In the Catholic tradition, November is traditionally a month of remembrance of those who have died. The month begins with the Solemnity of All Saints on 1 November and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), on 2 November. 

All Saints’ Day commemorates all the saints in heaven. The feast dates back to the early Church, when communities would gather and celebrate the anniversary of the martyr’s death. The word Halloween comes from 'the eve of All Hallows,' an older naming of the feast day. All Saints’ Day is a time to consider the example saints offer us and to reflect on how we can imitate their lives. As Pope Benedict XVI said, All Saints’ Day calls us ‘to see the Church… as Christ wanted it, that is, as the communion of saints.’

All Souls’ Day follows All Saints Day on 2 November and is also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. It is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died.

I know that many of our children have had someone special in their life pass away. Maybe during the month of November you could consider finding an appropriate and prayerful way of remembering and commemorating that person.

Since the beginning of Term 3 we have had a specific focus on supporting students in developing and maintaining respectful relationships. This has included using opportunities in the classroom to explicitly teach how to develop respectful relationships, giving reminders at school assemblies, and providing rewards for those displaying respect to others.