Newsletter 30th November 2022
In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which we sit, the Wadawurrung people, who have cared for this country for thousands of years. We would like to pay our respects to the Aboriginal Elders past, present and future for they hold the traditions, memories and wisdom of Mother Earth on which we place our feet upon today.
Upcoming Dates
2nd & 9th December: Combined Schools Day @ St Brendan's
6th December: 6.00 pm Graduation end of year mass supper to follow mass
14th December: End of year school excursion. Extreme bounce and waterpark
15th December: 5.30 BBQ All welcome P & F running
16th December: Last day of school for students. 12.30 Assembly
30th January 2023: Students first day of school
Principal's News
Advent
This week we begin our first week of Advent. Advent is a Latin word that means ‘coming.’ Advent wreaths are set up in our classrooms and are part of our daily prayer during the season of Advent.
The first candle on the Advent wreath represents Hope. The first Sunday of Advent not only leads us to anticipate the birth of Christ, but celebrate the beginning of a new liturgical season. This candle is purple, the primary colour of Advent and a colour symbolising royalty.
End of year things
There is a lot going on in the next few weeks. Graduation, End of Year Masses, excursions, Christmas rotations, assemblies and general end of the year things that need to be done. Everyone – staff, children and parents all appear to be getting tired. The end of the year is not far away, but we have a lot to get done before Friday the 16th. I urge everyone to rally together and support each other so we can get to the end of the year in a positive, optimistic and hope filled way.
Please be kind, patient and tolerant as we move together as a united team towards the finish line. We are almost there. Let’s finish the year on a high!
Stay calm, go gently and look after yourselves and each other.
Birthdays
Sienna will be 12 on the 8th December
Felicity will be 9 on the 24th December
Jai will be 10 on the 27th December
Going up day / Orientation Day
Yesterday the staff and children got to have a feel of what our classes will look like next year. The Year 6 children experienced a day at their secondary school and our students spent time in their 2023 class. This included welcoming our new potential Foundation children – Kingston at St. Brendan’s and Bernie at St. Mary’s. Coby will be joining the Senior class as a Year 6 child next year and is already spending time transitioning to St. Brendan’s.
Training
Today our staff spent time completing Emergency Control and Incident Management training. We are also booked in to do our CPR and anaphylaxis training early next year. These sessions are just a couple of examples of the number of compulsory courses we regularly undertake as a way to ensure that everyone stays safe at our schools.
CSD
The response to having two combined schools days next year was very positive and as a result, we will go ahead. The finer details are still being worked on however they will take place on a Wednesday and Friday. Staff are still discussing which day will be at which school. We are considering facilities for particular programs, staffing and what days we have admin ladies in the offices. As promised, the days will be consistent for the entire year.
Authority for student's photo permission and ICT permission for 2023
Moving into 2023 the student photo and recording permission and the student ICT permission will be through the PAM account. When we rollover the PAM accounts at the end of the semster you will receive an email.
The student ICT permission form will need to be authorised by a parent before students can use computer equipment. The student photo permission will need to be authorised or delcined.
You will no longer receive these documents in paper form at the start of the school year.
Please contact the office if you have any questions.
Thanks Anita
Asthma & Anaphylaxis Plans 2023
Before your child starts school in 2023 all health details will need to be updated in PAM. Asthma plans will need to be uploaded and Anaphylaxis documents. As per the Asthma and Anaphylaxis Policies a new plan is required at the commencement of each school year.
Please only upload documents under the designated area in PAM. Anaphylaxis documents are the only documents to be uploaded under the Anaphylaxis section. This must be an Anaphylaxis plan completed by a GP.
Students with an Allergy plan are uploaded into the Allergy area of PAM not the Anaphylaxis section.
Legally your child cannot attend school without this information.
Please ensure that on the first day of school 2023 that you supply the school with pharmacist labelled asthma pumps, epipens and medications in a suitable labelled plastic container. You must also complete a medication form. Link is below.
If you have any questions please see Anita in the office.
End of year mass
End of year mass is Tuesday 6th December @ 6.00 pm. There will be a light supper afterwards. Please bring a plate to share.
What is “Little Feet Big Footprints” ?
Little Feet Big Footprints (LFBF) is a group of year sixes from local primary schools who get together at least once a term to interact and learn leadership skills. It allows us to meet people we may go to high school with. The name means we are young people with little feet but we can make big impacts in our lives and the world we live in. (Stella)
Who was involved?
The schools that were involved in Little Feet Big Footprints were St. Augustine’s Creswick, St. Brigid’s Ballan, St. Michael’s Daylesford, St. Patrick’s Gordon and of course St. Mary’s and St. Brendan’s. I met some of my old friends as well as some new people along the way. (Liam)
Things we did on Little Feet Big Footprint days:
- At St Augustine's Creswick we got to talk to the captains from different high schools and asked them questions about leadership and their roles as school captains.
- We had a fun, social day at Major league and played different sports.
- At St Brigid's we started a leadership project to help the community.
- On our last LFBF day we went to Vic Park and had fun.
(Sienna)
How has it been beneficial?
I found it very helpful as a way to meet and get to know others going to high school with me. Before LFBF I was a little bit concerned about how many people I was going to know at high school, but after meeting so many other people it made me feel more excited about high school. (Bonnie)
What I liked and what could be improved for next year?
I think that the Little Feet Big Footprint group helped us to meet new people, however, I think that we could have had a few more days just to help us to get to know people better. We had the opportunity to start some social justice projects, but unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to finish them so I think we could have had a few more chances to work on those. Hopefully next year's grade sixes get the same opportunities because it was great. (Kade))
Adminstration hours 2023
The office hours for 2023 will be
Monday 8.45 - 4.00
Tuesday 8.45 - 4.00
Wednesday 8.45 - 4.00
Thursday & Friday Closed