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During Advent, we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also check in to see if we are doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again. As a family you may like to recommit yourselves to praying daily, reading Scripture, and staying faithful to God’s commandments. Pray together that through this Advent season your family will be more prepared to receive Jesus when he comes again.
God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.
Amen.
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/prayers/advent-family-prayer/
2022 Staff
At this time of the year we begin planning for the year ahead. While we still have much to achieve and celebrate this year, we will be saying farewell to some of our much loved staff members as they move on to new and exciting experiences.
We congratulate Brittany Wrigley on her recent engagement. Brittany will be moving to Geelong and has accepted a position at Kardinia International College, Geelong. Maegen Berends is heading back to her home town of Colac and has accepted a position at St Mary’s Primary, Colac.Tayla Kendall has secured a position at St Clements Bulleen, closer to home. I would like to acknowledge their contribution to our school and thank them for all their work to support students, families and staff at our school.
We welcome new full time staff members:
Ciara Geheran who is currently working at St Joachim’s School Carrum.
Jenny Burnet who is currently working at Banyan Fields Primary Carrum Downs.
Tess Carlisle who has just completed her masters of teaching degree.
We also welcome Joelle Diakrousis currently working at St Peter’s East Bentleigh to a part time job sharing position with Megan Moore.
Students will meet their new class and teacher on Monday 13 December.
I wish to also thank and acknowledge Michael Juliff and Kelli Gibbs for their endless support of the Arrowsmith Program at St Catherine’s and St Peter’s. Michael and Kelli have shown great passion for supporting students with needs and have worked extensively with students, families and staff to ensure the Arrowsmith students grow, learn and succeed.
With the change in governance this year, the Federated Leadership model across the parish schools will conclude at the end of the year. Throughout the last six years Michael Juliff has greatly supported the leadership of the school and has been an outstanding leader and mentor. I will certainly miss Michael’s expertise and guidance. Michael has always demonstrated professionalism, integrity and kindness to everyone he encounters. Our Federated leadership model has provided me with a unique opportunity to work in true partnership with like minded colleagues supporting each other to achieve more, be better, and provide the best possible education for our students.
Next year Kelli will take some leave and we will see her around St Catherine’s in a part-time capacity. Michael will finish up his time at St Catherine’s at the end of the year. Michael is beginning to transition into retirement and will continue to work part- time at St Paul’s and St Peter’s.
Year 6 Graduation
Last year our events for graduation were so successful that we have adopted them again this year. Year 6 students will be having a Big Day Out to Luna Park and a Big Day In at school. Laura Armour has planned some special events for students for their Big Day In. Families are invited to the Year 6 Liturgy at 6:00pm in our parish church, followed by a family picnic on our school oval. A sausage sizzle, drinks and a snack will be provided by the school, along with a graduation cake. Further details will be sent to year 6 families.
Help Needed for year 6 Graduation Picnic
Traditionally our year 5 parents come forward at this time of the year to support setting up and organising the year 6 graduation family event. If you are able to help, by cooking sausages, setting up the BBQ or packing up on Monday 13 December, please contact Carmel Donlon. carmel.donlon@scmoorabbin.catholic.edu.au
Thank you to our P & F
Many thanks to our P & F and in particular Suzanne for organising the Bunnings BBQ. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time to be on the roster for the BBQ. The school appreciates your efforts to raise funds for AV equipment for our school library/learning hub.
School Advisory Council 2022- Nomination
Our school is calling on you to express your interest in being part of the School Advisory Council. We are seeking 2 new members for 2022. If you are a member of the parish or have children in the school, and wish to be part of our school advisory council, we would welcome your application in writing, stating why you wish to join and your suitability to Lynda O’Donnell lynda.odonnell@scmooorabbin.catholic.edu.au by Monday 29 November.
Once again thank you to our outgoing members Darren Forner and Natalie Bivano. Darren has served as the chair for three years and Natalie as secretary for one year. If you would like any further information, please contact a member of our school advisory council or Lynda O’Donnell.
