Term 4, Week 7 Friday 1st December 2023

Final day for Year 6 students – Tuesday 12^th December

Final day for all students  - Wednesday 13^th December

Vacation Care available from Thursday 14^th December – book at www.campaustralia.com.au

Reports
Over the past few weeks, teachers have been busy preparing your child’s Semester 2 report. On Monday of Week 9, your child will bring home their Semester 2 Report.  These reports summarise the assessment from Semester 2 in the Key Learning Areas.  The reports contain important information on your child’s strengths and challenges and are more than a list of ‘grades’, they include your child’s application to learning and other school achievements.  A ‘satisfactory’ result is what is expected at your child’s year level. I encourage you to carefully read your child’s report and come and speak with your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Transition Visits
We have been welcoming many new faces to our community over the past few weeks during our transition visits.

In Week 9, we will have our whole school transition where your child meets their new class and teacher for 2024.  I’d like to remind you of the complex process that is involved in class placements.  All students are given an opportunity for input into their placement, these are taken into consideration.  Parents were given the opportunity in term 3 to share any learning or other needs that we may not have been aware of. Each year teachers spend a great deal of time looking at class placements for the following year.  This process takes many things into account.  First and foremost, we take into consideration the learning needs of all students.   We aim to ensure classes are ‘balanced’, by also taking into consideration a balance of gender, progress and levels of children’s learning, children with specific needs (social/emotional, learning and physical), relationships and family considerations.

Remember, your child’s best support may be someone they have not yet met!

Thank you
Thank you for your ongoing support during the year.  The last 2 weeks of school are very busy, but a wonderful time to celebrate as a community.  I hope to speak with all of you during our events in the next couple of weeks.

Kelly Campbell

Dear Families

The end of the school year is not far away, and Christmas is fast approaching – there’s only 24 more sleeps!

Sickness & Tiredness
As we approach the end of the year, we all get tired and sometimes sick too. We have had many students go/stay home with gastro and coughs and colds recently with visible symptoms of runny noses, loud and persistent coughs and stomach aches. Please remember that if your child is unwell, they must stay home. If your child has gastro or vomits, they cannot return to school for 48 hours, even if they no longer have symptoms. This is for the care and respect of everyone in our community.

End of Year Community Event
Thank you to all of the families who have responded to our community event. The children are looking forward to performing for you – it’s going to be a fantastic event!

DATE: Wednesday 6 December

TIME: BBQ and drinks from 5.30pm. Performances start at 6.00pm

FOOD: Sausage or veggie burger $2. Soft drink $2 Fruit Box $1 (Pre-sale on now to avoid line-ups on the night. See Jane in the office)

BRING: A fold-out chair for adults, pillow or towel for children to sit on

WHO: All students and families Preschool to Year 6

COSTUME/CLOTHING: Check Seesaw or the note sent home to all families

PERFORMANCES: Preschool- Surfing Santa, Foundation- North Pole Rock N Roll, Reception- Oh What A Special Night, Year 1- Summer Wonderland, Italian- 1,2,3 Andiamo Al Mare, Year 2- Santa Wear Your Shorts, Year 3- Iko Iko, Year 4- Thunder, Year 5/6- Deck The Halls, Run Boy Run, Choir- Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

Thank you to the parents who have offered to help on the night. I will be in contact soon with more information.

It’s going to be a fantastic night of celebration, fun and amazing performances. We are looking forward to seeing you next Wednesday evening.

See you then!
Belinda Elliott

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

On Sunday, we begin the Season of Advent, in preparation for Christmas and the birth of Jesus. In the Church, Advent is also the beginning of a new liturgical year, which will be Year B. At school, our prayer table clothes will change from green to ‘purple’ (the colour of the Season) and we will also begin to display nativity scenes and Advent wreaths. Advent is a Season that reflects the hope, peace, joy and love that surrounds the birth of Jesus.

St Vincent de Paul - Christmas Appeal Donations
Thank you for the generous food donations we have received already for the Vinnie's Christmas Appeal. The Vinnies Christmas Appeal is our whole school social justice and outreach focus for Term 4.  I have provided some ideas below if you would like to contribute to the donations under the ‘Giving Tree’ in the main entrance area.

Community Event
On Wednesday 6 December, the Vinnies Giving Tree and baskets will be placed outside the parish hall for our community event. Upon arrival, any families who wish to offer any final donations are welcome to place them in a basket as you enter the courts area.

From Thursday 7 December, Vinnies volunteers will then begin the process of sorting hampers in readiness to distribute to local families in need this Christmas.

End of Year Mass and Outreach Day Fundraiser
The End of Year Mass and Outreach Day fundraising event will be held on Friday 8 December. This year, we are raising awareness and funds for the charitable works of ‘Mary MacKillop Today.’ Mary MacKillop Today, helps to uphold the dignity of thousands of children and families across Australia and throughout the world.

Purchasing Outreach Day Tickets
From Monday 4 December to Thursday 7 December Year 5/6 students will be visiting each classroom to sell tickets.  Students are invited to bring in money throughout the week to purchase tickets for the stalls. Each ticket purchased costs $1.00.

On Friday 8 December, the Year 5/6 stalls will be available during first and second play breaks.

The items and activities offered at each stall will cost 1 ticket. Please note that no money will be exchanged at the stalls on Friday. All funds raised will them be donated to Mary MacKillop Today. Thank you once again for your ongoing generosity and support.

2024 Sacramental Program
I have been visiting our Year 3 to Year 6 classrooms to speak about the 2024 sacramental program. Hard copies of the information, dates and registration form are available from the front office and our Year 2 families have received electronic copies via SeeSaw.  

In 2024, if your child is in Year 3-6 and has previously been Baptised, you may like to consider being a part of the sacramental program. If you have any questions, please contact the office or send an email to matthew.harrison@smms.catholic.edu.au .

Have a good weekend everyone.

Matthew Harrison

This year's Children's University graduates enjoyed a pizza party lunch today with Mrs Blazely and Mrs Elliott.  Congratulations to all those students who took part in Children's University this year, and a big thank you to Mrs Blazely for all her hard work.

If you are interested in joining in 2024, watch out for the Children's University note at the beginning of the year.

Calling all campers! SPIN kids camp is a four-day, three-night youth camp for years 4-6 this year. Join us for a week of fun, games and faith at Camp Kedron, Barmera (private bus transport available from Adelaide).

The camp runs from 9-12^th January 2024 and first-time campers cost only $50! Any questions? This link will answer them - SPIN - Blueprint Ministries