Dear Parents and Carers,

In this unusual year, 2020, where we continue to face the changed world with the reality of the pandemic, we have the opportunity to look toward the blessings in our lives and celebrate these even moreso. Have you considered what it means to ‘live life to the full’ in our current world? These two little reflections might help us to stop and take stock, and to ask God’s blessing on our life, our days, our family …

 “There was a man who died and went to heaven. He was up there being shown around when he came across a huge dirty-looking warehouse. Well, his curiosity got the better of him so he went inside to have a look. There, he came upon box after box with people’s names upon them. Was there one for him? He hurried along the many rows searching for his name. Finally, tucked away on one shelf was his box. He opened it eagerly and discovered hundreds of blessings from God. He turned to his guide and asked, “How come I didn’t receive all of these?” The guide’s reply: “You didn’t ask!”

 “If I had my life over:

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten popcorn in the ‘good’ living room.

I would have taken time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about the grass stains.

Instead of wishing away months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realised that the wonderment growing inside me, was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I never would have said, ‘Later; now go and wash up for dinner’.

There would have been more ‘I love yous’, more ‘I’m sorry’.

But mostly, given another shot at life I would seize every minute – live it – and never give it back.”                     American writer and journalist, Emma Bombeck;

The joy on the faces of our fun and diverse book week characters yesterday brought joy to all across the school. We hope you have opened SeeSaw to look at the video and photo of your child’s class. Thank you for helping your child participate in the day! Thank you to Ms Grainger for her organisation. Thank you to the fabulous St Pat’s staff for channelling their inner ‘wild’ and dressing as characters from Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’

Today is the day that we historically celebrate Grandparents Day in St Pat’s style. We are lamenting that we are not able to celebrate the senior members of our families and our school and parish community with our usual Mass, morning tea and entertainment. Despite no on-site celebration, we are trying a ‘remote’ celebration with the children all creating a note or card for their grandparents and Mrs Grant creating a special liturgy to view online.

Blessings

Jo