Principal's Update
Dear Families,
Sunday 30 November sees the commencement of the season of Advent – a time of waiting, preparation and joyful expectation before the season of Christmas.
The significant liturgical colour for Advent is violet – differentiating it from the Season of Lent. Other symbols include the Advent Wreath and the Lighting Of Candles.
The Advent wreath is a special symbol we use during the four weeks before Christmas. It helps us get ready for the birth of Jesus. The wreath is made in a circle, which has no beginning and no end. This reminds us of God’s never-ending love.
The tradition began many years ago in Europe. People used evergreen branches to make a wreath because evergreens stay green all year, showing hope and life even in winter.
Later, Christians added candles to the wreath. Each candle has a meaning:
- First candle (purple): Hope
- Second candle (purple): Peace
- Third candle (pink): Joy
- Fourth candle (purple): Love
Sometimes there is a fifth white candle in the middle called the Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
The Advent wreath helps us pray and prepare our hearts for Jesus during this special season.
I share with you a prayer that you may wish to share with your family as you prepare for the season of Advent.
Week 1 of Advent – Hope
Prayer:
Loving God,
as we light the first candle of Advent, we thank You for the gift of hope.
Help us to trust in Your promises
and look forward to the coming of Jesus with joyful hearts.
May we bring hope to others through kindness and care.
Amen.
Week 2 of Advent – Peace
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
this week we pray for peace in our hearts, our homes, and our world.
As we prepare for Jesus’ birth, teach us to forgive, to listen, and to love.
May Your peace guide us in all we do today and every day.
Amen.
In our prayers
Fr. Jake Mudge has asked me to let you all know that Mgr. Frank Marriott is critically ill.
For those who do not know Mgr. Frank Marriott, he was the man who envisioned a Catholic school at Strathfieldsaye. He was also the parish priest of the St. Therese's Parish when the land was purchased and the school was built. Without Frank there would be no St. Francis of the Fields.
Frank is a visionary throughout the Sandhurst Diocese and a wonderful leader of many parishes.
I ask that you pray for Monsignor Frank Marriott, and of course, keep Frank in your prayers.
Parking/Driveway issues
One way parking
We have had several near misses where vehicles have driven up the kindergarten road against the NO ENTRY sign. Please avoid this practice as we need to ensure the safety of all students, staff and parents.
Orientation Day
Orientation Day will be held for all children on Tuesday 9 December. All children from Year 1 to Year 6 will be placed in their 2026 classes from 11.30am. Children will be taken to their new 2026 classroom for a 11.45am start. New families to our school in Year 1-6 will be greeted out the front of the school and escorted to their classrooms.
I ask the parents of our Foundation students to bring our 2026 Foundation students to the shed at 11.50am on Tuesday 9 December. Please move to where the 4 coloured balloons are - they will have the 4 class lists explaining who the class teacher for your child will be.
Your child’s class teacher will be standing by the matching coloured balloon nearby. Please introduce your child and yourselves to the class teacher. Your child will then be taken to their 2026 classroom by their teacher. I ask that the parents remain in the shed for our information session.
Term 4 School Closure Days & Public Holidays
Please note that our school will be closed on the following days:
- Monday 24 November – Report Writing Day
- Tuesday 25 November - 2026 Planning Day
- Wednesday 17 December - 2025 Planning Day (Last day of the school year for teachers)
This means the last day of the school year for our children will be Tuesday 16 December. The school will finish at 3.20pm on this day.
Parents & Friends and Advisory Council - End of Year Meal & Gathering
Change of Date
All parents, who have contributed to our Parents & Friends Community and our School Advisory Council, are invited to attend a meal on Thursday 4 December to celebrate all that has been achieved in 2025.
Where: School meeting room
When: 6.30 - 8.30pm
BYO: Own drinks
Meal will be provided by Fiona Thompson
Please let the school know if you would like to attend so we can cater appropriately.
Please email on office@sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au to clarify numbers attending and any dietary requirements.
Please note that there will be no further P & F meetings or Advisory Council meetings for 2025.
Tuckshop Ordering
We are asking all families to please remind their children to bring their tuckshop bag on the days they are ordering from Tuckshop.
Every week, the tuckshop staff are having to write out over 120 paper bags because children have forgotten their bag. Reusable tuckshop bags are available to order from CDF Pay.
Assemblies
Our final Term 4 assembly will be held on:
Friday 28 Nov @ 2.45pm - Fdn Unit presenting
All family members are invited to attend our assembly.
Shed Unavailability
The shed will be unavailable for afterschool training use on the following dates:
Thursday 27 Nov (Evening) - St Kilian's School Concert
Thursday 11 Dec - Yr 6 Graduation Mass
Christ has no hands but yours.
Tim Moloney
Principal