4 December 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principals Address

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

At this time of the year, the beginning of December, many of us put up our Christmas Tree, hang a wreath and even count down the days until Christmas using an Advent calendar. No doubt, we also visit the shops to buy presents for family and friends.

These Christian traditions are all ways of getting ready for Christmas.

But it is more than this. It also marks the beginning of Advent – a time to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world. During this liturgical season, we have the chance to invite Christ to be more and more a part of our lives and to reveal Him to others, as we are called to become more lovingly aware of the presence of Jesus, who is always with us.

Advent is also a special time of prayer – a time of hope, light, joy and love, a time to thank God for the gift of his Son, Jesus.

An Advent Prayer

Dear God,

All around us people are getting ready for Christmas. We eagerly wait for the coming of your Son, Jesus. Help us to get ready in our hearts to celebrate his coming into the world and into our lives. May Advent be a time of hope, light, joy and love for us all. Amen.

With every best wish for the Advent Season,

Principal
Grant Diggins

Assistant Principals News

Values

In many Government Schools today scripture time is replaced by Values Education. The values include care and compassion; responsibility and understanding; honesty and trustworthiness; integrity and respect, to name some.

Catholic schools are supportive of these and promote them throughout the daily life of school. Catholic schools have always been based on Gospel values which add to the integrity the whole education of the child.

With this mind may I take the time to remind everyone that our words and actions are always witnessed by others, especially children. This time of year is a very busy one and even hectic at times. In the course of the day we need to be mindful of good manners. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’, along with a smile, go a long way in contributing to a positive outcome of someone’s day.

When you are in and around our school, driving to or from, please be self-aware of your impact on others. This is one way of making sure that the rush to the end of the year is a pleasant one for all.

Assistant Principal
Anne Higgins

Religious Education Update

Advent

The time before Christmas is always filled with anticipation and excitement, especially for children. In the Church we call this time of preparation Advent. This year Advent begins on Sunday the 1st of December and ends on 24th December. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word which means “coming,” which refers to the coming birth and life of Jesus. It is the first season of the Church year and is a time both of solemn internal preparation and joy.

During Advent, we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also check in to see if we are doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again. Talk to your family about how you are doing in attending to your spiritual life as a family. Recommit yourselves to praying daily, reading Scripture and staying faithful to God’s commandments. Pray together that through this Advent season your family will be more prepared to receive Jesus when he comes again.

We started our school week with a special Advent prayer in our school hall as part of our assembly.

Prayer for Advent

God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Saviour.
Amen.

End of Year Mass – Friday 6 December

All parents and community members are invited to attend our final school Mass on Friday 6th December at 10:00 in our school chapel. Mass will be followed by a ‘bring your own’ picnic lunch in the school playground.

Complimentary Tea and coffee will be available from the canteen.

Please note the Canteen will only be available for over the counter sales. This includes ice blocks and snack items only. There will be No recess or lunch Qkr or cash orders.

Year 6 Graduation Mass – Tuesday 17 December

We will be celebrating our Year 6 Graduation Mass on Tuesday 17 December at 5:30pm at St Joseph’s East Maitland.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers

It is that time of the year when we as a school and community support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. All our donations are being packaged up into hampers and being delivered to local families that need our support.

All students are asked to bring in Christmas type foods, such as

• Plum pudding
• Mince pies
• Lollies
• Chips
• Chocolates
• Short bread/Christmas biscuits
• Cakes

You can also bring in Christmas crackers or bon-bons.

Please remember all items will be stored in the classrooms, so please do not bring in foods that need to be refrigerated.

The hampers will be delivered to people in our local community who are most in need during the holiday season. Please bring in your item before Friday 13 December.

CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2019

Thousands of parents across Australia are wondering how they’ll afford to feed their children on Christmas Day, let alone put presents under the tree, Vinnies has launched its annual Christmas Appeal to support the one in five Australian children who go hungry each day, as well as their families. The majority of people who came to us this year needed help just to afford food – not just the trappings but basic food to ensure they are not going hungry. This can often become worse at Christmas as other costs and expectations mount. A recent report from the National Council of Social Services found that children under 15 years experience the highest rate of poverty of all age groups in NSW. Foodbank research has found a large number of children go hungry on any given day, and 11% of children go to bed without dinner at least once a week. Parishioners of the Lower Hunter have been extremely generous in past years in donating to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, which this year will be conducted in parish Churches during the weeks of Advent. Envelopes will be available in Churches for receiving donations. Donations can also be left at Vinnies Centres. Parishioners of the East Maitland and Morpeth parishes are invited to contribute items for Christmas hampers, which will be distributed to needy families in the week leading up to Christmas. We thank you in anticipation for your generous support. Michael Healy Regional President

Mission Movie Day Fundraising Success

Thank you to all the families who supported our recent Catholic Mission and Vinnies Fire Appeal.

Through your generous donations we raised:

$582.55 for Catholic Mission
$2170.00 for the Vinnies Fire Appeal

Sacraments of Initiation 2020

Our parish communities wish to support families who would like their children to be Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion in 2020.

If your child has been baptised a Catholic and in Year 3 in 2020, and they would like to receive the other sacraments of Initiation next year then you must attend two mandatory Parent Information session one in November this year and one in February next year.

Session 2 parents will be required to produce a copy of their child’s Catholic baptism certificate for the child to be registered in the preparation process.

Tuesday – 7pm on 4th February at St Paul’s Church Rutherford OR
Wednesday – 7pm on 5th February at St Joseph’s Church East Maitland OR
Thursday – 7pm on 6th February at Our Lady of Lourdes Beresfield.

It will be necessary for at least one parent to attend both Parent information sessions for their child to receive the sacraments next year

PLEASE NOTE: If your child is not baptised please contact the Regional office ASAP before the 1st Information Session on 49338918 or SOIchisholm@mn.catholic.org.au

These meetings are for any parents from the eight churches of our region:

• Our Lady of Lourdes, Cnr Delprat Avenue & Anderson Drive, Beresfield
• St Joseph’s, Cnr King Street & Newcastle Road, East Maitland
• Immaculate Conception, Cnr George & James Streets, Morpeth
• Holy Family, 11 John Street, Largs
• St Columba’s, Cnr Church & Prince Streets, Paterson
• Sacred Heart, New England Highway, Campbell’s Hill
• St Paul’s, 10 Young Street, Rutherford
• St Patrick’s, 55 New England Highway, Lochinvar

If you have any further questions regarding the Sacramental Program, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school or via email: nicholas.hughes1@mn.catholic.edu.au

Religious Education Co-ordinator
Nicholas Hughes

Awards

Week 7

Reminders

Presentation Night

Our Annual End of Year Presentation Night will be held on Tuesday 10th December beginning at 5.30pm at All Saints College, St Mary's Campus Maitland. This is a very special event to recognise and affirm our children’s achievements and efforts throughout the year. Certificates and Awards will be presented during the evening and our Show Choir and Dance Group will perform. I hope you will join us to celebrate the gifts and talents of our wonderful students at St Aloysius.

Volunteer Thank-you Gathering

On Monday 16th December from 8.45 until 10.15am we will be holding a special gathering for all our wonderful volunteers 2019 in the Learning Hub. We are most grateful for all those who have assisted during the year in many different ways including the P&F, canteen, class helpers, sporting events, transport, excursions etc. Without these volunteers we would not be able to offer such great opportunities for our students.

We would love for you to join us so we can say thank-you. Please RSVP by Wednesday 11th December, We hope to see you there!

Volunteer Induction

A Volunteer Induction will be held for any interested parents, family members or friends, following our Thank-you gathering from 10.15-10.50am on Monday 16th December. Please RSVP by Wednesday 11th December.

School Car Park

Please be reminded that the car park is for staff use only from 7.30am to 4pm.

For the safety of all, under no circumstances should children be dropped off, or picked up in the car park.

Parents with children attending OOSH, please use Kiss and Ride or on-street parking during these times. The car park may be used by parents and visitors outside these hours.

