Archdiocesan Catholic schools continue to show how innovative they can be in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mother’s Day has always been a special day for our school communities and many were determined to still celebrate.

St Joseph’s Primary School, O’Connor, St Anthony’s Primary School, Wanniassa and St John Vianney’s Primary School, Waramanga, celebrated their special loved ones with a socially distanced, drive-through breakfast. Staff prepared offerings of flowers, hot meals and coffee that were collected by the mums, with some on their way to work and others who returned home for a day of assisting with remote learning.

Cameron Tarrant, Principal of St Joseph’s, described the morning as wonderful. “The invitation was extended to all mothers, grandmothers and other special ladies,” he said. “They were told to forget the Maccas drive-through and celebrate ‘iso-style!’”

The celebrations continued at Holy Trinity Primary School, Curtin. Kindergarten students were asked to share on camera their favourite thing about their mum. The footage was then compiled into a touching Mother’s Day tribute and shared with the school community.

At St Bernard’s Primary School, Batehaven, as part of their remote learning, students were asked to take special pictures of their mum and send them in. These images were placed along the pews and displayed in the St Bernard’s Church. Fr Martins and Seminarian Eden celebrated a special Mass with intentions for the mothers in the school community.

“The visual presence of the children’s artwork in the Church really created a sense of community, in a time of absence,” said Sharon Beashel, Religious Education Coordinator. “It was just lovely.”

In lieu of the annual St John Paul II College, Nicholls, community Mother’s Day Mass, loved ones were invited to join their children on ZOOM during their Pastoral Care lessons for a special Mother’s Day Liturgy.

To all the special women in our Archdiocesan school communities, thank you for all that you do.