VOL 22 ISSUE 7, 10 JUNE 2020

The Kingdom of HeavenThere’s a bit going on in the world right now. So many different points of view, many that are polar opposites. Many of these points of view are invoking the Bible to gain the moral high ground. The Bible, the ultimate political and moral prop. How did it come to this?

As a teacher, what I am mindful of at this time, is how the world looks right now through the eyes of a child. No matter where in the world they live or which end of the political spectrum their families are on, when they watch and listen, they are learning.

2020 will long be remembered as a tumultuous year. But it will also be a year that shapes our children. They are watching us and how we react. And our responses are shaping them in ways that will change their lives, and the lives of many others.

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:13-15 (NIV)

When the disciples tried to stop the children from reaching Jesus, they let their own expectations about a relationship with God be a barrier. They wanted to decide how this happened and who was ready or worthy. Jesus admonishes them and reminds them of the value and virtue of simplicity.

The children in our lives are a reminder of God’s presence and amongst us if we stop to notice. Instead of trying to shape that presence to suit our own political or moral needs, we would do well to remember that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Submitted by Jason Fay

Upcoming EventsWEEK 7

WED 10 JUNE• School Photos

WEEK 9

FRI 26 JUNE• Term 2 Concludes

TERM 3, WEEK 1

MON 20 JULY• Term 3 Commences

INSPIRE photos featured this week:• Yr 4 McMahon

Students celebrating birthdays this weekElla Mordowicz Mosab Osman

Amitoj Chahal Ramtin Hussaini

Jordan Bolo Jaiden Fabian

Tillie Fabian

From the Deputy PrincipalSCHOOL REPORTSJust a reminder that reports will go home early in Term 3 instead of later this term. Reports will be sent home on Friday August 7 in their usual format. If you have any questions about your child’s progress over the coming weeks, please contact your child’s teacher.

Jason Fay|Deputy Principal

From the Wellbeing LeaderSCHOOL PHOTOSToday students had their official school photos. If you were unable to make an order before today, please note that you can still order online by visiting https://www.theschoolphotographer.com.au/ and using the online code X8041EC34S.

SHED MEN GO ANYWHERE Usually at this time of year we have been promoting the SMGB Camp. SMGB is an event organised exclusively by Dads from St Paul, whereby Dads and their primary school-aged children take off for a weekend of camping and participate in a range of fun-filled scheduled activities that promote quality father-child time. Although SMGB is not an official school event this is a great event to get away with your child.

This year, things are a little bit different, but we are lucky enough in SA to be able to go camping. We’d like to promote Dads and their kids camping over the June long weekend and ask you to post some photos of your camping trip, even if it’s in the backyard. You can tag St Paul in your photos, or email the school office admin@stpaulba.sa.edu.au with some photos to go in Inspire and on the school Facebook page. Some activities you might like to try are a scavenger hunt, kite making, damper making or even cooking in the kitchen with your child if you’re not able to get away.

We look forward to seeing your adventures.

Carly Bergen|Wellbeing Leader

General NewsLOST PROPERTYLost property is located near the office. Our tubs are overflowing with jumpers, rugby tops, hats and lunchbox containers. Please ensure all items that are brought to school are clearly labelled.

From our Community Chaplain

SEASONS FOR GROWTH® PROGRAM AT ST PAULRegistrations of Interest – Program due to begin this term

Thank you to those families who have registered their interest in our Seasons for Growth program. If you are thinking about registering and would like to find out more about the program, please let me know by this Friday 12 June. Program brochures are available from the information table in the Front Office. You can also visit the Good Grief website: www.goodgrief.org.au

If anyone would like extra support at this time, please email Louise Venning, Community Chaplain, lvenning@stpaulba.sa.edu.au

RECONCILIATION WEEK 2020 – ‘IN THIS TOGETHER’Throughout the week, many classes have been engaging in several activities as part of Reconciliation Week. All the classes also took part in creating a whole school mural, looking at the way Aboriginal Art is represented.

St Paul Lutheran School 44 Audrey Avenue Blair Athol SA 5084 Phone +61 8 8260 2655admin@stpaulba.sa.edu.au stpaulba.sa.edu.au

OUR VISION:

PROUD MEMBER OF:

OUR VALUES:

God’s Word2 Timothy 3:16-17

AcceptanceRomans 15:7

Excellence1 Corinthians 10:31

RespectLuke 6:31

Compassion1 John 3:18

HopeTitus 3:7

Community2 Corinthians 13:13

Love1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Church NewsSPY TO START AGAIN IN TERM 3!We have really missed our St Paul Youth gatherings this term, but are excited to start plans to resume in Term 3. We are so sorry about the current long break, but hope to see you then. God bless Nicole, Renate and Ebony.

LCC WINTER APPEALThis winter, the demand for Lutheran Community Care’s services has never been greater and they are relying on the kindness of people to help support families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. To read more, please see https://www.lccare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/LCC-Winter-Appeal-2020-FINAL-IN-HOUSE.pdf To make a donation, go to www.lccare.org.au/how-you-can-help/donations/

LCA/NZ COVID-19 RESPONSEFor the latest information on the Lutheran Church’s response to Covid-19, please see the FAQs about returning to public worship at https://www.lca.org.au/lca-covid-19-response/

CHURCH@HOME / SERVICES AVAILABLEPlease see the LCA website for Church@Home resources and information www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/churchhome St Michael’s Lutheran Church in Hahndorf has a Sunday weekly Service on Facebook at 9.30am. Also, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the city have a worship service on free-to-air TV on Channel 44 on Saturdays at 12.00noon and St John’s Unley as well on Sundays at 2.30pm.

HAVE YOU SEEN US ON FACEBOOK?Have you seen our Facebook page? There’s lots of information and helpful posts. Look for St Paul Lutheran Church, Blair Athol.

GROW MINISTRIES VERSE OF THE WEEK Go to the people of the nations and make them my disciples. Baptise them in the name of then Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19