Christmas 2019 in the Chisholm Pastoral Region

Sport News

Swimming Carnival

Parent Memo 2

Dear Parents,

We thought this might help to clarify a couple of points for our carnival at Beresfield pool next Monday.

I have included a copy of the order of events in case you would like to see which events are when. As with all carnivals, we don’t give times when events will be on as there are many factors which can affect the pace of the carnival. Please note the 100 metre Freestyle events are scheduled to start by 8:30.

For the carnival your child will need: (please ensure all items are labelled)

To wear House colour shirt and sports shorts or board shorts and joggers and socks. Students are able to take off shoes and socks and put on thongs/sandals once they are at the pool. (Shirts are to remain on except during events. Sun safe shirts can be worn all day)

Swimmers (have them on under the House Shirts and shorts) and towel - Caps and goggles are optional.

Morning tea, lunch and a water bottle. There will be a canteen for snacks and treats but not for children’s lunches.

Sunscreen – apply before school and re-apply during the course of the day.

Coloured Zinc for decoration is NOT permitted.

No hair dye, crepe paper streamers or glass bottles are permitted.

Children are to remain in the grandstand in their house colour areas unless they are on the way to or from an event or have permission from the teacher to go to the canteen or toilet.

School students attending the carnival are NOT PERMITTED to leave the pool area.

As this is still a school day, ALL children are expected to attend and remain for the duration of the carnival.

It is important that we encourage team spirit and sportsmanship instead of parents and children heading home because their events are over. It is also often disappointing when children are selected for the relay teams but have already left the carnival. Therefore, we ask that all children remain at the pool for the entire carnival.

At the completion of the carnival, children will be able to go home with parents after getting their name marked off by the house teacher.

No child will be able to leave the pool with another parent unless we have written permission from the child’s parents.

Please remember that all children are to come to school on time to be ready to board buses between 8:15 and 8:45. Students will begin leaving school on buses from 8:15. Any students competing in the 100 metre Freestyle need to be at school by 8:10 to board the first bus OR be at the pool by 8:20 as we are starting the event early.

Officials – A big thanks to all parents who offered to help. The note outlining jobs will go home today and I ask all parent helpers to be at the pool from 8:00 for the 8:15 meeting and the start of the 100m events as close to 8:30 as possible.

Hope this all makes sense, however, if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Order of Events

Primary Coordinator

STEM News

BYOD - What’s New For 2020?

Device supplier

For 2020 the St Aloysius’ optional device supplier will be Next Technologies. They are a leader in student devices and technology for schools with over 30 years’ experience. They are a Dell Gold Partner and work closely with Dell to provide the right devices for schools and students

Ordering process

Next Technologies have created an easy and safe parent portal for students. The portal is provided and managed by Next Technologies Pty Ltd. This is live NOW until Wednesday 18th December. Computers will be delivered by the end of February.

The portal will then re-open towards the end of Term2 for a Term 3 delivery.

Password: sta2020

Costs

Next Technologies will be offering two suggested devices as follows

They key differences however are as follows:

3190 2in1: Is a convertible PC. It can fold over into tablet mode and has a touch screen with a pen

3120 Laptop: Is a standard/traditional laptop that does not have a touch screen and does not come with a pen (nor is it compatible with a pen).

The school will support the setup of these devices ONLY.

Warranty and Accidental Damage

The products, software, and services provided on this portal are not sold directly by St Aloysius Chisholm. The Dell 3190 notebooks sold through this portal has been bundled with 3 years of onsite warranty support provided by Dell Australia (Dell Pro Support Plus) as well as an extended battery warranty. As part of Dell Pro Support Plus, the device is covered against accidental damage via an insurance policy underwritten by AIG Australia Limited. The coverage is limited to one claim per year, but there is no excess payable on a claim. The full terms of the policy are available in the Dell Accidental Protection Insurance Product Disclosure Statement available on the parent portal.

Hour of Code

We live in a world surrounded by technology. And we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly depend on understanding how technology works.

That’s why our entire school is joining in on the largest learning event in history: The Hour of Code, during Computer Science Education Week (December 9th-15th).

More than 100 million students worldwide have already tried an Hour of Code.

St Aloysius will be hosting our Hour of Code during this week

What is the Hour of Code?

A one-hour introduction to computer science. Students and teachers can choose from a variety of activities for kindergarten and up. Activities work on any modern browser, tablet, smartphone, or even with no computer at all. No experience needed by students or teachers. Activities are available in over 45 languages! Code.org’s own activities feature Minecraft, Star Wars, Disney’s Frozen, Angry Birds, and Plants vs. Zombies. Inspiration to learn computer science. Hour of Code lesson plans and activities can be used to inspire students in many different classes—math, physics, history, English, and more. After doing an hour, many students want to continue!

Why computer science?

Computer science is foundational. Every 21st-century student should have the opportunity to learn how to create technology. Computer science is changing every industry on the planet. The basics of computer science also help nurture creativity and problem solving skills, and prepare students for any future career. Computing is the #1 source of wages in the U.S. There are more than 500,000 computing jobs open nationwide. Computer science graduates enjoy the second-highest starting salary and the highest full-time employment rate (76%) within six months of graduation. Students also love it! Recent surveys show that among classes students “like a lot,” computer science and engineering rank near the top—only performing arts, art, and design are higher.

Jessica Moulder
Primary Coordinator
STEM Coordinator

Music Notes

What an exciting Term it has been in the CAPA department at St Aloysius!

We spent the first four weeks of this term in our Music lessons practising the song “We Are” that we sang with over 1000 students from across Australia simultaneously on Thursday November 7th at 12:30 pm. It was a great experience not only to sing the song with other schools but also get an insight into the process that goes into writing, composing and recording a song and to learn the Auslan actions for the song.

Our Mini Show Choir (K-2) and our Primary Show Choir have been working particularly hard this term, which culminated in the Diocesan Choir Showcase on Thursday 21st November at St Patrick’s at Lochinvar. Myself, Miss Quigley and Mrs Matsen accompanied the excited students who performed exceptionally, doing themselves and our school proud. We were delighted to achieve a 2nd place with our Mini Show Choir performing ‘Hard Knock Life’ from the Annie movie in the Infants Section. The Primary competition was of a high standard this year and our Primary School Choir were successful in being awarded 2nd place in the Sacred Section, singing ‘Mary Did You Know’, which was a wonderful achievement, and a testament to the many lunchtime practices the students committed themselves to.

On Saturday the 14th of December the Primary Show Choir will be performing at the Waterford Carols evening at the Waterford office. We look forward to sharing our two songs we performed at the Choir Showcase at Lochinvar.

On Tuesday December 10th both Choirs will be performing at our end of year Presentation night.

Our Drama students have been very productive this term, working hard with Mrs Matsen to produce a video that we will be sharing at our presentation night. We know you will enjoy watching their performances!

I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching Music this term and look forward to more musical and dramatic adventures next year!

Carla Whiting
Creative Arts Teacher

Learning Hub News

End of Year Returns

It is now Week 8 and all Library books are now due by the end of this week. Students can return their books any day, it doesn’t have to be on their Library day.

Please check at home for any outstanding loans and return them ASAP so we can begin the big job of stocktake in the Library. We appreciate your support with this.

Just a reminder if you are not sure if it is a school Library book, it should have a barcode with St Aloysius Primary School on the back of the book.

A Great Night for the Family

If you are looking for a great free Christmas family activity, Bunnings Maitland is holding a free Christmas Family night on Thursday 5th December. There will be Christmas craft, rides, face painting, a free sausage sizzle and Santa is going to make an appearance! Make sure to RSVP, details below.

To accompany this night of Christmas Fun, the Library Hub is entering the Instore Bunnings Maitland colouring competition. If any students win, Mrs Berry will notify parents by phone on Thursday 18th December and winners can collect their prize from Bunnings Maitland.

