Dear St. Cecilia's Community,

As we approach the end of another incredible year at St. Cecilia’s, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve achieved together. Our school is thriving—not only physically, with its beautiful classrooms and surroundings, but also through the strong bonds that unite our community. Word of mouth continues to strengthen our enrollment numbers, a testament to the remarkable experience our families and staff create every day.

Looking ahead, our 2025 improvement plan is both positive and forward-thinking, ensuring that we continue to strive for excellence. While the future of our school looks strong, our commitment to ongoing improvement in all areas remains a priority.

This year has not been without its challenges. Each of us, in our own way, has faced hardships, but it is in these moments that the strength of our community truly shines. Whether leaning on one another for support or coming together in faith, the resilience we’ve shown has been inspiring. Personally, reflecting on my own health challenges from this time last year, I am reminded of how transformative good health, faith, and a supportive community can be. For me, being part of a faith-filled environment like St. Cecilia’s has provided tremendous strength and hope, and I know many of you share that sentiment.

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to making 2024 a success. To our hardworking and dedicated staff, thank you for your tireless efforts in nurturing and educating our students. To our families, thank you for your trust and partnership in this journey. And to our students, who continually amaze us with their growth and enthusiasm, thank you for bringing joy and energy to every corner of our school.

To those families and students who are leaving St. Cecilia’s this year, know that you leave behind a lasting legacy. Your contributions and presence have enriched our school in countless ways, and you will always remain a special part of the St. Cecilia’s story.

As we prepare to break for the holidays, I wish each of you a restful and joyful time with your families and friends. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025, ready for another year of growth and success.

Thank you all for an extraordinary year. Together, we have much to celebrate and even more to look forward to.

With gratitude and blessings,

Marty

School Magazine Goes Online for 2024

Under the guidance of Mrs Cerrina, the School Magazine Committee has put together another sensational edition. This year it is online. Click on the link to see the incredible work our intrepid reporters and authors put together.

Graduation Class 2024

Scroll Through to see our Year 6's Walking out the door

A few images from the graduation dinner

Final Friday Assembly

On Friday, December 13, we held our our final Friday Assembly for the year. This special assembly included:

The presentation of the Higgins Award by our local member to two of our students. Higgins Lionheart Award - Lois Chieng & Damon Smith

Lois Chieng (St Cecilia’s Year 6 Student)

Lois was chosen for this award because she has displayed outstanding school spirit throughout her time at St Cecilia’s.

Lois’ enthusiasm for learning is inspiring. Her willingness and eagerness to give everything a go and participate fully is admirable.

Lois’ contribution to school life demonstrates her strong sense of community and inclusiveness. Her relationships with classmates and staff reflect mutual respect. Her thoughtfulness reflects her innate capacity to care for others.

Lois consistently applies wonderful effort in her academic learning with a self motivated drive to extend her understanding and thinking.

Lois demonstrates outstanding achievement across all areas of the curriculum with a special mention for her mathematics results.

Lois exudes positivity and brings joy to her time at school in work and in her relationships with others.

Lois displays her authentic self at all times, staying true to herself and her values.

Congratulations Lois.

Damon Smith (St Cecilia’s Year 6 Student)

The St. Cecilia’s recipient of the Higgins Award for 2024 is Damon Smith.

Damon has been selected for the Higgins Award due to his exceptional contributions during his time at St Cecilia’s.

Damon demonstrates exceptional academic achievements, showcasing a remarkable quest for knowledge and understanding.

His determination to broaden his thinking across diverse subjects is truly commendable. The values of faith, acceptance, compassion and excellence that St. Cecilia’s upholds are reflected in his everyday interactions.

His leadership is characterised by respect and a genuine interest in listening to others.

Damon is articulate and excels at public speaking. He has made significant contributions to the buddy program, Tournament of Minds and the leadership program. His involvement has greatly enriched the St. Cecilia’s community.

Congratulations Damon!

Acknowledgment of students and families (from Foundation to Grade 5) who are concluding their time at St. Cecilia’s.

We invited these families to join us for this significant occasion. Please see more information below.

2025 Class Structure, Locations, and Staffing

We’re excited to share the class structure, classroom locations, and staffing arrangements for 2025. These details will help families prepare for the new school year.

