Dear Parents,

It was wonderful to spend some time with the 5/6 learning community last week as they went on an adventure to Phillip Island Adventure Resort. Thank you to the wonderful work of all camp staff, especially to Luke Hewitt who led this year's camp. Thanks also to Emily, Kaycee, Ashleigh, Karen, Mindi, Mason, Peter, Justine and Kate.

The students had a fantastic time stepping outside their comfort zones and enjoying many wonderful activities such as canoeing, giant swing, raft making , rock climbing, archery and many more adventures.

The whole school theme for this week focuses on showing peace and love. At this time of Advent we reflect on the importance of always looking out for others in our community spreading peace and love to all through our actions and words. We are also celebrating all the accomplishments that have been achieved with agency, ensuring all members of our community are flourishing in their daily lives. Peace comes from the Hebrew word shalom: completeness, soundness, tranquil, calm, friendship, health and prosperity.

Advent is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and to pray for peace. Peace in our hearts, peace in our lives, peace in the world!

Our Year 5 students are currently looking at their leadership positions for Year 6 along with Year 4 students applying for Health Promoting schools and Play is the way leaders and Year 3 students are also looking at Mangrove Warriors and Dolphin Research positions.

We are so proud of the way our senior students lead with agency in our school. It is so important to allow students to have a voice, make a difference and build their leadership capabilities. We look forward to all of the student agency we will witness throughout 2024 as our upcoming senior students strive to be of service to others.

Our big Christmas event is this Friday 8th December.. Please support the event and come along to celebrate our wonderful community. It is set to be such a great night and I thank Sally, Liz, Trish, Kerry and Matt for all their work. Our Prep Nativity will be a fantastic part of the night so please come along and support our Prep students.

Please sell Raffle tickets for the bumper Christmas raffle which will be drawn at the night.

Please support Matt and come and buy a sausage or burger and we have had 300 donuts donated by Pop a Pie which is our wonderful parents Dani and Thi with all proceeds going to the new playground so come and support.

Congratulations to Ned in Grade 1 for his amazing recreation of our christmas carols night flyer, what a talented little artist you are!

On the 12th December, our official orientation day, all students in the school will attend a session with their new teacher for 2024. This provides an opportunity for students to be prepared for the following school year.

On this day you will receive an envelope with all of the necessary information pertaining to the 2023 school year. This will also be sent home via Operoo.

You will also be invited to book in for an individual session with your child’s teacher at the commencement of the 2024 school year. This information will be provided in the information pack.

End of term dates
4th December	Community Garden Day- come along and help to plant out our new vege patches and help with clearing up other areas of the school.
6th December	Junior Beach Day
7th December	Senior Beach Day
8th December	1.30pm End of year mass Followed by Spirit of St Joseph’s and other awards And Colour run 6- 8pm Carols night including Prep nativity
12th December	Official transition session and step up for 2024 will be held on from 11.15 am - 1.15 pm.
15th December	The last day for students for the 2023 school year is Friday 15th December. We will farewell the graduating class in the afternoon from 1.30pm and students will be dismissed for the end of year at 3.15pm. All welcome

2024 Commencement Dates
Date
29/01/2024	School staff resume – Staff professional learning
29/01/2024	School staff resume – Staff professional learning
30/01/2024	Individual Conferences with Classroom Teacher
31/01/2024	Individual Conferences with Classroom Teacher
01/02/2024	Students commence classes
09/02/2024	Beginning of the Year School Mass and Welcome BBQ 2pm Leaders ceremony and badge presentation

Term	2024 School Closure Days & Public Holidays
1	Pupil Free Days - Wednesday 27th March and Thursday 28th– Staff Conference
	Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 11th March
2	ANZAC Day Public Holiday – Thursday 25th April Pupil Free Day – Friday 26th April – Pupil Free day King’s Birthday Public Holiday – Monday 10th June
3	Pupil Free Day – Monday 4th November – Pupil Free day Melbourne Cup Public Holiday – Tuesday 5th November
Camps 2024
5/6 Camp - Wed 17th, Thur 18th & Fri 19th July
3/4 Camp - Tues 11th & Wed 12th June

Yours in Partnership,

Gab

Garden Day...