S t J o h n Vi a n n e y ’s Feast Day
St John Vianney’s Feast Day was chosen to launch the new vision for St John Vianney’s Primary School in Waramanga. Father Brannelly said Mass and talked to the children about the life of St John Vianney who was a priest in early 19th Century in France who worked tirelessly for the church during a very volatile period in history, just after the French Revolution. Father Brannelly encouraged students to be more like St John Vianney in their everyday lives. Father Brannelly was joined by Father David Mwamdeleko who teaches at the junior seminary in the Mahenge Diocese, Tanzania. Father David was visiting family in Canberra and is Uncle to Nina Kippaya in Year 4 who was very excited about introducing him. The new vision came after a two year process and was led by Ms Nina Di Placido (AP) and Mr Luke Donnelly (Coordinator). Staff and students have participated in this journey culminating in a new logo - a modern version of the Mercy Cross and four words encompassing the vision for St John Vianney’s future; Build, Belong, Become, Believe. Four relevant pieces of Scripture chosen by the staff link strongly to St John Vianney’s future and vision: • • Build – ‘Therefore encourage one another and build one another up’ Thessalonians 5:11 Belong – ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’ Mark 10:14. Become – ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’ Matthew 18:3. Believe – ‘If you believe, you will see God’s glory’ John 11:40.
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To celebrate the vision launch students were challenged with activities for each of the key words; to BUILD a church or school out of paper; to invent a name for the teams they BELONG to; to draw a portrait of who they think they will BECOME; and make up a rap about what they BELIEVE in at SJV. Students were thrilled to have Year 6 students visit from St Jude’s and participate in the challenges. To launch the vision Mr Donnelly and the SRC recorded students and staff at work and play describing how they saw the vision working. The whole school enjoyed the very entertaining movie trailers that Mr Donnelly made! All students and staff then received a lapel badge with the new vision of cross and words, and were invited to wear them proudly every day.
Vicky van der Sanden, Principal St John Vianney’s Primary School, Waramanga ACT