Christmas card giving

It is beautiful to witness students sending each other well wishes during this joyous time of year. We do request that parents keep an eye on their children's exchange of Christmas cards. Given the possibility of food allergies, kindly do not include any food items, lollipops, chocolates, or the like. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

FOOTSTEPS

Today Footsteps Dance Company led the second of three dance sessions for our students in Foundation to Year 6 levels. New dance routines to Christmas-themed music are being taught to the students. At our annual school concert on Thursday, December 14, starting at 1:00 pm, the students will showcase the dances they have learned. All parents, families, and friends are welcome to attend and watch the performances. The afternoon's presentations will begin with two songs performed by residents from the Bupa Aged Care Berwick Centre. Remember to wear something festive!

Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle B

Sunday, December 10, 2023

John the Baptist appears in Judea preaching repentance

In next Sunday’s Gospel it tells us how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. One of the things that the Church invites us to do during the season of Advent is to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During Advent, we seek forgiveness for our sins and look for ways in which we can be better followers of Jesus.

The Advent Wreath

The lighting of a different candle on each Sunday in Advent invites us to pause and reflect. Each candle has its own symbolism, while the intertwined evergreen leaves of the Advent wreath remind us of the promise of eternal life that Christ brings. In most Christian traditions the first candle, lit on Advent Sunday itself, represents hope – a sign of our hopeful expectation as we await the coming of the Messiah. The next three candles mark the themes of peace, joy and love. The large white candle is the ‘Christ candle’, lit as we mark the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.

Parish Schools Parent Prayer Group

Many thanks to everyone who attended the three Parish Schools Parent Prayer Groups. We are especially grateful to Fr. Brendan and Fr. Ajin for their availability, and to Trinity and Don Bosco for hosting during the weeks that sessions were not held at Mary MacKillop School.

All parents and friends are invited to attend our end of year thanksgiving Mass on Thursday 14th December at 9.00am in Allen Hall. After recess, our annual Christmas concert will commence. Please note altered times for recess and lunch in the Principal section of today's newsletter.

This year's Annual Christmas Gift Appeal in support of St. Vincent de Paul is organised by the Mary MacKillop Kids group. This is a wonderful chance for the school community to help those in our neighbourhood who need assistance over the Christmas season. The MacKillop Kids group gathers to uphold the values of Catholic Social Teaching and are committed to support this social justice initiative.  Your donations are greatly appreciated. Please place donations in the classroom collection boxes by TOMORROW Friday 8th December. The collection will be handed over to the St Vincent de Paul Society representatives during tomorrow’s Assembly! Thank you!