Dear Parents and Carers,

Term four in schools is traditionally very busy, filled with graduations, new classes, teachers, Christmas parties etc. Without context, the rich spiritual traditions of Advent can quickly become secularised and commercialised. It’s important that as the busyness around Christmas builds, we make time to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Advent is the four weeks that lead up to Christmas and is when we watch and wait for the coming of Christ.  It began this year on Sunday, Dec 1^st and goes through to Dec 24th and always contains four Sundays.  Advent is the official beginning of the Church year, and the liturgical colour purple represents it.  The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming. The Lord is coming. (Wait/Prepare/ Be Ready for Christmas).  It is a time of preparation for Christ’s birth and is symbolises ‘new beginnings’.  It is the season when the impossible becomes possible and the Gospel stories during Advent provides examples of this. 

The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the colour violet is a liturgical colour that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The first purple candle symbolises hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Carols

We welcome families along to the Community Council Christmas Carols picnic on Wednesday 11^th of December in the school grounds. The students have learnt three songs that will be sung on the night. Carols will fill the air and ice blocks will be provided for all students.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sport in 2020

Mr Jenkins has decided to have a break from organising sport in the school next year. We thank Mr Jenkins for his tireless work organising clinics and countless carnivals and sporting days for us this year. This work often goes unnoticed in the community but is vital to the Physical Education of our students. If you see Mr Jenkins around the school, please join me in thanking him for his efforts this year. Ms Mary De Smet will take over the sports coordinator role in 2020.

Maths consolidation in 2020

This year we moved away from our Mathletics subscription based on the usage reports that we reviewed part way through the year. This showed the platform was not hitting its targets in consolidating maths for students at home. We utilised a classroom approach for the remainder of the year which saw several different programs, platforms and techniques used. We will trial for 2020 a numeracy program called Mangahigh which is an engaging Mathematics based program that adjusts to the student's individual learning needs. It adapts the wording of questions and offers support to ensure that all children can make meaning from math problems and experience success. It makes learning fun, supportive and engaging. I will seek parent feedback and usage data partway through the year to assess its effectiveness in this space. More information will be rolled out in 2020. If you want to know more, please feel free to visit their website https://www.mangahigh.com/en-au/

Blessings and best wishes

Sean Rutledge

Sunday Gospel: Second Sunday of Advent, Year A. Matthew 3:1-12

The Gospel, Matthew 3:1-12, presents us with the appearance and preaching of John the Baptist. John’s message, 'Prepare a way for the Lord', practically states the theme of the entire season of Advent. Nonetheless, it is not all that easy to simply take John’s words and proclaim them as Christian Gospel today.

Every year, as we celebrate the Nativity, we celebrate once again the presence of God in our world. God became incarnate in the world through Jesus but also always was and continues to be incarnate in the world through each person. If we are to accept this reality and live it out, we need to remind ourselves this Advent to prepare the way for the Lord to be present in and through us every day of our lives.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

On Thursday 28^th November, a number of your Year 3 students joined with many of their peers from our parish as they received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. The liturgy was a prayerful and reverent occasion, and all in attendance agreed it was a beautiful celebration. Many thanks to all of the teachers who assisted in preparing the students during class time, and being present to support their students on the night. Also, a big thank you to the parents who assisted with the home group programs, we have heard wonderful feedback on these sessions.

Dates for your Diary:

Tuesday 10^th December – Kinder Nativity 2:15pm.

Wednesday 11^th – Last day for St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal collections. (Children may wear Christmas attire on this day)

Friday 13^th December – Year 6 Graduation Mass, 12:00pm

Blessings for the week ahead in this Advent season,

Stephanie Burns

Religious Education Coordinator

Our Year 1 and Year 2 Growth Assembly will be held this Thursday, 5 December, at 2.15pm in the hall.

It will be the last assembly for this year.

Congratulations to all the students that participated in our annual Talent Show. You were all amazing!

Check out our Facebook page to see some photos of the show

PICNIC POSTPONED

Due to the advice provided to us by ACT Health, the Carols Picnic has been postponed until next Tuesday evening (17 December).

