Veritas Newsletter
May
Welcome to our May Veritas Newsletter
Leadership Team Messages for the Month of May
Dear parents and caregivers,
Welcome to our wrap up and highlights for May. In this newsletter we have included all the main posts/highlights for the month of May. Wishing you all a safe and restful long weekend and we look forward to the students returning on Tuesday 6 June.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Last weekend, the OLA Parish celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. Father Ken led us in two Masses, one on Friday night and the other on Saturday afternoon. It was a very special time for our Year 6 students who received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and they were guided by Father Ken’s words and reverent Homily. We would like to thank Father Ken for his ongoing support of our students and families.
National Reconciliation Week
It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of unity that OLA came together this week to observe National Reconciliation Week. This annual event provides us with a unique opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to reflect upon how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
National Reconciliation Week also serves as a reminder that reconciliation is not confined to a single week. It is an ongoing commitment that should be embedded in our daily lives, workplaces, schools, and communities. We strive to create spaces where cultural diversity is celebrated, and where genuine partnerships are formed to address the socio-economic disparities that continue to exist today.
In embracing reconciliation, we have an opportunity to build a stronger, more united Australia—one that is grounded in justice, understanding, and mutual respect. By actively learning, listening, and engaging with one another, we can pave the way for healing, harmony, and a shared future that benefits all Australians.
Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation
This Friday night and Saturday afternoon, over 43 Year 6 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparing for Confirmation is an important and sacred journey for candidates as they deepen their faith and commit to living as faithful disciples of Christ. During this time, it is important for the community to support the candidates through prayer.
Prayer plays a vital role in the confirmation process as it connects individuals with the divine, provides guidance, and strengthens their spiritual foundation. By keeping the candidates in our prayers, we demonstrate our love, encouragement, and faith in their commitment to the Catholic faith.
As the children prepare for the celebration this week, we pray the following:
Guidance and Discernment: We pray that the candidates may be guided by the Holy Spirit in their preparation, discernment, and understanding of the sacrament. We ask that receive clarity and wisdom as they make important decisions on their spiritual journey.
Strengthening of Faith: We pray that the candidates' faith may grow deeper and stronger as they encounter the teachings of the Church and the sacraments. We also ask that their love for God, a desire to live virtuous lives, and a commitment to serving others increases with time.
Openness to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit: We pray that the candidates may be receptive to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that will be bestowed upon them during the sacrament of confirmation. May they receive an openness to the graces of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and piety.
Formation and Preparation: We pray for the candidates' catechists, teachers, and mentors who are guiding them through the preparation process. We ask for these individuals to be blessed with wisdom and patience as they impart knowledge and provide spiritual guidance.
Emotional and Spiritual Support: We pray that the candidates may feel supported and loved by their families, sponsors, and the entire faith community. We ask that they receive the strength and encouragement during any challenges or doubts they may encounter.
Peace and Confidence: We pray that the candidates may experience peace and confidence as they approach their confirmation day. We ask for the assurance of God's love and the courage to boldly proclaim their faith in the world.
Continued Growth: We pray that after receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the candidates may continue to deepen their relationship with God, actively participate in the life of the Church, and be witnesses to Christ's love in their daily lives.
As we pray for the confirmation candidates, let us remember that our prayers are expressions of faith, hope, and love. Through our heartfelt intentions and intercessions, we support these individuals on their faith journey and affirm our commitment to walking alongside them as they embrace the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Basketball court resurfacing 🏀🏐
You may have noticed a bright change happening in the basketball court area. We now have new basketball and netball rings and will soon have a wonderful new area with court markings for the students to play on. This is the 2nd stage of the Big 3 in 2023 projects that is nearly complete. The 3rd and final stage being the Happy Hall will be completed in the coming months.
Mothers Day
Once again we had a fantastic turn out for our annual Mothers Day high tea. We hope all the Mothers had a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who helped out on the day.
Wheelchair for Kids
Congratulations to all the staff and students for supporting this great cause. OLA has raised sufficient funds and pull rings off aluminum cans to build 149 wheelchairs for physically disabled children around the world. A charity, run by the Edmund Rice Christian Brother Br Ollie, has been supporting children with physical disabilities around world for as long as I can remember. Mrs Durkin introduced the fundraising concept many years ago, at OLA, and Mrs Barclay took the baton and introduced ‘Jeans Friday’. Staff wear denim jeans (denim outfits) on Fridays and donate funds towards the cause. Thank you to all who have supported this wonderful cause and keep up the great work.
Interschool Swimming Carnival
What a fantastic day we had at the CPPSA Interschool Swimming Carnival today at HBF Stadium! 32 swimmers across Years 4-6 were selected to represent OLA in the carnival and they did a fantastic job all day long. The students swam hard and demonstrated the OLA spirit whilst competing and encouraging their team.
Congratulations to Mr McDonald and the OLA team who finished 1st place overall. The competition was tough but the team also secured the shield for the girls competition and second place for the boys. We are so proud of the efforts of the entire swim team. Thank you to the parents who volunteered on the day and came to support the team. Bring on A division next year!
OLA Parents and Friends
Thanks for your support!
Who knew fundraising could be so delicious? Thanks to all the families who helped raise some dough during Term 1, with our hot cross buns and Easter cookies fundraiser and the Easter raffle.
Together we raised over $1,700!!
Got any future fundraising ideas? Email us at pandf@ola.wa.edu.au