Dear Parents

It is with great pleasure that I announce the new school leaders for 2022. The School Captains are Elizabeth and Ruby H. The SRC Presidents are Sophia and Claudia. The sports leaders are Mila & Scarlett (Scholastica), Victoria & Lucia (Benedict) and Audrey & Josephine (Polding). The Community Representatives are Sofia, Tamille, Xavier & Mikail. The Environment Representatives are Ruby C & Meckenzie and the Arts Representatives are Ruri & Abigail. They will receive their leadership badges at the beginning of the school year Mass in February. Congratulations children!

I am afraid that at this time, I still cannot announce the class teachers for 2022.  We are still in the process of confirming teachers through a recruitment process for a couple of positions.  I am hoping to let families know by next week rather than wait till my next Principal’s message in Week 10. We are however, saying farewell to Lorren Maher who has secured a position in the wellbeing team within the ACT Department of Education. She is currently studying in this field so her placement at this time is ideal. Lorren has been a valued member of staff over the last twelve months and we wish her every best wish in her new venture.  

We have quite a few significant celebrations happening in the next couple of weeks. Next Wednesday we will celebrate Advent with a liturgy. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this has to be a school only event. In fact due to cohorting we have to have two separate ceremonies with Years 3-6 at 9.00am and Kindergarten to Year 2 at 11.30am. This will be led by the staff and will be celebrated in the hall.

This Sunday, we are celebrating our last parish mass for 2021. This initiative began post the consultation process earlier in the year and has become quite popular. Our students are lighting the first advent candle, placing a symbol on the Jesse tree, singing, altar serving and presenting the gifts at the Offertory. There will be a morning tea afterwards so that families can mingle with members of the parish. We would love to see more families attend if at all possible.

Our Christmas toy appeal donations in the front foyer are looking amazing and I sincerely thank you for your generosity. Unwrapped children’s toys can still be sent to the front office Christmas tree until December 3 when they will be collected by St Vincent de Paul. Thank you for your contribution towards brightening up this festive time for other families who are not so fortunate.

Despite this year being unusual in so many respects, we continue to enhance our school in several ways. During the Christmas and New Year break, the multi-purpose room, now the new Kindergarten classroom, will be painted and re-carpeted. A brand new smart screen will also be installed and new furniture delivered before the school year begins.

We have also applied again for a ‘Sporting Schools’ grant to assist us in providing accredited sports packages throughout next year. Despite lockdown, we have had three very successful clinics this year, the last being Brumbies rugby which the students thoroughly enjoyed.

We have been having a few issues across the school concerning the inappropriate use of Apps during school hours. Already we have had children messaging their parents from within classrooms and using FaceTime to contact students when they are absent for the day. The general use of social media outside of school hours is also causing some grief. I ask that parents please keep an eye on the use of contact Apps at home, such as Messenger, so much of this anguish is alleviated.  Access to TikTok and Instagram should also be restricted as account holders should be 13 years and older. 

We are very aware that families are eagerly waiting for decisions concerning next year and that they are somewhat delayed, however some appointments and clarification of events are very much out of our hands. I thank you for your patience.

Kind Regards

Julie

Hi Everyone! 

This year the P+F Commitee will be holding the Win The Day Monster Christmas Raffle with all proceeds going to the Win The Day Charity.  

Please click here for more information on how the charity supports families fighting rare childhood cancers.  You can also read about Quade's story by clicking here.

To make the raffle a success and one that can be held annually, we are asking families and the local community to donate items to form the Raffle Prize. 

This can range from Vouchers, Homewares, Alcohol, Non-Perishable Food, Toys etc - basically anything that you think would make a great raffle prize.  

All donated Items can be given to Jodie at the front office (we just ask that alcohol is delivered by adults - little Johnny carrying a bottle of Gin to school may not be a good look). 

Supabarn Red Hill have already donated a hamper worth over $200 to get the ball rolling. 

We are guaranteeing a combined prize worth over $1,000, with the winner taking the lot. Tickets are $5.oo through Qkr! and we hope that the school community buys tickets to support this worthwhile charity. 

P&F Committee