Kind regards,
Sam Berry, Catherine Creasey and Carolyn Lilley (St Aloysius library team)

Learning Support News

As the year draws a close, it is a time to reflect on the achievements and efforts of all the students. I would particularly like to acknowledge all the students who have received additional support in literacy and Maths this year through the Mini-lit and Macq-lit programs. It has been a busy year with a number of Macq-lit and Mini-lit groups running through-out the year from Year One to Year 6. We have also a rapid reading program in place, across the school from K-6, to develop fluency and vocabulary as well as a maths intervention program that primarily focuses on quick recall of basic facts using the four operations.

The students have consistently brought with them a good attitude, respectful behaviours and a willingness to do their best and improve in the reading, writing and spelling and maths. They have also encouraged their peers and celebrated each other’s achievements. All the hard work has paid off as the students have made wonderful progress. WELL DONE!

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful learning support assistants in our school that quietly and competently go about their daily work supporting the students in our school. Their contribution to our school is invaluable and they are such a fantastic team of committed people to work with. Thank you!

Reading for 10 minutes a day is all it takes to make the difference

Research shows us that the benefits of reading more improves performance in general knowledge, vocabulary, reading comprehension, fluency and spelling.

Fun Ways to Keep Your Child Reading Over the Holidays

1. DEAR - Drop Everything and Read’ for 10 mins a day
2. Join the local library!
3. Let your child show off their reading skills to relatives.
4. Read and talk about books in the car on long trips. Ask reading comprehension questions like, “How did the story start?”, “Who was your favourite character and why?” and “How did the story make you feel and why?”
5. Write a special holiday reading list. Create a list of at least 5 books for your child to read each week over the holidays. You can create some incentives by rewarding a prize for each book completed per week.
6. Cook holiday meals together and let them read out the ingredients. Cook and prepare your holidays meals together and let your child read out the ingredients and quantities for you.

Student News

Student House Leaders 2020

Congratulations to the following students for being elected School House Leaders for 2020:

Chisholm – Holly Clack and Riley Miller
McAuley – Caitlin Scanes and Cody Field
Ignatius – Abigail Anderberg and Lincoln Stork
Corcoran – Alyssa Longton and Harry Lidbury

Aboriginal Education News

Over the last few weeks the Aboriginal Primary group have created and designed Aboriginal Art to go on their Boomerangs. Some of the children invited friends along, as they were very proud to share their Aboriginal Heritage. On the 2nd of December the children began to undercoat the boomerangs and proceeded to apply first layers of artwork.

Caroline Kennedy – Aboriginal Education Teacher

Parent News

Reports

Semester 2 reports will go live on Compass on Monday 16th December at which time they will be available to view, download and print. Please contact your child’s class teacher if you would like to discuss the report.

Please be reminded that a C grade is working at the expected level. A and B grades are above expected level and D and E are below.

Playgroup

Over the past few years we have had a playgroup operating at St Aloysius. A very big thank-you to Tamara Brooks for coordinating this and for the time and effort she put into it.

Playground

Some parents have contacted me recently regarding the current state of the main playground/field. I acknowledge the area is problematic. We are however in drought and have water restrictions currently in place, which has severely hindered our efforts to rectify this.

Even though this is the case we have been working hard behind the scenes to do what we can to improve the situation. This has included:

• Exploring the possibility of getting an exemption for use of water and sprinklers. I have just received communication recently from the school’s office and Hunter Water to advise we can apply for an exemption. I am currently working on this.
• I have had conversations with the Catholic Schools Office and the Landscape Architect from Quinn O'Hanlon to see if rectification work on widening paths, taking out planter boxes, constructing swales and planting shade trees can be fast tracked and completed for the beginning of 2020, before the Stage 3 project commences early next year.
• Continued discussion and costings around different options for rectifying the field and providing other areas using artificial grass as part of the Stage 3 project landscaping and
• In the interim, discussions with the staff and CSO as to how to best manage the situation until Stage 3 completion such as providing options for students at breaks including lunch clubs, use of concrete areas, Block F playground and undercroft, Learning Hub and Environmental Zone, Learning Support Room etc.

If as a parent you are concerned about your child’s safety, I encourage you to suggest they consider playing in one of the other areas mentioned above or participating in a selection of lunchclub activities that are provided until the main field is repaired.

