Newsletter Term 4 Week 7 - Friday 22nd November 2024

Dear families, 

'The prayer of the poor rises up to God' is the theme Pope Francis has chosen for the 8th World Day of the Poor.

In a Catholic context, it is important to consider what is meant by the term ‘poor’. Poverty is often understood in economic terms, measured by lack of materials or financial instability. In a biblical context there is an emphasis on living in right relationship with God, others, and creation. This reframes poverty and can be understood as a rupture in these relationships. Being ‘poor’, therefore, is not just about lacking material goods but also about being excluded from the fullness of life and dignity promised in the Kin-dom of God.  I am reminded of our collective responsibility to care for creation and advocate for equitable systems that ensure the flourishing of all. 

Pope Francis says:

"We are called in every circumstance to be friends of the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus who always began by showing solidarity when dealing with the least among us . . .As we journey towards the Holy Year, I urge everyone to become pilgrims of hope, setting tangible goals for a better future. Let us not forget to keep “the little details of love” stopping, drawing near, giving a little attention, a smile, a caress, a word of comfort. These gestures are not automatic; they require a daily commitment and are often hidden and silent, but strengthened by prayer. In this time, when the song of hope seems to give way to the clamour of arms, to the cry of many innocent wounded, and the silence of the countless victims of wars, we turn to God with our plea for peace. We stretch out our hands to receive peace as a precious gift for we are ‘poor’ in this regard, while at the same time committing ourselves to weave it back into daily life.’

The building project is making progress. If you have driven past the school you might have noticed some landscaping, cladding, glazing, plastering and electrical works being completed. It is so exciting for our community. I have been working with the builders and the architect to ensure that all students are onsite for the beginning of 2025. I am pleased to announce that Stage 1 Handover, which will include all classroom/homeroom learning spaces, will be on Thursday 23rd January. This doesn’t leave much time for our staff to set up ready for learning on the first day, but we are excited that we will all be together for the first day of school. 

Every blessing for the week ahead. 

Roxanne

School fees will be sent home in the first week of school next year, along with direct debit request forms. This is our preferred method of payment. You are required to fill out the direct debit form each year even if you were paying via direct debits last year. Lump sum payments are due 28th February. 
If you are not paying as a lump sum, you are required to pay by installments and commence before 28th February otherwise your fees will be overdue.
Any new families to the school will receive a discount of $1,395 which is the total of the tuition and capital fee. Any new siblings to the school will receive a discount of $230 which is the book levy for that student.  
CSEF payments for eligible health care card holders will also receive $150 per student.  Please fill in the required forms and provide a copy of the card to the office. 
This will need to be done by 28/02/2025.
Forms are currently at the office now if you wish to fill out this for next year.

TERM 4 

WEEK 8
Thursday 28th November
SSG Meetings
Foundation 2025 Transition Session 2 @ 2.15pm
Friday 29th November
No WSP


WEEK 9
Tuesday 3rd December
Year 6 students @ Marian College - Transition Day
Wednesday 4th December
Science Discovery Dome Incursion
Thursday 5th December
SSG Meetings
Foundation 2025 Transition Session 3 @ 2.15pm
Friday 6th December
WSP hosted by JLC1
LAST LUNCH ORDER DAY
Carols by Candlelight Performance

WEEK 10
Tuesday 10th December
Whole School Transition Day
Wednesday 11th December
SLC Excursion - details to follow
Friday 13th December
End of Year Mass at the Church @ 9.30am
Farewell morning tea for Fr Andrew at St Mary's to follow

WEEK 11
Monday 16th December
Year 6 Graduation at the Church @ 6pm
Tuesday 17th December
Students Last Day
Year 6 Big Day Out
Normal finish @ 3.15pm
Wednesday 18th December
Staff Planning Day
Thursday 19th December
Staff Last Day

2025

Staff Return:
Tuesday 28th January

Students Return:
Wednesday 29th January

TERM 4 WSP SCHEDULE
Friday 29th November  - no WSP
Friday 6th December - hosted by JLC1
Friday 13th December - end of year mass

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to the following students for this week:

No birthdays this week!