Dear Parents, 

The season of Advent reminds us that the life journey is a series of endings and beginnings – as it must be if we are to grow as human beings and as people of faith. As we prepare to ‘let go’ of 2020, we also begin looking to the year to come and all that it might bring.

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The link to this weeks Advent Liturgy

The easing of restrictions means we can look forward to an Advent of faith and family, crowned by Christmas celebrations. As we await the coming birth of Christ, let us remember that 2020 has also given us other things to celebrate, including health, family and resilience and a strong connected community

As the year comes to an end, I would like to thank teachers and staff for all the work they do in educating, nurturing, protecting, supporting and growing each child and young person in our school.  At St Paul’s we are very blessed with a dedicated and energetic staff who work hard every day to improve the learning outcomes for all students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for a year that has been like no other. Despite the challenges of remote learning, we come to the end of what has been a very successful year, evident in our end of year results, friendships, respect and care for each other,  happy smiles and resilient children.

Thank You

Although the School Board has met only a few times throughout the year, they have continued to support me in decision making and where they have discussed policy and been a voice for other parents. Thank you Meghan Speers, Suzanne Commerford, Craig Schneider, Greg Ryan, Steve Savva and Helen Skinner for your service and positive contribution to the school. 

The Parents and Friends have had a very quiet year of fundraising, although their capacity to build a strong community spirit is forever constant. I would like to especially thank Libby Dewar and Claire Stanley, Co Presidents of the Parents and Friends for their amazing contribution and support. 

I would also like to acknowledge the Father’s group who are always on hand to support school functions and provide a warm welcome to new and existing families. 

In just a few days we will be saying farewell to the Year 6 students and their families at the end of Year Graduation liturgy.  Thank you for your leadership and the inspiration you have been to other students. We wish you continued success and blessings for high school.

In 2021 we move into a new phase of School Improvement and as such a new Leadership Team has been formed. The Leadership Team will play a pivotal role in creating an organisational climate that engenders trust and collaboration. It drives school improvement and is committed to the core business of improving student outcomes for every student.

It is my pleasure to announce the Leadership Team and Staffing for 2021.

Leadership Team for 2021

(L-R) Cath Knights, Katie Lachal, Kat Gardiner, Amanda Moore, Michael Juliff, Margaret Mitchell, Catherine Tammesild, Danni molino, Freda Tahtouh

Staff for 2021

Farewells

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those staff who are leaving:

Mr Ed Dooley who has served the Federated Schools for the past 4 years as Faith and Mission Leader, and at St Paul’s as Student Wellbeing Leader. Ed has made a significant contribution to our schools providing rich opportunities for engagement in prayer, Liturgies and Curriculum. Ed has also supported staff and students to grow and understand the mysteries of our faith and embrace every opportunity with a sense of themselves and the world around them. Ed is taking time out to travel and spend time with his family and friends. Ed is famous for being the number 1 supporter of the Dees!

Anne-Maree Kolodziej is moving to St Louis de Montfort after working at St Paul’s for many years as a classroom teacher and our Performing Arts teacher. Anne-Maree has made many positive contributions to St Paul’s and will always be famous for coordinating two whole school concert productions over the past few years.  Anne Maree is also famous for her crush on Robbie Williams!

Joyce Henderson will be working 4 days a week at St Peter’s and 1 day a week at St Catherine’s in 2021. Joyce is famous for bringing joy into learning Japanese and inspiring a love of languages in young people.

Brena Farrelly has only been with us a short time as she replaced Katie Lachal during her maternity leave. Brena has been a joy to have on staff and will be greatly missed as she moves across town to Bacchus Marsh. Brena is famous for her beautiful Irish accent and her kind heart!

End of Year Celebrations  

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who made their Confirmation last Tuesday. Although parents and sponsors did not attend, the ceremony was live streamed for families and friends to watch. We wish the students God’s grace and the blessings of the Holy Spirit for their future.

Year 6 Graduation will be celebrated onsite with parents in the Amphitheatre on Tuesday night at 6.30. Students are asked to arrive at 6.15. On Tuesday afternoon, parents are invited to attend ‘Walking out the Door’ and the guard of honour as we farewell the Yr 6 students for the final time. Parents are asked to enter via the front gates on Higgins Rd by 2.50pm. Due to the Graduation set up in the Amphitheatre, the farewell will happen on the Tennis courts. Tuesday will be the Yr 6 students final day of school.

Meet the Teacher

Students from Yr P-5 will have the opportunity to meet their teacher for 2021 on Wednesday. 

Liturgy

End of Year Liturgy will be held in the church on Wednesday morning as we come together to give thanks and ask God’s blessing on us all during this special Christmas time. Due to Covid restrictions, sadly  parents are unable to attend the Liturgy. Families with a child in Yr P-5 who are leaving St Paul’s will receive a certificate during the Liturgy.

Reports

End of year reports will be emailed out to all families today. Please contact the Office if you did not receive your child’s report.

Last day of Term

The Year 6 students will have their final day on Tuesday, concluding with their  Graduation Ceremony. Years P-5 will finish school for the summer holidays on Wednesday 16 December at 3.30. 

Thank you for your continued support during a year that will make history. 

Wishing you and your families  joy, health and the blessings of the newborn Christ.

Take care,

Catherine