From the APRIM
Dear Families,
2020 is going to be a year that will be difficult to forget in so many ways. Earlier in the year, I encouraged families to take photos and write down things that happened because we are living history.
On Sunday I attended Mass for the first time in a few months. It was lovely to see familiar faces (if only 20 of them) and to hear the familiar words of the Mass with other people. It was a different experience with no music, Father Santiago singing parts of the Liturgy of the Eucharist that we would normally say and the physical distancing. But there were some things that were the same: the beautiful rhythm of the Mass, the Word of God and the opportunity to receive communion. So much to be thankful for.
If you would like to attend a weekend Mass (Saturday at 6pm, Sunday at 10am or 11am), please ring the parish office on 8270 2158 or email abnativity@adam.com.au and you will be contacted.
As the COVID-19 restrictions are easing and we return to a ‘new normal’, some families are experiencing ill health, mental health problems, unemployment, domestic violence and uncertainty. Many are forced to leave their homes to stay safe. What all the children have in common in these situations is that they leave home with little or no notice and often have no clothing or other essential items beyond what they are wearing. All these children need our help and support. Backpacks 4 SA Kids endeavour to help as many as they can.
Backpacks for SA Kids work across South Australia, in conjunction with child welfare, child protection, family violence and homelessness agencies, and organisations such as SAPOL who have responsibility for removing vulnerable children from unsafe homes and assisting those made homeless as a result of family conflict. They provide as many displaced children as possible with an age-appropriate backpack containing a range of items including two sets of clothes (four for the babies), pyjamas, underwear, socks, toiletries and comfort items (such as a cuddle toy), a book and a toy, colouring pencils and colouring books for the younger kids and some school stationery supplies for the older ones, plus nappies, bottles, a dummy etc for babies.
Our Social Justice Team are organising support for Backpacks 4 SA Kids by asking Nativity families to donate clothing, toys or toiletries. The main need areas for Backpacks for SA Kids at the moment are good quality winter clothing, DVD’s up to an M rating, kids 2 in 1 shampoo, hairbrushes, roll-on deodorants, colouring books, Size 16 pyjamas (can be small men’s or size 10 women’s).
Below is a list of items that are included in the backpacks for 2 different age groups or you can visit their website for further inspiration http://backpacks4sakids.org/ Please note that they no longer supply torches.
Sizes 6-10
• 2 sets of clothes (at least 1 jumper and 1 set of long pants)
• 1 pair of pyjamas
• 3 underwear
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 toy to play with
• 1 soft toy
• 1 DVD
• 1 set coloured pencils
• 1 colouring book
• 1 story book
• 1 younger toiletry bag which includes:
o Shampoo and conditioner
o Toothbrush and toothpaste
o 1 soap
o 1 hairbrush or comb
o 1 packet of hair ties (girls)
Sizes 12-18
• 2 sets of clothes (at least 1 jumper and 1 set of long pants, 1 pair short pants + tops)
• 1 pair of pyjamas
• 3 underwear
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 toy
• 1 DVD
• 1 pencil case
• 1 notebook
• 1 story book
• 1 older toiletry bag which includes:
o Shampoo and conditioner
o Toothbrush and toothpaste
o 1 soap
o 1 deodorant
o 1 hairbrush or comb
o 1 packet of hair ties (girls)
Our fund-raiser for Backpacks for SA Kids will continue throughout the remainder of the term until the last Wednesday. These can be left in the tubs in the classrooms and will be collected regularly by the Social Justice Team. Your generosity is well known, and we ask you to please assist in any way you can.
Blessings,
Sharyn Black
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission