Thank you to our Volunteers

Dear Parents & Friends,

Despite the unusual cool weather pattern that seems to have blown in and has caught us off guard, there is still the sense that Christmas is just around the corner. At school the children are getting into the Christmas spirit and the teachers are planning activities to do with both Advent and Christmas. As I walk around the school and I visit classrooms, I am hearing carols being practised and seeing Christmas art and craft activities take shape. Paper Plate Santas and Christmas Trees made out pasta are just some of the clever ideas our teachers come up with.

I went into a classroom this week and asked the children “Why do we celebrate Christmas?" The responses varied greatly and typically focussed on the birth of Jesus, getting together with families and friends, eating lots of things we're not normally allowed to eat, gift giving and gift receiving, and of course Father Christmas. Our children are very fortunate that they will experience a wonderful Christmas together with all, if not most of the things they described.

Unfortunately for many in Adelaide, Christmas will also be a time of loneliness, isolation and hardship. I know a lot has been asked of our school community throughout the year and you have all given so generously. If you are able to give a little bit more, the St Vincent de Paul clothing bins outside the Library will provide us with a chance to empty out the cupboards at home and donate things we no longer use or no longer fit us. The blue Vinnie's wheelie bins will be with us until the end of term. Thank you to everyone who has given with an open heart throughout the year.

Meet the Teacher Morning and End of Year Reports

On Thursday, 6 December, the children will bring home their class placements for 2019. The children will have already met their class teacher and their new friends.  Your attitude and reaction is very important and will determine your child’s response and outlook for next year. Many hours of discussion and consideration have gone into each placement and so I ask you to be supportive and encouraging. In reality, next year is just one more year in a thirteen year educational journey. Your support is appreciated.

Teachers are currently finalising the end of year reports and these will be distributed on Monday 10th December. Once again, there should not be any surprises contained in the reports, as you will have maintained good lines of communication with your child’s teacher. Matt Perry, Stella Foley and I have enjoyed reading the very positive comments that describe a year of growth and wonderful achievements. In nearly all of the reports I have read so far, I can tell the teachers are sad to see their students leave. A great deal of work, organisation and trust goes into developing a class and it is always sad to lose your class just when you begin to know them so well.

Last Tuesday the School Board held its final meeting for the year. A number of reports were tabled by various committees and all reflected the tremendous work being undertaken throughout the school. Overall a great deal has been accomplished as we look back on our annual improvement plan and strategic direction.

The Board Meeting was held in the newly refurbished Marine Discovery Centre. Board Members were most impressed with what was able to be achieved with the Fund My Neighbourhood grant. All agreed that the new look of the centre was much needed and will help to make the MDC more marketable and better able to meet the needs of students and visitors.

The Board discussed the need to employ a part time Business and Marketing person in the new school year to ensure that the centre remained financially viable and the facilities maintained. The job specifications and description will be advertised with Seek Employer before the end this school year.

Joe reported that the new building development had been approved by the various Catholic Education Office Committees and that the school Architect was now proceeding with documentation and Council approval in order to go to tender in Term 1 2019. 

“Keep young as long as you can.”  Mary MacKillop 1874.

Do you feel older or younger? At this busy time of year, we sometimes feel more than our years and perhaps even long for a ‘nanna nap.’ Isn’t it funny how we are so keen when we are children to be older than we are? “I’m almost 7,” one little boy told me the other day.” “Well, isn’t that wonderful,” I replied. “When is your birthday?” “Next September!”  I walked away smiling and thought about how we want to reach the milestones of: having double numbers, getting our licence, voting, turning 21.  This week my mum turns 95 and until the last few months was independent, raked up the leaves and enjoyed a champagne. “Use it or lose it was her motto.” She had a generosity of spirit that meant she got great joy from giving and helping those around her, something we can all be aware of as we approach the Christmas season.

Our “good works” change lives from within, as well as to reach out to the people with material needs. Jesus, may we continue your mission in our world sharing your Spirit with all we meet. Please give to our St Vinnies clothing drive. If you would like to give a more personal gift, there are tags on the Christmas trees in our church.

God Bless,

Stella Foley

APRIM

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.

John 18:33 -37

Please ensure you have the following dates in your diary:

• Tuesday 27  November - Reception 2019 Parent Info Night
• Thursday 6 December - Meet the Teacher Morning
• Wednesday 5 December - Little Stars Graduation and Year 6 & 7 Graduation Assembly
• Friday 7 December - Carol's Night
• Monday 10 December - End of Year Whole School Mass
• Wednesday 12 December - Last day of school

Girls, were you born in 2009 or 2010 and want to have fun, get fit, and play Australian Rules football?

If you answered YES, Henley Football Club is the place for you.

The Henley Football Club is looking for additional

U10 players for season 2019.

Games are played on Sunday mornings and training will occur on Wednesday nights, starting in February, 2019.

