Parents & Friends

P&F Update

A note from outgoing President, Lauren Cefai

Dear Holy Spirit Community, 

Thank you for embracing me in my role as the P&F President. This has been a role that I have put my heart and soul into and I would like to thank and congratulate the entire committee on their amazing efforts for this year. We have raised one of the biggest targets in history and I am so proud of the work that we have completed this year. $30,000 was a huge task! 

I would also like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Duncan for his overwhelming support, the leadership team, and the Holy Spirit Staff, especially Kayla, Kate, Melissa and Donna for always making themselves available and assisting us wherever possible. I would also like to thank Andrew Conway, Board Chair, for his guidance and support throughout the year. 

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge Emily Woodhams, Theresa Barry and Sally Wilkinson who have been amazing in their Executive roles. I would also like to acknowledge Kathleen DiRago in her Fundraising role. Not only have they been a fabulous team to work with but who have always had my back and I consider them to be the dearest of friends.

Term 1 started us out strong with the Easter Raffle, Cadbury Chocolate Boxes, Hot Cross Buns, Movie Night, Dad’s Night, Subway Day and the start of term coffee vans which I hope will continue. 

Term 2 felt quieter but was just as busy with Mother’s Day Breakfast, Mother’s Day Stall, Trivia Night, Mum’s Night, Cheer Toastie Truck and Spirit Day Activities including the P&F treasure hunt.   To this point we had just raised over $15,000 so we were well on our way to our target.

Term 3 started big with the Disco, Father’s Day breakfast, Father’s Day Stall, Dad’s Night, Hot Dog Day and the Art Show.  With fewer events so we could assist with the Fete preparations, we really never took our foot off the throttle.

Term 4 kicked off quickly again with the Fete. Then we moved quickly into World Teachers Day, Grandparents Day, the Scholastic Book Fair, Prep Information Session and our thank you food day, the sausage sizzle. 

We still have the staff morning tea and leaving families to acknowledge before wrapping up the year. 

In reporting all our activities I must also acknowledge the 20+ icy pole afternoons, 8 uniform shops, 8 Scholastic Book Clubs on top of the Book Fair and 3 Fete fundraising days that the P&F has assisted with. When you look at all the activities that the P&F assist or run in conjunction with the school, we have been involved in well over 70 events. I am so proud of the P&F Committee and our entire community that we have been able to deliver and enjoy these events with community spirit over the year. 

The Committee would also acknowledge and thank the following committee members who are stepping down from the P&F Committee next year:

• Kate Wray – McCann
• Nicolle Tilley
• Kerrie Scott
• Emma Wallis

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the team. We couldn’t be more grateful for the dedicated bunch of people we have had serve on the committee this year.

I am saddened to be stepping down from my role as President but I will continue to work closely with the P&F moving forward. I am hoping this will give me back some of my time to spend with my family. 

Lastly, I would like to wish the incoming committee, especially Kathleen Di Rago on her incoming role as President, the best of luck for next year.

2024 P&F Committee

President: Kathleen Di Rago

Outgoing Vice President: Lauren Cefai

Vice President: Emily Woodhams

Secretary: Sally Wilkinson

Treasurer: Theresa Barry

Assistant Treasurer: VACANT

Fundraising Coordinator: Kathy Trajkovski

Social Coordinator: Carli Centrella

Uniform Shop Coordinator: Nicole Bruges

Food Day Coordinators:   Nicole Bruges/Amanda Kenney

Fete Liaison Officer: Vivienne De Zoysa

Mother’s Day/Father’s Day Stalls Coordinator: Karen Costello-Manning

Icy Pole Coordinator: Shannon O’Riley

Social Media Coordinator: Nicole Tucci

Scholastic Book Club Coordinator: Sarah Scott

General Members: Kylie Humphrey, Sabine Tasca   

Teacher Presence – gifts that make a difference

Many of you have heard about Teacher Presence, a NFP organization established by long-time Holy Spirit staff member Andy McKellar. Many Holy Spirit teachers have signed up to this worthy cause, which encourages families to make a donation to the teacher’s chosen charity in lieu of an end of year gift.

To find out if your teacher has registered, or to make a donation, go to https://www.teacherpresence.org/ 

Teacher Appreciation morning Tea – thank you!

Thank you so much to the families who donated a plate of yummy morning tea for the Holy Spirit staff last Friday. They were very appreciative.

Icy poles are back!

Icy poles will be sold after school on Friday on the front lawn area for $1. 

Term 1 2024 Event Dates – Pop them in your calendar now!

• Tuesday 30 Jan – Students start back 
• Thursday 1 Feb – Start of Term Coffee Van and Prep Parent Morning Tea
• Friday 8 Mar – Colour Run!