Welcome to Week 4...
We hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and well. Gosh, what a week it has been for so many of our families and friends. We think of all those affected by this latest weather event - it is just tragic to see this on the news. But let us try to be people of HOPE and be the hands and heart of Jesus to those in need.
Please see a message for our Diocese
We know from media reports and the stark images on TV, that Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage and suffering for many people, including our own people in Wairoa and Hawkes Bay. People are still missing, many people’s homes have been damaged or destroyed, livelihoods are at risk and sadly, others still have lost loved ones.
Their suffering is very real, they need our help, and we need to show them we care. The first thing we can do is pray for them and for all who are risking their own lives to help them. The government, local government, the military and good people on the ground are working hard, providing immediate relief to those most in need.
Disruption to ordinary communication has seriously impeded people’s efforts to contact loved ones in the affected areas and all those working hard to bring relief. This has brought a great deal of stress to an already very difficult situation. Across the diocese we are aware of isolated incidents including flooding and fallen trees which have caused property damage.
Earlier today, I heard from the Marist Fathers and the Mission sisters in Napier that they are safe and sound. We still have no contact with Fr Rob Devlin and the parish and school in Wairoa which, according to the media, seems hardest hit. Speaking to congregational leaders, Fr Tim Duckworth SM and Sr Margaret Monaghan RNDM two things are clear. Our sisters and priests in Hawkes Bay and Wairoa are resourceful and they’re part of communities. Both these things are in their favour.
As a diocese we have a responsibility to show we care and right now a small team are working on our practical response. Please find enclosed a prayer resource and a simple Liturgy for classroom prayer and families around the dinner table.
May our good God continue to bless you and keep all our loved ones safe.
Fr Craig
Local Administrator
Diocese of Palmerston North
WITH THANKS
- MAJOR FUNDRAISING EFFORT FOR TERM ONE - COOKIE TIME. Thank you for all your support in helping us raise money for our senior playground. Can we have all order forms and money (cash only please) back by this FRIDAY 24th February. Please make sure your child's name is on the order form.
PARKING/ROAD SAFETY
A reminder that the school carpark/courts are not to be used for before school drop off or after school pick up. Please park on the street and walk your child into school through the pedestrian gate. Thank you for helping to keep our children safe before and after school.
We also ask that you do not park on yellow lines outside the school area - we cannot see oncoming cars when helping children to cross the road. You will be asked to move your cars to keep our children safe at these busy times. We appreciate your support with this.
Abundant blessings to you all for the term ahead. It's going to be a fabulous one.
The OLOL Team
