Catholic Identity

Welcome Mass

Next Friday, 13th February, we will be holding our Welcome to School Mass at 9:15am in the shed. This is a special annual event where our whole school community comes together to celebrate the beginning of the school year. During the Mass, we will commission our Year 6 students and warmly welcome our new Foundation students. We will also bless our class candles and classroom prayer cloths, which each class is currently personalising in their own unique way. 

All families are invited to join us. If this will be your first time attending a Mass, or if you’d like a quick reminder, parents are usually seated at the back of the shed so that all students can sit together at the front. We kindly ask that no coffee cups are brought in, that phones are switched to silent, and that any younger siblings stay with you throughout the celebration. 

The Mass will begin at 9:15am, and we thank Fr Jake for leading us once again. 

Rite of Christian Initiation

The St. Therese Parish Kennington are inviting children to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) program in Term 1 (approximately early March).  It is for children 6 years or older who would like to be baptised into the Catholic church, but who were not baptised as an infant. 

It will be 3 sessions, over 3 weeks.  Please contact Sally at Parish office number 5443 3337 or email kpsacraments@outlook.com for registration or questions. 

Shrove Tuesday 

On Tuesday, 17th February, we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday, a special day in the Catholic tradition that marks the beginning of Lent. Shrove Tuesday has been observed for centuries as a time to prepare our hearts for the season ahead. Traditionally, families would use up foods like eggs, milk and sugar before Lent began, which is why pancakes have become such a well‑loved part of the day. 

For Catholics, Shrove Tuesday is a reminder to pause, reflect, and make space for kindness as we enter Lent. It leads us into a meaningful season of prayer, giving, and doing good for others. 

Several parents will be coming in to cook pancakes for the school, and we would like to thank those who have generously volunteered their time. 

A quick reminder: if you haven’t updated your child’s dietary requirements, please do so on PAM or contact our school nurses. 

Ash Wednesday

Following Shrove Tuesday we begin our Lenten period with Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is an important day in the Catholic tradition, marking the start of Lent, a season of reflection, prayer and kindness as we prepare for Easter. As a school, we will come together to celebrate Ash Wednesday at 9:15am. During this liturgy, students will receive a small cross of ashes on their forehead. These ashes remind us to think about our choices, to say sorry when needed, and to look for ways to grow into more loving and thoughtful people. 

Ash Wednesday also marks the launch of Project Compassion, Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten appeal. Each year, our school joins thousands of others across the country to support communities in need through acts of generosity and compassion. Throughout Lent, students will learn about the stories behind Project Compassion and explore how small actions can make a big difference in the lives of others. 

As we begin this season together, we encourage our school community to focus on kindness, gratitude and doing good for others as we journey through Lent. 

Dave Waters

Catholic Identity Leader