Dear Families,

It is beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas both in the local community and also at our school.

The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical season and invites Christians into a time of hopeful preparation. The readings focus on staying awake and ready for the coming of the Lord, emphasising watchfulness, repentance, and renewed commitment. As the first candle of the Advent wreath is lit—symbolising hope—the Church encourages the faithful to open their hearts to God’s light, preparing joyfully and attentively for the arrival of Christ at Christmas.

This Advent, St Joseph’s is focusing on the spirit of giving through our support of the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Instead of receiving a treat each week, we are encouraging our families to think of those in need in our community. This week, we are asking families to purchase a gift for a child and bring it wrapped to our Carols evening. Your generosity will help bring joy and comfort to those who may be struggling this Christmas.

Carols Evening

The Carols Evening will be held this coming Wednesday evening at 5:00pm. Families are invited to bring picnic rugs and/or chairs to sit on while they sing along to the Christmas Carols. Students are encouraged to wear Christmas colours.We all look forward to the evening.

Sorrento Carols Evening

Our School Choir is performing at the Sorrento carols on Friday evening. A wonderful evening has been planned with Ray Martin as host, local community members performing and fire-works to conclude the evening.

SAC Reports

Thank you to Our School Advisory Council members; Fr Angelo, Assunta Galbraith, Jessie Hower, Jessie Schmitt, Nicole Daniher and Megan Barber for their contributions this year. Both the Chairperson's and Principal Reports can be found later in this newsletter.

Wellbeing Data

Students regularly complete surveys and questionnaires regarding their feelings about school. Our most recent surveys indicated a positive school climate with most students feeling safe and happy at school. The recent Resilient Youth Australia surveys had students scoring well above comparison schools in: Ready to Learn, Anxiety and Depression, Resilience Score, Friendship Experiences, Caring Behaviours and Mental Wellbeing.

Looking to learn Guitar in 2026?

Helen is now collecting expressions of interest for lessons next year. Call or text Helen on 0401 539 349.

St Joseph's Award

Congratulations to Isobel Walsh on receiving the St Joseph's Award for consistently being respectful, being safe and being an effective learner.

Fun Food Fridays

Our last Fun Food Friday is on this coming Friday. Paddle Pops and Meatballs are on the menu. Please have money and orders in by Wednesday 3rd.

Beach and Boat Days

The Year 3/4 and 5/6 Beach and Boat Days are taking place next week. They are fabulous days in which students participate in water activities such as Nippers games, stand up paddle boards, surf skis, snorkelling, sailing and power boat rides. We are needing some extra assistance from parents on both of these days. If you are willing to help out, please let Jenny Todd know via email. jennyt@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au

Intensive Swimming Program

The Prep to Year Four Intensive Swimming Program commenced today. Thank you to Jenny Todd for organising this and to the wonderful LSO staff who are teaching in the pool.

Year 3/4 Camp

The Year 3/4s had a wonderful camping experience at The Briars Outdoor Ed camp in Mount Martha. Students had a great time and responded well to challenges and staff were so supportive of all. A huge thank you to Megan, Vicki, Jess and Gypsy who gave up the comforts of their own homes and beds to accompany the students. Thank you also to Jenni and Emma who attended throughout the day. Camps are so important for students’, physical, social and emotional development and we are proud that we still offer them here at St Joseph's.

nForma App to replace Operoo

A reminder that Operoo is stopping their services in Australia and so we have begun the majority of our school communication on the nForma app from today. Please read the guidelines attached below for further instructions on setting up the nForma app and an explanation for the Parent Portal.

Beleza Rosebud Sale

Beleza Rosebud has a sale on November 29th - December 6th with 20% off full priced items.

Before and After School Care in 2026

Before and after School Care will recommence at the beginning of next year at Sorrento Primary School. The provider will be Elysium OSHC.

Outstanding Fees Reminder

As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly ask that any outstanding fees be settled before the end of term. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

2026 School Fees

The School Advisory Council approved an increase in school fees due to school's rising expenses. We have attempted to keep the increases at a minimum. MACS schools have been directed to have tiered fee system according to the number of family members. A letter explaining these changes is attached.

2026 Booklists

The 2026 booklist order will be managed through Officeworks. Please click the PDF document below for detailed instructions on how to place your order, additional information and key dates. We are happy for you to source your stationary supplies at a local business but please ensure that they are the same items.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) – 2026 Applications

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides financial assistance to eligible families to help cover the cost of school trips, camps, and sporting activities. Eligibility Date: January 27, 2026 Eligibility Criteria for CSEF in 2026:You must have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Centrelink Health Care Card orVeterans Affairs Gold Card. The student must also attend a registered Victorian school (primary or secondary), be of school age, and the family must be a registered client of Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs.If you meet the above criteria, please complete and submit your application to the school office by the due date. Application forms are available from the office or can be downloaded from the Department of Education website. For any questions or assistance with your application, please contact the school office.

The next fortnight @ St Joseph's:

Tues 2 Swim Squad

Wed 3 St Joseph's Carol Evening 5:00pm

Fri 5 Fun Food Friday

Sorrento Carols

Mon 8 Transition session 3

Assembly

Tues 9 Year 5/6 Beach Day

Wed 10 Year 3/4 Beach Day

Thurs 11 Year Six Big Day Out

Fri 12 End of Year Mass 9:15 am

Year Six run canteen

Please let me know if I can assist you and your family in any way.

Many thanks,

Monica

moshannassy@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au

For Your Calendar

December

School commences in 2026 for all students on Thursday 29th January.