After waking up to new COVID-19 restrictions, we were reminded that we are still so vulnerable in the face of this pandemic. The next round of restrictions impact all of us, and here at school, we are doing our best to keep our community safe.

The next fortnight will be crucial in determining a pathway forward for South Australia given that Christmas is not too far away. If your child displays any symptoms of illness, please do not send him/her to school. We will continue to follow all advice from SA Health and Catholic Education South Australia.

Last week, we commemorated Remembrance Day with a whole school prayer service. Unlike other years, we were not able to invite families to join with us. I trust that you found a moment to reflect on the sacrifice that so many made for our country, and prayed for peace in our world.

This coming weekend, we conclude the liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King.

Next week, we begin to prepare for Christmas as we journey through Advent. We move into a time of ‘preparation’ and ‘waiting’ for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus at Christmas. There  will be a whole school Advent prayer service where we will bless classroom Advent Wreaths later next week.

Thank you for so generously donating gifts and food for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Members of our local Vinnies Conference at Dernancourt will collect these donations in the last week of school. There’s still plenty of time to bring in donations if you are in a position to do so.

I pray that coming days are peaceful for you and your families.

Prayer for protection during COVID-19

Dear Lord, we lift to You our concern for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty and, for many, preventive isolation from loved ones. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayer for those seeking a cure for COVID-19

Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten the minds of women and men of medical science who are working to find a solution to this viral infection. Guide their research and help them discover what you provide in creation, sure ways of control, protection, inoculation
and healing. Strengthen them in their tiring work and enrich in them the virtue of hope. Amen.

Traffic around the School

Cars are continuing to stop on the corner of Hillburn and Windsor Grove and using this as a drop off point (see picture below). Please do not stop on the yellow lines marked around the school, even if only for a few seconds. It is illegal to stop in these spaces and the Council regularly patrol and issue fines, even if you are stopping briefly. Due to drivers not complying with these safety protocols and indeed, the law, traffic monitors and staff on duty will begin recording number plates of vehicles which stop on these lines – before and after school, and these will be reported to SAPOL. We know that you would agree that we do not want a child injured or worse, before drivers recognise the dangers that they are creating.  Please observe the signage and help to keep our children and community safe.