Newsletter Term 4 Week 7

Dear Families,

As the school year draws to a close, we have so much to be grateful for. This is a wonderful time to reflect on the achievements of our students. Every child is unique, and their accomplishments reflect their own personal journey—whether academic, social, or emotional. What one student finds challenging, another may see as a strength. For some, success may mean academic growth in a subject they once struggled with, while for others, it may be reaching a personal or social milestone. No matter the form it takes, every achievement is worth celebrating.

Beyond the day-to-day lessons in the classroom, it’s often the extracurricular experiences that make the school year truly memorable. Activities like incursions, Masses, music performances, excursions, camps, sporting events, choirs and clubs provide students with opportunities to learn in a holistic way. These moments allow them to showcase and celebrate their growth in a variety of areas, enriching their school experience beyond the core curriculum.

Together, the combination of classroom learning and these enriching activities has made for a busy but unforgettable school year. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff who work tirelessly, planning and delivering these valuable experiences for our students.

As I reflect on my first year at Star of the Sea, both as Deputy Principal and Acting Principal, I feel privileged to have joined such a welcoming and supportive community, united by shared values and a commitment to collaboration and care. Looking ahead to 2025, Kelly and I are excited to begin our journey as Co-Principals. We are thrilled about the future of our school and committed to ensuring that Star of the Sea remains a beacon of educational excellence and wellbeing for years to come. We sincerely thank the community for your ongoing support and the warm congratulations we’ve received.

On behalf of the entire Star of the Sea community, I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the P&F, the School Board, and all our volunteers. Your unwavering support and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of our students and staff. Whether you've helped organise events, supported classroom activities/excursions, or contributed valuable resources, your involvement has enriched our school in immeasurable ways. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a generous and engaged group of parents and grandparents.

As we approach the end of the year, we’d like to offer special thanks to those who will be concluding their roles at the end of 2024:

• Emma Marsden, Chair of the P&F, has been an outstanding leader. Her time, energy, and passion for our school have been a gift, and we are deeply grateful for everything she has contributed.
• Dave Slovinec, Chair of the School Board, will step down in 2025 after six years of exceptional service. We are incredibly thankful for Dave’s leadership and his dedication to ensuring the long-term success of our school. Though his term doesn’t officially end until next year, we want to take a moment to acknowledge his outstanding contribution to our community.

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Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It is hard to believe that we are nearly at the end of the school year. What a year it has been! In total our learners and staff have spent approximately 1200 hours at school…..that is a lot of learning, connecting, and growing! I trust that your child can share with you the many wonderful experiences 2024 has brought. I know as a school community we are proud of all that we have achieved, and the opportunities this vibrant school community provides. We look forward to the final weeks as we celebrate some wonderful events that include our farewell assembly today for Mr Weeks, the Colour Run, Meet the Teacher morning, Carols Night, Graduation Dinner and Assembly and End of Year Mass. We hope you can join us for many of this wonderful community events.

End of Year Reports
Our educators have been comprehensively completing Semester 2 Reports that reflect your child’s learning journey progress thus far. As you know, here at Star of the Sea School, reporting occurs across the school year in a variety of ways. You would have witnessed many assessments through your child’s See-Saw posts, assessment rubrics and conversations with your child’s teacher. The formal academic report you will receive on Monday, December 9^th on SEQTA Engage will outline your child’s strengths and acknowledge areas for future focus and growth. As you speak with your child about their report, I encourage you to affirm all the learning they have undertaken and ask them to share what they are most proud of too. We aim for our learners to be assessment capable, that is, to talk about their learning and consider their own goals and actions moving forward.

Meet the Teacher Morning
Next Thursday 5 December our students will spend time with their new teacher/s and classmates. Our staff are committed to ensure all students feel supported and excited about their class for 2025. A lot of time and consideration is spent on class placements. We are pleased that our new teachers joining the Star team in 2025 will be present on the day to meet their classes too.

Message of Appreciation
Annette and I would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support and well wishes in our recent appointment as Co-Principals of Star of the Sea School in 2025. We are blessed and honoured to lead this wonderful school, in partnership with our dedicated staff, wonderful students and supportive parents. In the new year, we will share in more detail the Leadership model and structures in place to ensure clear communication and portfolio responsibilities. Annette and I have already established a very strong and effective working partnership and look forward to continuing to strengthen and improve Star of the Sea School in the years ahead.

End of Term
A reminder that our last day of the year is on Wednesday 11 December and dismissal is at 3:05pm. This is not a casual day. Students are required to wear their school uniforms as we gather for our End of Year Mass in the Church at 9:30am. We will be giving thanks for the amazing year and farewelling staff and students leaving our school community in 2024. You are most welcome to attend this celebration.

Go well,

Kelly Manera
Acting Deputy Principal

Season of Advent

First Sunday of Advent - December 1^st  2024

Advent provides us with the opportunity to slow down, to reflect, to take the time to prepare our hearts for Jesus once again. It is time to think about how we may truly receive Jesus, God-with-us (Emmanuel) this Christmas. Advent is a wonderful time in the school year for us all to live the gifts of waiting, patience, anticipation and hope.

In our Catholic tradition, the Advent Wreath symbolises the coming of light into the world. The light being Jesus. There are four candles:

Candle 1: Purple represents HOPE
Candle 2: Purple represents PEACE
Candle 3: Pink represents JOY
Candle 4: Purple represents LOVE

The First Candle
This is called the ‘Hope Candle’ or ‘The Prophets Candle’. It reminds us of the prophets, especially Isaiah who reminded the people to always live in hope for the coming of Jesus.

Gospel:   Mark 13:33-37 (Stay awake).

Jesus said, ‘Stay awake and be alert, because you have no idea when the Son of Man will come. Think of the man who leaves his servants in charge while he travels abroad. He warns them to watch for his return, whenever that might be, so he doesn’t find them sleeping when he returns unexpectedly. So to all you I say, stay awake and keep yourselves ready!

The Gospel of the Lord.

The annual Christmas Family Advent Calendar is now available! Catholic School Parents SA are so proud to be able to share this with you all.

We invite you to share this beautiful resource with your community. It is our hope that families will embrace the joy of the Christmas season and the spirit of giving through this meaningful Family Christmas Advent Calendar.

Sacramental Program 2024
In the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Sacramental Catechesis occurs within the local parish with the focus on a strong partnership between families, parish and school. We acknowledge that parents are the first and enduring nurturers of faith in their children. The local Catholic community supports parents and families in their role and the parish community welcomes and supports each family as they undertake the sacramental journey within the community.

This journey begins with the decision taken by the family to initiate their child into the faith and life of the Christian community through the sacrament of Baptism. Parents then make the decision for their child to participate in the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion based on the readiness of each individual child.

A letter of invitation has already gone out to all current Year 3 families, however if you feel your child is ready to embark on this journey and you would like them to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion in 2024, then we ask that you fill in the questions via the Forms survey to show your interest and commitment towards the program.

https://forms.office.com/r/gyU1aMFb1D

Thank you and Merry Christmas
As we approach the end of another wonderful year, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire school community for your unwavering support this year. Your generosity in raising funds for various charities has had a meaningful impact, and your presence at Masses, liturgies, and assemblies has been a true testament to the strength of our shared commitment to our school community. I am deeply grateful for your continued support of our teachers and staff as we work together to nurture and educate your children. Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas and a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and precious time spent with your families. May God bless you all.

Dominque Laurendi
APRIM

Wednesday 4 December 2024 is the final day to pay your school fee account if you are not on a payment plan, reminder statements have been sent to families not on payment plans. 

Thank you to the many families who have finalised their 2024 fees. 

If you have any queries regarding your school fees or are unable to complete payments by Wednesday 4 December 2024 please contact Karyn Burlow, Finance Manager to discuss payment options or an extension of date.  We are happy to support families during periods of difficulty, so it is important that you reach out to us.  All conversations are confidential to the parties involved.

2025 School Fees

Packs were recently sent home with your ‘Student Update Form’, in this pack was information regarding 2025 School Fees.

All families are required to complete a ‘Payment Plan Agreement Form’ indicating your school fee payment preference for 2025.  Thank you to the families who have already returned this information.  If you are yet to return this information, could you please do so as soon as possible.

If you have any queries or need to speak to us about your school fees please email Karyn Burlow, Finance Manager at accounts@star.catholic.edu.au alternatively please come in and see Karyn, Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm.