Dear families,

Next Wednesday our school will be celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass, which all families are invited to attend. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a significant season in the Christian liturgical calendar. On Ash Wednesday, Catholics attend services where ashes, made from burned palm branches, are applied to their foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance. Lent lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays, and is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, encouraging his followers to engage in self-discipline and spiritual growth as they prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. Over the coming weeks I encourage you to talk to your children about what they have learnt about Lent at school.

Next Friday the 7th of March the school will be closed for a whole staff professional learning day. Students are not required to attend on this day. Professional development days are crucial for teachers as they provide dedicated time to enhance their skills, stay updated with current educational practices, and collaborate with colleagues to best understand the needs of the students in our school. Ultimately, investing in teachers' professional growth not only benefits the educators but also enriches the learning experience for students, creating a more dynamic and effective educational environment. We appreciate families' understanding and flexibility on these days.

Please have a great weekend.

Kind regards,

Julian