Newsletter No. 21 | Term 4 Week 9 | Friday 6th December 2024

Prayer

The Second Sunday of Advent

We wait with PEACE.

Dear Jesus,

You enter our world on Christmas as the Price of Peace.
This Advent, as we strive to become the best version of ourselves,
fill us with a deep and abiding peace.
Help us to share that peace, with everyone encounter,
especially those who need it most.
Amen

Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,
On Friday our 2025 Prep students completed their last day of Pre-Prep and on Tuesday our Year 6 students participated in their first Transition day at their secondary schools. Both lots of students are at different stages of the education spectrum, yet it was great to see that both were equally excited about the new opportunities ahead of them. Our Year 6 parents will know how quickly the Primary years go and how important it is to cherish these years. We hope that both sets of students and their families soak up the excitement and enjoy the journeys ahead.

Advent and National Diversity Day

On Sunday we celebrated The First Sunday of Advent. This is a joyful time when we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Because we will finish school before the last week of Advent, we started lighting our Advent wreath early and have so far lit the first candle of Hope and the second candle of Peace. Advent reminds us to open our hearts to love, kindness and peace.

On Tuesday it was National Diversity Day. This day is a celebration of how God made each of us unique. We all have different strengths, talents, and traditions and, together we form a beautiful community. In our Catholic faith, we learn to appreciate and include everyone, just as Jesus welcomed all people with love and care.

Let’s celebrate this season by sharing love, kindness, inclusion and hope with everyone around us.

There is a wonderful series on the ABC at the moment titled ‘Headliners’. It is centred around creating two musical bands made up of people with disabilities. Jimmy Barnes’s daughter Elly May, Tim Rogers from You Am I and Ella Hooper from Killing Heidi are formulating the bands and preparing them to perform at a festival in Mundi Mundi NSW in front of 10 000 people. It is an excellent show, a celebration of disabilities and an insight into their worlds. Check it out on ABC iView - I highly recommend it!

Year Six Graduation, Carols Night and Family Pizza Night

Please join us to celebrate the graduation of our year 6 students on Thursday 12th December at 5pm. We will formally farewell them during our school liturgy. During the liturgy, our 2024 Year 6 students will also welcome their new Prep buddies. 

Year 6 students are permitted to wear casual clothes and the rest of the school will be in school uniform. 

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Year 6 students. We have appreciated the way they have willingly taken on the extra duties that come with being leaders in the school. We have watched these children grow over the years and are extremely proud that they are now ready to take on the new experiences and challenges that will come with heading into secondary school. Congratulations to you all. We will miss you at St. Brendan’s!

PLEASE NOTE: The carols will begin straight after the liturgy and should take about half an hour. Pizza will follow the carols. Please reply on PAM if you will be joining us for pizza. The cost will be $20 per family or $5 per person for families of less than 4. Year 6 students will be free. Please pay at the office in cash or before the night by direct debit. See Grace if you need bank details.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Learning Conversations

A reminder to log into PAM to book a time for your child’s learning conversations which will be held on Tuesday 17th December. Please contact Grace if you need help with PAM.

Orientation Day and 2025 Class Structures

Next Tuesday, 10th December is Orientation Day. Students will be in their 2025 classes from 9 - 1. 

Please  note the 2025 Class Structures below: 

Prep/1:  Tahlia Whytcross

Year 2/3/4:  Mandy Sutherland

Year 5/6:  Gerard Douglas

Gerard will be here on Orientation Day to meet and work with the new 5/6 class.  He is really excited to meet them all. Gerard will be at school from 8.30. If anyone would like to come up and meet him then, please feel free.

Class Celebrations

Next week the year Prep - 4s will be participating in some fun after school activities. 

Monday: 3.30 - 5.00 pm - Prep /1 Fun Night

Tuesday: 4.00 - 7.00 pm - Year 2 Fun Night

Please refer to PAM to give permission and the teacher sections on this Newsletter for more details.

Last Day for Students

We are all looking forward to our surfing excursion in Lorne on the last day of school, Friday 18th December. Please ensure you give permission on PAM or contact Grace.

We invite all families to join us on the day. The long range forecast is looking pretty good!

