APRE News
Dear Parents and Carers,
While the last couple of months has entailed many rewrites of duty rosters, break times and routines, some of the changes to my supervision duties have been very welcome- the opportunity to greet the Preppies last week, with their parents as they ventured back to school was one such positive outcome. The little ones have been so excited to catch up with their friends and play on the playground. As I am also doing some literacy intervention in the Prep classrooms this term, it has also given me the chance to interact with the students and parents in a less formal way too. This week I have been a part of the "Welcome Committee" on Lawrence St, again getting to wave at or give a quick hello to Mums, Dads and grandparents doing the Drop Off. Along with a small team of Year 6 Leaders I have enjoyed the community interaction at the start of the day. Hopefully, parents and students have found this routine of benefit and a postive way to start their school day. I know I have!
Keeping in Touch: Speaking of community interaction and keeping in touch, from the start of this term, Fr Michael (and Sr Rosie) have made a point of joining in to class TEAM meetings, just to say hello. With masses being live- streamed, visits to nursing homes, hospitals and homes in only limited circumstances Fr Michael, has had almsot no opportunity to interact with us here at SSPS. This week, he is catching up with 6H and all year 2 classes and hopefully he will be able to be a part of our first TEAMs assembly next week.
Year 5s have been missing their visits with the residents at Salem Nursing Home so they sent a short "We miss you" videoclip.
THE FEAST of MARY HELP of CHRISTIANS: The Patron Saint of Australia
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Australians’ lives, including their worship, the Australian Catholic Bishops have entrusted the country to the care of Mary Help of Christians on her feast day this week.
The motion was agreed to during the bishops' plenary last week reads:
“That the Australian Bishops entrust Australia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary under the title Our Lady Help of Christians, seeking her intercession for the safety of all our people especially in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mary Help of Christians has been the official patroness of Australia since 1844. Her feast day is celebrated on May 24, which this year coincides with the Feast of the Ascension. The entrustment of Australia to Mary Help of Christians can therefore take place on 24 or 25 May.
This information has been shared with our teachers and will be passed on, as appropriate, to our students. A Prayer to Mary Help of Christians will be included as part of our School Assembly (via TEAMs) on Monday afternoon.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM: To those in our community, and beyond who are a part of this year's St Pat's Sacramental Program, please know that while we do not as yet have an updated schedule as to when and how we will continue, we are in conversation with Fr Michael about what this might entail. Further information will be shared in the coming weeks.
ART Prize Winners: During our TEAMs Assembly on Monday, those students who were awarded prizes for their Art Work and Handwriting that was submitted for the Tmba Show, will be announced.
Hoping you are all managing to get back to "normal",
Stay well and connected,
Regards,
Judy