Dear Parents and Friends,
This week’s newsletter is the last for the 2019 school year and in just under three weeks we will be celebrating Christmas. This year we have experienced exceptional moments, magical moments and created memories that will be fondly remembered in the years ahead. As we look back over the 2019 school year there have been many wonderful experiences of learning and teaching - undeniably we have had a successful year.
The new building continues to take shape and we begin to see glimpses of what the new classrooms will be like when we move in next year. Thank you for your patience and understanding as the builders close off access areas. I know closures have been an inconvenience but the benefits will be worth it.
As Christmas approaches, it provides a window of opportunity when we manage to put life’s events into some perspective. It is that time when we do our own reckoning and weigh up, ‘what has happened’ and ‘what might have happened’? This time of year is a time when we learn that priorities are not just about the New Year’s resolutions and big decisions, but priorities are about the little decisions we make which become cumulative and say where our heart really lies.
As we find ourselves in the Advent season, a time for preparation and waiting, there is an opportunity, regardless of our age, to step back and to evaluate the priorities which we live out in our daily choices. We have a chance to take stock and feel the gentle nudgings of the Spirit.
So, as the festive season approaches, I hope you will have the opportunity to be attentive to the inner voice, the voice which calls us to see the new born Jesus in each other, so that we may reorder our priorities and put people, not things first and to give first call to our families.
Class Placements 2019
Today, all children visited their new classes for 2019. There was a great deal of excitement and anticipation leading up to the visits and everyone seemed in a happy mood, seeing and meeting their new teacher and class mates for next year. The teachers have worked extensively on providing the best possible outcomes for class placements and I wish to thank them for their considerations, displaying a continued deep knowledge of the child. Reports will be distributed on Monday 10th December. There should be no surprises in the final report, however, the invitation stands, that if any family wishes to discuss the outcome of their child's second semester report, I encourage you to organise a suitable time with your child's current teacher.
Year 6 Graduation Assembly
This week we celebrated a very memorable Graduation Assembly; the assembly is one of the rites of passage for our Year 6s who celebrate the conclusion of their primary school years. As is typical of graduation celebrations, there were speeches and presentations, but most of all there was a genuine sense of wishing our Class of 2019 the very best for the future ahead. On behalf of the community I pray that all of our Year 6 students, and those other students who are leaving the school, will remember their time at Star of the Sea with fond memories and we wish them all success and fulfilment of their dreams and aspirations. May the years ahead treat them with gentleness and kindness.
New Building Name
Thank you to many families, staff and students who made the time to vote for the naming of the new school building.
Receiving 60% of the vote I am pleased to announce that the new building will be named the Stella Maris Building, the ancient 5th Century title for Our Lady Star of the Sea. Devotion to Our Lady Star the Sea is about hope and the desire to protect all those on the sea. Stella Maris has been called to calmer of storms and this refers to her presence in our own lives when we are in need of a calming and serene influence.
Staffing News
It is with a great deal of sadness that I share the news that Stella Foley's mother passed away on Friday 29th November in Melbourne. After celebrating the birth of a new grandson Archie a week earlier, Stella was called to Melbourne after her mum suffered several strokes. We pass on our prayers and deep condolences to Stella and Paul Foley, and their family. Stella's mum was 96 years old. May she rest in peace.
Next week we farewell Jessica Izzo. Jess arrived at Star of the Sea at the start of Term 3 in Reception Brockman. In no time at all Jess made her mark on the class and won the hearts of her students. We always remember our first teacher and I am sure the Reception Izzo children will always remember Jess with fond memories. Thank you Jess for all you have done for our little ones. Jess will be teaching a Reception/ Year 1 class at St Thomas' Goodwood in 2020. Best wishes Jess.
Wedding bells are ringing for Kopano Shepheard, Year 5S teacher. After we break for the holidays Kopano and his fiancé Mania will be celebrating their marriage. On behalf of the school community we wish Kopano and Mania a blessed and joyous wedding and a beautiful future of happiness together.
Finally I would like to thank the many committee members and volunteers who have worked so hard to make Star of the Sea a wonderful school. 2019 has been an exciting year with many celebrations and many outstanding achievements. There is much to be grateful for and Matt, Stella and I wish all our Star of the Sea families a blessed Christmas and may your New Year be filled with new hope and joy. Have a wonderful holiday break and I look forward to seeing everyone back on deck in January 2020.
For those families travelling during the holidays, please travel safely.
Happy holidays
Joe De Tullio