From the APRIM
Dear Families
When talking with the Sacramental Program attendees and their parents this week, we spoke about Reconciliation. As we talked, we each held a dress zip in our hands. As a dressmaker, I hate putting zips in clothes, they’re fiddly and time consuming. I avoid using them as often as I can but sometimes there is no other choice if you want the finished garment to look good. At the bottom of the zip is a small silver clip that I am going to call ‘the God clip’ forevermore!
The zip reminded me of our relationship with God. When we are walking close to God, we are like the zip fully closed. However, sometimes the zip is only half-way done up and sometimes the zipper is right down at the bottom. This is when we are the furthest from God. But that zip is not broken! God is still connected to us, waiting for us to draw closer to him. That God clip (God’s love) is keeping us together. Being close to God is a choice and God never turns us away, always ready to forgive and welcome us back.
We are over half-way through Lent. Many people have given up chocolate, their favourite drink or treats and are counting the days until Lent is finished. But what have we done to make this Lent count? How have we tried to draw closer to God, to close that zip a little more? It is never too late.
Holy Week
Our students will present the events of Holy Week, beginning on Monday 3 April. The Early Years classes will present Palm Sunday in the church at 10.30am. Following this, the students participating in the Sacramental Program will carry the crosses to their new position in the garden.
On Wednesday 5 April, the Year 3/4 classes will present the events of Holy Thursday starting at 12.10pm in the PAC.
On Holy Thursday 6 April, The Year 5/6 classes will continue our Catholic tradition, presenting the Stations of the Cross in the PAC. There will be 2 sessions, one at 9.30 and the other at 10.15.
Parents are welcome to attend.
Integrating Religious Education
Our students have been learning that ‘because, but, so’ are three words that can make sentences more interesting. Here are some sentences written by the Year 4s when they were looking at the one of the Sunday Gospel readings during Lent.
Jesus healed the blind man because the man had been blind for his whole life and he deserved to see for the first time.
Jesus healed the blind man but no-one believed that he could do it.
Jesus healed the blind man so he could see the world.
Another example of ‘delicious’ sentences is answering questions in their writing. This example began with the kernel sentence of ‘Jesus helped.’ A kernel sentence is just like a corn kernel, it doesn’t do much. In this instance, by answering questions about who, when and where, their sentences could really pop, just like popping corn!
In the morning, Jesus helped a blind man on a rocky, dry road.
During the day, in a small town, Jesus helped a blind man.
In ancient times, on Earth, Jesus helped a blind man by putting mud on his face and telling him to wash it off.
Not only their writing improved but it also showed their understanding of the Gospel reading.
Holy Week and Easter Masses in the Parish
The Nativity Parish warmly welcomes you to their Holy Week and Easter celebrations.
Reconciliation next Thursday 30 March at 7pm in the church. This is the Second Rite of Reconciliation. There will also be two visiting priests and Fr Mwaura available for individual Reconciliation.
Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) 2 April at 9am
Holy Thursday 6 April at 7pm Mass
Good Friday 7 April – Stations of the Cross at 10am
– Passion of the Lord at 3pm
Easter Vigil 8 April at 7pm
Easter Sunday 9 April at 9am
As we approach the Easter season, I wish you all a safe and blessed Easter.
Blessings to you all
Sharyn Black
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission