Mother's Day
As I sit to write this week’s Newsletter I am very conscious that next Sunday is Mother’s Day here in Australia. This year it happens to fall in the middle of the Coronavirus and so it will be a very different Mother's Day. Mother's Day also happens to fall in the month of May, a time when the Catholic Church focuses on Mary the Mother of God.
Mother’s Day dates back to the times of the ancient Greeks, when Rhea, the mother of the gods, was honoured with a special festival. In the seventeenth century England celebrated ‘Mothering Sunday’ on the fourth Sunday in Lent.
Over the centuries Mother’s Day has evolved with the purpose of honouring mums around the world. In May 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made the official proclamation that Mother’s Day would be a national holiday in the United States, to be celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May. Mother’s Day is still celebrated around the world although at various times during the year. In Australia we continue to recognise the second Sunday in May as a special day for our mums.
As Christians we have a devotion to Mary, as she is a model we can all understand, but more importantly she is a model for us in our everyday life. She was a woman of simplicity who accepted God’s will and was prepared to abandon her own selfishness and place herself at the disposal of God.
When I look back on my own childhood I remember the many sacrifices my mother made for me. She was always good at making sure we didn’t get carried away with ourselves and that we maintained a focus on family and friends. Sunday will certainly be very different this year in the De Tullio house as we won't be able to get together, but I am sure we will find a way to say thanks, and even if it might be through a glass door, mum will know she is loved.
To all of our mums and grandmothers at Star of the Sea I wish you all a very special day on Sunday. It is not difficult to look around our school and see the great work you do in so many areas. In classrooms, LAP, Parents and Friends, Canteen, Library, Uniform Shop and sports coaching; we are indeed fortunate to have your support and hard work! I hope you are all spoiled this weekend and that you have an opportunity to relax and enjoy your family at home.
Parent Teacher Interviews
A reminder that Parent/Teacher interviews will begin next week. Due to COVID-19 instead of face to face interviews, teachers will be contacting you by phone. Parent Teacher Interviews will be held over Weeks 2 and 3. All parents will have received a link to the website and booked a time. Interviews are always an important time to catch up on learning goals and to make plans and set targets for the rest of the year.
Please be ready and available on time for your interview.
Stella Maris Building
How wonderful was it to see the faces of the children as they entered the new Stella Maris Building and classrooms. The reactions were priceless and made the wait worthwhile. Thank you to the staff who worked incredibly hard on Monday to move eight classrooms and be set up ready for day one. A magnificent effort!
We can't wait to show you around when parents are allowed back in the school.
We hope to take possession of the ground floor Music Room, Multi-Purpose Room and courts in two weeks' time.
Enjoy the weekend ahead and stay safe.
Joe De Tullio