This Lenten Season has been an extra-ordinary occasion with the suspension of Masses and the loss of community as people cannot come together each week to celebrate Mass. For many faith-filled people this Easter Season of 2020 will be very different.
The early Christians, following the death of Jesus, came together to remember and celebrate in their own homes. While we cannot invite others into our homes at this time, there is an opportunity for family members to gather in prayer and acknowledge this special time of Easter. It can be as simple as lighting a candle.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has many resources available through their website- https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/archbne/) page to help families to celebrate this special time together. In addition, the Archdiocese also has ‘on demand web casts’ of past liturgical celebrations and events. Both sites have a wealth of material to keep us connected while our churches are closed. Home churches are blossoming!
There is a web cast of Mass from St Stephen’s Cathedral each weekday at 8.00am and each Sunday at 8.00am and 10.00 am.
This Sunday the Catholic Church celebrates Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. Jesus arrives triumphant in Jerusalem days before he was crucified. Our Lenten Journey is nearing its end. Easter Sunday will herald the joyous celebration of Jesus Christ conquering death.
Christ has died, Christ has Risen, Christ will come again.
Term Two 2020
There are two possible scenarios for the start of Term Two 2020: either schools are closed and we are working from home or the College is open for business ready to go with classes and staff and students returning to school.
If schools are closed: Term Two 2020 will commence on Monday 20 April and students will need to be ready, up and at their desks at 8.30 am. Students are to be dressed in appropriate clothing ready to tackle their day. They will have six periods as per the timetable below.
8.30am – 8.50am – Preparation for the day: students engage with emails, OneNote and/or Moodle to see work for the week and for this day and to read morning notices and daily prayer.
9.00am – 9.30am – Period One
9.40am – 10.10am – Period Two
Break 1
11.00am – 11.30am – Period Three
11.40am – 12.10 pm – Period Four
Break 2
1.00pm – 1.30pm – Period Five
1.40pm – 2.10pm – Period Six
Afternoon homework, study, reading and doing house chores.
In the absence of family illness, it is extremely important students establish a routine from the very first day. It is essential students are up out of bed, dressed and ready to go by 8.30 am as per a normal school day. On Monday 20 April the holidays are over.
Our staff have been working this week preparing to deliver the curriculum online. In the first two weeks the students will be led by the staff through the usual online delivery methods used within the normal classroom practices. These practices include the use of OneNote, Moodle, Flipgrid, Videos and Flip classrooms just to mention a few. Students will have set tasks to complete and the teachers will be checking the work to be completed. During the school day your teachers will be available via email. However, teachers may have their own families to attend to at this time, so will respond to emails in a timely manner and within 24 hours.
After the first two weeks the teaching staff will introduce an opportunity for student – teacher engagement through the use of video-conferencing for small group discussions, questions and answer sessions etc. Once again teachers will lead this process.
If we are resuming classes and normal operations:
In the event we are resuming classes next term, I will communicate to all families the arrangements at the earliest opportunity. I hope all families remain safe and well during this pandemic. Please maintain social distancing and good hygiene practices.
Easter Prayer
Creator God, Who this day by Your only begotten Son vanquishing death, has unlocked for us the gate of eternity, help us to attain the desires to which You have led us by Your inspirations. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Creator God, as we renew our Baptismal vows, help us to be made worthy of Eternal Life, that we may always seek to do Your will in our hearts and minds, that we may show others Your saving grace and Your love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Creator God, who makes the faithful to be of one mind and heart, grant that we, Your people; may love what you command and desire what You promise so that, amid the changing things of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are to be found. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
God bless
Mr Mark Stower, Principal