Week 8, Term 4 2018

Principal News Jenny Hawkins

Bishop Elliott's Retirement Mass this Sunday 2nd December at 5pm

A thank you celebration mass will be held to recognise Bishop Elliott's tremendous contribution to the St Kevin's and St Patrick's schools and Parishes on Sunday 2nd December at 5pm in St Patrick's church. Our St Patrick's staff and families are invited to attend. There will be refreshments in Rovira House after mass.
Any donations towards a gift for Bishop Elliott can be placed in an envelope and given in at the school office.
Please keep Bishop Elliott in your prayers as he prepares for retirement. We especially thank him for confirming many of our children during his 11 years as bishop.

The Advent Wreath

Perhaps the best-known of all Advent symbols is the Advent wreath, a custom which originated among German Lutherans but was soon adopted by Catholics. Consisting of four candles(three purple and one pink) arranged in a circle with evergreen boughs (and often a fifth, white candle in the center), the Advent wreath corresponds to the four Sundays of Advent. The purple candles represent the penitential nature of the season, while the pink candle calls to mind a time to reflect. (The white candle, when used, represents Christmas.)

At school we celebrate Advent with the children. You are welcome to join us in the church for the four Advent liturgies on the following days from 2:30 - 3:00pm:
Monday 3 Dec Week 1 Advent
Friday 7 Dec Week 2 Advent
Friday 14 Dec Week 3 Advent
Mon 17 Dec Week 4 Advent

PatCare

At a recent Parish meeting I met a past parent of our school. She asked if PatCare was still operating at St Pat's as her family had benefitted from the support during a challenging time in their lives. I explained that it most certainly was.

PatCare is a community initiative that provides a meal or support to members of our school community. Special thanks to Paula Sanders in her role as our PatCare coordinator and the many contributions and offers of support from our school community particularly over the past couple of weeks.

Parish Education Board Update

Our final meeting for the 2018 year was held on Wednesday night. Here is a summary of some of the key points shared and discussed:

• Bree Langham attended and presented the P&F end of year report and shared the many positive outcomes of the social events and fundraising efforts. Almost $15,000 of funds have been raised. (The 2018 funds have covered the costs of a second set of flexible furniture for another Year 5 classroom at $10000 and $4000 towards replacement projectors to improve classroom interactive whiteboards ).
• Steven Peters and Jenny Jones presented an update with John O' Sullivan in relation to the application for the Capital Grant for the Masterplan building refurbishment. Special thanks to John, Jenny and Steven for spending many hours preparing the application.
• Outcomes of the Catholic School Identity Survey and the School Improvement Survey were shared in the principal's report along with the recent OHS and policy external audits. The staff are preparing for the school review in 2019 and the focus is on continuity of best teaching practice for excellence in student outcomes.
• In the Parish report, Fr Leenus commented on how well prepared the children and teachers are for school masses and our challenge to encourage more families to join the Family Masses. The plans for Bishop Elliott's Retirement mass and the message from the recent Archdiocese letter were also shared.

I would personally like to thank all of the members of the Parish Education Board for their hard work and support this year. In particular, the valuable contribution from our parents on the Masterplan Committee including James Hawkins and Travis Westcott and the Grants Committee with John O'Sullivan, Jenny Jones and Steven Peters. Finally, thank you to John O'Sullivan our Chairperson and Gabby Paroli our Secretary. Our first meeting for 2019 will take place on 20th February.

School Website

The school website is continuing to be updated with new information and photos. You can access the website at this link. If you have any suggestions or feedback around anything to be included or changed then please email principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Thanks to the P and F for enhancing St Patrick's with the wonderful aroma of Christmas, albeit only until all the trees find their way to their December homes.

Important Term 4 Dates:

Monday 3rd December            Swimming Program  continues (P-4)  
                                                 Year 5/6 Beach/Sailing program continues

Wednesday 5th December       Booklist collection  Rovira House from 3pm, Buddy Meet & Greet
Friday 7th December               Music Melodies Concert
Monday 17th December          Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday 18th December          End of Year School Picnic
Wednesday 19th December     Last day of term 4 (children dismissed @ 1pm)

 TEAMKIDS

For more information click on the following link