APMI News
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Dear families
Advent, or the time to wait and prepare for the Birth of Jesus, is a time of anticipation and reflection. Below is an excerpt from an article written by Fr Michael last weekend:
So, as we notice the changes in the seasons of the world, like the growth of the fig tree, so we should recognise the seasons of our own lives and hearts. As we approach Advent, now is the time to examine our lives, to promise ourselves to be a little prepared for the coming of Christ.
These weeks leading up to Advent are an opportunity for us to reflect on what needs to change in our lives if we are to be prepared for the time “heaven and earth will pass away”. Advent affords us the opportunity to reflect deeply on what the coming of Christ at Christmas (a sort of second coming each year) will mean to the way we relate to one another and to prayerfully return to our God. So, on some level, this gospel should invoke in us a need for change, a desire to make some small adjustment to our living so that God, and us, can love ourselves a little more.
The other aspect of this gospel calls us to HOPE rather than despair if we think we are not measuring up. Thoughts of the second coming should bring us hope because it is a subtle reminder that God has not, and never has, forgotten us. We hold onto “his words which will never pass away” because we know a God that has never left us. We move toward Advent confident that God will renew our lives to celebrate the second coming within our hearts, as Christ lifts us up to know God in his birth.
The new play space on our oval is being enjoyed by our students and part of the design included outdoor learning spaces, including our Yarning circle. We’d love to hear your ideas and thinking around how we can design this space in consultation with local artist Kim Walmsley. We want to hear your voice so that we can collaborate on ideas as to how we can best have this space reflect who we are as a community and in particular, those students who are First Australians. Email your thoughts and suggestions to ann-maree.ward@twb.catholic.edu.au Thank you for giving this your time and consideration.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal: This year, we are asking for donations of supermarket gift vouchers or cash donations. If you’re able to give, please bring your donation to the school office where the Admin team will place it in the Christmas gift box. The gift box will be presented to the St Patrick’s Cathedral Conference President at our final awards assembly on Thursday morning, 5th December.
Enrolments are now open for students from Years 4 and older (in 2025) in the St Patrick’s Cathedral 2025 Sacramental Program. Children who have already been Baptised complete their initiation into the Church through the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion. This is a partnership in which families and the Parish community work together as your child is nurtured in the practice and love of the Catholic faith. An information session will be held early next year where you’ll be given a preparation workbook which is to be completed at home. The Enrolment forms, dates and details were sent home last week with the students in Year 3. If you’ve any questions or queries, please contact the Parish office on 46 371 500
Date claimers:
Week 9 Thursday 28th November – Anointing Mass (Year 4 students to attend)
Week 10 Thursday 5th December – End of Term Awards Assembly 8.45am Mercy Centre
Have a great week and thanks for reading,
Ann-Maree Ward (Assistant Principal – Mission & Identity)