If you require any further information or you wish to register your child’s interest in joining please:

Email: girls@henleysharksjuniors.com.au

Please include your child’s full name, date of birth and your contact details in the email.

If your child is in U12, U14 or U16 and is interested in playing, feel free to contact the club on the above email with your information.

Devon clothing uniform shop are pleased to announce that Star of the sea customers can now purchase uniform from:

84 daws Road, Edwardstown Ph: 83731776

Email: dcus@devonclothing.com.au

What does this mean for you?

You can now purchase your uniform Mon – Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-12pm during the school holidays* and school term, as well as during the usual opening times a the School Shop.
Your Online Orders will now be processed as we receive them, at Edwardstown, and you can still opt to have your order put in your child’s classroom box or have it sent to your Business or Home address or you can collect it from the school uniform shop on Tuesdays or anytime during regular trading hours at Edwardstown

It feels like so many things have occurred and been celebrated since our last newsletter. When I look at the school calendar I can see why. We have celebrated the Children’s University Graduation ceremony, the Kmart wishing tree Choir, parish masses, Chess tournaments and the Volunteer morning tea and Sports Appreciation night. These celebrations are wonderful reminders of how fortunate we all are to belong to the Star of the Sea School Community.

School Hats 

Despite the topsy-turvy weather conditions that we are experiencing at the moment it is expected that all students have a hat at school that needs to be worn at recess, lunch time, fitness and PE lessons. Please ensure that the hat has your child’s name on it so that if it becomes misplaced it stands a much better chance of being returned. Children without hats during these times will be expected to remain in the shade and engage in low activity play. 

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones you’ll start having positive results

Willie Nelson

Thanks and blessings

Matt Perry

This fantastic evening on our school calendar will be celebrated on 7 December and we welcome the Grange Surf Lifesaving club who will be looking after the barbecue and soft drink stall. A coffee van will also be available for purchases. Year level rehearsals for the performances are in full swing and are sounding fantastic. This year I am asking for your corporation in refraining from setting up blankets and chairs on the oval space until the gates open officially at the end of the school day at 2.45pm. In fairness to all members of the school community, I ask that you wait until this time before any picnic arrangements are set up on the oval.  I thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this area in helping make carols night a very special evening for everyone. When setting up your space, please be mindful of the signs and restricted areas on the oval.

Congratulations to Ruby De Pieri who has not only been selected for the U/13 SA Futsal team, which will compete in the 2019 FFA National Futsal Championships in Sydney 2019 but she has also been selected into FFSA’s U15 State girls program for 2019.  That is a fantastic achievement Ruby, well done!

On Friday 16 November, 10 students from Star of the Sea attended a chess tournament at the Chess Centre.  The students played 5 games of chess against students from other schools around the metro area.  All students did very well with Jordan Kupeckyj placing in the top 5!  Congratulations and well done to all who students who  took part and thank you to Dana Greenwood who helped with transport.

Sport Appreciation Night

On Tuesday 20 November, we invited all coaches, team managers and any other sport volunteers to a BBQ and Presentation evening to say thank you to our fabulous family members who have given up their time to support our students in our numerous sporting teams.  I know that everyone here at Star of the Sea will join us in thanking these people for their support and help throughout the year.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the other endless sport volunteers who come along and take teams and help with transport to and from our many carnivals.  Without this support, our students would not have as many sporting opportunities that they are currently are presented with.   

As you would be aware, Marlborough Street is currently being upgraded and this is causing contraflow traffic to use Military Road. Therefore the importance of following the ‘kiss and collect’ procedures on Military Road are very important. We are experiencing an increase in the number of phone calls and emails to the school from motorists who are experiencing difficulty in using Military Road from 3 pm until 3:30 pm due to traffic blocking the northbound lane on Military Road. I also remind families that children accessing vehicles on Military Rd need to be able to do this independently, this includes putting their schoolbags in the boot of the car or inside the car itself and being able to get into the car independently and put their own seatbelt on. Please ensure that all vehicles have moved as far forward as possible to allow the maximum number of cars into the pick-up lane. Thank you for your corporation. Please pass this information on to other people who may pick up your child from school.

Monday 24 December, 2018 at 6.00pm

Star Of The Sea School Oval

Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus at this special, outdoor Mass, remember to bring a chair or picnic rug.

Children come dressed as a favourite nativity character.

If would like to be part of the children’s choir please come along to practice the songs:

Sunday 25 November, Sunday 2 December and Sunday 16 December during the 9.30am Mass at Children’s Liturgy Of the Word.

If you would like to read, welcome parishioners, hand out song sheets or prayer cards at this special mass, then please add your name to the sign up sheet at the back of the Church or contact Barbara Conlon 0439 305 543 for further information.

To view the Tuck Shop roster and price list click on the link below.

To view the  this term's Road Monitors Roster click on the link below.

Join our Community on Facebook for a 'behind the scenes' look at what happens at Star of the Sea School.