APRE NEWS
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are just about half way through the term and Winter will be with us before we know it. Our days at school continue to be very busy for everyone, however as I have been been in and out of every classroom lately undertaking Learning Walks and Talks as part of our Illuminate RE Project, I can guarantee that there is lots of great learning happening, with discussion and sharing, particularly around the creation story, the Holy Spirit, St Paul and the liturgical calendar.
A National Mass is to be celebrated concurrently across the country on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, 24 May 2021 (next Monday).
In Toowoomba the National Mass will be celebrated at 10.30am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Toowoomba. Schools have been invited to send a limited number of students, however SSPS is able to have all our Year 6 leaders attend.
The rest of the school will be watching the livestreaming of the Mass from St Patrick’s Cathedral into their classrooms and parents/ familes are invited to join in online as well. Two of our students feature in video clips which will be shared at the Mass. Riley Woods (5L) is part of the online choir and for the past month has been practising with Mrs Spalding and also learning what it takes to coordinate 22 different schools and set up for videoing of the group. Quite tricky!!
Maya Smith (6W), representing SSPS as the oldest school in the diocese, is on the video, reading one of the Prayers of the Faithful, along with 3 other students, representing most western, southern and northern schools.
After the Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, there will be a morning tea on the lawn, to which Mass attendees are welcome. TCS has encourage a shared morning tea at all schools and have sent ‘cupcake toppers’ that have the Toowoomba Catholic Schools, 200 years of Catholic education and the themed ‘Southern Cross’ logo to all schools. This is to remind all of us that we are ‘a part of something bigger’ and knowing that all other schools are doing the same. We are lucky to have some wonderful parents and community members who have "volunteered " to make the 450 or so cupcakes to put the toppers on !!
Many of you I know have been a part of the history of Catholic Education as students either in this diocese or others around Australia, so this celebration is for you as well. Thanks for all you do as current parents of children in Catholic Education. We would not be doing the job we love, without your ongoing support.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM:
Tomorrow evening there are 39 young people, mostly from SSPS but some also from St Joseph's College, Concordia, East SS, Tmba Grammar and Glennie who will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation as the next important step in their faith journey. Bishop Robert and Fr Michael will be hostiing the ceremony, and after last year, we appreciate that family members are able to join us.
Cluster Groups, preparing for First Communion, recommence straight away on Sunday, with First Communion Masses planned for June 5 and 6. It is highly recommended that families book their places at the relevant Mass, via Trybooking.com as seats in St Patrick's Cathedral are still limited to 400.
EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS:
A great day was had by all at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod last week. A huge and sincere "THANK YOU" goes out to Mrs Anita McVeigh (our amazing Drama Teacher), for supporting the students and getting them ready for their performances.
Ayla Allen and Lucy Warner (Year 5) performed "The Captain" and came first.
Sia Luck and Abby Phillips(Year 4) performed the "Outwitted Out West" and came first.
The SSPS Drama Club (Year 6) performed "The Assembly Cough" and came second.
Congratulations to everyone who competed!! You are all champions.
Enjoy the rest of your week,
Judy
