Dear Parents and Carers,

Today we hosted the opening and blessing of our Hall and surrounding areas renovation project. We welcomed guests from Catholic Education, staff, students and members of the wider school community. The blessing was conducted by Fr John and followed by a matinee performance of the Stage 3 production Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits. If you have not seen our renovation yet I recommend you pop your head into the school sometime this week to have a look. Huge thank you to:

• The Architect, Gabby Honan and builder Paul Walker for all your hard work and flexibility;
• Catholic Education for your financial contribution;
• The Honan Family and HDM Metal for the donation of the school crest, signs and planter box in the foyer.

Thank you to all that braved the weather conditions at the Boorowa Carnival. I have heard it was truly four seasons in one day. Thank you also to our staff members, Mrs Mortimer, Mr Kucher, Mrs de Smet, Mrs Arranz and Mrs Portolesi, for attending the carnival and ensuring the day ran smoothly. By all reports it was an incredible day. With the Catholic Schools Carnivals finishing up this year, this carnival will be the major sporting event on our calendar in 2020. A special thanks to all our Coaches, Managers and especially Umpires many of whom were students from Canberra Grammar School. Without your support a carnival like this would not be able to run smoothly.

Grandparents Day

We enjoyed a very successful Grandparents Day on Monday with over 75 Grandparents and Grandfriends in attendance. Thank you for your patience and understanding with my error in entering the wrong date in the Calander. We have had a lot of feedback about the format of the day, most of it being overwhelmingly positive. Mass was a special feature of the day where students sat with their grandparents, followed by time in classrooms and then Grandparents having a space to recharge with a light afternoon tea before braving the playground with their grandchild/ren. Some feedback which we have taken on board was to have some more time in classrooms especially for those with multiple classrooms to visit. We also had some Grandparents Skype in and do a virtual tour which is an option for parents to consider for 2020 if your grandparent is unable to travel.

Staffing

Mrs Armstrong is back at school this week after her father passed away in the last week of the holidays. Maryanne will be working part-time in her Learning Support role this term as she continues to care for her mother, who has also been unwell. We continue to keep Maryanne and her family in our thoughts and prayers. Mrs Mortimer will be Acting Coordinator for the remainder of the term.

On Friday this week, Mrs Williamson will have her last day in Kinder White before she takes maternity leave. We wish the Williamson family all the best with the impending arrival of their second child. Mrs Williamson will be replaced by Mrs Portolesi on Fridays for the remainder of the term.

80th Birthday

Our beloved groundsman, Mr Kerry Marsham, will turn 80 in early November. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we are inviting all members of our school community to get involved in a 'dress like Mr Marsham' day. On Wednesday 13 November we will celebrate with a whole school sing song and the naming of our school garden as the "Mr Marsham Garden'. Attached are some photos of Kerry in his usual attire of boots, jeans and a fluro shirt or top. Thankyou for helping us mark this very special occasion

School Working Bee

We are seeking helpers from our school community to get involved with our Spring Working Bee on Sunday the 24^th of November from 10 am-12 pm. Some light landscaping, timber maintenance and more are on our list of things to do. The more, the merrier (and the quicker we get done!) A pizza lunch will be a reward for any brave volunteers.

School Disco

We are keenly anticipating our Term Four disco that will be held on Friday, November 8. Our DJ, Jungle Jerry, has been busy collating playlists of classics which promise a little something for everyone. With talent like this in store, our disco promises to be a memorable night. A special thanks to OSHClub who have sponsored nibbles for parents to be served in the courtyard while the disco is on.

Tickets are available now on Qkr!. Sessions will be the same as last year:

6.15pm – 7.00pm   Kinder, 1, 2

7.15 pm – 8.15 pm Years 3-6

A ticket will entitle students to a sausage sandwich, juice and prizes on the night.

Classes for 2020

Thank you to the parents that have written to me regarding class placements for 2020. A reminder that these need to be finalised by the end of week 4. Shortly, we will begin the process of examining class lists for 2020. As you can imagine, this is quite a complex process, and I have included some of the considerations teachers as professionals take into consideration when looking at placements. When forming the class lists the following factors are taken into consideration:

• Gender;
• Special Needs;
• Work Habits;
• Cognitive ability;
• Friendships;
• Behaviour;
• Health considerations;
• Religion (to assist in achieving a balance between classes, especially in Sacramental years) and
• Common names.

Ideally, we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics. Where practical, parental requests based on educational concerns will be considered. Parents who wish to discuss particular concerns regarding the placement of their children in particular classes should put their concern in writing and address it to the Principal by Friday of Week 4 (Term 4). All Parent concerns will be seriously considered during the process. It must be clearly understood, however, that no definite guarantees can be given regarding parental requests.

Blessings and best wishes,

Sean Rutledge