Dear Parents,

We are now counting down to the end of the year and there is plenty to do. In a lot of ways this is the most difficult time for us as we put things in place for 2025, but simultaneously we are wrapping up 2024.

This newsletter, we take the opportunity to wish Miss Maria Kambouris and her fiance Dimitri the best of luck for their up and coming wedding. Maria and Dimitri will be getting married this Sunday 17th November.

Parents & Friends

Last night we held the P&F AGM. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work that our P&F do and the amount of money that they raise for the school. We welcome Carmela G. as President for 2025, along with Antonietta A. as Vice President. We are still looking for a Secretary and Treasurer (a role description was sent out on SeeSaw). On behalf of the school and school community, I would like to personally thank Tiare, Alison, Alannah, Analyce and Jonida for their hard work and efforts over the last few years.

There are also general committee members who don't want to hold a position but are happy to come to meetings and lend a hand. Mariella, Tiare, Alison, Joni, Adriano, Matt and Mark are currently general members. If you would like to become a general member or perhaps take up one of the unfilled positions, please let Derryn, myself or one of the committee members know. There are generally two meetings a term and these are usually held online.

I would like to thank our school community for their continued support of the P&F and the activities they organise. Please consider setting Saturday 23rd November aside for our Bingo and Paella social night. This is an opportunity for parents to come along and have a bit of fun before the end of the school year. Adriano Persichetti will MC the night and soft drinks will be available for purchase on the night. Please ensure to return Bingo and Paella money by Thursday 21st November.

Mango Drive

Thank you to everyone who ordered Mangoes this year. We received a letter from the company yesterday to advise us that the Mangoes will be arriving a little earlier than expected. Ordinarily, mangoes ripen at the end of November/early December. Due to the variation in weather patterns this year, the Mangoes have ripened early, meaning they will need to be delivered earlier. We are now expecting this order to arrive on November 25th.

Changes for 2025

There are a number of changes that will be occurring in 2025 in various year levels.

Swimming for Preps - we have made the decision that the Preps 2025 will not be attending swimming classes. As soon as we start our lessons, it is this group of children that seem to get sick and miss out on the lessons. We have decided to leave this as a Year 1/2 activity and provide gymnastics for the Preps (this will be reflected in the school fees for 2025).

Year 4 Camp - the decision has been made to change the way the Year 4 camp occurs. Instead of just the Year 4 children, both Year 3 and 4 will be attending a long day camp preparation. What this means is that the children will leave early and arrive back at school very late on the same day. Lunch and dinner etc. will be included. The children will be going to Golden Valley Camp site where they will take part in camp activities (again this will be reflected in the school fees).

Assembly - assembly will take place each fortnight as of 2025. This decision has predominantly been made to buy back some teaching time and take some pressure off our staff.

Production Video

The production was videoed and once we have more information on how to purchase, we will let you know.

Carols

Tuesday 10th December is the date of our carols. The carols will start promptly at 5:30pm. On this afternoon the Grade 5 and 6 students will be holding a market stall between 3:30 and 5:30 where students and families can buy produce. This market stall is part of their inquiry unit on business and economics. We will again have a BBQ sausage sizzle and are calling on parent helpers to help cook and serve sausages. Please speak to Derryn, myself or a P&F committee member.

Kmart Choir Performance

Next Thursday 21 November, our choir will perform at Kmart (inside the store) at Summerhill Shopping Centre, to launch the Annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.

You are invited to come along to watch our wonderful choir sing some Christmas songs at 11.00am.

nFORMA for PARENTS

SCHOOL REPORTS/FIRST AID/STUDENT ABSENCES

Over the next few months, we will be transitioning onto an app platform to access school reports, permission forms and notices. This will hopefully bring most applications into one platform - nForma. Please see the instructions below to download the app and login instructions. From this app you will be able to access all past reports for your child.

Students not Returning to Holy Name in 2025

If your child is moving schools at the end of the year (perhaps due to moving house), please let us know as soon as possible, as class lists are being prepared.

School Fees

Thank you to those families who have recently finalised their 2024 fees.

We would appreciate the payment of any outstanding fees by 27th November.

Lost Property

We have quite a selection of windcheaters, jumpers and assorted drink bottles, containers etc in the lost property basket (in the office corridor). If your child has lost an item of clothing or other, please get them to check the basket.

Also, if any of these items belong to your child, please see Leanne.

M.A.D. Dads' Final Social Night

Camp Australia news