Dear Parents and Carers,

A very warm welcome to Week 8 as we near the end of term and the school year. Despite the ups and downs of the year, the children continue to care for each other and to engage in the wonderful learning that they are experiencing at St Mary’s.

Celebration of First Eucharist
The students who received the Eucharist for the very first time on Sunday 14 November made their parents and teachers proud. They were reverent, and participated in the Mass with the readings, prayers and singing. Father George spoke to the children in his Homily asking them to always keep Jesus close to their hearts and to try to receive Jesus in the Eucharist frequently. 

After Mass, families, friends and parishioners enjoyed a wonderful morning tea in the Church gardens. 

We again thank Father George, Mrs Hampson, Miss McCormick and Mrs Kenny for teaching the children about the great gift Jesus has given us in the form of the Eucharist.

Advent
We know that Christmas is near when we begin the season of Advent in the Church year. Sunday 28 November is the First Sunday of Advent, and it is a time when we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The Birth of Jesus at Christmas can come and go without us stopping to ponder and reflect on this wonderful feast. 

The Archdiocese is offering a very special Advent program which is designed by people in the office of the Archbishop. 

Walking Together is an online Advent resource from our local Archdiocese, designed to help parents, carers and grandparents prepare reflectively for Christmas. It will be available in four instalments – one each week - a 10 minute video including discussion questions.  Access it whenever suits you, to reflect alone or with your family, or join an in-person or online group to discuss the contents with others.
It’s a really rich, insightful and relatable resource from families, for families.
Click here to access this resource

Christmas Appeal
A big thank you to the families who have been able to donate items for the St Vinnies Christmas Appeal and also to those who donated Christmas Shoeboxes which will be sent to Third World countries for children who have never received a Christmas gift. It's not too late, if you are able to help with these appeals, your donations can be sent to your child’s teacher by Week 10. Thank you so much. 

Prayers
Please keep those in our school, parish and community who need our prayers. We send our sympathy and prayers to Janet Ryan whose Dad died recently and to Janet’s family (Willa, Year 2). 

Advent Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for giving us the next four weeks
to prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son.

We are so thankful for all the people that help us
along this path we’re travelling to welcome Jesus.

God bless our families and prepare our home and hearts
to welcome Your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.  Amen

Have a safe and happy weekend.