APRE NEWS

Dear Parents and Carers,

The term is well underway and hopefully routines are getting set to ensure a smooth start and finish to the school day. Thank you to those who have made a concerted effort to be on time for the 8:30am gathering in the Mercy Centre, especially if this had been an issue in the past. It does make a real difference to how settled a start your child has to their day (and probably yours as well).

WHOLE SCHOOL MASS:

On Tuesday at 9:30am we will gather as a whole school to celebrate Mass for the first time in 2020. The Preps have already had a "practice run",  know where they will be sitting and have discussed "Mass manners."  Some students from Years 5 and 6 are involved with the Gospel and choir members from Year 5 will be leading the singing. 

After Communion our Year 6 students will gather infront of everyone to be acknowledged as leaders of the school and to make their Leadership Pledge. We would love to have parents join us, not only at Mass but also for the shared morning tea afterwards.

Thank you to members of the Pastoral Care Team who have offered to supply a plate for parents to share. The Tea/ Coffee station will be set up outside the tuckshop. Hope you can join us!

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM: 

There are almost 40 students and families who have enrolled in the Parish Sacramental Program for 2020, with the Parent Information Night on Tuesday signalling the start of the program. This weekend, participants and their families will be recognised at mass (Saturday 6pm/ Sunday 9am)and then Cluster 1 gets underway at either Sunday 10:15 OR Thursday 3:30pm. If there is anyone you know who has not signed up yet, it is nor yet too late but they would need to get paperwork to the Parish Office ASAP.

 Our Choir is leading the singing this Sunday at 9am Mass. Students are asked to gather for 'warm ups' at 8:45am. Thank you                                           

                      Just Leadership Day and Project Compassion Launch

Next Thursday (Feb 20), 8 Year 6 students will be attending a Just Leadership Day, led by Catherine McLeer from CARITAS. 

Our school leaders will be involved in the special Mass to celebrate the launch of Project Compassion on Sunday 23 February.

                                                    ASH WEDNESDAY

Wednesday of Week 5 (Feb 26) is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. This is a very significant time in the Church calendar and this year Years 2-6 will be gathering with all the College students in the Mercy Centre for a simple Ash Wednesday Liturgy, led by Fr Michael and Fr Hal. Parents are welcome to join us.

SAFE PRACTICES

Our "Lollipop Supervisors" on Perth St and Lawrence St have noticed a few unsafe practices, with some parents not using the designated supervised crossings to take their child across the road. Whilst it is obviously easier to just cross the street yourself, I ask you to consider what your child is learning/ remembering from doing this. Crossings are there for a reason, as are red/ yellow flags on the beach and railings at lookouts. You will not always be with your child (they will be teenagers one day) and as a parent, I am sure that you would hope that they would be appreciative of best/ safe practices to the point that they would resist urgings from their friends. At school the students learn and discuss road safety, as well as staying safe in other places and while the majority of parents  do the "right thing" this is just a gentle reminder to others.

For those students, parents and staff who access the school from Neil St, we have been asked by the College to remind everyone concerned that the driveway off Neil St is not to be used as a thoroughfare. Pedestrian access is through the College grounds and NOT down the driveway.

Thank you for consideration with these matters.

Enjoy the rest of your week and the gentle rain,

Regards,

Judy