Principal's News

Dear Families

Welcome to the first day of December! The next two weeks are going to fly and before we know it, it will be Christmas. There are already many Elves on the Shelves in classrooms, creating much fun and laughter. It's a joy to hear the Christmas music playing over our load speaker and especially hearing our students practise for our upcoming Christmas Concert!

Some key updates:

Advent

Last Friday our wonderful Preps led the first of our Advent liturgies, leading this in the 'round' and introducing the Jesse Tree - our focus during Advent. It was said by many that it was the most reverent and prayerful liturgy to start the Advent season. All parents and friends are warmly invited to come to our next Liturgies at 9am on Friday. On our last day of school (16.12) we will have Graduation Mass at 12:30pm instead of a liturgy.  

Advent Fast Facts - Did you know?

• Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.
• The first Sunday of Advent is the start of each new Church year.
• The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin word adventus, which means ‘coming’ or ‘visit’.
• Advent colours are purple and rose. At Mass the priest’s vestments, altar cloths, and Advent candles are purple, except for the third Sunday of the season, Gaudete Sunday, when the colour is rose, for joy.
• There is also a white candle for Christmas Day itself, usually in the middle of the Advent wreath.

Beach Hut replacements

Earlier in the year we demolished our beach huts due to them being unrepairable and since then we have been on the search for some items to replace them using the remainder of the money raised from our coloured Fun Run. I am pleased to say that we have purchased a few outdoor items to enhance our playgrounds, witht the school also contributing. These include a Farmer's Market Cubby House, Theatre Stage, Timber Teepee Cubby House, Mud Kitchen and large framed blackboard. Please know the expected delivery is Easter next year. FYI the company is Castle & Cubby, who create imaginative play spaces that support learning, integration, and education for children. The school has also entered a recent competition to be in the draw to win a play-based learning village - wouldn't that be a treat!

Canteen

In 2023, we have decided to move to an external provider for our Canteen. This will be a positive move for our school in regards to the provider overseeing all orders and management, including compliance matters. MACS is also encouraging such moves. We will hopefully confirm the provider prior to the end of the year. I would like to thank our School Advisory Councillors for supporting us in finding a provider.

I would also like to say a big thank you to Mel Semple and all our parent/carer volunteers who have been the engine room behind getting our school canteen up and running this year. It has been an absolute hit with our students and they love the novelty of getting there lunch from the canteen each Friday. Thank you!

2023 Classlists

Next Tuesday 6th December our students will find out their 2023 classes. Please know a digital copy of your child's list will be sent via Skoolbag after the Step Up transition session.

Please know that every effort has been made to address requests from parent /  carers. Our students also had voice in selecting their friends. The staff and I have worked for many hours to create the classlists with an educational and best fit lense. For the first time, the school used the program Class Solver to assist with this process. This has been invaluable.

2023 Class Teachers

I am happy to share with you that in 2023 our classroom teachers are:

• Prep: Gabriella Fisher ( 3 days) and Jeanine Sutherland (2 days)
• 1/2: Olivia Catalani
• 1/2: Beth Willcourt
• 3/4: Virginia Dunwoodie (4 days) and Jeanine Surtherland (1 day)
• 3/4: Matthew Ferguson
• 3/4: Danielle Rasdell (new staff member)
• 5/6: Alicia Baker (4 days) and Aley Allen (1 day)
• 5/6: Amy Cook
• 5/6: Aaron Connolly

A full staff list, classroom requirements list, dates for 2023 and fees information will be sent home soon.

Retirement Announcement

I wish to advise you all that the fabulous Sally Davies has announced her retirement and will be finishing up in Catholic Education at the end of this year. Sally has been an integral part of Our Lady of Fatima and has been a staff member since 2000. Her warmth, positivity, hard work and commitment will always be valued and remembered. I know you will join us in farewelling Sally with much love and best wishes. We look forward to her popping in and visiting - I'll be eagerly awaiting her famous jam!

Other Staffing News

Both Jenny Freeland and Jacinta McCrae have decided to spend 2023 dedicating their time to their families and loved ones. How wonderful for both ladies that they can give their gift of time to what matters. We are grateful for their experience, collegiality and commitment. We look forward to their return in the future. 

In other news, I am delighted to share that Mikaela Appleford is expecting her first child and will be welcoming a little one in May 2023. Mikaela has decided to finish up at the end of this year and will happily be a Casual relief teacher (CRT) for Fatima before the adventure begins!

In 2023, we will be welcoming Danielle Rasdell to the Fatima family. Danielle brings a wealth of experience, a passion for teaching and meeting students at their point of need. She has had a variety of positions both here and overseas and we look forward to her sharing her many gifts with us.

2026 School Terms

Due to the Commonwealth Games the 2026 the Victorian school term dates have been adjusted. MACS has requested we advise families that the term dates will be:

• Term 1: Tuesday 27 January to Friday 13 March (7 weeks)
• Term 2: Monday 30 March to Friday 19 June (12 weeks)
• Term 3: Monday 6 July to Friday 18 September (11 weeks)
• Term 4: Monday 5 October to Friday 18 December (11 weeks)

With only two weeks of school to go, we have lots of exciting things happening around our school. Check out the Dates and Calender section and as well keep an eye out for those Skoolbag notices.

For those who can make it, our Year 1/2s will lead us in our Advent Liturgy tomorrow. A special time for us to gather and pray as a community. Afterwards, please join us for morning tea if you are able to.

Go gently

Sarah McDermott

Principal

principal@fatimarosebud.catholic.edu.au