Dear Parents and Caregivers
As Term 2 concludes, we proudly reflect on the many experiences we have shared in together that emulate the spirit of “In Omnibus Caritas” through their enthusiasm, leadership and active participation in Masses, Liturgies, buddy activities, community gatherings and fundraising initiatives.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
This week I had the privilege of engaging in dialogue with our Bridge Street classes and preschool. We spoke about the Vinnies Winter Appeal and why it is important to help others. I would also like to commend our Social Justice Leaders, who held an awareness raising assembly last Thursday to promote the Appeal. In their assembly, Avenash, Henry, Zac and Giada gave a presentation about who Saint Vincent de Paul was, what the Vinnies Winter Appeal is aiming to support and the types of donations that would really help. Our leaders even quizzed the William Street students on what they had learnt.
In response, the support towards this year’s Vinnies Winter Appeal has been overwhelming. Thank you families for your enormous generosity throughout this final week. Collectively we have donated over 300 non-perishable and long-life food items as well as over 160 toiletry items. Congratulations everyone on your amazing response which will support Vinnies to distribute these much-needed items to struggling families across Adelaide.
Pyjama Day
Pyjama Day worked out to be a warm and comfortable optioned for such a rainy day. The cumulative amounts of the gold coin donation and recent uniform donations have also raised over $850 which we will also contribute to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. We were pleased to see so many of our students and staff join in the spirit of the day. To capture the moment, we gathered in our warm flannelettes, onesies, oodies and dressing gowns for class photos with our collective donations. Well done everyone!
Whole School Masses
Next term, we celebrate two significant whole school Masses. The first of which is the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop in Week 4 on Monday 9 August and then in Week 5 we celebrate the Assumption of Mary on Monday 16 August. Both Masses will be held from 9:15am at St Ignatius Church.
Mission Day
Our major fundraising event for Term 3 will be Mission Day. Mission Day will be held on Friday 13 August. This is a creative and fun filled experience where students engage with fundraising stalls that have been designed or prepared by each of our classes. The money raised through Mission Day activities will go towards Catholic Missions. Further information regarding this event, will be included in the Week 2 newsletter and our social media posts.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
I look forward to joining our First Reconciliation families in Week 1, for the first meeting on Tuesday 20 July in the Parish Hall at 7:00pm. If you have any questions regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation over the break, please contact the Norwood Parish Office directly on 8332 0600 or send me an email at mharrison@sjms.catholic.edu.au.
Have a wonderful holiday break everyone.
Matthew Harrison
Acting APRIM