Dear Parents,

Advent began on Sunday and marks the start of a season of preparation that looks forward to the celebration of Christmas and the second coming of Christ. It is a time of reflection in preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ—we remember how our Savior humbled Himself to be born as a baby and live among those He would save. We remember the perfect life He lived doing the will of His Father, His sacrificial death on the cross, and how He was raised from the dead three days later, having paid the penalty in order to save all who would believe. Christians remember Jesus' promise to return again one day and restore everything fully. This season invokes feelings of expectation and hope! This week the Advent wreath will be placed in each of the classrooms and together we will pray for Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace and Light as we prepare for this special celebration.

Confirmation

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last week. Bishop Tony and Fr Jacob celebrated the Masses.  Bishop Tony spoke personally to the students about the gifts of the Holy Spirit that have been bestowed upon them and the invitation to use their gifts to bear witness to their faith. Thank you to the staff, students and parents who have journeyed, supported and prayed for the students in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thank you also to the Year 5 students who sang beautifully at both Masses and to their parents for generously bringing them. 

State Election

Many thanks to Paul Holland, Diana Khamu, Danny Maher and the volunteers who came along on Saturday to support St Paul’s fundraising with the best egg and bacon rolls, sausages, drinks and sweet treats during the voting period at Saturday’s election.

Ella Logan

Congratulations to Ella Logan who is competing in a National Indoor Netball tournament for Victoria U12 girls team!

Japanese Awards

Congratulations to all students who received their Japanese Hiragana Belts at Assembly last week.  These belts represent a significant achievement for students who reached the Orange Belt (Hiragana Level 3 for Preps), Purple Belt (Level 6 for Grade 1s) and Blackbelt (all 9 Levels for Grades 2-6).  In addition, Cassie R. in Grade 4 achieved her Hiragana Masters Reading Award, being able to read all 107 of the expanded full set of Hiragana characters.  Furthermore, Jade P. and Ella C. in Grade 6 achieved their Hiragana Masters Awards for being able to read and write all 107 Hiragana characters with 100% accuracy.  These are significant achievements, and all students who received awards last week are to be commended for their persistence and commitment.  Thank you to all family members who were able to attend the Award Assembly for making it even more special for the students.

Award winners:

Orange Belt:   

Lost Property

We have many unnamed jumpers, jackets, lunch bottles and lunch boxes in Lost Property.

All unclaimed items will be on a table outside the hall this week for collection. Please come along and help us find homes for them before the holidays.

Second-hand uniform shop

The second-hand uniform shop will be open again next Monday 5 December from 8.30 - 9.15am.

Important Dates

Week 9

• PSG Meetings
• Whole School Mass on Tuesday 29 November at 10am - prepared by Year 5
• Final Prep Transition at 9.15 - 10.50am Thursday 1 December
• Year 5 Incursion Wednesday 30 November
• Year 2 Excursion to Legoland Wednesday 30 November
• Preps 2023 Storytime in the Library 3.00pm Wednesday 30 November

Week 10

• Monday 5 December - Junior School Christmas Party - hosted by the PnF.
• Final Newsletter - Monday 5 December. Staffing and class teachers for 2023 announced.
• Carols in the Amphitheatre at 6.30 on Thursday 8 December. Students to arrive at 6.15pm
• Reports emailed on Friday 9 December

Week 11

• Monday 12 December - Senior school Christmas Party - hosted by the PnF.
• End of Year Mass and farewells to leaving staff at 10am Tuesday 13 December. Parents are warmly welcome to attend.
• Staff v Year 6 Volleyball match at 2.45 on 13 December. Parents welcome. 
• ‘Big Day Out’ - Year 6 on Wednesday 14 December
• ‘Walking Out The Door’ Ceremony for Year 6 at 3.15pm on 15 December. Parents are welcome.
• Last day of school for Year 6 on 15 December at 3.30pm
• ‘Meet the Teacher’ on Friday 16 December at 9.30am.
• Last day for students in P-Year 5 Friday 16 December at 3.30pm.

Another busy week ahead as reports are being checked and staffing /class lists are being finalised for 2023.

Have a great week.

Catherine