Newsletter 8/10/2023 Term 4 Week 6

Our Prayer for the Future

From the Principal

Dear parents and carers,

We hope families are able to take the opportunity of the 4 day weekend to enjoy some time together or plan a special event. This break mid term should allow some tired young minds to rest and refresh before the push to the end of the year. 

Trivia Night

ARE YOU FREE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT?

WE WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO COME ALONG TO OUR ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT!

This Friday the 10th November 2023.  Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

The cost of the night is $15 per person and the table numbers will be a maximum of 10 people. 

If you can't get a table together and want to come as a single or  a double, you are more than welcome to come and join another table.  Start getting your teams organised for a fun night!    Please contact the office to book your table.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Important Dates

A few important save the dates!

Wednesday the 13th December - Grade 6 Graduation - 6pm

Thursday the 14th December - End of Year Mass - 11.30am

Friday the 15th December - Students last day of school - 3.15pm finish time

The Week Ahead

WELLBEING

CATHOLIC SCHOOL CULTURE

Jesus: Who is he?

“God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).

About 2000 years ago, the course of history changed forever when a baby, named Jesus, was born. Religious writings from this time – now compiled in the Bible – provide significant evidence of his existence. There is also mention of Jesus’ life by Josephus Flavius and Tacitus, who were first-century historians. Catholics believe Jesus was a real person who lived most of his life in Nazareth, in Israel.

Jesus was a Jew. Unlike other ancient nations, the Jewish people believed in “one” God, who had chosen them and set them apart for a special purpose. Their God had revealed to them a set of commandments, or laws, which they followed and handed down through the generations. Significantly, the Jewish people, who were often persecuted for their religious beliefs, had faith that God would send a saviour to deliver them from their oppression. Over many centuries, their faith in God was tested, and they often failed to live according to the laws of their Jewish tradition. However, they continued to trust the wisdom of the prophets who foretold of a saviour’s birth. This person would be anointed by God, a messiah who would save them (we have just been discussing this in Foundation with reference to the Old Testament Book of Isaiah 7:14 as an example).

This saviour did arrive, but not as the Jewish people had anticipated. He did not come as a mighty king, but rather as a small, defenceless baby. From what the Bible tells us, Jesus lived an ordinary life until he reached his thirties. At that time, he started to say and do things that caught the attention of many people.

It became clear that Jesus was “different”. Indeed, those closest to him, and those who knew the Scriptures came to the conviction he was the long- awaited saviour, who had been spoken of by the prophets (e.g. Isaiah). This was an amazing revelation, because it meant that the divine God, Jesus, was now present to them in human form.

“The most pressing question on the problem of faith is whether man as a civilised being can believe in the divinity of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, for therein rests the whole of our faith.”

Fyodor Dostoevsky       Russian novelist, 1821-1881

Adapted from The Catholic Enquiry Centre

Term 4 Friday Buddy Masses

All are welcome to attend the 9.30 Friday Mass at St. Patrick’s Church with their child’s class. 

The dates for this term are as follows:

      - Friday 10th November 2DS, 2B & 3/4HP
      - Friday 17th November 3/4D & 5/6MJ

 Kind regards,  Mr. S. 😃

Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal

An estimated 1 million people have been displaced in Gaza with immediate food, shelter, health, and psychosocial needs.

‘This is a period of incredible turmoil and sadness. The escalation of violence has only exacerbated needs for the people in Gaza and West Bank, who already live in dire conditions. We are working with our partners on the ground to provide comprehensive and critical support to over 17,000 families affected by this devastating conflict.’

Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Lead, Caritas Australia

With your support, we will be able to help our partners on the ground to assist people displaced and affected by the current conflict.

Please donate to Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal.

You can donate online www.caritas.org.au/gaza or phone 1800 024 413

Parish Bulletin

Poppy Appeal

LEADERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP

2024 Classroom Grouping

It is now the time of year when we begin the process of creating our classroom groupings for next year. This is a complex task that requires the input from many people and the consideration of a large number of contributing factors to determine the best groupings. One vital part of this process is to hear from parents who have a particular suggestion to support their child's success in 2024. I invite parents to email their thoughts to principal@spcamperdown.catholic.edu.au.

Next year we will not necessarily be keeping the current class groups together and will be taking the opportunity to make whole new classes for every room. Please consider all students in the year level when you offer your thoughts.

The following are criteria that may be used to help with this decision:-
- Particular learning needs your child may have
- Sibling groupings 
- Social/emotional support required
- Continued support for any learning challenges

The following are criteria that may NOT be used to help with this decision:-
- A request for a particular teacher or a request not to have a particular teacher

I have full confidence in each staff member in our school to deliver our curriculum and support the learning of every child in the school. Please understand that parental views will be taken into consideration when preparing the class lists, however staff decisions based on the interests of all children and the need for well-balanced classes, will take precedence.

Public Holiday tomorrow

A reminder that tomorrow,  Tuesday the 7th of November is the Melbourne Cup public holiday.

We hope you enjoy the race that stops the nation!

Fruit

Parents & Carers, this is a friendly reminder to please send at least two pieces of fruit with your child to school each day.  

Schoolzine App

We have noticed on our records that quite a few parents have not subscribed to the SZApp.

The Schoolzine App is a vital way that we communicate with our parents.

If you do not have the app on your phone could you please ensure you download it as soon as convenient.

It will ask you for a passcode which is 2561.

Attached below are the instructions on how to download the app.

School fees

Just a reminder that school fees are now due and payable.
If you need any assistance or have any questions please contact Tim or Debbie, thank you.

School student broadband initiative

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 unconnected families with school aged students. 

Eligible families receive free home internet over the National Broadband Network for one year by selecting an offer from a participating internet provider.

Known Dates for Term 4

Building Program

We have finally completed all of the requirements for our building program for our new Senior School wing and tenders for the job were sent out to six building companies during the school holidays. These will now submit a quote for the job and once the contract is awarded, we will hopefully have action on the site at some stage in the second half of this term. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate their birthday this week.

Toby B, Olivia S, Bear B, Harry J, Eleanor C, Audrey H, Nate P & Charlotte T-L

Community Events

MRC Car Raffle

Camperdown Community House

We have a heap of exciting events coming up for you at community house. Please click on the link below to see the details of each of these events.

Cricket Blast