Dear Parents,

This time of the year is very busy in schools, whilst we are looking forward to the many events and activities that are organised for the end of this year, planning is also well underway for 2023. In a few weeks the children will have the opportunity to meet their new teacher and classmates.

As the adults around the children it is very important that we are positive about these upcoming changes, because the children take their cues from us. It is said that the only certainty in life is change. Learning how to thrive through change is an important life skill. If we are positive with the children, encouraging them to look at the upside and what could potentially be the benefits from the change, then we are helping to build their resilience.

A Christmas Message from Fr Jeff Kelynjans

Included in this newsletter is last year’s Christmas Homily from Fr Jeff. At this very busy time of year it is an excellent reminder to us all of what Christmas is all about. I would encourage you to take the time to read it with your children.

School Sports

Last Friday we enjoyed a wonderful sports day on the SFX oval. It was great to see the children enjoying themselves and competing to the best of their ability. Congratulations to Regan Red who won the day. A huge thanks to Mr Justin Kenez for his organisation of the day, the staff for their assistance and all of the parent helpers.

Grade 6 Graduation Mass

On Monday the Year 6 children enjoyed a lovely celebration of the Mass with the Year 6 students from St Michaels and St Brigid’s. It was nice to see all of the children together thanking God for their time at primary school and praying for guidance in the years ahead. A big thanks to Fr Jeff, the Parish Sacramental Team, Nerida Byrden and Anna Viney for their organisation.

Prep Transition

Last week, and again today, our 2023 Preps enjoyed their first two Transition Days. It has been great to have them in the school, and a delight to see the excitement on their faces. They will join us again on the 8 December between 9.30am – 11.30am.

Parents and Friends

Last week we had our Parents and Friends AGM. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Parents and Friends Committee for all of their efforts this year. They have done an enormous amount of work and will be donating $20,000 towards our new playground!! Thanks to all families who have contributed towards this amount this year. A big thankyou to Jo Riley for the outstanding job she undertook as President, she should be justifiably proud of her efforts.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of volunteers, the P&F will be suspended for 2023. There were just not enough people to run the committee. Events and activities for the children will continue, however, they will be coordinated by the school and parent helpers will be called for on the day. We will review this again at the end of 2023.

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.  

Uniform Shop

A reminder that Noone in Beaconsfield is now operating as our uniform shop. Further information is contained within this newsletter.

Library Stocktake

Please see the information under our Library news regarding stocktake of the Library  - Books and Readers.

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.

2023 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 - End of the Year Arrangements

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

Last Friday the annual St Catherine’s Sports day was held at St Francis’ oval. It was great to see all the students and staff wearing their house colors and enjoying the day. Congratulations to all the students for their excellent participation, sportsmanship and cheering.Thankyou to all the staff and parent volunteers for their outstanding assistance on the day and all the parents who came out and supported their children.

A huge congratulations to Regan Red for winning the day overall!

The highlight of the day was our annual year 6 championship races. The students all participated with great spirit and determination. Below all the results.

School Sport Australia track and field championships

Oscar Ellis in 6LA7 and Portia Miller in 4S4 recently competed in the School Sport Australia track and field championships in Brisbane. They both finished in first place and were awarded gold medals in combined event! The combined event consists of the 100m, 800m, long jump and shot put. What an outstanding effort!

Oscar came first in the boys 12/13 years and Portia came 1st in girls 10 years!

They both also won a bronze medal for finishing third in the medley relay for their respective age groups. 

Oscar also competed in the individual 200m finishing 7th overall and the individual shot put also finishing 7th overall

Portia also competed in the individual 200m finishing 6th overall and the individual long jump finishing 8th overall.

What a fantastic achievement by both students!

Vision Portraits Fundraiser

this Sunday 4 December

Charity donation for Kids with Cancer

My name is Ruby and I am 8 years old.  I have decided to  cut my hair and donate it to make a wig for a child. I wanted to donate my hair because I want to help people in need and be a role model to encourage other people to do the same. 

My friend cut her hair and donated it and this encouraged me to do the same. 

Thank you for supporting me.

 PLEASE NOTE 

THE CANTEEN'S LAST DAY FOR 2022 IS THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER

• Orders are online only.
• Orders are via CDFPay.
• Orders must be complete by 8:45am on the day.
• Orders can be placed in advance.

Please see the link below. Create a CDFPay account and then simply place your order.

Cancelling Orders

If your child is sick or will not be attending school and you have placed your order you need to:

• Contact the School Office to advise that you wish to cancel the order.
  • Your CDFPay account will be credited.
  • No refunds are possible.

If anyone can assist with pick up at the end of each day from school to go to the Minta Estate for one of our children, could you please call the office 97021466 or alternatively info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au and we can connect you with this family in need.