Every year in October we celebrate Children’s Day. It is not only a day of fun, games and laughter. For the adults, it is a reminder to celebrate children as a gift of God’s love to humanity. As Jesus said in the Gospel, “Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). This verse highlights the importance of children in God’s eyes and encourages us to welcome and support each and every child. Not just our own.

St. Magdalene of Canossa, one of the pioneers in education especially for those children found in the streets after the Napoleonic War, believed in the potential of children to transform society. She emphasized the formation of the heart, recognizing that each child, regardless of circumstance, has inherent dignity and worth. Her approach focused on nurturing the whole child, fostering spiritual growth, and empowering them to become agents of change.

Following in the footsteps of St Magdalene, Canossa Catholic Primary School’s projects such as the Bread Door initiative demonstrates the power of small actions done with great love. By raising funds for the poor of the parishes and supporting Canossaville Children and Community Services, a social service agency of the Canossian Sisters, the children learn to care and empathise with the less fortunate in very concrete ways. Our students learn valuable lessons about compassion, empathy, and social responsibility. These experiences help shape their values and inspire them to make a positive impact in the family, school and society.

As St. Magdalene of Canossa once said, “We must form the heart, for it is the heart that will guide the hand.” By holding the hands of children, guiding them in small steps, and supporting their dreams, we can empower them to achieve great things and make a difference in the lives of others.

In the words of St Teresa of Calcutta, “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” By celebrating children and supporting their growth, we can create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and transformation that spreads far and wide.