Christmas Eve Mass - now 5pm (was 6pm) - Nativity Play

This Week’s Gospel:

Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'” John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

2024 classes and staffing

In further staffing developments, Mrs Nicole Gibson will take on the role of Languages teacher for 2024, while Deb Reed is on leave. For 2024 we will be changing our language from Indonesian to Italian as this is Nicole’s area of experience. This will be an exciting new opportunity for all of our students.

Ms Hannah Griffiths has also been appointed as one of our 2024 teaching staff. Hannah knows our school and students well, having been an integral member of our Butterfly room team for several years.

All classes have been finalised and are currently being entered into our Compass portal ready for one up day.

School Fees

Thank you to all our families who have been patient and understanding during the CE finance transition. School fees fund most of the learning experiences which occur at St Jude’s as such, it is important that we receive all monies in a timely manner. Please ensure that you have/are meeting your financial commitment to your child’s education. Please reach out if you need to.

Swimming

We have been impressed with the smoothness of the swimming program. There have been minor issues in relation to group sizes, unfortunately, these have generally been linked with staff shortages. As mentioned in previous correspondence, we will be seeking your feedback, before finalising our swimming commitment for 2024.

School Reports

These should be accessible via Compass on Monday afternoon.

Save the dates

• School and Parish Xmas Carols and BBQ starting at 5:30pm – Dec 8
• Year 2 and 4 Kids Pantry – Dec 11
• Year 6 Graduation – Dec 12
• K – 5 One Up Day – Dec 13
• Year 5 and 6 Aqua Park – Dec 13
• Last day for students – Dec 14
• Thanksgiving Mass and Candle ceremony – Dec 14, 12pm.
• Parish Christmas Mass Timetable: Click here

As always, thank you for your ongoing support

Cameron

Each year the Parish holds a Christmas celebration. Last year it was at St John Vianney’s and this year it is our turn to host. As such we have decided to also hold our Christmas picnic at the same time. Parishioners have been asked to bring a shared plate and the parish will supply some BBQ foods and drinks, which you are welcome to join with. Otherwise, you can also bring your own food and drinks and join us. We will have tables set up in the hall, outdoor space around the outdoor classroom area as well as oval space. The picnic starts at 5:30pm and students who belong to our choirs will be singing some carols from 6pm, under the shelter shed. If you are able to join us for a picnic on the oval, and are bringing you own food and drinks, then we don’t require anything from you. It would be great to gather with the Parish and celebrate the Christmas season.

Christmas Eve Mass - now 5pm (was 6pm) - Nativity 

Each year, Fr Michael celebrates Christmas Eve Mass with a Nativity at the Gospel. Thank you to those who have already responded. There are still plenty of places left, if your child/children are interested in playing the role of Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, Shepherds or Angels, please contact Brigitta at the school, or Danielle at the Parish (Westoncreek@cg.org.au) to let us know. There will be a practise before the end of the term. 

ELC NEWS

Happy birthday Eve P

It’s a very exciting time of the year when children are able to bring their portfolios and reports home and to reflect on their preschool experience and all that they have achieved. The Stingrays portfolios and reports were sent home on Wednesday and the Lobsters and Turtles will receive theirs on Friday.  St Jude’s One Up Day will be held next Wednesday for children attending St Jude’s next year. Families will receive more information from the primary school.

Time to Return Library Books

Please ensure all outstanding library books are returned as soon as possible. 

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Each year, with your help our Parish St Vincent de Paul Society Conference prepare food hampers for those in need in our local area. This year Vinnies have plenty of toys and clothes but are in desperate need of pantry items.  The ELC have been asked to donate non-perishable breakfast food items including cereal, UHT milk, teabags, milo, instant coffee, baked beans, spaghetti, tins of fruit, spreads etc. There is a collection basket in the ELC front office.

Last Day of Term – Thursday 14 December

The last day of term is Thursday 14 December. Friday 15December is a pupil free day and no fees will be applied for this day.  If your child will not be attending on the last day/s of school you will not be entitled to CCS on those day and full fees will be charged.  Please let the ELC office know as soon as possible if your child will not be attending on their last day/s.

ELC Fees

The ELC will process another fee statement and autocharge in Week 10 and again in January if necessary to finalise accounts.  This is due to CCS adjustments.

Christmas Eve Mass at 5pm - Nativity Play

Each year at Christmas Eve mass, children act out the nativity during the Gospel. There are still plenty of places left for children to who would like to participate.  Please contact Mrs van Deas at the school, or Danielle at the parish at Westoncreek@cg.org.au if you would like to be involved. There will be a practise before the end of the term. 

Newsletter – Week 9 - Library

Final week for Library so all books need to be back by Friday if possible.

Many children are remembering and this is wonderful! Thank you to the parents who are helping them bring their books back! 

