Vinnies Winter Sleepout

On Friday 19 August 30 Mini Vinnies students braved the cold to attend the Winter Sleepout in the school hall to raise money for the homeless of the Shoalhaven. Mrs Sylvia Palmer from St Vincent de Paul Nowra was a guest speaker and praised the students for taking part in this wonderful experience to - gain a perspective on poverty and homelessness - hear about the work of St Vincent De Paul Society and how they help provide for needs within our local community - reflect on how they can be beacons of hope for others. All students participated well in the activities and showed exceptional behaviour. They collected sponsor money from family, friends, teachers and businesses. They did an absolutely AMAZING job in raising $2500 for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Add this to the $850 we raised last term for our mufti day- making a grand total of $3350. What a great achievement during difficult times.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Mini Vinnies for an outstanding effort!

The sleepout could not take place without the support of staff. Thank you to Mrs Royston who assisted with the organisation and Ms Millsom and Mr Anderson for giving up their Friday night.

My hope is that these students will remember this experience of sleeping out. May it guide their thoughts, reflection, and prayers for all people in difficult times each day and each night, and remember they ARE beacons of hope for others.

Reflections

Bridget: It was a great experience, and I was happy that we could raise so much money for people who need it more than us.	Conrad: I learnt a lot about how it feels to be homeless and I pray and hope that the homeless people can have a better life.
Dillyn: On Friday night I slept out in the hall with the Mini Vinnies team. It was really cold. Our meals were light and didn’t fill me up. When we went to bed it was uncomfortable. In the morning there was no showers. Imagine having to deal with this every day and night.	Abi, Eliza and Lucy: While sleeping out, we discovered that the life of a homeless person was difficult and uncomfortable compared to the lifestyle we are used to. We realised that it is much colder and harder to sleep. We wish the best for the homeless and needy people of Australia.
Georgia: It was a great experience. I was pleased that we could donate so much money for those in need.

Confirmation

St Michael’s Parish Nowra, will welcome Bishop Brian on Saturday 10 September to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Many of our Year 6 students and a number of students from the Parish will receive the final Sacrament of Initiation. We pray for the candidates, their sponsors and their families as they prepare for this important step in their faith journey.

Class Masses

Thank you to the many parents, carers and grandparents who were able to join us for your child’s class mass this term. If you were unable to make mass this term, maybe you will be able to join us next term. Dates for next term will finalised soon.

First Holy Communion

The first Parent Meeting will be held on Wednesday 14 September at 6pm in the hall. This is a parents only session.

Mrs Martine Mathieson
Religious Education Coordinator