Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Yesterday we celebrated Ash Wednesday with a special Liturgy in the hall. During the Liturgy, students and teachers had ashes sprinkled over their heads as a reminder for us all to turn our hearts toward God. Ash Wednesday is memorable for children because ashes are such a tangible symbol. People of all ages love when the spiritual is made physical and we can touch and feel something real. Prior to Ash Wednesday, our younger students were shown a bowl of ashes by Mrs Hedger and were allowed to touch them and feel their grittiness to allay any fears. It was explained that the ashes came from the burnt palms from last year’s Palm Sunday Mass with our Parish. 

Ash Wednesday is the first day in the season of Lent. Lent is a beautiful way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and prepare us for the Easter season. The 40 days of Lent replicate the time that Jesus spent in the desert and wilderness in solitude, prayer, and fasting. During Lent, we are invited to live simple acts of giving, fasting and prayer, to deepen our faith, and be ‘other-centered’. The Church gives us Lent as a time to change, to become a better version of ourselves, and to become more like Jesus. Instead of the idea to ‘give up’ something for Lent, we are encouraged to think outwardly and ‘give to’. During Lent as a family you might consider: 

• Do something for your community, such as participating in volunteer work.

• Cook a meal for your neighbours, the elderly, or families in need.

• Keep a box in your home and put one grocery item per day into it (like canned goods), then donate it all to an outreach program such as St Vincent DePaul. 

• Sort through your belongings and fill a box with items you no longer need, and take it to a charity shop or donation centre.

• Make time to be with your loved ones by putting away devices and switching off the television and be truly present.

May this Lent be a time of reflection, growth, and new beginnings as we walk with Jesus to the cross. 

It was lovely to see so many faces around the school last week at our ‘Meet and Greet’ afternoons. The Three Stars and Wish activity allows teachers to get to know your child better, and tailor their teaching and learning experiences toward your child’s goals. We know that school-home collaboration can lead to improved student achievement and more positive attitudes toward school and learning… and the children simply love seeing their parents at school and receiving affirmation for their efforts!   

Next Friday 3rd March, St Mary’s has been invited to take part in the Grand Parade at Milton Show. Parents are asked to collect their children from school and take them to the showground where we will meet at the eastern side of the main arena at 12.30. A Compass event has been created and we ask parents to use this portal to indicate if their child/ren will be attending the parade. Although some of our teachers will be present at the Show, we do ask that parents supervise their children before and after the Grand Parade. We look forward to proudly representing our school at such a wonderful community event. 

As you know, Mrs Nelson and Mrs Peters are currently attending a Religious Education Conference in Los Angeles for the next couple of weeks. We wish them a wonderful trip and look forward to hearing all about their learning, and adventures. In their absence, I will be the Acting Principal, Mrs Ann-Marie Wilson will be Acting Assistant Principal and Mrs Ashleigh Hedger will continue supporting us in her role as Religious Education Coordinator. Daniella Cooper will be teaching the wonderful Year One’s and Mrs Gayle McMahon, an esteemed leader in Catholic Education, will also be supporting the school on occasion in my absence. Please know that our doors are always open should you need us, or if you just want to pop in and Hi!

Blessings to you and your family in this Lenten season.

Kind regards,

Julie Valentini