Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you for your patience and understanding in what has been an incredible week of weather.  As I stated earlier today, I realise there will be some disappointment regarding the concert scheduled this evening however I feel that based on the current conditions, it was the most reasonable course of action.  As soon as alternate arrangements have been made, these will be communicated to all families. 

On Tuesday night our Year 6 students celebrated their Rite of Passage amidst a church full of their families, school staff and invited guests.  It was a beautiful ceremony that highlighted their journey through their primary school years.  Apart from the oppressive heat, I am sure all who attended enjoyed a memorable evening.  A special thanks to all the staff and special guests who attended the celebration and to Mrs. Jones, Mr. Greer, Ms. Butler and Mr. Bennett for their efforts in making the night such a success.

Last week all families received advice regarding staffing arrangements for 2019.  This coming Monday will be our student transition morning where students will be made aware of their class teacher for the coming year and enjoy a morning of activities in their new surrounds.  This is always a fun morning and a great way to get to know their teachers for the coming year.  Class lists will be published later that day. 

I am looking forward to listening to the Year 5 students present their leadership speeches tomorrow.  They have been working very hard to prepare for these and I am confident they will do an amazing job.  I am sure you will join with me in wishing them the very best of luck. 

With only one week to go I know everyone is looking forward to the Christmas break!  Here’s hoping it is significantly cooler than this one.

Have a great week

Tim

Sunday’s Gospel

1st Sunday of Advent Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, which is also the first Sunday of the new liturgical year. The Advent season includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this season, we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord in glory and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. The key themes of the Advent season are watchful waiting, preparation, and justice.

During the season of Advent, our Gospel readings ask us to consider what is most important to us as we prepare for Jesus' coming, at his birth and at the end of time.

https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection

Giving Mass

On Wednesday 5th December we will celebrate the end of the year with our Giving Mass. This Mass will be held in Putney Hall at 9am. You are more than welcome to join us for this special occasion.

Christmas Appeal

Just a reminder about  the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.  Could all donations please be brought in by Tuesday of next week so that we can present the baskets as part of our Giving Mass.  Your donations will help brighten Christmas for those in our community who are experiencing hardship this festive season. Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.

Rite of Passage

On Tuesday night we celebrated the end of the Year 6's journey at St Joseph's with our Rite of Passage evening. It was lovely to gather with families, friends and staff to give thanks to our fantastic group of leaders and to reflect on all the gifts they have given and have been given throughout their years at St Joseph's. A special thank you to Fr Joseph for leading our celebration.

Have a wonderful week.

God Bless

Amanda

The last day of Tuckshop is tomorrow Friday 30th November.

Flexischools will be updated to show what stock is available for purchase. 

Any outstanding monies can be paid to the tuckshop or office by the end of the school term. 

Thank You and Happy Holidays

Arlene Curley

http://readiscover1.blogspot.com.au/ 

Borrowing:  Thank you for returning all books this week.  Remember if you have a library login you can access e-books over the holidays.  Emails will come out informing you of any books your child may still have out this Friday.  Year 5s can also continue doing book quizzes with Scholastic Learning Zone until the end of Dec.  This will ensure they are ready for our in-school reading competition to select the Readers Cup team for 2019. 

Christmas in the library:  After reading a selection of books our message for Christmas is to simply give some kindness.

Want to be an angel?  Please pop in at 8 am this Friday and take a photo in front of our gorgeous angel wings.  Each child has created a beautiful feather with the help of Prudence our resident artist and volunteer.

Junior Librarians and Volunteers:  We have 12 Junior librarians and 6 volunteers who help with ordering book club, shelving, decorating the library, competitions, book week celebrations, covering and borrowing to name just a few of the many jobs that happen in our library.  On behalf of our school community we thank you for the wonderful work you have done to help your library be a better place for your friends, children and grandchildren.  To celebrate we held an end of year Mad Hatters tea party which was a lot fun with twister, treasure hunts, Charades and some yummy food.

Merry Christmas to you all.  Please take the time over your break to read and relax under a shady tree and escape for a few hours.  Sheer bliss.

See you next year with a few library surprises already installed to help you enjoy your favourite author or discover some new knowledge to enlighten your life.

Happy Reading

Belinda Walker (Teacher Librarian)