Shining Lights Week 5, Term 3, 17/8/2023
Sacrament of Confirmation
In the tapestry of faith, there are moments that stand out as pivotal in a young person's spiritual journey. The Sacrament of Confirmation is one such significant milestone in the Catholic tradition. As the children step forward to embrace this sacrament, they are affirming their commitment to their beliefs and embarking on a deeper connection with their faith.
Confirmation marks a moment of empowerment, where these young individuals receive the Holy Spirit's gifts to strengthen and guide them in their Christian walk.
Last Friday the children participated in a Retreat afternoon at St Joseph’s Church in Merimbula, sharing with each other the Saints that they have chosen and how they shared the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Like stained glass windows, the saints allow the light of God to permeate the darkness in the world.
Just as light enters a church through multi-coloured windows,
the lives of saints shine forth "according to their own shade”.
Pope Francis - All Saints Day, 2017
Congratulations to the children being Confirmed this weekend by Archbishop Christopher.
Book Week
Book Week, which occurs 19 - 25 August, holds a special place in promoting the magic and significance of literature in our lives. As I contemplate its importance, I am reminded of how this annual event celebrates not just the act of reading, but the entire world that books open to us.
Book Week serves as a reminder of the timeless power of storytelling. In an era dominated by screens and fleeting digital content, books offer a depth and richness that is unparalleled. They invite us to immerse ourselves in different worlds, eras, and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. The event encourages us to pause, disconnect from the constant buzz of technology, and reconnect with the written word, allowing our imagination to roam free.
Furthermore, Book Week encourages a culture of reading, especially among younger generations. Schools, libraries, and communities often come together to organise events, discussions, and competitions that make reading exciting and interactive. It's a chance to introduce children to the wonders of literature and spark a lifelong love for books. In a world where attention spans are shrinking and instant gratification is the norm, Book Week stands as a beacon of patience and depth.
As I reflect on the importance of Book Week, I am struck by how it represents a bridge between the past and the future. It connects us to the traditions of literature while also embracing the evolving ways in which we consume information. It's a celebration of human creativity, expression, and the enduring power of words.
In essence, Book Week is not just a collection of events, but a celebration of the written word's profound impact on our lives. It encourages us to pause and reflect on the stories that have shaped us, the knowledge that has empowered us, and the dreams that have fuelled us. It's a reminder that in the pages of a book, we find both solace and adventure, imagination and understanding. And so, each Book Week becomes a reminder to treasure the gift of literature and to keep turning those pages, both metaphorically and literally, for years to come.
Is your child’s use of Social Media Safe?
In the wake of Covid-19, kids and parents alike have become more aware of ways to stay connected outside of school through different types of Social Media. While these platforms can have some benefits like communication, creativity and digital literacy, it is important to approach these platforms with caution and supervision keeping in mind the potential drawbacks.
Some concerns around social media for children are sharing personal details that strangers can access, cyberbullying, harassment and negative comments that affect their mental and emotional wellbeing, they can also be exposed to inappropriate content and there is a risk of encountering explicit content that is not suitable for their developmental age.
The ding of a notification or the pop up’s and interactions can contribute to addictive behaviours and a distraction from other hobbies and other physical activities and interests. Posting on social media also leaves a digital footprint and children do not grasp the potential impact of their online actions.
The way that some children speak to others online can at times, be quite disgusting and they way they speak can become normalised within groups of children. This way of communicating can be carried into other interactions outside of the online world and affect relationships at school and in the wider community. Children need to be guided to think that if they wouldn’t say or do these things to someone in front of an audience or wouldn’t say or do them in front of their grandma, then they shouldn’t be saying them online either.
As a parent, if you feel the need to allow access to different messaging and social media services, please ensure that you have open conversations about the benefits and risks. As a parent of a primary aged student it is essential that you are regularly monitoring their conversations and help your child to navigate the digital landscape safely and to make informed choices. If their digital use becomes a problem, it is also okay to say no. A great resource to use to make informed choices is the e-safety commissioner for further information visit the website eSafety Kids