Grant

Federation of P&F Associations – Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia (DARTA)

Paul Dillon is conducting an information session on Thursday 12th December at St Mary’s ASC Maitland from 6:00pm. If you would like to attend you will need to RSVP as per details on the flyer below.

Market/Car Boot Sale

Saturday 14th December 8.30am-1.30pm. Therry Centre Hall and lower driveway. East Maitland Rotary Club sausage sizzle, parish cake stall, plant sale, etc. Join us to pick up a bargain and help raise funds to repair the Therry Centre. If you are interested in being a stall holder - $20 per space – please contact Judy 4934 8232 or the Regional Office 4933 8918.

P&F News

Annual General Meeting

The P&F held their Annual General Meeting on Monday 18th November. Thank-you to all those parents who attended.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the outgoing P&F Executive: Megan Price (President), Erin Davis (Vice President), Kellie Robinson (Secretary), Alison Kelly (Treasurer). Thanks also to Alysha Wynne ad Karen Kowalski (Federation Delegates), Lisa Burg and Vicki Wall (Uniforms) and to all those who helped throughout the year with fundraisers. Your support and hard work is very much appreciated.

Congratulations also to our newly elected P&F Committee announced in the last newsletter. We thank these wonderful parents for accepting their nominations and for their commitment to working with the school for the benefit of the children.

Grant

Mango Delivery Date

Mangoes will be available for collection on Wednesday 11th of December.

We will be using the Kiss and Ride area (after kiss and ride has finished) from 3-6 pm.

All trays must be collected.

Any concerns please email the P&F

Wine Drive

Our newest fundraiser “The Wine Drive” with Tamburlaine Organic Wines closes Friday 6th of December. Don’t forget to stock up in time for Christmas. $50 from every 12 bottles ordered is donated back to the school.

Thank you for your support throughout the year.

We look forward to seeing new faces and ideas at our meetings in 2020. Have a happy and safe holiday.

St Aloysius P&F
staloysiuspandf@outlook.com

Staff News

Staffing 2020

I am delighted to announce the following recent appointment for 2020:

Pedagogical Mentors – Olivia Djodan and Anne Higgins
Permanent Classroom Teacher – Alison Jamieson (replacing Amy Mead)
Acting REC (for Term 1 and 2) – Larissa Quigley
Primary Coordinator – Sonia Walters

Congratulations to Olivia, Anne, Alison, Larissa and Sonia on their new positions.

National School Chaplaincy Program

I am pleased to advise that our school has been successful in our application to be part of the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for 2020-2022. This will enable us to employ a Pastoral Care Worker at St Aloysius.

Meet our new Staff

Chelsea Clements

Hi, my name is Chelsea Clements and I am so pleased to be joining the St Aloysius community on a permanent basis in 2020. I graduated from Avondale College in 2014 and for the past 5 years I have been a casual teacher within the Diocese at various Primary Schools. Through spending the majority of 2019 teaching at St Aloysius, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students and the school routines and practices. In Term 3 of this year, I got married to my wonderful husband Mathew and we both enjoy spending time with our fur-baby Stella. Alongside my passion for teaching and love for learning, I also enjoy the outdoors, going on adventures and being around my family and friends. I can’t wait to see what next year brings!

Alison Jamieson

My name is Alison Jamieson. I have been teaching now for over 10 years and have a passion for STEM and the Arts. I love being in the classroom and joining students on a journey of wonder and discovery. I feel very privileged to be joining the St Aloysius community and look forward to getting to know the students and their families.

Farewell Miss Mead

Amy Mead

A little message to say goodbye or see you later (I don’t particularly like goodbyes as some of my students might remember from last year). I have accepted at position at St Augustine’s Parish School Narromine (30 minutes from Dubbo) for 2020. Unfortunately, I can’t be in two places at once and with mixed feelings, I have resigned from my position at St Aloysius.

St Aloysius is a very special community. I had always wanted to work at St Aloysius and feel so blessed to have spent two (plus one long distance) years there. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of such a fantastic community.

