Dear Parents,

I trust that you had a great relaxing long weekend. For many, it was the rest that we needed before we launch into the Christmas Season. I can't believe that we are having to think about Christmas already and that the year is almost at the finish line.

The school office has Remembrance Day poppies for sale. At this time, we remember all those who have given up their lives to provide us with freedom. Since WW1, the poppy has a tradition of being a symbol to remember those who have died in war while serving their country and the red colour symbolises hope. This year, as Remembrance Day falls on Saturday, we encourage you to mark the minute's silence as a family.

Thank you to the children and families for supporting our casual clothes day last week.

We raised $188, so thank you.

Last weekend, we had an epoxy finish laid on our internal courtyard. It not only looks amazing but it helps us with getting out the glare. Our gratitude goes to the P&F for providing us with the funds to do this and to you for supporting their fundraising efforts. We can only continue to make improvements to our school through the efforts of the P&F, M.A.D. groups and then some of the fees that you pay. So thank you to all those families that have cleared their fees for 2023. Term 4 Statements were emailed at the start of term, and all fees are due by Friday 24 November. Please remember, if you are experiencing any difficulties it is always a good idea to come and see me, so that we can work things out before it gets out of hand.

Our P&F are holding their AGM on Wednesday 22nd November. This is an open invitation for anyone who would like to find out more about the P&F or volunteer their time. Meetings are generally held online twice a term. As this will also be an online meeting, please speak to Derryn, myself or a current committee member to gain access to this meeting.

REMINDER: All hot dog/nugget orders need to be at school by next MONDAY 13th NOVEMBER. (Hot food day is Mon 20 November)

Second Hand Uniform Sale

Starting from tomorrow morning at the office..... Please bring small notes & coins only.

The items are in good condition and come in handy for spares. Prices start at $3.00.

Working Bee

Thank you to the wonderful families that came along and assisted in our working bee.

We are forever grateful for the assistance and time that you have given us and the wonderful work you put in to keep our school in shape. Holy Name would not be the place it is without the support from our wonderful family community.

Prep 2024 Orientation

Today, we had our second orientation session, where our 2024 Preps came in and were dropped off and picked up at the end of the session. It is wonderful to see how eager these children are to come to school.

Christmas Carols Tuesday 12th December @5.30pm.

Christmas Carols planning is well underway, so please keep Tuesday 12th December free. On this night we will be selling sausages (we will have more than last year!) and drinks.

The P&F are also asking for donations for the end of the year raffle. If you work for a business or have your own business and would like to donate something toward the end of year raffle, it can be left at the office by Tuesday 5th of December.

SOCIAL JUSTICE CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

This year, we will be working with 'Koala Kids' to support children with cancer by donating Christmas gifts to help put smiles on the faces of children during their fight with cancer. We want our students to understand that giving is just as good as receiving.

In the coming weeks when you enter the reception area, you will see a Christmas tree. The tree will be decorated with tags of different age groups eg: 'girl 1-2 years' or 'boy 5-6 years'. For families who wish to participate, select a tag and purchase a present appropriate for that age and place it under the tree ready to be delivered. Gifts do not need to be extravagant and no more than $25 - $30. Please see flyer below of recommended gift ideas.

CHANGE OF DATE! For our Choir Performance at Summerhill Shopping Centre

Our school choir, led by Ms Rosa Zannoni, have been invited to perform some Christmas songs at the launch of the annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, at our local Summerhill Shopping Centre, on Thursday 16th November at 10.00am.

We are very proud of our choir, so if you have a spare 15 mins or so, please pop by to see them in action!

Canteen

In 2024, we will once again be running the canteen from our school grounds. While we will still be using the School24 app, all lunch orders will be made onsite. We will be calling for volunteers to be placed on a roster on either Tuesday or Friday. If this is something that you might be interested in, put your name down at the office so that we can contact you next year. All volunteers must have a current Working with Children check.

As we have done in the past, in order to keep your child's lunch warm, insulated lunch bags are available from our school office for $10. (See pic below of lunch bag)

Children not Returning in 2024

If your child/ren, other than this year's Gr6 students, are not returning to Holy Name in 2024, could you please advise me via an email (principal@hnpe.catholic.edu.au), ideally as soon possible, as we will soon be looking at and preparing our class lists for 2024.

Assembly Roster

We welcome all parents and friends to join us each Monday from 2:40 for our assembly. Please note the change in Assembly time. Each week a different grade level will share and present their learnings.

TERM 4 ASSEMBLY ROSTER

WEEK	Week Beginning (Mon)	MONDAY ASSEMBLY presented by: 2:40 onwards
7	13th November	GRADE 3/4M
8	20th November	GRADE 1/2A
9	27th November	GRADE 5/6C
10	4th December	PREP K & B
11	11th December	TBC

HOLY NAME PRIMARY SCHOOL IS A CHILD SAFE SCHOOL.

WE PROMOTE THE SAFETY, WELLBEING AND INCLUSION OF OTHERS.

WELLBEING

MRS CECALA