On the 13th February 2008, the Australian Federal Labor Government made an apology to the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It was a moment of solidarity and empathy that could be shared by everybody who heard it.

National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes. This apology was a step on the path to reconciliation. It is a commitment to right the wrongs of past injustices and is about building a bridge of respect between all people.

Creator God, Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming, empower us to

honour the history of this Great South Land.

Help us to remember the story of those who have gone before us and to

ensure the future is one of peace, reconciliation and harmony for all who

walk this land.

Healing God, reunite your people everywhere. Heal the deep

wounds of the past and move your people forward shaping a reconciled

future.

We ask this in the name of Jesus our light and our hope.

Amen.

SHIPS Sporting Events

The three Catholic primary schools in the Southern Highlands will no longer be participating in the annual SHIPS sporting events (swimming, cross country, athletics) effective from the beginning of this year.

This decision was reached after consultation with our Diocesan Catholic Education Office. Our Diocese provides many more sporting opportunities than they used to in previous years and we need to support them so that they continue. Therefore, our Diocesan sporting schedule and participation obligations require precedence. We appreciate the Independent schools in the area allowing us to be involved over the years.

Reminders

This week you all have or will receive a special invitation to join us for the beginning school Mass on Sunday night. It would be lovely if as many families as possible can attend so please give some thought to attending this school / Parish event.

Next week you have the opportunity to meet with your children’s teachers. This is a chance for you to inform the teacher of anything you think they should know about. If you haven’t already made an appointment could you please do so as soon as possible. If you are having issues with Compass bookings please call the office so that you can be assisted.

The first assembly for the year will be next Friday in the Father Glynn Centre @ 2.15 pm.

School Zone Safety

Below is a reminder about rules around school safety zones that has been issued by council. Please be aware that there are some new lines that have been painted on the road in the drop off zone to mark the driveway, please don’t park in front of the driveway. Please remember that children from Kindergarten to Year 2 are the only children to be collected from that area of an afternoon and that you must stay with your car. There is a growing number of parents who collect their children in the afternoon and are crossing the road in dangerous places. It is important that you are good role models for the children with regards to road safety so can you please use the pedestrian crossing.

A meeting of the fundraising committee will take place at 1:15 pm on Friday 6th March, just before the assembly for anyone who would like to attend. The purpose of this meeting is to brainstorm ideas for fundraising throughout the year, nominate a person for each grade that will coordinate one of the events with their grade helpers, and to ensure that we have a treasurer and someone for communications. If you are unable to make the meeting, but would like to be a grade representative or have ideas for fundraising please let us know.