Dear parents/guardians, Lent is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. In keeping with our Lenten traditions, we are facilitating some school-wide Lenten activities. In support of Ukraine and the events taking place, Ms. Williams/Mr. Nadeau’s Gr. 8 class is spearheading our school’s donations to go towards the Voices of Children Charity which gives psychological and psychosocial support to children who have suffered as a result of war operations. For more information on this charity, please visit https://voices.org.ua/en/ . Whatever money is donated to the school will be passed along to the Voices of Children Charity. Donations can be made online at SchoolCash Online at SchoolCashOnline.com: Welcome or by accessing SchoolCash Online through our school’s website at St. Patrick Catholic School - St. Patrick Catholic School (alcdsb.on.ca). We are suggesting a donation of $2 per Spirit Day, although donations are optional (more info below). St. Pats will also be hosting a Lenten Food Drive with all non-perishable donations going to our local food bank. We will collect these items during Holy Week, which is the week before Easter (April 11-14). We will send out a reminder notice as we get closer to Holy Week. Ms. De Sa’s Gr. 5 class and Ms. O’Brien’s Gr. 6 class will be leading our school in the Stations of the Cross during Holy Week as well. Both classes are currently busy in the planning stages, which we know will provide a meaningful gathering for our school. Lastly, we have set up a series of Spirit Days throughout Lent. We are suggesting that families make a $2 donation for each Spirit Day, although donations are not mandatory. All students are able to participate in our Spirit Days regardless of whether or not they have made a donation to the Voices of Children Charity. Below are the planned Spirit Days: St. Patrick Catholic School 3889 Wilton Rd., Harrowsmith, Ontario K0H 1V0 Tel: 1 (613) 372.2251 Fax: 1 (613) 372.2726 flhpstph@alcdsb.on.ca www.alcdsb.on.ca/school/stph March 11th – Green and white/ St. Patrick’s Day colours/green and yellow (school colours) March 21st – Unmatched socks for Down Syndrome Awareness Day March 25th – Twin day April 1st – Backwards day April 8th – Dress like your favourite occupation April 13th – Blue and yellow day (colours of the Ukraine) April 14th – Dress Canadian Recommended donation: $2/Spirit Day Thank you for your ongoing support of our Lenten initiatives!