Families in Need

We have two families affected by serious illness and would appreciate any meals or goodies that you might be able to donate. It would be good to provide the family with a few extra meals as we head into the holiday period.

If you are able to donate something please drop it into the front office. 

Thank you!

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Thank you to the families who have contributed to our Vinnie’s Appeal. Our Year 6s will be taking our baskets of goodies into Vinne’s NEXT Friday, 13th December. We have one week left to collect. Stocks are low so if you are able, donations can be dropped into the office area.

Thank you!

Planning for 2025

As we head into the final weeks of the school year, staff have been busy planning for 2025. Last Tuesday, the teachers met to work on our Annual Action Plan for the year ahead. We were really pleased to be joined by Gerard Douglas who will be teaching the 5/6 class in 2025. Gerard said a quick hello to the students and is looking forward to coming to school on Tuesday 10th December to join his class for Orientation Day. It was great to have Gerard on board, it was clear that he will have much to offer to our staff and school.

On Monday night, as part of our Partnership Agreement, we were joined by Dobcel staff, to review our 2024 data and use the findings to direct our 2025 planning. This is an excellent process and ensures that our planning is targeted and relevant to the needs of our school. We thank Lee Schlooz (Education Consultant), Teresa Hadden (Mathematics Leader) and Justin McInerney (Religious Education Leader) for joining us and providing fresh eyes, encouragement and expertise to guide and support us with our planning.

DATES for 2025

There will be a note coming home next week advising you of special dates and events to pop into your calendar for 2025. Stay tuned!

School Uniform

We have been reviewing the school uniform over the last year. Our current uniform has the old school logo on it so we will be moving towards gradually phasing in the new logo. Some of you will remember responding to surveys and the uniform has also been discussed at the Advisory meetings. Now that stocks in some of our current uniform items are running low, it is a good time to begin rolling out the changes recommended from feedback and discussion, with the added bonus of freshening up our school uniform.

We will be working towards closing the school uniform shop with the plan being for Borne Apparel to take over. This will be a gradual process as we still have a high level of stock of some items so we will continue to sell them next year. This would be mainly sports polos and light blue polos. Your first port of call when wanting to buy any of our current uniform would be to see Grace at the Office.

New optional items that we will be introducing in 2025 and will be available from Borne Apparel: 

• a puffer vest
• a soft-shell navy jackets (like the Trinity jacket) 
• a winter beanie
• school hat
• school bag

These items will be available at some stage next year. We will let you know when they are ready to go. We will send out the new uniform list when we have more details. I just wanted to give you a heads up that this process is beginning.

PLEASE NOTE:  The transition time for the new uniform to be in place will be two years so there is no need to rush out and buy anything new. We will also not expect children to replace perfectly serviceable school bags if they choose to stick with the old one after the two year transition period. 

School Advisory

On Wednesday night we had our final School Advisory Council meeting for the year. I would like to extend a big thank you to our outgoing Council members:

Vanessa Tait  and Julie Baker

The contributions of all council members have been truly valued. I would like to extend a special thanks to Vanessa for taking on the role of Council Chair and contributing in so many ways.

We are looking for four two new members to join the team. We meet once a Term, occasionally twice if needed. It is a great opportunity to represent the parent community and to lend your voice to decision making at our school. I would like to emphasise that this is not a fundraising committee, but rather a time to get together for a chat about what is going on in the school. As a Principal, I really appreciate the support of the Advisory Council.

Please let one of the current Advisory Council members or myself know if you would be interested in joining our team. We would like to finalise the members by the end of the year so we are set to go for 2025. 

Fundraising Committee in 2025

Fundraising is an important part of belonging to a school community.  The funds are used to compliment the acquisition of resources and to support activities that directly benefit your children. 

Of course, fundraising doesn't just happen!  Committees and events need key people to drive them.  As suggested by our Advisory Council last night, we would like to set up a Fundraising Committee in 2025. This committee would be separate from the Advisory Council.

The Fundraising Committee would set up a  timetable of fundraising events throughout the year and coordinate families in the school to support them for various events. This will be a fun group to be part of and a wonderful way to build relationships with other parents and families.

