Dear Parents and Friends,
The end of another full year at Star of the Sea is looming and we are well and truly into Dizzy December, and with less than three weeks of the term to go, things are hotting up and it’s not just the weather. School life continues to be busy with a great deal happening in and out of the classrooms. Last night I sat in the heat for thirty minutes in a queue for discounted petrol only to realise I had saved myself $3.40. Then again it was good to just sit and be still and to savour the moment.
There are a number of big events looming on the school calendar in the coming weeks and I urge all families to make an effort to support them. The Carol’s Night on the school oval on Friday 6 December is almost upon us and the children have been putting hours of practice into their songs and dancing. I remind parents that it is an expectation that students from Reception to Year 5 attend. I look forward to catching up with families that evening before we head off for the holidays.
Carol's Night this year is an alcohol free event and I ask parents to respect this change to the program. I assure you that the change is not a reaction to past behaviour but a realisation that times have changed and we need to be aware of risk management in work places and community events. I know parents will understand the big picture message. I have it on good authority that Father Christmas and his elf helper will be visiting again this year at the end of the carols. This of course will only happen if we have all been good!
End of Year Mass
I also hope all families have the End of Year Mass marked on the family calendar. The End of Year Mass is a very special celebration in the life of the school. Traditionally it is a celebration of thanksgiving for the wonderful year we have enjoyed together and it is also a time to farewell our Year 6 leaders and those families who are leaving Star of the Sea. It is also an opportunity to farewell staff who won’t be at Star of the Sea next year. The End of Year Mass will be celebrated in the Church on Monday 9 December at 11.15am. It would be wonderful to have as many parents and friends as possible for this end of year celebration.
Meet the Teacher Morning & End of Year Reports
Thursday, 5 December, the children will bring home their class placements for 2020. 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.
Teachers are currently finalising the end of year reports and these will be distributed on Monday 9 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 relationship and it is always sad to farewell a class just when you begin to know them so well.
Principal for a Day
Matt, Stella and I had the pleasure of working with Zara Cavallo (Year 2), Patrick Dunstan and Micah Reaiche on Wednesday as they stepped into the Acting Principal, Acting Deputy and Assistant Principal for a day. It was a very humbling experience to watch all three students enter into the spirit of the experience. Entering into classrooms the children greeted them with ‘Good morning Miss Cavallo’ and they were genuinely respectful and interested in what they were doing. In Micah's words he said, ‘Mr De Tullio, I don’t believe this is happening.’ I encourage you to read their reflection on their day in this week’s newsletter.
Change of School Time
Parents are informed that there will be a small change to the school timetable next year. In 2020 the school day will conclude at 3.05pm instead of 3.00pm. This small tweak will allow classes to have seven 45 minute lessons a day instead of the current six 45 minute lessons plus two 20 minute lessons at the start and end of the day.
Next year recess time will be a little later at 11.05am and lunch eating time will be at 12.55pm.
The start to the school day will remain at 8.50am. School times are available on the school web site.
College Leaders
It is always great to hear that our old scholars are doing so well. Recently the St Michael College Leaders for 2020 were announced. Of the 5 available leadership positions 3 are Star of the Sea graduates. Well done to the class of 2015, Olivia Higgins School Captain, Leah Seager School Vice-Captain and Harry Dundon School Vice-Captain. We wish them well in their leadership next year.
As the term and year hurries to a conclusion there is still much to be done. On behalf of the staff I thank you for your continued support of the school. I look forward to catching up with you at Carols Night.
Enjoy the weekend ahead!
Joe De Tullio