This term has been busy so far with our Religious Education learning, and it will continue to be an exciting and dynamic time as we lead up to Easter.

Next week sees Shrove Tuesday, which is the day dedicated to using up pantry supplies in preparation for Jesus’ fasting in the desert.  Traditionally, pancakes are made to symbolise this, which we celebrate at school.  The students are challenged to an inter-house pancake race, organised and run by the school’s house leaders. They also receive a yummy pancake to enjoy with their morning tea.  

The following day is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  This is a day when the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday are burned to ashes, then used to draw a cross on the forehead as a symbol of remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.  

Ash Wednesday mass will be held in St Joseph’s Church, Temuka, at 9.30am.  All whānau are welcome to attend.  

Each term, we learn about a different theme within our faith:

• Term 1:  Ā Tātou Whakapapa - Our Story

• Term 2:  Te Rongopai - Good News

• Term 3:  Kia Noho Hāhi - Being Church

• Term 4:  Te Atua - God

Alongside that, we will be learning about the Liturgical seasons of the year, such as Lent, and Advent, along with some important feast days - i.e. St Joseph’s Day, Mary MacKillop Day, The Feast of the Assumption of Mary and All Saints Day.  We also participate in Social Justice Week in September.