Dear Families, 

It is hard to believe that we are here in week 10! I would like to thank all of our wonderful families as we begin the start of Advent, a time steeped in the essence of Christmas. Advent isn't just a countdown; it's a pause for reflection, a beacon of hope, unity, and joy. The Advent wreath, its candles embodying Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, invites us to prepare, to introspect. The evergreen leaves signify enduring hope, a constant reminder of God's unwavering love. With each candle lit weekly, the anticipation grows, echoing the essence of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.

STM Christmas Carols ~ Thursday December 7 

We are excited to welcome our families to our annual STM Christmas Carols Night on Thursday 7th December. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all, please take note of the following:

Restricted Areas: The play space, junior green, and quadrangle will be out of bounds during the event.

Prohibited Items: There will be NO bikes, balls/ball games, or scooters permitted on the school premises on the night of the carols.

Alcohol-Free Event: In accordance with our Child Safe Standards, this is an alcohol-free event. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.

Supervision: All children and siblings must be supervised by parents/caregivers before the commencement of the carols. Your vigilance ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Water, Zooper Doopers, and cupcakes will be available throughout the night. Parents can purchase these items for their children to enjoy while watching the carols. Please note that students will need to be seated with their class for the duration of the carols. 

All children and siblings must be supervised by parents/caregivers before the commencement of the carols. Your vigilance ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Water, Zooper Doopers, and cupcakes will be available throughout the night.

I appreciate your cooperation so we can all enjoy a warm and festive atmosphere for the STM Christmas Carols. 

Step Up Day ~ Friday December 8

Tomorrow our children will meet their 2024 teachers and classmates. Careful consideration has gone into placing children into 2024 classes, taking into account not just social and emotional wellbeing but also academic ability. While we make every effort to accommodate individual requests, please understand that creating balanced class lists can be complex, and we may not meet specific requests. As classes have been finalised, it is not possible to move children to another class. 

Semester 2 Reports ~ Friday December 8

A letter was sent out via email with instructions on how to access your child's report this Friday December 2023. You will be able to access reports from 11.00am via the nForma Parent Portal.

Please look out for an automated email with instructions and login details will be sent from nForma's email address 

no-reply@nforma.com.au

Capital Fund Grant to enhance our facilities

As you may recall, late last year, we announced that our school had submitted an application for a Capital Fund Grant to enhance our facilities and buildings. We are thrilled to share that our application was successful, and we have been granted an incredible 2 million dollars. 

This substantial grant is a significant step toward improving our school's infrastructure, with a particular focus on the Junior Building. The refurbishment of this building is set to commence in late Term 1, early Term 2 of 2024. We are excited about the positive changes this will bring to our school environment, enhancing the learning experience for our students.

While this is excellent news, it's important to note that during the refurbishment process, some classes will need to be temporarily relocated to other areas within the school. Please rest assured that careful planning and coordination are underway in collaboration with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools to minimise any disruption to our students and teachers.

End of term Mass ~ December 13

We extend a warm invitation to our end of year school Mass, which is scheduled for next Wednesday at 10a.m. We look forward to sharing these meaningful moments together.

Student Leaders 2024

Congratulations to the students on Year 5 who have been successful in obtaining a senior leadership postion for 2024. We are very much looking forward to working with you. 

School Captains Faith and Social Justice Sport Gold Sport Red Sport Green Sport Blue

Brann O Luca C Yvette H Steven K Florentina T Lucas S

Alessia M Asher F

Reuben D

Raphael T

Staffing 

We will be farewelling Illona Kennedy, Linda Di Nuzzo, Archal Kumar, Ally Hakim, Holy Gibson, Courtney Gleeson and Chloe Ciavarella at the end of this year. All of these staff members have had a positive impact on our school and I wish them all the very best for the future. In 2024 we welcome Bianca Michienzi who will be teaching Physical Education and Adriana Bonacci who will be supporting and teaching our children in Italian. 

