The school dinner menu for next week has been updated and is now available to view on the Canteen page.

The school calendar has been updated with details of this years holidays and breaks. You can view the calendar and download the holiday list on the Calendar Page on the school website.

Bishop McKeown is saying Mass at 10am on the 4th June through the webcam at Saint Eugene’s Cathedral for the Primary 7 pupils who would normally have been at the Fan the Flame Mass in Celtic Park. Resources to prepare for the mass can be found on the Primary 7 page.
Reflection Journal/Memory Bottles
There are reflection journals in both pdf and word-children may prefer to fill it in on the computer. Bishop McKeown will refer to the journal at the Mass. There is a prayer for after Communion-Bishop McKeown will lead a Spiritual Communion prior to this.

Hymns
Anne Marie will sing some of the hymns from the sheet, so it would be nice to think the children are singing along at home!

Book of Names
A book of names with all the names of the children in P7 will be in the Cathedral on the day.

Webcam:
http://www.steugenescathedral.com/webcam.html

Virtual Sports Day: St Mary's have signed up to the Healthy Kids Virtual sports day 
For every school that enters, there is the chance to WIN a class trip to W5 for the class with the most 20 day activity streaks, and a runner up prize of a Fun Day at your school with SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, VIVIO XTRA, VIVO ESSENTIALS & Healthy Kidz. (when school resumes)
All pupils achieving a 20 day actiivty streak will be in the draw for a chance to WIN a £20 voucher to spend in their local store.
Pupils and schools must log on the app to be in with a chance of winning - free for Apple & Android (search Healthy Kidz)
Full details on how to enter can be found on the resources page on the school website: http://www.stmaryspsmelmount.com/resources.html
To register visit:
https://healthy-kidz.com/hk-virtual-sports-day/

AJ from the waterside theatre has shared resources ​for another visual art project, which is 'Self portrait in the style of Pablo Picasso.  The resources can be found on the Resources page.

May Resources- Lots of ideas and activities to honor Mary in the month of May available via the link: www.catecheticalcentre.org.  Additional resources also available on the resources page on the School website. 

Bishop McKeown Virtual Pilgrimage
Bishop McKeown is asking the Diocese to join him in any way as he conducts a virtual pilgrimage of Lough Derg.  
This is a link to his message about it-he is asking people to do this for three reasons-to pray for end to the Coronavirus, to pray for those who have been deeply impacted by it-those suffering, those who have died, families grieving loved ones etc and thirdly to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as to how we live through this time and after this time. https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/a-day-of-prayer-and-penance

I thought we might ask the children to join with him on Friday by making a May Altar, praying the Rosary or Stations of the Cross at home with their family and giving up something like sweets for the day, a favourite electronic gadget, a T.V. Programme. https://catecheticalcentre.org/primary-school-resources/how-to-pray-the-rosary/  https://catecheticalcentre.org/holy-week-2020/the-stations-of-the-cross-for-children-and-families-during-the-coronavirus/

Drawing Near to God-Drawing a Prayer
Karen Kiefer has developed another wonderful resource based on her book Drawing God. I’ve attached the resources -Draw Near to God-National Day of Prayer (U.S.A)  on 7th May- we can join in and make it an International Drawing God Day!!!  https://www.drawing-god.com/draw-near-to-god

Its good to see that all the boys and girls are keeping busy and learning new things. A huge thank you to all parents who sent in a photo of their child today. The pictures are available to view in the "at home" gallery. If anyone else would like to add a photo send it to stmaryspsmelmount@outlook.com with the child's name and class.

We would like to ask our parents to send in a picture of your child taking part in some home learning activities or anything that they have been doing at home eg life skills – painting, cooking, baking, gardening, fitness etc. Your pictures will appear in a gallery on the school website and may also appear on the school Facebook page.
Please send one picture with the child's name and class to:
stmaryspsmelmount@outlook.com
Thank you!

Would you like to spread a bit of joy and happiness for the residents of Greenfield? In conjunction with the Waterside Theatre we would love it if our children could create a Van Gogh style painting and write a short note to the residents. The finished artwork and accompanying note will be made into a postcard and sent to the residents. This project will be of particular interest to the pupils in Miss Keenan's P6A class who took part in an intergenerational programme with Greenfield residents earlier this year, however all St Mary's children are welcome to take part. Full instructions on how to create your artwork are available to view on the Primary 6 page. Thank You!

Fr Paul Farren has recorded a message for the children at this time. It’s an encouragement for them to stay close to Jesus and talk to him at this time and not to worry: Click here to visit the DDCC website to view the video.