Events:
Athletics Day - Tuesday 23 November
2022 Foundation Transition - Wednesday 24 November
Whole Liturgy - St Catherine Laboure- Wednesday 24 November
Kaboom Sports & Footsteps Dance - Thursday 25 November
School Closure - Friday 26 November
2022 Foundation Parent Information Night - Wednesday 1 December
Free Dress Fundraising for St Vincent De Paul -Thursday 2 December
Last day of lunch orders - Friday 3 December
Swimming Years F-4 - Monday 6 - Friday 10 December
Year 6 Big Day Out - Wednesday 8 December
Year 5-6 Beach Program - Thursday 9 & Friday 10 December
Year 6 Graduation Liturgy & Family Picnic - Monday 13 December
Reports go home - Monday 13 December
Year 6 Big Day In - Tuesday 14 December
Foundation Nativity & End of Year Mass - Wednesday 15 December
End of term for students - Wednesday 15 December at 3:30pm
BUNNINGS BBQ
Our first fundraiser out of lockdown, the Bunnings BBQ ran yesterday. We raised just under $1300 to put towards the upgrade of the AV equipment in the learning hub. A big shout out to four of our families who covered a couple of shifts, and all our other volunteers on the day. We cannot do it without you.
|
Suzanne |
Lindsay |
Bernard |
Katrina |
|
Darren |
Xavier |
Nick W |
Connie |
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Julia |
Adrian |
Raf |
Chris |
|
Nick K |
Claire |
Abi F |
Abi K |
|
Michael |
Shane |
Matt |
Alex |
We are also grateful for the donations of sauces, drinks, serviettes, from our school community. Not having to purchase these items greatly increased our proffit on the day.
Finally, a big thankyou to our sponsors, Baker's Delight, Southland, and Europa Supermarket. If you have the chance, please stop by and make a purchase and let them know you are from St Catherine's and appreciate their support.
Congratulations to the following students who received the Eucharist for the first time last Wednesday, 17th November. Thank you to Megan Moore, Sandra Renehan, Maegen Berend, Lynda O’Donnell and the Parish Team for preparing and supporting the children and their families.
Zoe Arnaoutis
Ben Anstee
Paige Beatie
Sophie Brown
Veronika Cary
Cristina Chiodo
Zachary Forner
Albie Hupfeld
Daania Lebdeh
Willow Mitchell
Alexander Arnaoutis
Alexandra Danaher
Alexander D’Silva
Alyssa Treagus
Sabine Willmott
Parish Candidate- Lincoln Mueller
Eucharist
On the 17 of November the year 4s and some year 5s made their Eucharist. It is a time to get closer to God and eat the bread.The bread tastes a lot like an ice cream cone. I do like the way the bread sticks to the roof of my mouth.
I am really grateful for my family who came to my Eucharist. It was a time to remember.The teachers also played a big part in the Eucharist ,If it wasn’t for them most of us would have no idea what to do. We couldn’t of done it without the help of the teachers.
I think everyone had a good time there and enjoyed the time with their family. It will be a time to remember.
by Willow
Free Dress for St Vincent De Paul
The students are invited to wear free dress to school on Thursday 2nd December. This year St Vincent de Paul are NOT collecting food items, decorations or toys. Instead they have asked you to donate a Woolworths Gift card or to make a cold coin/cash donation. Thanks in advance for your generosity. Donations can be send to the office on the day or beforehand. We will accept donations up until Thursday 9th December. These will then be passed onto Loretta Bowd (Member- Moorabbin/Bentleigh St Vincent de Paul Conference).
St Catherine Laboure Feast Day- 28 November
St. Catherine Labouré was born in France on May 2, 1806 as the ninth of 11 children to Pierre and Madeleine Labouré. In 1815, Catherine's mother passed away, leaving her 9-year-old daughter with the responsibility of caring for the household. After her mother's funeral, Catherine returned home and picked up a statue of the Blessed Virgin. Holding it close, she said, "Now you will be my mother."Growing up, Catherine was known for being a quiet and practical child, though she was extremely devout.
A couple of years after her mother's death, Catherine experienced a dream of an old priest motioning her to a room of sick people. "It is a good deed to look after the sick. God has designs on you. Do not forget it."
Years later, during a visit to the Daughters of Charity hospital, Catherine saw a picture of the old priest on the wall. She discovered it was of their founder, St. Vincent de Paul. Catherine immediately knew she would become a member of St. Vincent's order.
In January 1830, Catherine Labouré entered the novitiate of the Daughters of Charity. Months later, on July 19, 1830, Catherine woke from her sleep after hearing a child's voice calling her to the chapel as the Blessed Virgin Mary was waiting for her. As Catherine approached the chapel, the door swung open revealing a brilliant light. The Blessed Virgin told Catherine she would be given a mission with all the graces necessary to complete it. Our Lady said, "God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary. Tell your spiritual director all that passes within you. Times are evil in France and in the world."
In November 1830, the Blessed Mother visited Catherine a second time during evening meditations. She showed herself inside an oval frame, standing upon a globe with rays of light coming from her hands toward the globe. Around the frame were the words, "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Mary asked Catherine to take these images to her father confessor, Father Jean Marie Aladel, telling him they should be placed on medallions. "All who wear them will receive great graces." At first, the priest did not believe Catherine, but after two years, he brought her story to the Archbishop. The Archbishop ordered 2,000 medals struck.The medals were dispersed so rapidly and effectively it was said to be miraculous.
