Dear Parents and Caregivers
As the weather warms up, we commenced November with the celebration of All Saints, recognising all those who chose to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Inspired by examples of saints like Mary MacKillop, we pray that we are also open to ways in our own lives we can respond to the needs of others as Jesus taught us. November is also a time where the Church helps us to reflect on our love ones who have passed and the promise of eternal life. The Feast of All Souls leads the Church into a month of communal prayers for those who are now placed in God’s loving care.
Socktober Mission Focus
Last week, our Year 5 students blew us away with their leadership and energy. Supported by Paula Wesley and Tony Johnston from Catholic Missions, we engaged in a variety of ‘Head (understanding), Heart (connection) or Hands (actions)’ activities. Across the three days, the Year 5 students explored a focus on ‘Mission.’ Each Year 5 student shared in the responsibility of speaking to classes about the Mission of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. In particular, how our efforts will go a long way to support the Sisters to provide safety, education, food and training for young mothers and children in Thailand who are living in poverty. As a connection with our ‘brothers and sisters’ in Thailand, the Year 5 students created sock balls out of recycled materials and led an opportunity for each class to participate in penalty shootout using both a sock ball and soccer ball.
Thank you for the gold coin donations and for generously supporting Catholic Missions in 2021.
First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the 13 recipients of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Sunday 31st October. This completes their Sacraments of Initiation and means that each recipient can now receive the Eucharist during Communion and fully participate in each part of the Mass.
Masses and Liturgies of the Word
It was wonderful to have parents and caregivers join us for our Year 2-6 All Saints Mass on Monday morning and for those who received their First Holy Communion on Sunday to go up for communion a second time. As per the communication last week, we are once again able to have onsite community gatherings which will include class Masses and Liturgies of the Word. We look forward to sharing these celebrations as a community.
Way2Go Update
On Tuesday 2 November, representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council observed both our sites between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. As part of the Way2Go process we were able to discuss our school crossing point, drop off and pick up procedures and pathways between our Kensington and Norwood Campus. The data gathered through this observation and discussion provides timely evidence which will inform ongoing consultation, processes and actions between our school, the DIT and local councils.
Reconciliation Garden Project
Exciting News! This weekend Saturday 6 November, we commence stage one of our Reconciliation Garden Project upgrade at Bridge Street. Stage one will involve the excavation of the compacted fill along the laneway fence line section of the garden. A skip bin will be delivered on Friday 5 November and removed on Monday 8 November. Therefore, throughout next week, this section of excavated garden will be surrounded by bunting.
The following weekend on Friday 12 November, soil and 150 donated plants will be delivered ready to prepare the bed and plant on Saturday 13 November. If you would like to help with the planting next weekend, please let me know via email at mharrison@sjms.catholic.edu.au.
Parish Picnic
This weekend, there will be a Parish Picnic following the 10am Mass on Sunday 7 November. The picnic will be held on the St Ignatius Junior Campus oval between 11am and 2:30pm. All are welcome! The picnic will include a sausage sizzle, ice-cream van, coffee van and some simple games. You may like to bring along a chair or a picnic blanket to sit on.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Matthew Harrison
Acting APRIM