Dear Parents

I would like to say a huge thank you to the members of our School Advisory Council and P&F for their commitment to our community this year. At the Annual Community Meeting, we heard about their amazing achievements in 2021, all of which were based around putting our students first. I take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Albert Ferraloro, our outgoing Chairperson of the School Advisory Council. Albert’s youngest child, Marco, goes to Chisholm next year which means we say farewell to his family. Albert has been on the Board/School Advisory Council for at least eight years, the last five as Chairperson. He has worked tirelessly and has been a level head, offering suggestions along with sound advice to help us navigate through the very challenging times the last eight years have presented as we transitioned from a triple stream school to a double stream. I am pleased to say that with Albert’s help, along with all Board/School Advisory Council members, we have come through the process in very good shape. Our finances are in sound order and our enrolments are strong. The school is almost completely full next year with only a few vacancies available.

I would also like to acknowledge Colin Schotte who also has been on the School Advisory Council for a similar length of time as Albert. Colin’s youngest son, Hudson, is also going to Chisholm next year. However, Colin has kindly volunteered to stay on as our Treasurer which is greatly appreciated. Bryce Parry will take over from Albert as the Chairperson in 2022.

Likewise, I would like to thank Angela Cotellessa for her services to the P&F. She has done a wonderful job as the Secretary this year but will be stepping down. I also say a big thank you to Raelene Kerin who has been the Vice President of the P&F this year. She will be stepping down too and I also would like to thank her for everything she has done for our community. Our P&F are hoping to get a few new parents on board next year. Please let me know if you are interested. It is a wonderful way to make new friends and do great work for our community.

Gratitude Reflection Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you have now was once among the things you only hoped for. Epicurus

Advent This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent which means that Christmas is only just around the corner. Please support Fr John and Fr Mark by making a big effort to attend the weekend Masses in our parish. I know they would love to see you there as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Thanksgiving Mass and Christmas Concert One of the major highlights of the year is only just around the corner! Our annual Mass and concert will be held on our oval on Thursday 2 December from 6pm. All students are required to be in their classrooms by 5.30pm so their teachers can get them prepared. It will be a fun filled evening. Let’s hope the weather is perfect!

Reports I have just finished reading all the reports in the school and once again, I am very impressed with the progress our students have made this year. These reports will go live on Monday 5 December. I’m hoping they will be ready by 4pm that day. This then gives all parents a few days to meet with the teachers in case you have any questions.

Class Handover On Wednesday 8 December, we will hold our usual transition where the students get to meet their new classmates and teachers for 2022. Mixing the classes is a huge and complex task where many things are taken into consideration. Once the classes are set, we generally don’t make any changes as even moving one child can completely undo everything put into place. Thank you for your understanding with this.

Yours sincerely
Laurie Bechelli