From The Principal

Dear Families,

This week we begin to celebrate Advent, the Church season where we prepare and wait for the birth of Jesus, which is the true meaning of Christmas. Taking time to stop, reflect, and hope for peace, unity and joy. It will be a valuable practice for all of us, in the midst of the busyness that leads into Christmas. It is a time when we can reflect on the ways that God is present in our lives now and in the future. The symbolism of the Advent wreath with its candles representing Hope, Love, Joy and Peace allows us to reflect on the significant ways we can prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The use of the green leaves as a sign of hope reminds us that God’s love is with us at all times. The lighting of candles over the four weeks adds to the anticipation of Jesus’ birth as each candle represents an aspect of the Advent season; Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. 

May the themes of Advent of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace resonate with us all and be present with us as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Colour Run

The Colour Run was a success despite the weather. It was wonderful to see so many parents attend not only supporting us to ‘colour our children’ but contributing to our vibrant community. Special thanks to Sarah Magro for organising the event and Michelle Buckley for promoting the Colour Run. Their efforts ensured the day ran smoothly. 

Step Up Day

Tomorrow our children will meet their new teachers and classmates. Careful consideration goes into placing our children into classes, taking into account not just academic ability but also social and emotional wellbeing as well as friendships, both present and potential. Our goal is that whatever class your child is in, positive relationships will be developed and outcomes in all areas will be achieved. As classes have been finalised it is not possible to move children to another class. 

2024 News

Lindy Brown will be teaching performing Arts to our Year 3-6 children as well as having the role of our Mental Health in Schools Leader. In this role, Lindy will assist the school community to build our capability about mental health and wellbeing (identification, promotion and prevention) and assist and monitor our children’s progress. 

Fiona Brugaletta, our literacy Leader is leaving us to take on a position at St Matthews in North Fawkner. She will be their Literacy Leader for all classes, Prep to year 6. We thank her for 10 Years, at St Anne’s as a classroom teacher and literacy leader. Her dedication and passion for ensuring our children’s literacy outcomes always improve has been most appreciated. We wish  her continued success at her new school.

Daniella Caroselli is also leaving us to spend time with her family. We thank her for being a supportive and caring teacher in her role as a part time teacher in Year 2. I am sure we will continue to see Daniella at St Anne’s as a replacement teacher next year.

End of Year Events

Christmas Carols Concert

We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Christmas Carols Concert on Thursday December 7th that marks the celebration of Christmas and end of the year. There will be further information sent to you about the evening. I would like to share some important reminders to ensure the event is a success and enjoyable for all our community;

• In adherence to the Child Safety Standards I kindly remind all parents that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted
• To ensure we are respectful of our performers and appreciate their efforts I request all children, including ex - students to sit and watch each class perform
• All children are to have a parent accompanying them on the night
• For the safety and wellbeing of all, ball games and playing on the Ninja Course or Playground is not permitted
• Children are expected to sit with families and not wander around on the oval. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the performances without being distracted. 

I appreciate your cooperation so we can all enjoy a warm and festive atmosphere for our Christmas Carols Concert.

Japanese Students 

Earlier this year St Anne’s parents hosted students from Japan. It was a great success for all so the teachers are planning to return to Melbourne early next year. The organisers are seeking out host families from our school.

If interested please read the information below;

We plan to take 15 Japanese High School Students to Melbourne. (Arrive on March 9, Leave on March 18)

Here is the schedule. We are happy to answer if you have any questions.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p9jHVcYr4ZBpf1ogQGsUX3zKDrKaji0AdW7wTYb0MQU/edit?usp=sharing

- Total 15 students from Agatagaoka High School (Nagano, Japan): https://kenryo.ed.jp/

- Ages 16-17

- 9 nights at homestay

- We would like to pay each host family 600 AUD per student (Including food, transportation, etc.)

A reminder that our school year ends on Friday December 15 at 1.30pm. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning

As we come to the end of the year our expectations at St Anne’s remain the same. To end our year positively we will focus on our school value of being RESPECTFUL.

If our children are being respectful they are considering the feelings of themselves and others through their actions and words. Our classrooms and playground will continue to be positive and inclusive learning environments. 

Our focus in our classrooms will continue to be using our manners as well as ensuring we are caring and being patient with one another. We want all our children to finish off the year having positive experiences with their friends and teachers.

At home you can support us by encouraging your children to show respect towards their siblings and reminding them to ensure they are not hurting their feelings by the way they act or what they say. 

May God bless you and take care

Ms Noelene Hussey