P & F and Community News
Baby News
Congratulations to Caterina, Angelo, Christopher & Lucy on the birth of their son and brother Rafaele!
Inspiring Act of Kindness: Amelia Cuts Her Hair for Cancer and Alopecia Patients
We are incredibly proud of Amelia B from 1C for her selfless and compassionate act of cutting her hair to support cancer and alopecia patients. By donating her beautiful locks, Amelia is making a real difference in the lives of those experiencing hair loss due to illness. Her kindness and generosity are an inspiration to us all, showing the power of small acts to create a big impact.
Well done, Amelia – your thoughtful gesture is truly admirable! 💇♀️🎗️
Persian New Year
Thank you to the Shirt family for sharing this cultural celebration
Norouz, or Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a 3,000-year-old celebration and marks the arrival of spring. It’s celebrated on the vernal equinox, symbolising renewal and rebirth. People across many countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, parts of Central Asia, and Parsi communities worldwide, come together to enjoy festivities that include cleaning homes, sharing meals, visiting loved ones, and setting up a “Haft-Seen” table with symbolic items.
The “Haft-Seen” table is a traditional spread arranged with seven items, each beginning with the Persian letter "س" (pronounced "seen"), equivalent to the English letter “S”. These items represent different aspects of life, nature, and renewal. Here's a quick look at the elements usually included:
Sabzeh (سبزه): Sprouted greens like wheat or lentils, symbolising rebirth and growth.
Samanu (سمنو): Sweet pudding made from wheat germ, representing power and strength.
Seeb (سیب): Apples, symbolising health and beauty.
Seer (سیر): Garlic, for medicine and protection.
Senjed (سنجد): Dried oleaster fruit, representing love and wisdom.
Serkeh (سرکه): Vinegar, symbolising patience and aging.
Somāq (سماق): Sumac berries, representing the sunrise and the triumph of good over evil.
Often, additional items are also placed for blessings, such as coins (representing wealth), a mirror (for self-reflection), painted eggs (symbolising fertility), and goldfish (representing life, rebirth, and renewal). The table is a vibrant and meaningful reflection of the hopes and aspirations for the new year.