I feel privileged to be involved in the lives of so many special people. I would especially like to thank the students, parents and families of the classes that I have had the pleasure of teaching, our current Year 5 and Year 6 students (in particular, the 3/4 Lilly Pilly 2017 and 4 Lilly Pilly 2018). I would also like to acknowledge the amazing, hardworking staff who go above and beyond for the school community. I am so grateful to have worked alongside such these special people who have become friends.

I wish you all the best for the future and hope you have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas. Don’t be a stranger! Love Amy Mead

Finance and Office News

School Fees 2020

Fees for 2020 will be:

If you haven’t already returned your Family Discount form it is important to do so as this is used to ensure you receive the correct fee billing.

Please see the following letter outlining School Fees for 2020 from the Director of Schools, Gerard Mowbray and Bishop Bill Wright. In addition to this, the St Aloysius Resource fee for 2020 will be $540 per child. This covers all resources, class excursions and subscriptions for the school year.

Messages to children

Whilst we understand that plans change, we ask you not to phone the school after 2pm with changes to afternoon arrangements for your child/ren. It is very difficult to get messages to classes after lunch time as the students are often not in their classrooms. Please make sure your child is clear about their home time arrangements before school each day. Please DON’T email messages of this type as they can easily be missed.

Office Hours

From 2020, our office hours will be 8:30am to 3:00pm.

Collecting Children Early from School

We understand there are times when you will need to collect your child from school during class time. So that your child and the class have the minimum amount of disruption and lost learning time, we will only call your child from their classroom when you arrive at the school. We hope you understand and allow extra time when collecting your child.

Canteen News

The end of year school mass is being held on Friday the 6th December. The canteen will not be doing recess or lunch orders. It will still be open for sales of ice blocks, chips and drinks both at recess and lunch. There will also be complimentary Tea and Coffee available for the bring your own picnic.

The last week of Term ( Dec 16th, 17th, 18th) is only a short week so therefore the canteen will be offering the normal lunch orders on Monday and Tuesday and will be open at lunch for iceblocks etc. Please be mindful that there will be limited stock available.

The canteen will not be supplying Recess or Lunch orders on Wednesday 18th December but will be open for both Recess and Lunch for over the counter sales only (iceblocks, drinks, chips). Again only limited stock available.

Anyone wishing to be on the roster in 2020 please contact me as I will be collating the roster over the Holidays.

Thank You to everyone that has spent any time in the canteen during the year. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Relaxing New Year. See you in 2020.

OOSH News

St Nicholas Before and After School Care

Before care: 6.30am- 8.50am
After care: 2.50pm- 6.00pm
Holiday Club: 7:00-6:00pm
Co-ordinator: Kyra Rumbel
chisholm@stnicholasoosh.org.au
Service Ph: 0419 697 715

Dates to Remember

Thursday 5th December – Year 6 Surf Safe Fun Program
Friday 6th December – “The Wine Drive” Fundraiser – last day to order
Friday 6th December – End of Year Mass 10.00am – Bring your own Picnic Lunch
Monday 9th December – 2020 School Swimming Carnival – Beresfield pool
Tuesday 10th December – End of Year Presentation – St Mary’s Maitland 5:30pm (Choir Performing)
Wednesday 11th December – Stage 1 gymnastics
Wednesday 11th December – Assembly 2:00pm
Wednesday 11th December – Mango Delivery Date – pick up between 3-6pm
Friday 13th December – Year 6 Big Day Out
Friday 13th December – St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper – last day to return items
Saturday 14th December – Primary Show Choir performing at Waterford Carols evening
Monday 16th December – Go Up Morning
Monday 16th December – Volunteer Induction 10.15-10.50am
Monday 16th December –Volunteer Thank-you Gathering
Monday 16th December – Semester 2 Reports go live on Compass
Tuesday 17th December - Year 6 Graduation
Wednesday 18th December – Last day Term 4 for students
Tuesday 28th January 2020 – Staff return – Pupil Free day
Wednesday 29th January – Students in years 1 to 6 – first day Term 1
Friday 31st January – Kindergarten 2020 first day