Kia ora koutou
This is just a quick check in, with a final update before Easter.
We have been thinking of you all during the past two weeks. We have managed to make contact with many of you, and acknowledge the difficulties this time of challenge presents; remember we are here to support. We have heard heartwarming stories of kindness and resilience- know that you are not alone and there are incredible resources to support - we are happy to help you access these if they are needed.
On Tuesday next week we will send a brief message with an update on home learning. Our teachers have worked hard to ensure that they are very well prepared for the rollout of learning on the first day of Term 2, Wednesday 15 April.
As you know we have endeavoured to provide a balance of activities: some you can enjoy together, some that will engage children in independent learning and some that will bring them into the google classroom. Be assured teachers will continue to support and link in with your children in various ways. Some of you will have heard yesterday that Ministry of Education resources for distance learning are being prepared - this includes two television channels - one in Te Reo and one in English. The resources they provide will add to what we already have in place.
In short, we have an amazing team, ready to launch the new term next week, they are totally dedicated to our children.
We understand that you are balancing home life and, for many, that includes working from home or in essential work away from home. We care about your wellbeing also and understand this challenge. Our main focus will be on providing support - not pressure.
We know your families have already been engaging children in many of the ‘everyday’ home activities: cooking, exercising, reading, watching animal world programmes, working on lego creations, making huts etc. Remember, all of these are great learning experiences.
- We want you to make the most of this time together as a family.
- We want our children to be happy and calm.
- We don’t want you or them to be under additional pressure.
This message will be reinforced in ongoing communication from Holy Cross staff.
Remember, whatever your child manages to do, it is enough.
Meantime, we all wish you every blessing for Easter. This is a time to help our children to understand that they are Easter people. Jesus showed us that new life can come through life’s challenges. Our Christian hope is based on the belief that at times in life we suffer, we change, we grow and we rise up to new ways of living, as God intends.
Find ways to celebrate being Easter people. Have a look at the Easter liturgy shared on our website, maybe have a special family candle that you light at each meal over the Easter weekend. When you celebrate your special meal, remind children that Easter is a time to celebrate new life.
Easter Triduum Liturgies; During this time of National Lockdown and with people not being able to come out of their homes to attend the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies, liturgies will be celebrated by Cardinal John from the Chapel in Viard House and will be online for anyone to follow and participate in.
Holy Thursday 7:30pm Good Friday 3:00pm Easter Vigil 7:30pm
These liturgies can be accessed via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/MCSHWellington
We are all called to “Let Our Light Shine”; I believe we are already ‘Achieving More than We Ever Dreamed Possible’, let’s continue and strengthen this journey.
With love and Easter blessings from all of our Holy Cross community-
Staff, Board, Parent Support Group and Parish
