Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back after what I hope was an enjoyable and peaceful holiday that allowed you to fully recharge your batteries for the final term of this academic year. As we enter our final quarter of the year I have no doubt that we are going to finish it at the same pace that we started. As I worked through the events calendar it quickly became apparent that we all need to draw down a deep breath because before we know it, it will be Christmas. This term is not only the shortest but also one of the busiest and most exciting. I’ve outlined a few highlights below for your attention. You can access the school calendar here.
First Reconciliation Tuesday 29 October
Sports Day Friday 1 November
Mission Day Wednesday 20 November
Christmas / End of Year Performance Monday 25 November 7pm
End of Year Mass Tuesday 10 December 9:15am
Year 6/7 Graduation Tuesday 10 December 6pm
For those who attended the Parish Picnic on the weekend, we were blessed with fine weather on Sunday for the Parish Fair. For the families who joined the festivities I am sure that you would support me in saying it was a fantastic event and a wonderful gathering of families and friends celebrating as a faith community. Can I also say that the Year 2/3/4 Bush Dance was a huge hit!
It is always good to see communities come together to celebrate as witnessed on Sunday. In doing this we communicate and often draw together more closely as a community. In this week’s Gospel we are challenged to explore our own relationships with people in our own community and God. The Gospel suggests that Jesus’ words ought to align with our attitude towards all people in our communities and our relationship with God. It suggests that it is not possible to love God and despise people. Both are needed to fulfil our faith for it to be authentic.
Over the next few weeks we will be undertaking our bi-annual whole school testing, which is a combination of assessments which inform the reporting process and measure progress achieved in 2019. These assessments are selected from the myriad of educational tests available, to enable our staff to observe growth and areas of continuing development for our children. This also enables our staff in 2020 to have a continuity of learning from this year to ensure that learning time is maximised at the beginning of the school year.
Over the next few weeks the class placement process for 2020 will commence. This is both a time consuming and complex process as we work to develop the right mix of students and the best possible fit in terms of both class sizes and class structures. Our staff aim to keep abreast of the needs of every child through the course of the year and in their discussions with parents, therefore there is very little additional information they require when it comes to the placement process. Please understand that we take into consideration a range of factors including learning styles, academic achievement, gender, previous class history, friendship groups, social and emotional issues, siblings / relatives and so on. However, there is no doubt that some families will feel the need to write to me regarding placement. If you feel you must write, please base your request on these educational issues that you feel we do not currently hold and that is crucial to a successful placement occurring. This is not about ‘selecting a teacher’ but is an opportunity for you to provide information that will help us with the process. I must stress that letters of requests for certain teachers will not be considered as I have yet to confirm staff deployment for next year. Please ensure all requests are forwarded to me no later than next Friday 1 November.
Next Friday 1 November there will be a sea of colour at our Sports Day. Mr Martin has been busy preparing the students with trials and team chanting. Please note that our entire day will begin and end at both Bridge Street and William Street, before making our way to Coopers Stadium (Norwood Oval) immediately after taking the morning roll. All students will need a packed recess and lunch and plenty of water and I ask everybody to support their team through wearing their team colours, however students are asked not to colour their hair. Sports Day needs the support of our school community to be run successfully and as a staff we are very grateful for your offers of assistance and support. Sports Day will conclude around 2pm at Norwood Oval and will return back to school. If you wish to take your child from Norwood Oval at 2pm please ensure that you have informed your child’s class teacher. Please refer to Mr Martin’s letter sent out today and also the Sports Day Program which is due to be sent out next week.
Next Friday is also All Saints Day, the day on which Catholics celebrate all the 8050 Saints, known and unknown, All Saints Day is an old feast. It arose out of the Christian tradition of celebrating the martyrdom of Saints on the anniversary of their martyrdom. To all of the Saints, pray for us.
I hope to see you at this Saturday’s P&F Quiz Night. A big thank you for the P&F’s work to-date in preparing for the evening. Thank you to all who have donated items for the evening. I would also like to acknowledge those businesses who have supported the event. Thank you also to Andy Martin who will be the Quiz Master and resisting all bribes! May the smartest table be the winner!
God bless
Brady Stallard