Welcome to the new school year. 

This year our school focus will be on the Year of Jubilee as appointed by the Pope every 25 years.  This year the theme is Pilgrims of Hope.

The word “jubilee” is derived from the Hebrew word yobel, which means “ram’s horn”; since it was precisely that horn which was used as a trumpet, whose sound indicated to everybody the beginning of the jubilee year. A "pilgrim" is a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons. "Hope" is a feeling of trust or of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. So be prepared for new experience and learning under this theme and let's hope that our year is safe, healthy, successful and faith-filled.

Beginning of Year Mass

On Fri 7th Feb our community came together to celebrate the beginning of Year Mass focussing on our school patrons and the values of Strength and Kindness.   What were traditionally known as school sports teams have now been rebranded as Houses.  The children will become more aware of St Joseph, St Mary, St Pius  X and St Brigid as significant  role models of our school along with St Eugene De Mazenod.  Year 6 House Captains will have opportunities to lead their houses in prayer, activities, fundraising and to gather them for special occasions.  We look forward to supporting the leaders and the children in this new way.

Lent

This year Shrove Tuesday is acknowledged on March 4th with Ash Wednesday on March 5th.  Our school will provide pancake recess for the community on Tuesday with two school liturgies on Wednesday to distribute ashes to all. The Project Compasssion campaign also starts during Lent with boxes being distributed to families acknowledging this annual fundraising event under the theme of "Unite against Poverty"

Sacramental Program

This year the program will take on a new format as directed by our parish.  The Year 3 children will celebrate their Reconciliation in Term 2 and their Confirmation and First Holy Communion in  Term 3 with the Year 4 children.  The Information Night will be held on Wed 26th March at 6:30pm.  Another addition is that all three parish schools (including Kildare and St Paul's Colleges) will now prepare the liturgies and celebrate along with the parish children for a more community celebration.

Kind Regards

Rita Campbell