Dear Parents,

Our Year 5 students arrived back from camp yesterday, tired but happy. All staff commented on how successful the camp was, with one staff member describing the group as "exceptional". Many students told me that their surfing lesson was the highlight of the camp, a first experience for many students. Perhaps some may have discovered a new hobby? The group were very lucky with the weather as well, which always helps morale.

Our Prep students had a great day at MOPA today, here are some photos from their excursion.

Year 6 Family Faith Night

The Year 6 students took the next step in their Confirmation preparation this week, participating in their Family Faith Night. Father Ian began by speaking to the students around some of the history and traditions of Confirmation. The students then took part in a series of activities around the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, their chosen Saint and a prayer experience.

We ask you to keep or Confirmation candidates in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church next Tuesday.

Created and Loved

"you are precious in my sight,

and honoured, and I love you"

(Isaiah 43: 4)

On Wednesday I joined many principals, deputies, and Religious Education Leaders from the Southern Region at a session unpacking and exploring the document Created & Loved - A guide for Catholic schools on identity and gender. Acceptance and inclusion of all has always been a high priority at St Finbar's and MACS is now offering guidance on how Catholic schools can do this effectively. For those who are interested in reading this document, published by the Australian Catholics Bishops Conference, please click on the link below.

As part of our work with the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program, over the coming weeks our students will be exploring some of the stereotypes around gender. Naturally, this will be age appropriate for each year level. Research shows that children become aware of gender norms and make efforts to fit within gendered expectations by the time they are in kindergarten. As children learn about gender, they may begin to form some gender stereotypical beliefs and attitudes. For example, they may insist that some games or activities are for boys and others for girls. Classroom activities can be used to help children to explore gender identity, challenge stereotypes, and value and respect for diversity and difference. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about this, or more detail on that content that will be covered.

Parents and Friends

I was fortunate to attend the Parents and Friends meeting this week . We are so lucky to have such an active parent community here at St Finbar's, working with the school for the betterment of all students. It was amazing to learn that the recent Dad's Footy Match raised a total of $8,702 for the school - what an achievement! It sounds as if there are some great social events happening for each year group over the next few months as well...some for the students and some just for the parents.

Kate Blake also mentions this in her P&F News page, but please reach out if you are interested in taking on the roles of President, Vice-President, Treasurer or Secretary in 2024. We can offer as much support as needed as you learn the role.

Hats

All students are now expected to wear their school hats out on the playground. Hats can be purchased from the Uniform Shop for $15. Any student who does not have a school hat will need to stay in the shaded area on the grassy steps or at the tables in the outdoor classroom. This is in line with our sun-smart school policy - 'No Hat - No Play.'

Whilst we are on the subject of uniform, I remind everyone that the only jewellery permitted is a watch (not a Smartwatch) , small sleeper/stud earrings and/or a cross on a chain. Nail polish is not to be worn at school.

Farewell to Pat

Don't forget that we are having a final farewell for Pat on Thursday 2nd November at 2:30pm. There will be a formal farewell to thank Pat for his dedication to St Finbar's over the past eight years, followed by the chance to chat with Pat and wish him well for the future.

Christmas Carols

It's still a while away but it will be here before we know it. Our annual Christmas Carols will take place out on the Mary Clare playground (weather depending) on November 29th at 5pm. Anna is planning on preparing picnic boxes again so keep an eye on the Healthy Hut ordering platform for these.

St Finbar's Basketball

The St Finbar's Scalpers are rebranding, and to support this they have a fundraiser planned. Please see the Community page of the newsletter for more information.

Michelle Hill,

Acting Principal

Visual Arts