Kristy is going to put a call out on the facebook page. Please have a think about answering her call. We are looking forward to making it a really successful fundraising year in 2025 with lots of fun along the way!

Gardens at St. Brendan's

Over the holidays, work will begin on a new vege garden. We are excited to see how the new area will look.

There is a garden area near the cubby where a tree was taken out as it was too close to the building. We are wanting to create a new garden in that area. If anyone would like to help design the garden please come and see me. 

The garden along the church-side fence has been taken out. We are still waiting for the stumps to  go. Our gardener injured himself quite badly so when he is right to go he will complete the job. After that, we will plant native flowering plants, with the hope that children can eventually pick the flowers and practise the art of flower arrangement and making bouquets.

Building Project

I met with the architects and Dobcel advisers on Monday. We have had a few preliminary works done eg soil testing and everything is looking to be on track for a mid-year start in 2025. 

The plans have been revised and reconfigured and this will be ongoing until the final drawings need to be completed. 

If you would like to come and check out the plans at any time please feel free. We welcome any feedback that you might have.

Class Awards

Congratulations to Liam, Jerry, Evie Carlon and James who have received Class Awards over the last two weeks. What amazing role models you are to your fellow students!

Child Safe Standards

This week we will be looking at Child Safe Standards10 and 11.

Child Safe Standard 10 - Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

Child Safe Standard 11 - Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

School Attendance and Absentee Notification

Please ensure you are logging onto PAM, calling or emailing the school to advise if your child will be away or late to school prior to 9:30am each morning. This is a very important matter and we wish to ensure each child arrives to school safe.

Prep/1 Classroom

Wow! Term 4 is nearly done!
Though it’s nearly the end of the school year we still have some fun activities to look forward to.

Prep / 1 Night:  Monday December 9th: Prep / 1 students will be travelling to McCarthy’s farm to watch the milking and meet some calves. We are leaving school at 3pm and returning approximately 3.45pm. Students can bring clothes to change into for this activity. They won’t need boots (there’s no mud) 

Transition Day: On Tuesday 10th December we will all get to move up for part of the day to our 2025 classes. The teachers welcome their new students and discuss what 2025 might look like for them. It is a fantastic chance to collaborate together.

Graduation and Carols on Thursday 12th December: we encourage all families to attend as this is a wonderful opportunity to gather to celebrate and show our support of the Grade 6s as they graduate and welcome our new preps. Most of the Prep/1s remembered receiving their school candles in 2022 and 2023!                  

Carols: after Graduation we sing some Christmas Carols and if we sing really well we may see a special visitor!

Secret Santa:  Monday 16th December.
Our Secret Santa gifts will be shared on Monday 16th December. Gifts are to the value of $5 and suitable for both boy or girl. Please bring them wrapped by Friday, December 13th.

Learning Conversations on the 17th December: We look forward to these conversations - especially listening to the students as they speak about all their achievements this year.  If for some reason you cannot make the times allotted, please contact me or Grace to organise a different time that suits. 

Surfing Day the 18th December: Every year we am amazed (and envious) as I watch the students take to the waves.  To see the Preps tackling the waves and learning to stand on their boards and how to ride a boogie board and the Grades 1-6s  improve their skills makes it a brilliant way to finish our year . Families are very welcome to join us for the day. Please pack plenty of food and a drink for the day as we are all starving when we get out of the water!

Seesaw: Check Seesaw - we’ve hoping to post more photos of the students.

Alice and I would like to say what a privilege and pleasure it has been to be with the Prep / 1s this term. The students are amazing - so resilient, flexible and hard working.  We thank all the staff for their support and especially our class angel - Mel.

Liz McGuane and Alice Armistead
lmcguane@sbcoragulac.catholic.edu.au

aarmistead@sbcoragulac.catholic.edu.au

2/3/4 Classroom News

Welcome to Week 9!

It is hard to believe Term 4 is nearly over!
I am looking forward to our fun events coming up, as I am sure the children are as well.
Next week we will focus on Christmas activites and finalising the Portfolios. On Tuesday we have Transition Day and the Year 2 Night (See details below).

