Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the season of Advent, we invite you to join our school community in preparing our hearts and homes for the joyful celebration of Christmas. Advent is a time of waiting, hope, and reflection, reminding us of the anticipation of Christ’s birth and His presence in our lives today.

Here are some ways you can journey through Advent with your family:

1. Create a Sacred Space at Home: Consider setting up an Advent wreath or calendar. Light a candle each week as a family and share a prayer or reflection.
2. Daily Acts of Kindness: Encourage children to show kindness and generosity, reflecting the love and hope of the season.
3. Attend School and Parish Events: Participate in our school Advent activities, liturgies, and any special Masses or celebrations in your parish.
4. Focus on Prayer: Spend a few moments each day praying together, perhaps reflecting on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, which guide us through Advent.

This season, let us come together as a community to prepare spiritually for Christmas. By fostering reflection, gratitude, and love, we can help our children embrace the true meaning of Advent.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT GSFM

As we prepare our hearts and minds for the joy of Christmas, we warmly invite you to our Christmas School Concert. This special event celebrates the birth of Christ through song and prayerful reflection, bringing the true meaning of Christmas to life.

Date: Wednesday 11 December

Time: 6.30pm- 7.30pm

Location: St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow

Dress: White Clothing with Gold or Silver tinsel to accessorise

( Shorts, tshirts, jeans, dress, skirt. No large logos or No midriffs please)

Note: Seating for extended family will be limited and no food will be available on site

The concert will feature performances by our students, highlighting the nativity story and the hope and love that this sacred season brings. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in faith and fellowship to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

We look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with you and your family. May the peace and love of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season.

 MINI VINNIES 

This year, the focus of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal is on the devastating and unrelenting impacts of cost of living and the immediate, practical and emotional support that the St Vincent de Paul Society can offer the community. 

We can only imagine the stress that some families may be feeling as Christmas draws nearer. This is where, as a Catholic school community, we are called to embrace our core values of Love of Christ and Neighbour, Hospitality, and Community. By coming together, we can extend kindness and support to those who may be struggling during this time. Whether through acts of charity, offering a listening ear, or creating a welcoming environment, let us live out these values in a tangible way, ensuring that no family feels alone or overlooked during the holiday season. Together, we can make Christmas a time of hope, joy, and shared love for all.

This year, the Mini Vinnies team will be hosting a number of events to raise money and bring hope to those families who are impacted by the cost-of-living-crisis.

• Christmas Mufti- Wednesday 11th December

• On Wednesday 11th Dec we will be holding a Christmas Theme Mufti Day. Come dressed in your green, white and red Christmas clothes. You will be asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This money will be used to add to hampers or buy small gifts such as soft toys, books, or beach towels.

• GSFM Christmas Card Competition

All students are encouraged to join the 2024 GSFM Christmas Card Competition! The Mini Vinnies team will select one winning design from each stage. The chosen submissions will be transformed into a Digital Christmas card to be shared with students in their stage at the end of the year. Entries due Friday Week 8 (6th December). 

1. Christmas Hamper Donations 

As a school community, we will be collecting non-perishable food items from the list below. Donations are due by Friday Week 7 (29th November) Bill to collect 6th Dec.

There is lots to look forward to at this time of year so, let’s help those in our community who may be struggling to have a Merry Christmas this year.