Religious Education Update

Dear Parents,

A warm welcome back to the new school year at St Aidan’s. I hope everyone had a restful break with family and friends. I look forward to continuing in the role of Religious Education Coordinator in 2026 and I warmly welcome all new families to our special community. 

A few important people to note:

Parish Priest - Father Allan Casquejo

Family Educator - Ma Bacina

We’re delighted to welcome Ma Bacina as our new Family Educator. We’re excited for you to meet her and experience the care and expertise she brings to every interaction. Please join us in giving Ma a joyful and heartfelt welcome as she begins this new chapter with us. We’re so glad she’s here! Please see the below message from Ms Ma.

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm greeting to the St. Aidan’s community. My name is Ms. Ma and I am delighted to join the school as your new Family Educator. I look forward to building meaningful connections with students, staff, and families and I encourage you to introduce yourself when we meet.

I will be working every other Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. While it may take me some time to learn everyone’s names, I am eager to get to know each member of our community.

In 2016 my family and I migrated to Australia from the Philippines. I am a proud mother of two boys aged 15 and 7, and I am deeply passionate about promoting the faith. I feel truly blessed to be welcomed into St. Aidan’s and to serve in this important role.

I look forward to a rewarding and faith filled 2026 school year together.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2026

St Aidan’s works closely with the Holy Family Parish to offer programs for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Students in Year 3 make their First Reconciliation and their First Holy Communion, and students in Year 6 make their Confirmation this year. All students will be prepared for the sacraments by their classroom teacher, however, they need to register with the parish by completing the google form found on the parish website linked here. Thank you to those families that have already completed their registration. 

If you are unsure whether or not your child will be making any of these sacraments, please do not hesitate to email myself via info@stamaroubra.catholic.edu.au or contact the parish via holyfamilymaroubra@outlook.com or 9349 1198.

This year Confirmation will be held on Thursday June 18th. More details will follow later in the year as we draw closer to this event.

Please find the following details for First Reconciliation this term:

• Parent Reconciliation Information Night - 10th of Feburary @ 6pm in the Church Hall.

• Commitment Mass - Saturday, 14th February at 5.00pm (Vigil Mass) and Sunday, 15th February at 9.30am Mass

• First Reoncilation Retreat Day - 19th of March (details to follow)

• First Reconciliation - Wednesday, 25th March at 5pm @ Holy Family Parish

CLASS MASS

Below is the timetable for Term 1 class masses. We would love parents and carers to join us for Friday morning Mass.

SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday will take place on Tuesday 17th Feburary. This is a traditional feast day that is celebrated before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Pancakes are eaten on this day as they were seen as a special indulgence before the 40 days of fasting during Lent. 

All students at St Aidan’s will be given a pikelets for morning tea to celebrate this special day. If you do not wish for your child to have a pikelet, please email the school office. 

ASH WEDNESDAY

This year Ash Wednesday is on the 29th of Feburary. It is the first day of Lent and is the season leading to Easter. Students from Kinder to Year 6 will attend Mass at Holy Family Church at 9:10 am. We warmly invite you to join us for Ash Wednesday Mass.

FAMILY PARISH CONTACT DETAILS 

Please find below the contact details for Family Parish 

The parish contact details are: holyfamilymaroubra@outlook.com and 9349 1198

Warm regards,

Jenna Smithson

Religious Education Coordinator and Year Five Teacher