Welcome to the end of Week 5 - and strange as it may be, we are “halfway” through the term! My newsletter this week comes from my desk at home - as I too have been quarantining at home due to Covid.  I look forward to being back on deck, all things going to plan, on Wednesday next week! 

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday this year is on Wednesday 2 March.  This year, due to restrictions, our liturgies will be taking place in our Pastoral Care Buddy groups (between 2 classes) at around 2:00pm.  Members of the leadership team and Fr Clement will be visiting some of these liturgies.    This important celebration marks the beginning of the Catholic season of Lent.  During this celebration, students will have ashes sprinkled over their heads (different from the traditional cross due to Covid restrictions).  Students will be learning more about Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent in Religious Education classes throughout the week.

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday 1 March is Shrove Tuesday (often referred to as Pancake Tuesday), which marks the day BEFORE the season of Lent begins.  This celebration came about with the custom of using up all of the fattening ingredients people had in the house before lent, so they can fast during the season of lent -  Our St Benedict’s P&F have organised the delivery of pancakes to classrooms on the morning of Shrove Tuesday - a big thank you to the P&F and Mrs Baumann for ensuring this tradition continues, despite the restrictions currently placed around schools.  

Pax,

Nick