Garreth Wigg

Sts Peter & Paul families are invited to come and enjoy a relaxing evening together,  outside on the school grounds in each other's company while Christmas hymns and songs aplenty fill the air.

WEDNESDAY. 11 DECEMBER

6-7.30PM

Ice blocks will be provided for all students in attendance.

This is an alcohol-free event.

As the end of the year draws near, all borrowing has now stopped.

Please return all library books.

Overdue notices have been sent via email this week. Please look out for it, so that you can return anything you may have at home or in classrooms.

If you have any enquiries or concerns please email amanda.dejongh@cg.catholic.edu.au

Week 9, Term 4

Thank you helpers; your assistance is very much appreciated.

Please contact me if you are unable to make your shift or able to help, Thank you. 

THANK YOU to all the students who participated in today’s Special Lunch Day and Special Lunches throughout the year!

It’s always nice to see the children enjoying themselves sharing the same meal with their friends.

I was overwhelmed with all the help I got today from the year 2 parents! A very special THANK YOU goes to Mardi, Dave, Eleen, Snez, Clarissa, Ange M and Ange H for helping out this morning! The day would have not been successful without your help.  It was very much appreciated!!!

Kindest Regards, Lauretta Raccosta “Mrs R”

Canteen Manager

We'd just like to say

Thank you

We'd love you to join us for our

VOLUNTEERS'

THANK YOU

AFTERNOON TEA

Thursday 12th December

1.30pm

in the STEM Room

We look forward to seeing you there

Are you able to help out in the canteen in 2020?

Parent/carer helpers are most welcome in the Canteen. A lending hand is always required and very much appreciated. Helping in the Canteen is a great opportunity to meet new people and make a valuable contribution to the school. No doubt your child/ren will get a buzz from seeing you at the school. 

So if you have any spare time and would like to help out in the canteen, PLEASE feel free to contact me through email at lauretta.raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au, or just pop into the canteen and say hi!

A delicious cuppa will be provided!

 The Canteen can provide a spot where the little tots can play and be safe!

Do you want to help out in the Canteen and have a little one with you? Well, bring your child along!  We have the ability to set up a small playpen in front of the canteen where your child/ren can still see you and be safe.  The play area is not a permanent fixture but can be set up at a moments notice.  If you are interested in using this facility or wish to discuss further, please feel free to call or email me.

Kindest Regards, Lauretta Raccosta “Mrs R”, Canteen Manager

Healthy Kids, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Canteens

Please complete the form below and drop it off to the front office or email me your details at lauretta.raccosta@cg.catholic.edu.au

—————————————————————————————————————

CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS

I........................................................................... would like to volunteer for the roster. Day(s)    ☐ Wednesday    ☐ Thursday    ☐ Friday

☐ Weekly    ☐   Fortnightly    ☐ Monthly   ☐ Twice a term   ☐ Other……..……….…..…

Child’s name ………………………………………………..…. Class…………….……….

Contact Phone Number and/or E-Mail………………………...................................…

UNIFORM SHOP EXTENDED OPENING HOURS

FOR 2020 

TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2019

8.30AM – 9.30AM

All second hand clothing HALF PRICE!!!

THURSDAY 30 JANUARY 2020

9AM – 10AM & 3PM – 4PM

School holiday opening hours

 TUESDAY 4 FEBURARY 2020

8.30AM – 9.30AM

Usual uniform shop hours

However, beat the crazy rush next year and get in before this year is through to purchase any school uniform needed!

Uniform can also be purchased via Qkr! and delivered to your child (Tue- Fri).

 Christmas break volunteers for Mr Marsham’s garden

WE HAVE ONLY A FEW VOLUNTEERS. IF YOU HAVE ANY SPARE TIME (IT WON'T TAKE LONG) PLEASE CONTACT ROBYN MOORE

We are organising a roster for the care and maintenance of our vegetable garden over the Christmas break

If your family could spare a week or weekend, 
watering and picking and storing our produce, we would love to hear from you

Please email your name, contact details and availability to 

robyn.moore@cg.catholic.edu.au

Thank you from the Gardening Club