Catherine Labouré spent the next 40 years of her life caring for the elderly, sick and disabled.On December 31, 1876, Catherine passed away at 70-years-old. Her body was encased in glass beneath the side altar in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris. Her body was discovered to be incorrupt after being exhumed in 1933. She was beatified by Pope Pius XI on May 28, 1933 and canonized by Pope Pius XII on July 27, 1947.
St. Catherine Labouré is often shown with the Daughters of Charity habit and the Miraculous Medal. St. Catherine Labouré is the patron saint of the elderly, infirmed people and the Miraculous Medal. Her feast day is celebrated on November 28.
Carmel Donlon- Religious Education Leader
Two weeks ago our SRC members were finally able to get together and create the play barrows they had designed in term 2. We were able to use some wheelbarrows donated by a family last year and a donation from the Highett RSL to purchase the materials needed. We have so far created four portable play barrows and there are more on the way. We have a fairyland, construction zone, dinosaur land and a wild animal world.
They have been enjoyed by all year levels, even our new 2022 Foundation students last Friday at their orientation day.
Hello everyone,
With only a few weeks left until the end of the year I would like to express my gratitude to the P&F committee this year. Thank you all for your optimism, time and support. While we have a wonderful core committee need more general members next year to make light work of all tasks and a class representative for each class. As I am stepping down as the Chair of the committee, we also need a volunteer to do this role. Please speak to me or Lynda O’Donnell if you feel you can take on this role, which takes around an hour a week (a little more when organising a big event).
Thank you too, to the St Catherine’s staff team who have been a wonderful support for all of us this year. The P&F are providing morning tea on the Staff Planning day this Friday as a small token of our thanks.
The Christmas Raffle is being finalised and we have some wonderful prizes. Thanks to Bunnings, Lazy Gramps, Body Fit Training Cheltenham, Rosa Mexicana and Melbourne Museums for supporting us. Thanks too, to the families that have donated wine, chocolates, games and tickets. Raffle tickets will be $2 each and will be sent home this week with the eldest child in each family. If you would like extra tickets they will be available at reception.
Karen Glancy
Foundation Awards
Year 1 Awards
George - for his impressive skills when creating google sildeshows
Dominic - for his improvement with fluency when reading
Cian - for showing enthusiasm when sharing his knowledge with the class
Maddie - for her wonderful presentation on how her family celebrates Christmas
Serephin - for her excellent stories she has written this term
Haley - for her excellent production using puppert pals
Year 2 Awards
Josh - reading at a great pace and stopping at punctuation
Mason - working hard during remote learning and in the classroom
Medina - using balance scales to measure the mass of an object
Alexis - showing responsible behaviour in the classroom
Year 3/4 Awards
Albie - for showing persistance and determination to solve problems and do his best work
Ethan - for always being willing to share ideas and comments in our class conversations
Felicity - For always working cooperatively and respectively with your classmates
George - for being willing to work collaboratively with your peers and share your skills
Jazper - for showing persistance and resilience to solve problems when faced with challenges
Paige - for being a dependable and responsible learner who has excellent work habits
Veronika - for demonstating a great work ethic and giving her best in all that she does
Zoe - for working hard and striving to do your best
Year 5 Awards
What a fantastic Term of Learning from all of the grade fives! I am very proud of them all and so excited to hear the way they are talking about their learning. They all deserve some recognition!
However we had to narrow it down. The grade five award winners for term 4 are:
Oliver - for being resilient and hard working
Mia - for working hard and always trying to improve
Alyssa - for creating engaging and humorous poetry
Elise - for having a positive attitude and working hard
Miki - for his amazing efforts in maths
They have all been working very hard and should be proud of what they have accomplished.
Year 6 Awards
Year 6 Google Meets and Bento Lunch
By Chiara, Alexandra and Sophia
This afternoon, all the Year 6 students had bento boxes for lunch. We were supposed to use chopsticks to eat our food, but the restaurant forgot to include this and we used a fork instead. We had different options to choose from, such as: chicken katsu, teriyaki chicken, teriyaki beef, teriyaki salmon, chicken karaage and tofu.
Throughout this term, we have also been learning how to speak a little Japanese to talk to our friends in Nara, Japan. It has been a fun experience to get closer to people in a different country. This week we taught them some Aussie words and slang. Whilst they taught us what to say before and after a meal.
We would like to thank Mrs O’Donnell and Mrs Donlon for giving this wonderful opportunity and experience.
Ironman/Ironwoman Event
Scholastic Book Club
Hartrick Property Christmas Colouring-In Competition
