Praying together
Article in the parish Bulletin last week
“ONE MILLION CHILDREN PRAYING THE ROSARY The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) once again invites parishes, nurseries, schools, and families to participate in the initiative “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” on 18th October. The focus of the prayer campaign is worldwide unity and peace. This year provides a very special context because never before has there been such a worldwide healthcare and existential crisis. “A crisis in which the entire world has been and continues to be exposed to an invisible virus that has brought death to hundreds of thousands of people and devastating, and as yet unforeseeable, economic and social consequences. Our world is no longer the same world, and what was taken for granted until now will no longer be so,” stated Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, President of ACN International. In a letter to the children, he said that in difficult situations like these it‘s very important to work together and help one another. “But we must also not forget that the biggest help of all comes from God”. That is why the pontifical foundation once again has issued the invitation to take part in the worldwide prayer initiative „A Million Children Praying the Rosary“, on October 18 – or alternatively to pray the Rosary with the children in schools or kindergartens on Monday, October 19 (since 18 October falls on a Sunday this year).”
Being one with God in prayer is a state of being that enriches the mind, the soul and the heart. The invitation from last week’s bulletin to pray the Rosary was an invitation we could not refuse. On Monday morning the school community prayed one decade of the Rosary following Monday morning assembly. The children were invited to think of an intention, a sick relative, a person they know who is sad and needs hugs and love, the people suffering from illness, those who are homeless in Lebanon or a personal intention to think about as they prayed to Mary our Mother. This was a very special way to start our week. Special thanks to Mrs Hyson for sharing this article with me last week and initiating our whole school prayer experience.
Congratulations to our Year 12 friends
This week commenced the start of the Higher School Certificate exams. This is usually a very stressful time for our students and their families. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide them and give them the strength they need to do the best they can do. Special thanks to our College friends for the support and dedication in preparing the students for these exams.
New Kindy Transition dates Confirmed this week
This week, children involved in the Kindergarten transition program were informed of the new dates. If you did not receive confirmation, then your child will just participate in the orientation day scheduled for Thursday the 3rd of December. Details of this day were also sent to parents this week. If you need clarification regarding these two events, please contact the school.
Parents and Friends Association Term 4 meeting
On Monday the 26th of October the P&F executive committee will meet via Zoom to plan our vision for 2021. This year with the many restrictions placed upon all schools, we have only had minimal communication. I am looking forward to moving forward and continuing to build our school faith community working together for the good of the students and their families.
The next P&F event will be an exciting Christmas pop up store. Further information will be sent home closer to the event.
Continued Maintenance of our amazing school site
Over the holiday break many maintenance projects were completed. New drainage went in around the Cola area to minimise the water pooling under the shade cloth, the artificial grass was given a facelift and areas of deterioration was addressed. The administation block has a new security door in the main foyer, with a safety screen being installed very soon. A new safety fence was installed around the Parish oval. This initiative was undertaken by St Andrew’s College. It will provide additional security for our students during break times. I wish to sincerely thank Mr Kannough for this.
School Fee statements
School fee statements were sent to families in recent weeks with a due date of the 18th of December. If you have any issues, please contact the school office and speak with Reshma Kerai. All conversations are confidential.
School Photos
Since my last video message to the community on Tuesday the 13th of October, we are now able to hold normal school photos. Children will have both group class photo and individual/family photo opportunities. Unfortunately, a whole group staff photo is still not permitted. I know this is welcome news for all our families and for our school. Photo Day is still on the 30th of October. Full summer uniform please.