Foundation (2 Classes)

Classrooms: Remaining in the same rooms as this year.
Staffing:
- Annmaree (Foundation F)
- Marnie (Foundation G

Year One (2 Classes)

Classrooms: Moving to the upstairs classrooms currently occupied by Grade 4.
Staffing:
- Jac E (1C)
- Libby (1L)

Year Two (2 Classes)

Classrooms: Moving to the upstairs classrooms currently occupied by Grade 5/6.
Staffing:
- Helen (2A)
- Pauline (2B)

Year Three (2 Classes)

Classrooms: Remaining upstairs in the same classrooms as this year.
Staffing:
- Jac & Erica (3D)
- Kerryn & Tracey (3E)

Year Four (2 Classes)

Classrooms: Moving to the portable classrooms currently occupied by Grade 1.
Staffing:
- Gav (4J)
- Jo (4K)

Year Five/Six (2 Classes)

Classrooms: Moving to the brick building currently occupied by Grade 2.
Staffing:
- Lou (5/6 H)
- Fi (5/6 I)

We look forward to a fantastic 2025 with these exciting changes!

Farewell and Best Wishes to Our Departing Families

As we approach the end of another school year, we take a moment to bid a fond farewell to the students and families who will be leaving St. Cecilia's. While it is always bittersweet to say goodbye, we are filled with gratitude for all that you have contributed to our school community during your time with us.

To the students moving on, we wish you every success and happiness in your new schools. Your talents, kindness, and achievements have enriched our community, and we have no doubt that you will continue to shine in the future.

To the families finishing up their journey with us, thank you for your unwavering support and the many ways you have enriched our school over the years. Whether through volunteering, sharing your talents, or simply being part of the St. Cecilia’s spirit, you have left a lasting legacy that we will always cherish.

Please remember that once a part of the St. Cecilia’s community, you are always a part of it. Our doors and hearts remain open, and we hope to see you again at future events and celebrations.

You will always have a home here at St. Cecilia’s:

Year F

Zahara Anderson

Year 1

Mia Marquez

Liam Yao

Jim Begley (for 1 year)

Year 2

Thomas Endres

Year 3

Leonardo Marquez

Fiona Begley (for 1 year)

Year 4

Matthew Kennedy

Olivia Malone

Eva Panagiotou

Henry Smith

Jimmy Blood

Edward O’Byrne

Sienna Zagari

Lenny Fleming

Oliver Gee

Liam Bulluss

Year 5

Alfie Simmons - St. Kevins

Stephanie Santhiapillai

Christmas Mass

Tuesday, December 24

5:00pmChristmas Eve Children’s Mass
Details: Special Christmas Liturgy in the undercroft. A rehearsal will take place at 10:00am on Christmas Eve morning (details to follow).
Who’s involved: Whole school and parish community invited.

🎄 Carols on the Court – A Family Christmas Twilight Event! 🎶

Our Carols on the Court event on Wednesday, 11th December was a resounding success, perfectly capturing the festive spirit of the season and the strong sense of community that makes St. Cecilia’s so special.

The evening kicked off with families arriving early to set up their picnic spots on the top playground. The air was filled with excitement as students, parents, and staff gathered to celebrate together.

Event Highlights:

🎶 Live Christmas Carols Each grade level delivered fantastic performances of well-loved carols, delighting the audience with their enthusiasm and energy. Special guest appearances includin two of our amazing mums (Vanessa and Bec Jess) added an extra sparkle to the evening, with heartfelt applause following every act.

🎅 Santa’s Surprise Visit Santa’s arrival was met with cheers and joy, especially from our younger attendees, who loved it when he broke protocol and hurled lollies into the audience!

🎄 Family Fun and Festive Atmosphere It truly was one of those beautiful St. Cecilia's nights!

Acknowledgments

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the event’s success—our talented students for their outstanding performances, our incredible Music Teacher (Stefania Miller) who once again demonstrated so much talent, organisation and passion into a school event, the parents and families for their support and participation, and, of course, Santa for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us.

Carols on the Court was a beautiful reminder of the joy and togetherness that define the St. Cecilia’s community. Thank you all for making this Christmas celebration truly one to remember.

Merry Christmas to all, and we look forward to more wonderful events in the new year!

Have a great Christmas break with your families everyone!

Marty McKenna

Principal

St Cecilia’s Primary School

Gardening News