From the APRE desk
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Welcome back to Term 2! I trust you had a safe and blessed Easter break with your family and friends.
In the Church’s year, we continue in the Easter season and continue to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The Easter season lasts 50 days ending on Pentecost Sunday. It is a time to reflect on the significance of Christ’s victory over death. It’s a time of renewal and spiritual growth for Christians, emphasizing the hope and new life found in the Resurrection. We pray for those Yr 4 students who continue their Sacramental journey and look forward to celebrating with them as they receive the sacraments of Confirmation (Tuesday 14th May) and First Eucharist (15th/16th June)
Last week, on the student free day, the whole staff participated in professional development at Laurel Bank for our Spirituality day where we focused on the question, “How do our relationships affect our wellbeing?” Firstly, we looked at our relationships in amongst our staff, those with our God and those with our students. Virtually, we listened to Fr Damien Price speak about coming as guest into others’ lives and the importance of being present when in the company with those around us. It is in those relationships and interactions where we feel the Holy Spirit working and enact our Mercy values of compassion and being of service to others.
Our first day of term, the Yr 6 students attended their weekly Mass along with special guests from Catholic Missions. Sue and Martin joined the Service Learning team to share with them, in more detail, the work that they do and in particular, how the Catholic Social Teachings can be use to strengthen our outreach to others in our community. We look forward to working with Catholic Missions and the Service Learning team to drive our fundraiser in October
Our elected Captains attended the Mayoral Morning tea at Highfields last week. It was a great opportunity to hear about what other school leaders believe is important to them when leading their school community. Mayor McDonald also shared his and the TRC’s values and how they are guided by these values to make decisions. Mayor McDonald also left the students pondering the question, “What will be our legacy when we leave SSPS?”
On Wednesday this week, we came together as a whole school for our ANZAC Day Liturgy. Thank you to Mrs McHugh and the students of Yr 5M who organized and presented our assembly.
A prayer for ANZAC Day
God of peace and justice, we remember the brave men and women who served our country with courage and sacrifice.
On this ANZAC Day, we honour their commitment to freedom, their selflessness, and their unwavering dedication. We pray for all those who have served, for those who have fallen, and for those who continue to serve today.
Grant them your strength, comfort and peace.
May we never forget their sacrifice, and may we strive to build a world where peace reigns and justice prevails.
Amen
Date claimers:
Whole School Mass on Friday 3rd May @ 9am
School/Parish Family Mass on Sunday 26th May @ 9am
Have a great week and thanks for reading!
Ann-Maree Ward