From the Aprim

Dear Families,

It is sometimes hard to find the words to express how we are feeling. And now, is one of those times. The next few months are going to be a different kind of normal for us all. Teachers have been bombarded with emails regarding educational learning from online businesses whilst trying to teach, plan and practise presenting lessons online and care for their immediate and extended families. Be assured, Nativity staff are doing everything humanly possible to support your children when the time comes for them to be remote learning. There have been endless conversations about the best direction to take for each year level. In fact, it feels like that is all we talk about!

We are Living History
Years ago, my daughter had to complete a project about the effects of World War II on the population. She made a small box with copies of ration books and newspaper clippings of her grandfather. He had found a substantial amount of money on a footpath in the city and had taken it to the police. The owner was found and rewarded him with a brand-new bike! What a luxury in war-time for an orphan! She spent time with her grandparents as they told her about food rationing, clothing coupons, school and what they did for entertainment.
We are all a part of this world-wide situation and it is important that it is remembered. Encourage your children to keep a diary in whatever form they like, take photos, film them, let them interview you, draw pictures of events and feelings. Do the same for yourself, keep a copy of the funny things that happen and the things kids say. When this is all over, keep it in a safe place so that your children can show and tell their children and grandchildren all about it. We are living history and our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will listen with amazement as they hear the things we did.

Time for Yourself
It is important for all of us to take some time for ourselves each day to be still. Loyola Press deliver a short 3 minute spiritual retreat each day, which you can have delivered straight to your email address. Click on: 3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer What a great way to start or end the day.

Church Website
Our parish now has its own website https://www.nativityparish.com.au/ Please have a look, it is being constantly updated to help you stay connected with the parish community.

Holy Week
Holy Week is the most important week of the Christian year when we follow Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, to the cross and ultimately celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Normally we would celebrate this as a school community throughout next week and into the beginning of next term.
This year we can’t, but circumstances have opened up the opportunity for families to gather, share, reflect and pray together. A liturgy for Holy Week will be emailed home to you at the end of this week. Each day (Monday to Friday, plus Easter Sunday), there is a reading (taken from the Children’s lectionary or The Catholic Children’s Bible, New Revised Standard Version), a reflection time and a prayer.
Families may like to encourage their children to make a sacred space as we do at school, using their decorated crosses and the tealight sent home on Ash Wednesday. I hope that your family enjoys this sacred time together.

Please be kind to yourself.
Keep safe.
May God bless you all,

Sharyn Black
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission