The Parable of the Talents

This story reminds us that God has given each of us unique gifts — talents, abilities, time, and opportunities — and He wants us to use them well. Excellence isn’t about having the most talents; it’s about making the most of what you have.

When we use our gifts to help others, learn new things, and bring joy to the world, we are doing what God asks of us. But if we hide our gifts or hold back out of fear or laziness, we miss the chance to grow and bless others.

Striving to be saints means giving our best effort, even in small things. It means using our gifts for good and trusting that God can do great things through us when we try our best.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some of the gifts or talents God has given me (skills, kindness, creativity, leadership, helping others, etc.)?

2. How can I use my gifts this week to help someone or make a difference in my school, home, or community?

3. What might be holding me back from using my talents — fear, doubt, or thinking they aren’t important?

4. What would it look like for me to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?

5. How can I encourage others to use their gifts and be their best selves too?

The Aboriginal Our Father

The Aboriginal Our Father is a version of the traditional Christian Lord’s Prayer expressed through the language, imagery, and spirituality of Aboriginal culture.

The Aboriginal Our Father reminds us that:

• God is close – like the land we walk on and the sky above us.

• Forgiveness and peace are part of walking together.

• We are called to live in respect, balance, and care for one another and the earth.

Classroom ideas:

• • Create a “Saints Wall of Fame” with short bios or drawings of saints.

  • Learn about a saint!

  • Discuss: What does it mean to be a saint today? How can we follow Jesus like the saints did?

  • Write a class prayer: “God, help us to be saints by loving You and others.”

• Prayer focus:

  • Thank God for the saints who inspire us.

  • Ask for the courage to follow their example.

  • Pray the Litany of the Saints or include a few saints’ names in class prayer.

Classroom ideas:

• Set up a Remembrance Table with flowers, candles, or photos of loved ones.

• Make remembrance hearts or leaves with names of people students wish to pray for.

• Read or share stories about remembering and honouring people we love.

• Reflect on: Who do we want to remember and pray for today?

Prayer focus:

• Pray for all who have died, especially those who have no one to pray for them.

• Offer a moment of silence or a candle-lighting during class prayer.

• “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”

Leave No Trace means showing care for our environment, shared spaces, and each other by making sure we don’t leave mess, damage, or harm behind. It reminds us to respect the places we learn and play in and leave them as we found them—or even better.

This connects to our school values:

• Respectful – We treat all spaces with care.
  Example: We walk around plants and artworks instead of stepping on or over them.

• Safe – We keep areas clean and clear so everyone can use them safely.
  Example: We put away sports equipment and pick up rubbish so others don’t trip or slip.

• Responsible – We take ownership of our own mess and help others do the same.
  Example: We tidy our workspace, push in our chairs, and pack up shared materials even if we didn’t use them.

By living these values, we show that we care for our school, our environment, and our community.

This week we have a particular focus on picking up our belongings when the music plays at the end of break. Our PBIS focus of “Leave No Trace” reminds us to take responsibility for our things and leave the yard tidy for everyone.

When the bell rings, grab your things!

Here’s a simple social script to remember:

• When I hear the music, I know break time is finished.

• I look around for my hat, jumper, drink bottle, or sports equipment.

• I pick up my belongings and take them with me.

• That way, I leave no trace and I’m ready for learning.