Congratulations! 

Congratulations to Amy Garretto on the birth of Ezra Ernest Darcy, both mum and baby are doing well and we wish Amy and her family all the very best. We also would like to congratulate Belinda Finocchiaro on the birth of her baby girl Stella. 

Last Day of Term 4 ~ Friday 15 December 12.00pm finish

The last day of school will be a casual clothes day with a donation to Salvation Army via CDF pay. Canteen is closed on this day. 

School Advisory Council 

Throughout 2023 our School Advisory Council has been a great support to myself and our leadership team. Their input and advice has been very much appreciated. 

The School Advisory provides a forum for discussion and discernment where parent voice and community perspectives are available to inform and support decisions made by myself and our leadership team. This can be enacted in the following ways;

• Supporting the STM vision

• Supporting our school policies and provide feedback when they are reviewed

• Be aware of our School Improvement Plan and Annual Action Plans

• Be a voice and sounding board for our parent community to ensure all decisions being made are supportive of all

 I would like to thank our 2023 members ~ Michael Tucci, Danielle Blundo, Danny Ward, Anthony Grima (Chair) and Rose Caruso.

Volunteers Day Morning Tea

I would like to thank all of the parents and carers that attended our Volunteers Morning Tea on Tuesday. This was an opportunity to come together and thank you for all your hard work in making STM the community it is today. I look forward to working with you in 2024! 

2024 Parent Representatives 

Please see information below. There is a form that needs to be completed by this Friday December 8. 

Departing Year 6 Students

It's with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to our amazing Year 6 students. Your time with us has been marked by growth, learning, and unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on our school community.

To each of you, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and the vibrant energy you've brought to our school. Your contributions in the classroom, on the playground, and in various activities have enriched us all.

As you prepare to take the next step in your educational journey, remember the lessons you've learned, the friendships you've forged, and the values that have been instilled in you. Your resilience, creativity, and kindness have been an inspiration to us all.

While we'll miss your presence within our school walls, we eagerly anticipate the great things you'll achieve in the future. You're not just leaving us; you're stepping into a world of endless possibilities. Embrace new challenges, continue to learn, and always believe in yourselves.

As we approach the break, cherish moments with loved ones. Prioritise safety and relaxation. Connect, laugh, and create lasting memories. Wishing everyone a safe, joyous break filled with warmth and connection. I am looking forward to working with you all in the new year. 

Merry Christmas,  

David Hurn
Principal 

Click this link to subscribe directly to our STM Public Events Google Calendar for web or Android users. Click this link to subscribe if you are an iPhone user. 

DECEMBER

• Wednesday 13th - End of term Mass at 10.00am - all families welcome to attend

• Thursday 14th - Year 6 Graduation

• Friday 15th - Last Day Term 4 12.00pm finish; gold coin donation to Salvation Army; canteen closed

                                                                       https://givehope.salvationarmy.org.au/

                                                                  Christmas appeal through the Salvation Army!

**'Public Events' are listed on our website under 'News and Events', the link being; https://www.stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au/news-events

On the bottom right hand side there is a blue box with a + symbol. If you have a google account, you can link the 'Public Events' calendar to your own personal Google calendar and keep up to date with the most current events and times.

Please don't hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.

JANUARY

• Monday  29th - Staff return to school 

• Tuesday 30th - All students, including Preps, return to school

• Wednesday 31st - Preps have Wednesdays off in January and February - Scheduled testing by appointment only

FEBRUARY

• Wednesday 07th - Preps have Wednesdays off in February - Scheduled testing by appointment only

• Thursday 08th - Opening Year Mass at 10.00am - All families welcome to attend

• Wednesday 14th - Preps have Wednesdays off in February - Scheduled testing by appointment only

• Wednesday 21st - Preps have Wednesdays off in February - Scheduled testing by appointment only

• Wednesday 28th - Preps have Wednesdays off in February - Scheduled testing by appointment only

MARCH

• Tuesday 05th - School Photos

• Monday 11th - Labour Day Public Holiday

• Tuesday 12th - 2025 Enrolment Tours at 9.30am

• Tuesday 19th - 2025 Enrolment Tours at 9.30am & 6.30pm

• Friday 22nd - 2025 Prep enrolments due

• Thursday 28th - Last day term 1 2024 - 12.00pm finish

• Friday 29th - Good Friday

**'Public Events' are listed on our website under 'News and Events', the link being; https://www.stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au/news-events

On the bottom right hand side there is a blue box with a + symbol. If you have a google account, you can link the 'Public Events' calendar to your own personal Google calendar and keep up to date with the most current events and times.

Please don't hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.

Author’s Corner

We have had a wonderful year celebrating all of our students as authors. For our final newsletter of 2023, we are showcasing some persuasive writing samples from a few of our year 4 students. 

Handwriting is Important at School

Handwriting is an important life skill that is crucial to practise. Handwriting is essential for children’s academics and their growth. It is a strong skill for schools nationally. There are countless reasons as to why handwriting is important. 

Firstly, handwriting is used in everyday life. You need handwriting to sign documents and contracts, for work and school.

Secondly, handwriting is good for your fine motor skills. It helps with your finger strength, needed to control the pencil.

Thirdly, handwriting helps with the development of skills in reading, spelling, writing, and other tasks.

I strongly insist that handwriting is important at school due to its use in everyday life, as it helps develop fine motor and academic skills.

Noah (year 4)

Handwriting is Important at School

School is a place where you are given your education. You go to school when you are four/five and leave when you are seventeen/eighteen. Handwriting is a neat writing technique, that is sitting on the lines. Here are three important reasons why handwriting is important at school.

Firstly, students should have neat handwriting so teachers, other students and even parents can read their work. If your handwriting is illegible, then even if you have completed good work it might look like a different number, letter, or symbol. You could even get lower grades on tests or exams with messy handwriting. And that is no joke!

Secondly, you will look embarrassed with messy handwriting. There will be other students younger than you with better handwriting than you. You will not look good with messy handwriting when you graduate primary school, but high school with messy handwriting is definitely not normal. So you will want to improve.

Finally, teachers should teach their students how to form amazing handwriting. They can use sheets and posters. I definitely think that students should be taught in the younger years such as year three or four at the latest.

I insist that you choose to do incredible handwriting because you do not want your work to be illegible, you don’t want to feel embarrassed, so you should be taught at a young age. Do you not want good, neat, handwriting?

Anika (year 4)

Kids Need Homework

Kids need homework to help their future. Children need more home education. All kids in the world need to do more homework for their training. There are three reasons why kids need homework.

Firstly, homework makes kids smarter! Kids need more homework to get smarter. Being smart helps you with your skills to get a job for the future. Kids need homework as it makes them happy and helps their brain. Don't you want kids to be smart?

Secondly homework makes you get more education. Education is very important for kids. Kids need to get training or they will be lazy. Continuing to do homework through school years helps with skill, for example, practising and getting better on what you learnt in class. It also helps with concentration and being organised.

Thirdly, homework makes you learn more. Do you like learning? If you do, don't you want your kids to feel that too? Learning is very important as it helps your brain as well. There are documentaries, books, letters and shows about homework. That's how important it is. Don't you like being the smartest human in the world?

I insist that homework is good for you. It makes kids get smarter, you get more education, and makes you learn more. Don't you like homework now? 

Jade (year 4)

Over the holidays, please encourage your child to maintain and nurture  all of their hard work in building their independent reading stamina.   

We look forward to hearing all about your child's holiday adventures, as we hope that they will provide seeds for some wonderful writing pieces in 2024. 

Have a wonderful, safe and happy holiday season!

May you all have moments to sit back, relax and READ!

Michelle Rinaldi
Acting Literacy Leader