Last Monday, Remembrance Day, we took a moment to think about the sacrifices made by many individuals who served our country. Our senior students from OLOR represented our school at the Wade Street Memorial, honouring those who have fought for our freedom. Meanwhile, the rest of the school gathered in the hall, creating a respectful atmosphere as we paused to remember those who worked for peace and justice.

I was genuinely touched by how reverent and considerate our students were, not only for the one minute of silence but throughout the entire prayer service. It served as a powerful reminder of why it’s important to remember and be grateful. Their respectful behaviour and commitment to honouring our heroes made me incredibly proud and highlighted the values we cherish at OLOR. 

SOUTHERN CROSS   

The current edition of the Catholic newspaper put out by the Archdiocese called,' The Southern Cross,' is available at The Southern Cross November 2023.  

Advent

This Sunday marks the start of Advent, which also kicks off a new liturgical year. During Mass, we will begin reading from the Gospel of Luke. This time of year encourages us to renew our commitment to open our hearts to God and embrace the goodness we are called to share with everyone and with the earth, especially as we prepare for Christmas, where we celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

Each week, we light a coloured candle representing the four weeks of Advent, and each candle has its own special meaning. On Christmas Eve, we light a fifth candle, which is pure white, to symbolise Jesus coming into the world as the light of God, guiding us on our way.

As we journey through Advent, I encourage you to reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, love, and the light of Christ. Each week, take the time to contemplate these reflections and consider how you can let your own light shine in the world around you. 

A wonderful way to embrace the spirit of Advent is to use an Advent calendar that focuses on helping those in need and encourages good deeds and acts of kindness. Kindness and generosity are powerful because they create positive experiences that everyone needs to feel fulfilled. A kind word or action can bring hope, peace, joy, and love, uplifting not just the person receiving it but also the one giving it and everyone who sees it happen.

Each of our classes encourages students to spread kindness and warmth to others with the help of kindness advent calendars. Every day, students will reveal an affirmation that reminds them that in order to be kind to others, they must first be kind to themselves. These small affirmations empower students and build their confidence. Additionally, each window on the advent calendar opens to reveal a small act of kindness they can share with others. Since we will not be here for the entire month of December, we have started our calendars early. The advent calendars have had a positive impact on promoting happiness and kindness throughout our school.

Gracious God,

We humbly seek Your guidance throughout Advent. Help us embody the spirit of hope, love, joy, and peace during this sacred season. Inspire us to share our light through acts of kindness and compassion. May we become beacons of hope for those around us, reminding them of Your unwavering presence and love. Grant us the strength to live out these virtues so that our lives may truly reflect the profound meaning of Advent.

Amen