A Day to Remember!

Dear Families,

I'm sure you'll all agree that Saturday's Twilight Market was an enormous success and a highlight of our school year. It was a real joy to stand back and witness our community working together and also enjoying each other's company. From the wide variety of stalls to the young musicians, the day ran like clockwork from start to finish. Of course, three key people pulled it all together after months of organisation and I'd sincerely like to thank Polly, Jacqui and Jane for all their hard work- we couldn't have done it without you! To the many people who supported the team through donations/ assistance on the day/ packing and setting up, we are indeed very grateful. Thank you to the De La Salle band, "Winter Street" for playing a great range of music (they even brought their own fan club) and to Mason Fodera who performed an awesome set for the crowd. We can't wait for the next Twilight Market in 2021!!! Below are a 'small' selection of the many photographs taken on the day:

Camp Sunnystones

Excitement is building in Years 3 and 4 for their forthcoming camp next Tuesday and Wednesday at Sunnystones. Thank you to Nicole Brent, Amy Kempton and Matthew Frost for organising the finer details of this exciting adventure and to Kate Callinan (Senior School Coordinator) for planning the camp. We are also delighted to have 3 other teaching staff attend: Kathryn Sinker, Siobhan O’Dwyer and Marta Cummings. We thank all the staff for giving so generously of their time to take our children away- this commitment doesn’t attract overtime payment! We wish our campers all the best- and good weather- for next week!

Teaching Staff 2020

With minimal changes to next year’s staffing, I will be sharing the class allocations in next week’s newsletter prior to our ‘Moving Up Day’ on Tuesday 10th December. We also have several new children begin across the school and I know they will be made to feel very welcome when they come to visit on the day.

An Exciting Catholic Co-Ed Secondary Option for our Students

This week I spoke with key staff members from CBC St Kilda, who are currently deep in the planning phase of opening their new Co-Ed Secondary School in 2021. I have been assured that St Joseph’s Malvern will be an official ‘feeder’ primary school to the new educational establishment. Below is a communication from CBC and PCW:

Dear Community Members,

We are pleased to provide this joint communication to community members of primary schools in our region which details the arrangements between Presentation College Windsor and CBC St Kilda to continue the proud tradition of providing quality Catholic education in our precinct. Both schools will operate as usual in 2020, however, 2020 will be PCW’s final year of operation.

In 2021, CBC St Kilda will offer a comprehensive and contemporary educational program for girls and boys for 2021 and beyond. Planning for this transition is well underway. As such, 2021 enrolment applications to CBC for girls and boys are now invited at all year levels.

Enrolment information is available on the school’s website. Tours and enrolment information are available by contacting the Registrar Oonagh Caldwell on 9529 6611 or registrar@cbcstkilda.com. For other enquiries, please contact Jenny Knox – jknox@cbcstkilda.com.

In preparation for next year, a Transition Working Party has been formed and is undertaking careful and collaborative planning to ensure arrangements are in place for the continued and seamless provision of high-quality education to students of both PCW and CBC in 2020. As has been the case for many years, senior students of PCW and CBC will continue to share VCE classes across both schools.

In addition, a separate group has convened to undertake planning for CBC in 2021 and beyond as it opens its doors to girls as well as boys. This is a far-reaching, consultative process that will involve extensive research and partnerships with a range of invested groups including Catholic Education Melbourne, Edmund Rice Education Australia, Parish Priest Fr Joe Caddy of St Mary’s Church as well as the schools and their communities.

We trust that this communication provides insight into the work currently being undertaken by both schools to ensure a sustainable future for Catholic education in our precinct.

Yours sincerely

Filina Virgato

Principal

Presentation College Windsor

Gerald Bain-King

Principal

CBC St Kilda

Smiling Mind

This week we had the pleasure of welcoming the team from Smiling Mind (mindfulness/ wellbeing organisation) who met with many of our teachers to gain feedback on a new piece of software they are developing.

It is always an honour to welcome this team as they have so many schools to choose from, and yet they opt to visit St Joseph’s- we do have a great ‘wellbeing’ reputation! Whilst our teachers were meeting with the SM staff, Mr Earl and I enjoyed some Smiling Mind sessions with the students, many of whom reported that they use the app at home. This is a great piece of software, with guided mindfulness meditations that can enhance the wellbeing of children and adults alike. I highly recommend it to all families: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

10am and 6pm Mass Sunday 1st December

We have two important Masses this coming Sunday: our new Prep/ Year 5 Mass at 10am (with children's liturgy) that will also be followed by a parish BBQ. In addition to this, we have our Year 3 Class Mass at 6pm. All families are welcome to attend.

Today at school we marked the beginning of Advent, with our Year 2 Liturgy and I thank Miss O and students for marking the beginning of the Advent season in such a beautiful way:

A Prayer for Week 1 of Advent: Hope

Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas.

Amen.

P+F AGM and joint EAB End of Year Celebration

We are looking forward to Tuesday evening’s gathering to celebrate a wonderful year in our community. With many ‘thank yous’ and lots to celebrate, we would love as many parents there as possible. Drinks and nibbles provided!

Congratulations Miss Sinker!

We congratulate Miss Sinker for officially becoming 'an aussie', receiving her Australian Citizenship at Glen Eira Town Hall on Wednesday evening. As you can see, she was very excited!

Bonza news Miss Sinker!

Well done to all our Lapathoners, who had a great morning down at Spring Street Park this morning- the students should sleep well tonight! Thanks to Tanya, Tim, Faye and staff for organising the event.

Looking forward to a great WEEK 9 next week- not long to go until the end of the year!

Don't forget that we have our school closure this Monday as we embark on our planning for 2020.

Have a lovely weekend!

Michelle

Christmas Picnic