A warm welcome back to all parents, carers and students working from school and home with online learning. In this unchartered time it is even more important that we remain connected to our school community. Holy Name is committed to providing opportunities for children, parents and carers to be connected through prayer and service to our community.

This week we have been preparing for Mother’s Day. Each grade held a Mother’s Day Liturgy in their classrooms and zoomed in our mums so they were included in our prayer celebration and remain connected to our school community. Children shared thoughts about their mums, thanked and blessed them for all they do each day and every day. During the blessing each child held up a flower which they made and would later gave to their mum. A big thank you to Kristie Banham and the Mini Vinnies team for preparing the flowers and then supporting the children to make these in the classrooms this week.

Our Year 6 SRC are preparing to distribute plants to all grades this week as we commence our Autumn/Winter planting. This is very exciting because Holy Name wish to support Catholic Care by donating produce from our garden. This goes toward them preparing meals for those in need. Last week a crop of tomatoes were harvested along with egg plant. Mrs Loring cooked them up to create a tasty ratatouille sauce. This was delivered to the Taree office this week. Holy Name’ Motto is “Concern for Others” we are striving to grow and harvest produce this term and our service will be to offer this to people in need. As we walk in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop….“Never see a need without doing something about it”.

Speaking of service, we farewelled Miss Teasey on Thursday. Miss Teasey has given 40 years of teaching service to Catholic Education in the Maitland/Newcastle Diocese. We have been most fortunate to have Miss Teasey on the teaching staff at Holy Name. Miss Teasey has been a classroom teacher of all grades and was the Religious Education Coordinator for many years. Miss Teasey’s current role as EALD Teacher has been one she has truly enjoyed. Thank you, Miss Teasey for the commitment and passion you have given to teaching at Holy Name, for the being a role model and inspiration to us all. We will miss you but wish you happiness and good luck in your retirement years.

Each Friday I will email all families with the Parish Bridgeside Bulletin and Family Prayer Week by Week. This will keep you informed on what is happening in our local parish and the Weekly prayer guides your family to hear the gospel of the week and gives opportunities to reflect on the word of God and support you to see what that looks like in your relationships with others- living your faith.