Only 2 classes have cleared their returns so I am looking forward to giving them first finished rewards!! Year 4G are leading the charge with Year 3R close behind!!!

ELC classes are doing well with just a few children to bring their books back.

Kinders and Year 6 have the most to return so they need to get busy…

*Thank you to the O’Keeffe family for donation of some preloved books in fantastic condition!

Stocktaking – Week 10 - Library closed – no classes

Happy reading! Verna Comley

St Jude's Swimming Carnival 2024  

A Compass notification was sent earlier this week regarding our 2024 St Jude's Swimming Carnival. The carnival will be held at Stromlo Leisure Centre on Monday 5 February 2024 (Term 1 Week 2). Students currently in Kinder to Year 5 will attend. 2024 Kindergarten students will not be participating in the carnival so early in the new school year.

We are asking parents to nominate their child/ren's level of participation at the carnival before next Wednesday 13 December. We will not be taking nominations for race entries at the beginning of 2024, due to the quick turn around of school starting and the early carnival date. Students can participate in:

• Novelty Events only (for non swimmers only, in small pool/splash park) 
• 25 metre events only (half a lap in the big pool)
• 50 metre events only (one lap of the big pool)
• 25m and 50m events (strong swimmers only)

Nominations for events longer than 50m will be taken in time for the South Weston Carnival next year. 

Please contact Brendan Mitchell and Kerrin Henderson if you have any questions. 

End of Year Meal Deal – Thursday 14 December – orders close this Monday

The meal deal consists of a Hot Dog, Juice and Quelch Stick for $7.50. Vegetarian and additional hot dogs are available.

Orders need to be placed via Qkr!  - order cut off 9am Monday 11 December. No late orders will be accepted.

If paying by cash please use the order form and return to the front office.

Please email katrina.howden@cg.catholic.edu.au if a Gluten Free Option is required.

Canteen 2024

In 2024, the Canteen will open on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from Week 2 (Wednesday 7 February 2024) onwards.

Canteen Volunteers – Week 10

Wednesday 13 December – E. Dimanoski & Annette

Thursday 14 December MEAL DEAL – E. Eyles, R. Buckley, S. Tonna & J. Long   

Friday 15 December – Pupil Free Day

Uniform shop last open for 2023:  

Thursday 14 of December 8:30am-9:30am

Open date 2024 - TBA via Compass.

All orders placed AFTER 8pm Wednesday 13/12/2023 will be packed in the new year. 

***THE UNIFORM SHOP TABS ARE UPDATED - CHECK THEM OUT ON QKR!***

For any and all uniform needs, orders can be placed via the Uniform Shop tab on Qkr!, or via email to: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com for any second hand items. **Please do not make payment for secondhand items, until we reply to your request confirming stock is available. 

If there is ever an issue with an order, please email the uniform shop and we will endeavour to fix this as soon as possible. Similarly if items are missing from Qkr! or marked 'stock not available', please let us know and we can order stock with relatively quick turnaround times. 

Thank You

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the year that was. For the school community, it was our first year back to a form of normal. We had some very successful fundraising events including the fete, Mother’s and Father’s day stalls, referendum BBQ and walkathon; with the majority of funds going towards the resurfacing of the shelter shed, which we hope will be completed before the start of term 1. We also held some wonderful events focused on re-building community such as the welcome picnic, trivia night and disco. None of these events would have been possible without our wonderful volunteers. Thank you to all those who assisted in making these things happen. Thank you to all our parent reps for facilitating engagement in class groups.

Thank you to all the wonderful staff members that do such an amazing job. We are so very lucky to have passionate, talented and dedicated teachers and staff who make the school what it is.

The Community Council wishes everyone in the St Jude’s community a very merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday break.

AGM – 13 February

Our AGM will be held 13 February. The executive positions of Chair and Treasurer will be vacated and I encourage anyone interested in these positions to reach out for further information. An official call for nominations will occur prior to the AGM.

Important Dates

Many thanks,

Gemma Cabot

Stjudes.scc@gmail.com

Save the date:   Saturday 16 March 2024

Our fete committee are gaining momentum as we approach the end of the year in preparation for our Family & Community Fete for 2024. 

If you are interested in helping out in any capacity (big or small) the committee would love to hear from you!

WANTED:           

Our Plant Stall Coordinators are seeking donations of:

• potting mix,
• spare 14cm pots,
• cuttings. 

Trash & Treasure are hoping to seek donations of:

• Excess plastic painters drop sheets for storing our lovely donations ahead of the fete

Stall Coordinators 

Fete Site Coordinator 

If you have anything to donate there are now two permanent drop off points setup at the front office of the Primary School and the ELC. (black milk crate with sign) 

If you are able to help out with any of the above, please reach out to our Fete Coordinator Sarah Tonna 041453311