Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and this marked the beginning of the season of Lent for all in the Christian community. The reading of the day, from the gospel of Matthew, reminded us of the need to give alms, to pray and to fast.

These three actions, however, were given a caveat – they are to be done in private so as to not “show off” one’s generosity, or prayer life or fasting or to make a big fuss.

In a social setting, the notion of fasting is more often associated with dieting to lose that extra kilo, or three. However, the idea and practice of fasting is an ancient one and can be found in every major religious tradition across the world, for example, our Muslim friends observe the month of Ramadan and our Jewish friends fast at various times throughout the year, most notably at Yom Kippur.

While it is easy to see fasting in a negative sense, in 2021, Pope Francis reframed the idea of fasting so that it could be seen not only as a giving up of some negative behaviour but, more importantly, taking up a more positive approach to the way we treat people.

Finally, I am reminded of the opening word of the Rule of St Benedict: “Listen”. During Lent, we are called to listen – with your ears, with our eyes and with our hearts so that we can respond in love to those whom we meet each day.

May the God who hears all of our prayers be with you and your loved ones in the week ahead.

Mr Gary Livingstone

We pray at this time particularly for the repose of the soul of Mr Gary Livingstone, one of our Maintenance Team who passed away last week and pray that his family will be supported by our community and consoled by a God who welcomes Gary into eternal rest and peace.

Open Day

Preparations are well underway for our annual Open Day on Saturday 24 February and I thank in advance the many students who have volunteered their time to act as tour guides and helpers on this day. My experience tells me that Open Days are a very relaxed way for prospective parents and their daughters to visit a school. I am very confident that those families who come on Saturday will find, as I have found, a warm welcome waiting for them.

God bless you and your families and friends in the coming weeks.
Take care,
Mary Leask
Principal