Dear Parents and Carers,

Hope that you are well and have enjoyed the last couple of weeks.

On Saturday, we celebrate the first of two First Holy Communion celebrations in the Monsignor Downey Hall. During this sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist), we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection. We remember particularly the Last Supper, that final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. 

This morning Year 3, and a few students from other grades, completed their preparation with Reconciliation with Father Patrick and Father Rick, along with Communion practise and reflection.

Congratulations to our Year 3 students making their First Holy Communion and being able to celebrate this special sacrament with their families. Thank you to Father Patrick, Father Rick, Parish Advisers, Year 3 teachers and staff who have supported Year 3 in throughout their preparation. 

As part of Kindergarten 2021 preperations, we have developed an eBook to support  the transition to school for our new students and their families. The 'I Am Going to Kindy' resource allows families to explore our school by choosing the features of school life they would like to learn about each time they open it. Thank you to Team Kinder - Mrs Emmett, Mrs Ilias, Mrs Leonard and Mrs Herring, along with Mrs Disibio for their work in putting together the wonderful resource. 

The Year 6 Graduation and Presentation 2020 will be held at Holy Spirit College Bellambi on Tuesday 8 December. Due to current COVID-19 directives, we have had to change both the venue and format. I would like to thank Mr Chris Agnew, Principal at Holy Spirit College for allowing us to use the Casey Ryder Centre and our Year 6 students and parents for their understanding. Further information regarding the Year 6 Graduation and Presentation is also attached below.

'Lunch with the Principal' is a PB4L initiative to affirm our student's positive behaviours within specialist classes including Music, Italian, Physical Education and Dance/Drama, along with being Respectful, Responsible and Safe at recess and lunch. These positive behaviours are acknowledged by the teacher, along with a raffle tickets given to students to go into the weekly draw. Congratulations to the following students for their positive behaviours throughout the last 5 weeks - Matthew Bertacco, Sophie Willoughby, Livinia McLuskey, Kayle Galaxidis, Annabelle Lyons, Hamish Dorney, Harry Cross, Abbie Stenos, Mia McCormack and Sam Morrisey.

Tomorrow and Friday, staff will be investing in two days of professional learning. These days will be pupil-free. Staff will working together with, Surf Life Saving Australia and  personnel from the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Wollongong in the following areas:

• First Aid and Anaphylaxis training,
• Gratitude - Celebrating What is Right in Our World,
• Identifying and Appropriately Responding to Sexualised Behaviours in Students &,
• Social-Emotional Learning for students
• Spelling Workshops

Kinder and Year 1 have enjoyed new carpet and furniture in their classrooms. These are in line with our School Review and Goal: Use of Resources and Space - To develop contemporary classrooms that support the learning needs and adjustments of all students. Thank you to the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Wollongong for their support in financing this project. We are working towards continuing these improvements for Year 2 - 6 moving into 2021.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support of our wonderful school.

Enjoy the next two weeks.

Take Care

Brad Colquhoun - Principal