Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome to the 2023 School year. To our new students and their families, a special welcome as you join our community.
Next Tuesday 14 February I am looking forward to meeting you at our Beginning of Year Mass at 9:15am in St Ignatius Church. I also thank in advance the parents and caregivers who have volunteered to support our Bridge Street students to walk across to Mass and then back to school.
Ash Wednesday
This year Ash Wednesday occurs in Week 4. The students on the William Street campus will attend a Liturgy of the Word in our Performing Arts Studio at 9:15am. The Bridge Street students will celebrate with a Liturgy of the Word at 2:15pm in the Library.
Ash Wednesday signifies, for many Christians around the world, the beginning of the Season of Lent. A time when we prepare ourselves for Easter by reflecting on how we can be a better person by reflecting on life's choices and possible life directions.
On Ash Wednesday people who seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds us of: our sorrow for sins, as well as the will to change and the hope of forgiveness. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer.
Following the liturgy, students will receive a Project Compassion box from Caritas Australia. The money raised during Lent, will help Caritas to bring about hope and lasting change in the lives of those who most need it in Australia and countries around the world. Caritas work in partnership with local people, recognising that they are best place to identify their own needs and manage their development programs. Caritas support programs that increase the capacity of communities to help themselves out of poverty, hunger, disadvantage and injustice.
As we prepare ourselves for the year ahead, I look forward to working with staff, students, parents and the wider community as we work together as the Body of Christ.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission