The season of Advent is a joyous time of year and in the primary years we are able to celebrate in a multitude of ways. This week’s Primary Christmas Concert; Miracle on Bethlehem Street enabled all students to engage in the Gospel stories of Christmas through a new medium; and class teachers work beautifully through their Religious Education curriculum to support the teaching and learning programs for students. Advent is a time of anticipation for the arrival of Jesus, celebrating the season of giving. I would like to thank all families for their contributions to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal collection.
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful students of the 2019 Student Council for their contribution to the campus, wider primary and College, through areas of service throughout the year. It is a privilege in my role each year to work with the Student Council, and this year’s group of students have made me so proud. Their commitment to working together as a team, their growth and development as leaders, and their genuine care and consideration for each other, myself and the wider student and staff community, has been a delight to witness. Thank you to: Addison Blizzard, Leyla Do, Maddy Carroll, Ella Rose, Matt Pyne, Jasmin Afflick, Stefan Constantine, Will Gilbert, Kai Ehlers, Stefano Rapanaro, Harrison Warrick, and Harry Prentice.
As this is my final newsletter, I would like to take the opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to all families, both of the current Lavalla community but also to all those whom have been such a key part in making my experience at Newman College so valuable over the past ten years. I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of students in my time here and I am incredibly grateful to have been able to witness them learn and grow over the years. I consider myself so fortunate to have been a part of the Newman College staff, especially the Lavalla staff. My colleagues have been, and are, an amazing group of people who are committed to their jobs as educators but also genuinely care for students and are able to approach each day with a sense of humour and pride in what they do. So, thank you all – students, staff, and parents – for being such a supportive and special part of my day-to-day life over the past ten years. I am looking forward to my next new challenge but will miss you all greatly.
Wishing you all a safe and holy Christmas and a happy New Year.
Primary Christmas Concert; Miracle on Bethlehem Street
Wednesday evening’s performance was a true showcase of our PK-Y6 community coming together in celebration of our children, our faith and our talents. The evening was a team effort, led by the amazing Mrs Nicole Boddy and Mrs Amy Raveendrakumar, supported by Ms Lucy Zambonetti and the Year 5 Red students who led the dramatic action – what a superstar group! Thank you to all staff, particularly the technical and stage support and the College Arts Department, for their contributions to the evening which was the culmination of an enormous amount of work over the term.
The children were absolutely beautiful and certainly let their light shine. Thank you to the families for your efforts in dressing your children in costume for their role also. Click here to see more photos from the night.
WEEK 9 CELEBRATIONS
Lavalla Awards Ceremony
On Tuesday 10 December, the Lavalla Campus will celebrate the conclusion of 2019 with an acknowledgement of the Year 6 Unit and award recipients from Years 3 – 6.
This event will take place in the Marist Auditorium. All students are to wear their full summer uniform on Tuesday (the Year 3 students may bring their sport uniform and bathers to change into for their Pool Party after the ceremony).
Parents of Year 6 cohort and Years 3-5 award recipients have been invited to attend the celebration and seating is by invitation only due to the limited space in the Auditorium. I would like to thank in advance the Year 5 parents who are providing the morning tea for our Year 6 parents. Also, particular thanks go to the Year 6 teaching team, Mrs Renae Zelich, Mrs Therese Le-Sanders, Mrs Jane Short and Mrs Erica Horn, for their efforts in the organisation of the Awards Ceremony. Thank you also to Mrs Kerry Martin and to the many staff who have contributed to the event.
After the Awards Ceremony, our Year 6 students will be visiting the Kindy classes at Marian Campus for a Godly Play session. This was a much-loved event last year and I know all of the students are looking forward to it this year. Year 6 parents please ensure you have given permission on the Consent2Go for your child to attend.
Pool Parties
Students in Years 3 – 5 will enjoy their Pool Party at the Newman College pool on the following days:
- Year 3 – Tuesday 10 December, 11.00am – 3.00pm
- Year 4 – Wednesday 11 December, 11.00am – 3.00pm
- Year 5 – Thursday 12 December, 11.00am – 3.00pm
Students must attend school in their school uniform. They will be able to change into their bathers prior to 11.00am and will change back into their school uniform for the end of the day.
Students will require the following:
- Bathers / Board Shorts (these do not have to be College bathers)
- Rash Shirt (this does not have to be the College rash shirt)
- Goggles (optional)
- Towel
- Thongs
- Sunscreen
- Hat (this does not have to be the College hat)
- Swimming Bag / Waterproof bag for wet items
PLEASE ENSURE ALL BELONGINGS ARE CLEARLY LABELLED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME.
PLEASE NOTE: The cut-off for Flexischools for all Pool Party orders has closed. If you have not ordered from the special meal deal then students will need to bring their own packed lunch.
Adventure World – Year 6
Students in Year 6 will celebrate their final day of Primary School with an excursion to Adventure World on Thursday 12 December. Details have been communicated to families on Consent 2Go.
Lost Property
Next week is the final chance to reclaim any lost property. Please see the lost property as there is an enormous amount of clothing and equipment there.