We also have Graduation and Carols on Thursday 12th December where we celebrate the wonderfulness of our Year 6's and wish them all the best as they journey to secondary school. It is also fun to sing together and we hope that someone special comes to visit us!

In the final week we have the Learning Conversations on the 17th December, one of my favourite times during the year. I adore how the children share their learnings and I can feel the love between parents and child. The following day on the 18th December our Surfing Day is up! A much-anticipated event from everyone. So, you can see we are very busy over the next few weeks!!

I would like to wish all our school community a safe and blessed Christmas filled with joy and happiness. May your time with loved ones nourish your soul and create beautiful memories. I hope 2025 is a year of wonderful opportunites and growth for you all.

Transition Day: On Tuesday 10th December we will all get to move up for part of the day to our 2025 classes. The teachers welcome their new students and discuss what 2025 might look like for them. It is a fantastic chance to collaborate together.

Year 2 Night: Next Tuesday night on the 10th December the Year 2's will make their way to the Bowling Arcade for their bowling experience. We will meet there at 4.00pm and play a set of games. After that we will walk over to the Memorial Square for a visit then on to La Porchetta for dinner. A note has been sent out on PAM with further details.

K.K: We will exchange our K.K gifts on Monday 16th December.
K.K is when we draw out a name and we buy a gift for that person. The gift is to the value of $5 and will be handed out on Monday 16th December. Label it to K.K from (your child's name) then no one will know who it is for. The idea is to keep your K.K secret until the day when you give out the gift. Please don't spoil it for others by telling people who you have.

Learning Conversations: Learning Conversations will be happening on Tuesday 17th December. I really enjoy this time of year and having the opportunity to see you interact with your children. If for some reason you cannot make the times allotted, please contact me or Grace to organise a different time that suits. 

The Star of the Week award goes to Liam Wilson. Congratulations on your excellent effort!

Mandy Sutherland
msutherland@sbcoragulac.catholic.edu.au

4/5/6 Classroom News

Welcome to Week 9!

Wow, how are we already here? We have two weeks to go until the end of Term 4. We’ve been getting into the Christmas spirit in our classroom, welcoming Mike the elf and beginning some Christmas crafts. Our Year 6 students went to their secondary schools for transition day on Tuesday, we hope they had a fantastic time!

Kris Kringle: On Monday we drew out our Kris Kringle names. The price limit for presents is $10. Students are to bring their gift to school wrapped and labelled ‘To KK, from (name).’ We will be handing out our KK presents on Monday 16th December.

Graduation: Graduation is coming up on Thursday 12th December at 5pm in the St Brendan’s Church. This will be a lovely chance to celebrate our Year 6’s finishing their primary schooling. All are welcome to attend. Year 6 students are to wear smart casual clothes and the remainder of the school are to wear their school uniform. We hope to see you there!

Learning Conversations: Learning Conversations can now be booked via PAM. They will be held on Tuesday 17th December. If you would like to book an alternative day/time please email me. 

I hope you have a lovely week,

Tahlia

Tahlia Whytcross
twhytcross@sbcoragulac.catholic.edu.au

Birthday Corner

Wishing a very big Happy Birthday to everyone who is celebrating their special day! Especially:

8th December - Lewie Panther (7)

13th December - Claire Beardsley (10)

15th December - Sophia Carlon (9)

Summer Holiday Birthdays!

29th December - James Bourk (7)

31st December - Ivy Robb (8)

2025

12th January - Aden Coates (11)

20th January - Kaitlyn Bourk (12)

Important Dates

Catholic Culture

St Brendan's Coragulac & St Joseph's Pirron Yallock Mass Times

St Brendan’s Coragulac: 9.30am Sunday Lay-led  /  Mass 5pm 4th Sunday of each month
St Joseph’s Pirron Yallock: 10:30am Mass 1st Sunday of each month

Our Diocesan Community

https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ODC-July-2024-web.pdf

Click here to read all the news in the latest edition of Our Diocesan Community.

Community News & Events

Bluewater Sensory Quiet Time Pool Session
When: Every Saturday between 1-3pm
Please contact Bluewater Colac if you have any questions.