and it has an underside.

Possession is limited, desire is infinite. Possession sets up

fences, desire takes down fences. To quote Karl Rahner,

only in the torment of the insufficiency of everything

attainable do we know that we are more than the limits

of our bodies, our present relationships, our jobs, our

achievements, and the concrete situations within which

we live, work, and die.

Loneliness and longing let us touch, through desire, God’s

ultimate design for us. In our longing, the mystics tell us,

we intuit the kingdom of God. What that means is that in

our desires we sense the deeper blueprint for things. And

what is that?

Scripture tells us that the kingdom of God is not a matter

of eating and drinking, of simple bodily pleasure, but a

coming together in justice, peace, and joy in the Holy

Spirit. Ultimately, that is what we ache for in our

loneliness and longing: consummation, oneness,

intimacy, completeness, harmony, peace, and justice.

Sometimes, of course, in our fantasies and daydreams

that isn’t so evident. God’s kingdom seems something

much loftier and more holy than what we often long for –

sex, revenge, fame, power, glory, pleasure. However even

in these fantasies, be they ever so crass, there is present

always a deeper desire, for justice, for peace, for joy, for

oneness in Christ.

Our loneliness and longing are a hunger and an energy

that drive us, always, beyond the present moment. In

them we do intuit the kingdom of God.

Advent is about longing, about getting in touch with it,

about heightening it, about letting it raise our psychic

temperatures, about sizzling as damp, green logs inside

the fires of intimacy, about intuiting the kingdom of God

by seeing, through desire, what the world might look like

if a Messiah were to come and, with us, establish justice,

peace, and unity on this earth. (c) Ron Rolheiser 2007