As a Lutheran school we are privileged to be able to spend time with students preparing ourselves for the season of Lent and the Celebration of Easter. Several events will be occurring throughout the term, and we would like to encourage all parents to spend some time chatting with your children about the importance of Easter within your family.
Shrove Tuesday (aka Pancake Day): For centuries Christians have celebrated the day before the beginning of Lent by eating rich and decadent foods. The motivation was to use up the richer and more self-indulgent ingredients before the fasting season of Lent which occurs approximately 40 days before Easter. This year, pancakes will be served by our staff and Student Leaders on both JS and MS/SS campuses on Tuesday 17 February (Week 4).
Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time of Christian self-reflection where people spend time examining themselves and their life choices. Often, people will choose to give up or go without some particular food or activity to refocus themselves on the sacrifice of Jesus. As part of the Ash Wednesday service students will be given the opportunity to have the sign of the cross in ashes made on their forehead. This is an ancient Christian tradition that serves to remind people of their own mortality and frailty so that they can better priorities their limited time on Earth. Students will be able to opt in if they so choose and there will be no pressure for students to engage in this practice. Junior School will hold their Ash Wednesday Service on Monday of Week 3 and Middle/Senior School will hold their Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday of Week 4. We would encourage parents to discuss this custom with their children and whether or not they feel it will be appropriate for them.
Stations of the Cross: On Monday 30 March (Week 10) the Junior School will re-enact the stations of the cross. This ancient Christian Tradition recounts the journey that Jesus took to the cross. Several stations are set up that explain the story of what happened to Jesus before his crucifixion.
Passion Meditation: Every year the Year 12 cohort prepares a dramatic reflection on the Easter story for the MS/SS campus. Students volunteer to be part of the service and it has become a significant milestone on the Year 12 journey. This year, the Passion Meditation will be held on Thursday 2 April (Week 10). Year 12 parents are encouraged to attend this significant contribution to the school-wide community.
If you have any questions about our Easter Celebrations please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Junior School Chaplain Sharon Gierus or the Senior Chaplain, Adam Yeager.
