From the APRIM

Dear Families

It has been great to see some of our students at school and we are looking forward to welcoming all our ‘at home’ learners next week. We all thought that COVID would be done and dusted by 2022 but it has not worked out that way. This year, we are trying to make as many events happen as possible but they may look very different to previous years.

Shrove Tuesday (2 March)
This will take place outside of the church so that we can still use our volunteers. It is only a short way for our children to walk and it means that this event can still go ahead. As much as our students enjoy eating the pancakes, we remember the religious significance of Shrove Tuesday when people would eat all the food that was denied during Lent. The change of venue has opened a window of opportunity for the parish as parishioners will be offered pancakes for lunch after the noon Mass. All money raised will be donated to Caritas’ Project Compassion. More detail will be given closer to the date.

Ash Wednesday (3 March)
This is celebrated the day after Shrove Tuesday. The Early Years classes will have a liturgy either in the church or in the school (Plans A, B and C!) The Primary classes will attend a Mass separate to the parishioners or will have a liturgy at school (Plans D, E and F.)

Class Masses and Liturgies
These will recommence on Thursday 17 March depending on SA Health, the Catholic Church and Catholic Education guidelines.
Community

There has been much disappointment for families as events were cancelled. Our Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day breakfasts, Grandparents Day and Carols Nights are all important parts of building community. However, let’s not forget that our community is our people, not our school buildings. We don’t have to be at school to be community. We can all do small things to maintain contact with other families or to welcome new families.

As we begin school for 2022 it’s a time of great cheer

But some might be struggling at this time of year.

So here are some tips, some things you can do

To make a connection and help them get through.

Invite them to lunch or go for a walk.

Find a quiet place and encourage them to talk.

Chat on the screen or jump in the car.

Find out how they’re doing, how they really are.

You could start with a card or drop off a treat.

So make that phone call, that text, make a plan to meet.

A welcome reminder to say,
“Hey, I’m here,
if you ever need a listening ear.”

Give conversation as your gift today,
A “hello”, a “how’s it?” and “are you ok?”

A chit-chat, a natter, a check-in or two
To say, “I’m here and I care about you.”
(edited and borrowed from R U OK?)

Keep safe, keep connected.

Blessings

Sharyn Black
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission