Term 1, 2026 Newsletter - Week 4

Dear parents,

The skeleton. Not the one in the Science lab, the one at the Winter Olympics. Have you seen it? It's when someone rides a mechanic's creeper on their tummy, headfirst at 140k/h on a thin track composed entirely of ice and death. The latter looks to be a heartbeat away, which I suppose is why we watch it in horror, but watch nonetheless.

Lent can feel like the skeleton. We dive in head first only to wonder early on whether we've made a terrible mistake. But, like everything we put our hand to, it gets easier and less risky as we put it into practice over time. Consoling, too, knowing that we are all on the skeleton with you.

Choir is not as scary as the skeleton, though you'd think it was judging by the facial expressions of students invited to join, which is why I am raising it with you now. SMMC is making a big push this year to enrich sacred music.

The Pentecost Novena was established in 2025 and anybody who was there will testify to the elevating sacred music that punctuated the readings from Holy Scripture. 2026 will see SMMC students go to another level again. In addition to the Pentecost Novena, which will be held on 14th May, Mr Couture is working with Year 2-6 students every week on the Jubilate Deo program, teaching them to read and work with both chant and modern musical notation. The students learn how to pray in song and how sacred music fits into their spiritual lives. If you have a son or daughter involved in Jubilate Deo, please ask them how it is going; a regular home performance may not be asking too much. 

For high school students, an invitation will be issued next week to join the choir in order to prepare for the Sacred Liturgy, the Pentecost Novena and various other occasions throughout the year. What a blessing to be able to offer these opportunities! Please encourage your sons and daughters to get involved.

Thank you for your support.

Warm regards,

Ian Smith

Principal

Week 4 Term 1 2026 Newsletter.pdf

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