Shrove Tuesday (16th February) is the day before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. Dating back to 1000 AD, over the years Shrove Tuesday not only became a day for Confession but a time for Catholics to feast on eggs, sugar and dairy which are traditionally restricted during the Lenten fast.

This year the students will be offered pre-prepared pikelets in their classrooms. Please remember to complete the permission letter sent via Operoo earlier in the week. We look forward to celebrating Shrove Tuesday together.

Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, is on February 17. As reported in Catholic News this week, priests across the world will take special COVID-19 precautions when distributing ashes on Ash Wednesday next week, including sprinkling ashes on top of people’s heads rather than using them to make a cross on their foreheads.  The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments issued a note on the “distribution of ashes in time of pandemic”, directing priests to say “the prayer for blessing the ashes” and then sprinkle “the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel’ or ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return’. The priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places,” it said. “The priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything.” 

Schools are required to follow public health directions and apply the health and safety advice to schools during liturgies, including physical distancing and practising hand hygiene. The overall attendee limit must be based on available floor space of the venue, therefore attendance at liturgical and Eucharistic celebrations is currently limited to students and staff.

Sacrament of Confirmation 2020 Candidates Congratulations to those students , especially Riley and Harry from the Senior Level and students from Year 6 in 2020 who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation over the next few days at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish. Due to the interruption of COVID, celebrations were suspended and now in a position for those Candidates to continue their preparations and receive the Sacrament.

Confirmation Ceremonies for 2020 candidates -

Thursday 11th February at 7pm, Friday 12th February at 7pm, Saturday 13th February at 3pm and Sunday 14th February at 2pm

Parenting Ideas - Helping your child become the best student they can be.

The new school year is full of excitement and possibilities for students and parents. Regardless of how a child or young person has previously performed, this year offers a chance to set a new course. Read the full article as attached.

KIDS ROAR Personal Safety Program concluded today. It was pleasing to see that the students responded well to the content presented and fully engaged in the activities. Many thanks to KIDS ROAR team – Annmarie, Chloe, Helen & Laurette. A three-way partnership between school, home and the community is the most effective way to deliver a consistent message about Personal Safety 4 Kids.