Dear Parents and Caregivers
On Saturday we celebrated the arrival of Santa Claus to the Magic Cave. Although in the stores around town we have seen the commercial preparation for the Christmas Season well before this event, it is important to remember that Advent is a very important time for Catholics and Christians as we prepare for and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
We are still in ordinary time of the Church Year and the Season of Advent doesn’t officially begin until Sunday 27 November, which is also the beginning of the new liturgical year. So let us try to truly reflect upon the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. Advent is about expecting, waiting, hoping, and praying for the commemoration of the coming of Christ our Saviour at Christmas.
Norwood Christmas Pageant
In a few weeks’ time the Parade will also come alive with Christmas cheer and our families are invited to join in the fun. SJMS will be participating in the pageant on Saturday 26 November. Details are being finalised and are available on the Skoolbag app.
Remembrance Day
On Friday, the school community came together for a Remembrance Day service. The student led service commemorated and remembered all Australians who have died because of war. On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minutes’ silence was observed and dedicated to Australian soldiers who have died fighting to protect our nation.
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the selfless acts
they perform for us in our time of need.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
SJMS Christmas Carols Evening
Our students from Preschool to Year 6 are busy getting ready for our Carols evening on Friday 9 December. The Carols will take place in St Ignatius Church. Details about times etc. will be shared with families in the next few weeks. We are looking forward to this community event.
Parents and Friends
Parents and caregivers are invited to join our team. We meet once a term to discuss upcoming events and plan for activities that bring our community together. If you are interested and would like to come and join us for a coffee and chat on Monday 21 November at 2pm in the William Street Staff Room or Thursday 24 November at 2pm in the Bridge Street Staff Room, please email me: grace@sjms.catholic.edu.au.
Playground Update
We are hoping that the Nature playground will soon be open to the students. The inclement weather we have had this term has led to some delays, but I have been assured that the area will be open soon.
Once this is complete, the marking of the Basketball / Netball and Four-Square courts will open up the area to all of our students. We are all looking forward to the students being able to access the whole play space without any temporary fencing in place.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield