Advent

“This December, as we journey through the weeks of Advent, may it mark for all of us the beginning of a reawakening in ourselves, to be enlivened and prepare for the coming of Christ. As we light the candles around the Advent wreath, may we be reminded not only of the journey that began so long ago, but also of our enduring role along this path of life to be the risen light of Christ for all those we encounter. For it is through this light that came into the world that we are born into the full grace and truth of God.”

https://www.cem.edu.au/News-Events/Catholic-Education-Today.aspx

Carols/Market Night

A very big thank you to Julie Griffin and her team of parent helpers who successfully planned and organised a wonderful event for our school community. On the day and evening of the market there was a such a buzz and positive vibe among students, parents and staff. Thanks also to all our school families and friends who attended and made the night a perfect community event.

Student Reports: Friday 13 December

Student Reports will be sent home with your child on Friday 13 December. Teachers are very happy with student progress throughout the semester. Students have spent some time this term reflecting on their learning and produced a student self reflection report. I encourage you to acknowledge and celebrate with your child their achievements this semester.

In your child’s report

• Student report- Semester 2 2019
• Student self reflection
• Letter from the principal (eldest in the family only)
• 2020 Stationery List
• Letter from the principal indicating student’s 2020 class and teacher
• 2020 School Fees Information

Students will meet their 2020 class and teacher on Friday 13 December.

Year 6 Graduation

Many thanks to our teachers for all the work that has gone into preparation for our Year 6 Graduation. The students have been working on graduation books and practising for our liturgy.

Thanks also to our Year 5 parent helpers who have organised the year 6 Graduation Dinner for students and families. This traditional event could not happen without your valued support.

Year 6 Graduation Liturgy will take place on Wednesday 11 December at 6:00pm in our church. All school families are most welcome to join us this celebration.

Farewell to Year Six Families

At this time of the year there is some sadness as we thank and wish all the best to not only our year 6 students but their families as well. For many of our year 6 families there has been a long association with our school and with their child leaving year 6 means that their connection with our school comes to an end. On behalf of our school community I wish to thank the following families for all that they have contributed to St Catherine’s.

ARGIROPOULOS Family  

CHARAKAS Family

CUNNINGHAM Family

FODE Family

GIERLACH Family   

HEDE Family

KOKKALOS Family

LAUTENBACH Family

SEYMON Family

SUSIC Family

WEBB Family

WHITFIELD Family

Guard of Honour

On Thursday 18 December (last day of school) the Year F-5 students and staff will form a guard of honour on the asphalt at 3:20pm to farewell our year 6 students.

2020 Year 6 Student Leaders

Our year 6 student leaders for 2020 will be announced on Monday 3 February at our whole school beginning of year Mass. This will take place in our church at 9:15am. All parents are welcome to attend.

Dates

End of Year Mass & Foundation Nativity Re-enactment Wednesday 18 December at 10am

Final day of term 4 for students is Wednesday 18 December at 3:30pm

Students begin term 1 2020 on Thursday 30 January at 9:00am

Lost Property

Please ensure you check lost property for any missing uniform items before the end of the year. Any items that have not been collected will be sent to the second hand uniform shop.

School Board

Nominations for the school board closed on Friday 6 December. Thank you to a number of parents who have expressed interest in joining the school board in 2020. How wonderful to have more parents interested than positions available. In line with our school board guidelines,

“If more nominations are submitted than places available, it will be the Co-Ordinating Principal, Principal and current Chairperson to allocate that vacancy to the nominee that best meets the need of the current Board. Things to consider include: balanced parental representation across the school, the needs of the Board in regards to ‘special projects’, expertise of nominees and variety of expertise already on the Board. “

Parents who have applied for a position on the board will be contacted this week and asked to provide a submission outlining their reasons for applying and expertise they have that may support the school.

Parents and Friends

Another way to be involved in our school community is to be part of the Parents and Friends. We are now looking for a coordinator for 2020. No previous experience required. Julie our current P&F coordinator will initially support you with handover information about events that took place this year. The P&F coordinator liaises closely with me in order for the school to support proposed initiatives.

I wish to acknowledge and thank Julie Griffin for all her work this year, supporting building community engagement, along with raising funds to benefit student learning. Julie has welcomed and encouraged many parents to re-engage with our school community. Countless research in the area of parental engagement in schools suggests when parents work in partnership with their child’s school there are many benefits for all stakeholders. Her positive can do attitude, calmness and efficient organisation has resulted in social, fun and engaging events for all to enjoy in our school community.

Lynda O'Donnell

Principal