MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents,
On Sunday we started the church season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. The word Advent means “to come to,” and refers to the coming of Christ. Advent and preparing for the birth of Jesus is a significant time in the Catholic church’s year. In our Senior Learning Space, the students have been creating Advent Kindness Calendars. These calendars require them to do something kind for someone else each day, which will help them prepare for Christmas.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Last week we had a very successful parent/teacher interview afternoon. Due to COVID, these were a little bit different to normal, however everything appeared to go extremely well. Thank you to all those that were involved, these interviews support your child’s learning and develop positive home and school relationships.
Last Day of school for 2020
The last day for students for the 2020 school year will be on Thursday, 17th December. Students will finish at 3:15pm on this day. It had previously been advertised that the students last day would be on the Friday, however this is incorrect. I apologise if this causes any inconvenience.
Planning for 2021
Planning is still underway for 2021. I understand that it is getting very late in the year and that you are eagerly awaiting news of class structures and teachers for next year, however I want to ensure that we have the best possible set-up for all students, families and staff. A letter for all families regarding 2021 will be sent out to all families as soon as a final decision has been made. I thank you for your understanding and patience with this.
End of Year Mass/Grade 6 Graduation
Due to an easing of COVID restrictions, our Grade 6 Graduation Mass will now also be an end of year mass for all students. The mass will be held in the church on Thursday, 10th December at 9:30am. Parents are invited to attend, however you must remember to wear a mask inside the church, unless further restrictions are announced.
Grade 6 Graduation Ceremony
A letter has gone home today to all our Grade 6 families regarding the Graduation Ceremony. Thankfully, our Grade 6 parents are now able to attend and celebrate this significant milestone with their child. The Graduation Ceremony will be held in the Mary MacKillop Hall at 11:30am on Thursday, 10th December, and we look forward to celebrating and farewelling our amazing Grade 6 students.
School Colour Run
The St Mary’s School Colour Run is on TOMORROW. The kids are all so excited for this event. Unfortunately, we are unable to have parents onsite, however you may be able to get a great view of the event from outside the school. Students are to wear a pair of running shorts/board shorts with a white (or light coloured) t-shirt. Throughout the Colour Run, the students may get wet and covered in coloured chalk, so students are encouraged to bring a towel and a full change of clothes. This is to avoid your child going home wet or getting coloured chalk in your car or on the school bus. As you are aware, this is a fundraising event for our school, however there is no pressure on families to donate large amounts of money. Every little donation helps, so ask your close friends and family if they can help out. As mentioned in the letter that went out earlier, fundraising can only be done through cash donations or bank transfer and not online. All funds raised need to be brought to school by Wednesday, 9th December.
Kind regards,
Joel