Dear Parents,

I remember several years ago when my father turned 70 I asked him, somewhat cheekily, what does it feel like to be that old. He responded by saying that he woke up that morning and said to my Mum, “What on earth happened to that 70 years!” It was a sound reminder to me how quickly time passes.

As we head towards the end of the year it will be another year of primary school gone for our children. My youngest will turn 10 in a few weeks, if the next ten years goes as quickly as the first ten did, then she will be 20 and off living her own life before I know it.

The primary school years are so precious for our children and they are at a very impressionable age. Whilst we can give our children all the material gifts in the world, the most precious gift we can give our children as parents is our time. I remind myself regularly to try and give my children as much time as I can because in the blink of an eye they will be adults themselves.

End of the Year Arrangements

Please keep the following dates free in your diary;

Christmas Apparel – Clothing such as Christmas ribbons / head bands etc may be worn in the last week of school.

Crazy sock Day 

Last Friday was a great success with the wonderful socks the children wore and creative designs they came up with!  We raised $846.40 which will go directly to Catholic Missions.  Well done! 

Year 6 Camp

Our Year 6 students enjoyed a fantastic camp at Grantville Lodge Camp. The weather was lovely and the students enjoyed cycling, canoeing, high ropes, low ropes, giant swing, flying fox and many other activities. Their behaviour was exceptional and they were a wonderful advertisement for our school.
A huge thanks to the staff that attended the camp, Gavin Balzary, Rebecca Callanan, Victoria Donlan, Sam Smith, Jessica Ornsby, Cameron Witt, Rian Prestwich, Vikki Lewis, Michelle Ewan and Patrick Pawlukowski . It is a huge effort for them to leave their own families for the week, their sacrifice is very much appreciated as it allowed us to provide this opportunity for the students.

First Communion

Congratulations to all of the children who celebrated the Sacrament of First Communion. Thanks to Fr Jeff, Tara Bau and Nerida Byrden for their organisation. They were lovely ceremonies.

Student Absences

A reminder that all absences from school must be reported to the school. If you are planning an extended absence of 5 or more consecutive days from school written permission must be sought.  

New Playground / Parents and Friends Funding

Planning is underway to create an extra playground for our children to enjoy. A huge thanks to the Parents and Friends Committee who will be donating money raised from their fundraisers to assist with the purchase. We expect that this should be constructed some time into the New Year.

Summer Uniform / Hats

A reminder that now we are in Term Four the students need to be wearing their summer uniform and hats.

Uniform Shop

A reminder that Noone in Beaconsfield is now operating as our uniform shop. We thank Noone for their willingness to come on board and we look forward to working with them. Further information is contained within this newsletter.

2023 Planning

Over the last week the students will be given the opportunity to select five friends/learning partners that they would like in their class next year. Throughout the large task of creating the grades the students will be guaranteed one of their selections. Please note that the teachers put an enormous effort into the selection of grades.

Leaving Families

To assist with our 2023 planning we ask that if you know that your circumstances are changing and you are leaving the school that you please inform us asap. We have a waiting list for several areas of the school and your spot can be offered to someone else.

• Children should not be arriving at school before 8.25am as they are not supervised. The gates will be locked until 8.25am. Parents requiring supervision prior to this time need to contact after school care.
• All cars leaving the roadway must turn left into Ridgemont Drive.
• Students waiting for siblings from SFX must wait inside the school grounds near the entrance gate. They are not to wait out the front of SFX.

Prep Enrolments

We still have a very limited amount of Prep spots available for 2023. If you are an existing family and have not yet completed your 2023 enrolment form please do so asap in order to confirm a place. If you know of anyone wanting to enrol at St Catherine’s please encourage them to contact the Office and book a tour.

2024 Prep Enrolments

We have started the process of 2024 Prep Enrolments for existing families. Please contact the school Office, via 9702 1466 or alternatively enrolments@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au  The enrolment application can be accessed via www.stcberwick.catholic.edu.au Documents required along with the application form are Birth certificate, baptism certificate, immunisation statement (downloaded from the medicare website), copies of drivers license from both parents, and a $50 application fee.

Important Dates

CAMPS 2023