OUR CATHOLIC LIFE & IDENTITY:
Dear Parents and Carers,
ADVENT
Throughout this season, we encourage you to join us in helping the children understand the true meaning of Advent. Together, we can make this time special by:
- Lighting the Advent Candles at Home
Create a family tradition of lighting the Advent wreath each week. Each candle symbolizes hope, peace, joy, and love—beautiful themes to discuss as a family. - Acts of Kindness and Giving
Encourage your children to reflect on how they can share God’s love by helping others, whether through kind words, small acts of service, or donating to those in need. - Daily Prayer and Reflection
Take a moment each day to pray as a family, giving thanks for the blessings you’ve received and preparing your hearts for Christmas. - Participating in School Events
We warmly invite all families to join us for our Advent and Christmas celebrations, including the upcoming school Christmas concert and liturgies.
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
Students to arrive from 5:45pm-6:00pm.
Choir and Band will be playing from 6:05pm outside.
Doors open from 6:15pm.
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.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE SENT OUT IN A SEPARATE COMPASS NOTIFICATION.
GSFM ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED
Calling students from years 5 and 6- 2025
Children participating as altar servers at Mass is a meaningful way for them to engage in their faith, deepen their understanding of liturgy, and contribute to the Church community. Here are some reasons why altar serving is beneficial for children:
1. Active Participation in Liturgy
Altar serving allows children to play an active role in the Mass, moving from passive observers to active participants. This involvement helps them better understand the significance of the liturgical actions and the structure of the Mass.
2. Faith Formation
Serving at the altar helps deepen a child's connection to their faith. It offers them an opportunity to learn about the symbols, prayers, and rituals of the Catholic tradition, strengthening their relationship with God.
3. Sense of Responsibility and Service
By fulfilling their duties during Mass, children learn the importance of responsibility and service. They see firsthand how their contribution enhances the worship experience for the entire congregation.
4. Connection to Community
Altar servers often form a sense of camaraderie with other servers, priests, and members of the parish. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and helps children feel more integrated into their faith community.
5. Development of Life Skills
Altar serving teaches children important life skills, such as teamwork, attentiveness, and discipline. It also helps build confidence as they perform their roles in front of a congregation.
Please contact Natalie Shelley via the school email for further details.
- 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).
