Dear families, 

Just like me, I'm sure you are finding it hard to believe there are only 2 weeks left of school for the year. 

I'm looking forward to celebrating the myriad of events that will take place in the next fortnight. 

Over the last week, we've worked hard on finalising the learner characteristics and definitions we will be exploring with students next year. You can see the result of this work here.  I'd love to receive your feedback as we prepare to work with students on building these vital skills. We will continue to share information on the great learning that will take place throughout the year and encourage you to explore the use of these skills with your children at home. 

We recently received an initial plan for our sensory garden. Preliminary costings show this would be a considerable undertaking. You can see these detailed plans here.  I'm sure you agree this would be an amazing addition to our school grounds that would be enjoyed by all our students. We plan to commence work on the first stage of this plan soon. This stage will encompass the walkways. We will also soon commence preliminary works in the tram.

Given that the garden and tram are long term undertakings, the P&F felt it would be good to have some quick projects that could be implemented for the new year. To that end, I can confirm that we will be adding 2 gagapits onto our oval in time for the new year. We are planning to construct these between Monday 18th - 20th December. Tony Freeman will be leading the works but we are asking for any parent volunteers who would be available to help out during the day. We’re also looking for someone with the right equipment and know-how who could dig out and level the surfaces on the morning of Monday (18th) on which these pits will be constructed.  As there will be no children onsite, there is no requirement for these parent volunteers to have a Working With Children Check. If you can help out and are available on the aforementioned days, please contact Tony at tfreeman@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

We will also have a few of our concrete surfaces painted with games over the break. We will have a giant 4x4m Snakes and Ladders game painted on the area near the Church and the netball court. We will also have a What’s the Time, Mr Wolf game painted near the Junior playground. I’m sure the children will enjoy these new additions to our school in the new school year.

This weekend, the Advent season commences. As we prepare the celebrate Jesus' birth, may we remember to take some time to reflect on how we will prepare our hearts and minds for this sacred time in our liturgical year.

We also ask for your continued prayers for all in our community who are struggling with ill-health at the moment. There are so many families doing it tough. We keep them all in our prayers at this time.

Have a restful weekend (if there’s such a thing in December!)

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

Reconciliations

These will be celebrated in Term 2 for baptised Roman Catholics in Years 3-6 who have yet to make their first Reconciliation over three dates during Weeks 4, 5 and 6.  During Term 1, a form will go out on Operoo and families will be able to book their children in at either the 11:30 am or 3:30 pm session on the following dates:

Eucharist

This will be offered over two dates in Term 3 for students in Years 4-6 who have made their first Reconciliation. During Term 2, a form will go out on Operoo and families will be able to book their children in ONE of the following dates:

Confirmation

This will be held in Term 3 for baptised Roman Catholic students in Year 6 who have already made their first Communion. During Term 2, a form will go out on Operoo and families will be able to book their children in at either the 11 am or 2 pm session on the following day:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Sacraments or these dates, please feel free to reach out to me.

Yours in Faith
Matthew Taylor
Leader of Religious Education
mtaylor@smaltona.catholic.edu.au

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

When: Sunday, December 10

Time: begins at 6pm

Where: Logan Reserve, Pier St, Altona 

Come along to this wonderful event to support our choir and to get into the spirit of Christmas!

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage

We would also like to thank Mancini Real Estate for their continuous support to St Mary's Altona.


             

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage