Week 7 Term 4

Dear Families,

Some reflections questions to ask ourselves as we refocus at this time:

•  Do I switch off my joy in the face of the pressure to get things done?
•  Do I forget to hope whenever I come up against an obstacle?
•  Do I abandon commitment when my faith becomes too hard to sustain?
•  Do I close my eyes to neediness (in others or in myself) whenever I don't know how to 'solve a problem' or move forward

What is the challenge of this Advent for me? How am I being called to AWAKEN my life?

Each week we will light a candle on the advent wreath to encourage us to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Week 1: Candle of Hope:

May your light shine brightly.

May the hope in our hearts shine as bright,

so that we may share with others the love and hope that Jesus offers. Amen.

PARENT FORUM MEETING

We are finally able to hold Parent Forum meetings again, out of school hours. 

YEAR 6 SLEEPOVER

Last Friday night a Year 6 Sleepover was held at the School. 

• Mrs Lorna Stormon and all that she does to
  
  help us read.
• The SRC for preparing for our last fundraiser to help others.
• Mini Vinnies and Mrs Boyd for all the encouragement to reach out to others who need our help through the Christmas Hamper baskets. 
• Our students and the way they care for each other
• Our Parent Forum and parent community for always being there to help us and walk with us. 

• Staff and students exhibiting even mild COVID-19 symptoms are to be sent home and required to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school. 
• Non-essential adults are not be permitted to enter the school grounds. We ask that no parents enter the school past the front office. All inquiries to the front office, please. 
• Pick up and drop off will continue out the front of the school. 
• Canteen for lunches only is continued to be offered if we are able to get parent volunteers to assist.  
• It is paramount in these times, in particular,  that any child who is unwell is kept at home. We appreciate your understanding and consideration for the safety of the other students and the staff.
• Our bubblers will still not to be used and therefore the children require a water bottle.
• Our stringent hygiene practices for our new normal continue with: the washing of hands regularly; sanitiser after eating, no food or drinks to be shared; coughing and sneezing into elbows, tissues discarded immediately, cleaning of the desks between lunch and recess breaks and extra cleaning of the school by our cleaners.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Regards

This Sunday:

Celebrating the First Sunday of Advent

GOSPEL READING:

Mark 13:33-37
Jesus warns his disciples to be watchful so that they will be ready when the Son of Man comes.

During Advent, we not only prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we also check to see if we are doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again.

Advent is the four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of joyful preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth as our Savior. Many people like to use a special calendar to help them mark the days until Christmas. You can use this Web calendar to remind you to do something each day to share the meaning of the season. Click the date each day of Advent to find an idea to help you prepare for Jesus’ birthday.

School Leaders Thank You Afternoon Tea:  Tuesday 8 December

School Captains, Vice Captains, Sports Captains, SRC members, Events Management Leaders, Mini Vinnies Presidents and Vice Presidents, Parish Altar Servers and Year 6 are invited to a special thank you afternoon tea and reflection time on Tuesday 8^th December from 3.30 pm- 5 pm.

If your child is eligible and able to attend can you please return the reply slip sent home?     

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers

The 2020 Vinnies Christmas Appeal campaign has commenced. This year, Christmas will be like no other. After the year that no one saw coming, many families are without jobs and under increased financial stress, some for the first time in their lives. With more families facing uncertainty, no one knows what to expect for Christmas Day. Family feasts, presents and festive gatherings with loved ones will all look incredibly different for many people this year as we celebrate Christmas.

This year each class will be given an empty basket to fill with Christmas items suitable to give to a needy family in the community. A special request from the Evans Head St Vincent de Paul is that we provide non-perishable food only - for example, tinned food, packet food, rice, pasta biscuits drinks, etc (No perishables or out of date food please!) This opportunity is a simple way your child/children can give to others.

Thank you for your anticipated generosity and support in this matter. 

Please send your donations to school by

Tuesday 7th December as the

St Vincent de Paul members will be collecting the hampers.

You are now able to access this and other important Parish information by clicking on the link below.

Strategies For Taming Teasing

This is our teasing tip for the week. This was shared with the children at assembly this morning.

Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials

School Swimming Carnival

We have had to change the School Swimming Carnival date due to unforeseen circumstances. The new date is 11 December 2020 (Week 9- Friday) at the Evans Head Aquatic Centre.  Unfortunately, our carnival will be held without spectators this year.  The nomination entry form will be issued today Friday the 13th November 2020. Notes will need to be returned by 20th November 2020.

Congratulations

CANTEEN ROSTER

Could you please give Gayl a call on 66822468 if you

are able to help out in the canteen during Term 4.

THANK YOU LADIES!