Gemma's Message

Dear family and friends,

This week we have been exploring Lent, we have taken the time to reflect on our community. I have heard many conversations of how children feel they will contribute to/in their communities during the time of Lent. You might like to talk to your children about their Lenten promise or lenten choice. Many of our choices and promises include reaching out to others in times of need such as project compassion. Many include caring for our land and animals. Lent brings a time to reflect how we welcome and include others. This leads beautifully into our Family Event - Holi Fun Run.

Lent brings a time we focus on giving to others and welcoming others.  We look forward to welcoming you all to our FIRST COLOUR RUN - celebrating Holi, colour and joy. Holi is a Hindu festival that has been celebrated since ancient times. The Holi Festival is celebrated as a way to welcome in spring, and also is seen as a new beginning. Walk / run as a family - enjoy the colour and stay for a snack after. Bring a blanket to sit on. Let’s hope for warm weather. 

Our children have created many prayers for those in today, today I share Caritas prayer for love and compassion. 

God of Compassion, we call on your name in times of need.  Many people have been affected by the terrible earthquake in Syria and Türkiye. We see they have lost loved ones, their homes, their schools, their work.  It is very cold.  We see the helpers too, taking care of others, providing shelter and food, comforting people in their time of need. We give thanks for everyone helping and offer our prayers, knowing you love and care deeply.

Amen 

Welcome 

We have had a great number of new faces attend our school tours. Thank you to all who have spread the word - the feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive. 

New areas 

You might notice our Green chill out area near the office alongside Olive St. We are firstly launching this to the 5/6 hub - for a space to read, write, listen to music and spend time with friends. It will be a space of trust and independence. 

2023 School Advisory Council  

We met as a 2023 School advisory Council last week, we thank Beth for accepting the role of Chair for our S.A.C (School Advisory Council). We welcome Hannah Goodyear and Claude Bainy to our 2023 S.A.C. There are many ways to engage in our schools running alongside our S.A.C - F.E.G Family engagement group meets every three weeks and has a range of ways to engage.

Last day of TERM

On Thursday 6th April - We will all meet at St Stephen’s. We will have this day in house colours -Our day will involve

Celebration of Holy Week - Stations of the cross  

House Colour Groups - Art activity - (making Easter baskets)

Sports activities and our SNAIL TRAIL for Caritas (all children are encouraged to bring a gold coin for Caritas). Caritas leads Project Compassion, Project compassion raises funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world. 

We will end the day with a farewell to Angela Cramond and a special surprise for our students. 

Farwell Angela 

Angela has devoted more than 20 years to St Stephen’s. Angela, Ben and their children are going to embark on a year of change and embrace new adventures. Sadly as Angela’s family made this big decision, Angela’s Dad passed away suddenly on Monday.   We keep Ange and her family in our prayers. We send love and comfort.  

Have a lovely week,

Gemma