RE News

FAMILY 2 FAMILY

    Christmas Appeal

Dear Parents, 

You only have to walk through the shopping centres in our area to be reminded that Christmas is approaching fast. 

This year, as part of our school outreach, we are asking you to contribute to our FAMILY 2 FAMILY Christmas appeal to support the good works of the St Vincent de Paul Society. This is a joint initiative with St Patrick’s College. All of our K-6 classes and the school staff will receive the details of a family living in the Sutherland community whose circumstances have resulted in them needing assistance this Christmas.  

We would be very grateful if you could donate a gift card that is appropriate for the ‘Vinnies family’ that your child's class is supporting this year. By giving gift cards rather than presents we give the recipients the dignity of being able to choose how they would like to spend them and make personal choices, which is a gift in itself.  We respectfully ask that these vouchers are not specifically for the  purchase of alcohol, eg Liquorland/BWS/Dan Murphy.

We envisage that you will take the time to sit down with your family and give thanks for the many blessings in your own life, before discussing which member of your class's Vinnies family you would like to buy a gift card for. This is a great opportunity to involve your children in the joy of giving to others. 

Details of each class's Vinnies family and a list of suggested gift vouchers has been attached to this letter. In the past groups of parents have joined together to buy gift cards or vouchers in order to share the cost.  Please note these are all suggestions and any gift voucher you give will be very much appreciated. 

Please place your gift cards in a sealed envelope clearly marked with your child's name and class. FAMILY 2 FAMILY  donations can then be placed in the classroom office boxes from Monday, 25 November to Monday, 02 December, 2024.

This initiative is about your family giving to another - living out the teachings of Christ.  We thank you in anticipation for supporting the FAMILY 2 FAMILY  Christmas Appeal.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, ann.woodhouse01@syd.catholic.edu.au

Thank you and God Bless,

Mrs Ann Woodhouse

Family Educator

Gift Voucher Suggestions:

Coles, Coles/Myer, Woolworths, Big W, Kmart, iTunes, Event/Hoyts Cinemas, The Iconic, Asos, Cotton On, Bonds, City Beach, Uber Eats, JB Hi-Fi, EB Games, Nails bars, Endota Spa, Hairdressers, Officeworks, Smiggle, Amazon, Ebay, Rebel, Anaconda, Symbio Wildlife Park, HER/HIM/KIDS/BABY/HOME or prepaid Visa/MasterCards

Advent Craft Night- Friday, 22 November

Family Mass - Saturday, 30 November

Footy * Faith *Friends is Back!- Monday, 25 November

After the awesome turnout last year, we’re back at the Gymea Hotel for another Men’s Mental Health Night! The Family Educators from the Sutherland Shire have lined up some fantastic speakers who are passionate about mental health and well-being. Join us for talks, laughs, and insights on staying strong and connected. Grab a mate (or two!) and join us for a relaxed evening dedicated to mental well-being and good company. Let’s keep the conversation going—see you there! 

Advent Christmas Concert Sunday, 1 December 2pm St Patrick's Catholic Church.

Christmas at the Cathedral Opening Night 12th to 25th December

Nano's Lanterns

God Bless,

Mrs Ann Woodhouse

Family Educator