TERM 4

• Thurs, 30th Nov - P & F Dinner
• Fri, 1st Dec, Year 2 Parish Mass
  
• Wed, 6th Dec, Volunteer Morning Tea 
• Wed, 6th Dec, School Board Meeting 
• Thurs, 17th December - Reception Advent Liturgy
• Fri, 8th Dec Year 2 End of Year Excursion
• Fri, 8th Dec, Year 1 Parish Mass
• Mon 9th Dec - Reports to go home
• Tues, 12th Dec -Thanksgiving Mass
• Tues, 12th Dec - Year 6 Graduation
• Thurs, 14th Dec - Last Day of School 3:05pm dismissal
• Thurs, 14th Dec- Leadership Assembly
• Thurs, 14th Dec- Year 6 Graduation Party
• Fri, 15th Dec - Pupil Free Day

Dear Parents and Community Members,

Family Mass

I wanted to thank the number of families who attended our Family Mass at Mater Dei Church, which occurs on the second Saturday 6pm Mass of the month. At our family Mass the following students took an active part: Ivana C, Eithen J, Scarlett T, Leroy T, Rafaela M, Patrich M, Theo A, Zoe H, Aiden D as well as Xavier K who looked after the Mass slides on the laptop. At this Mass, Father Charles gave a special blessing for the children who recently received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion.

Children’s University

On the 13th of November, 106 children from our school received their Children’s University certificates at the Bonython Hall at the Adelaide University. Our children received certificates ranging from 30 hours of learning activities outside of school hours to Daniel O, in Year 6 achieving 700 hours of learning activities accumulated over the past 5 years. We are very proud of the commitment of our children and their families to provide additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom. I take this opportunity to thank Julie Bileckyj for her dedication and enthusiasm towards coordinating this important program in our school.

Year 4 Camp

Last week, I had the privilege to be part of the first day of the Year 4 Camp at Nunyara Conference Centre, Belair. For these children, this is often their first experience for an overnight school camp, and it is always mixed with excitement and nervousness. These milestones are important for each of our children as they learn to be more independent and grow in confidence in themselves. I was very proud of our Year 4 children in the way they participated in each of the activities and thank you to all the staff who attended and looked after the children.

Social Media Platforms

In Term 3, I wrote about keeping our children as safe as possible from cyberbullying. I want to remind all parents that children below the age of 13, therefore no child of primary school age, are not allowed to be on these social media platforms.

· Snap Chat

· Discord

· Facebook

· Instagram

· Creating Tik Tok accounts

· Creating Youtube Channels

If you are allowing your child to be on these social media platforms, you are breaching the Children Online Privacy Act of 1998 and you are knowingly allowing them to lie about their year of birth.

Messenger Kids is available for children below the age of 13, however, it is essential that it is linked in a way that parents can monitor their child’s conversations.

Volunteer’s Appreciation Assembly and Morning Tea (9:15am Wednesday 6 December)

We are looking forward to thanking our volunteers at an assembly followed by morning tea in our new Staffroom and refurbished library on Wednesday 6th of December starting at 9:15am. This year is a special year as we will be farewelling Pat Gauci who is a parishioner and has been volunteering in the Learning Assistance Program for 21 years. It would be great to have many volunteers and family members present for this special event.

Kind Regards

Frank Congedi

Upcoming Social Justice Fundraisiers: Sockvember

Our Year 6 students as part of their Journey to Emmaus leadership program will be running a “Sockvember” day to raise money for Catholic Mission. This day is going to be held on Wednesday the 29th of November (Wednesday, Week 7). On this day children are able to wear casual clothes using the theme of “Sporting clothes” for a gold coin donation. This means that they can wear their favourite sporting team colours or kit (can be any sport, and not limited to soccer), they could wear their sport teams colours, or active wear. During the day each class will then participate in an activity led by the Year 6 students using a “sockballs” that was created out of old socks, t-shirts, and plastic bags.

St Vincent de Paul – Christmas Appeal – Christmas Hampers and Giving Tree

Our annual Christmas Hamper fundraisers will begin in Week 7 and conclude at the end of Week 8. With letters going home at the end of this week.

The Christmas Hampers involve collecting Christmas “banquet” items for needy families to enable them to enjoy a special meal on Christmas Day. This year our Christmas hampers and food donations will be distributed to the St Vincent de Paul Society—Croydon Park Conference.  As part of the letter – your child will be directed by the classroom teacher about the item that we would like each family to bring in.

Our second fundraiser will be our annual Giving Tree – which will be setup in the new Library space – in the right hand corner. Families are also invited (if you are able) to donate a new toy or new book that can be placed under our Giving Tree from the beginning of Week 7 (Monday 27th November) There is no need to wrap gifts. We have been asked to avoid toys that include guns/weapons, candles, beauty/makeup and jewellery. All of these items will be distributed to needy children in Adelaide. As we are continuing to setup this space over the next few weeks – please ensure that you are only entering the library to place a toy under the tree.

Once letters have been distributed – the collection period will begin on Monday 27th of November (at the earliest), and will finish on Thursday 7th December (Week 8) Food donations are to be taken to your child’s classroom, and toy donation to the library.

We thank our wonderful community in advance for your support of these fundraiser and your generous donation/s

End of Year Thanksgiving Mass

Our End of Year Thanksgiving Mass will be held on Tuesday the 13th of December (Week 9) The Mass is a Whole School Mass and will be held in the Mary Mackillop Hall – date and time is to be confirmed however we are expecting a morning Mass. All parents, caregivers and grandparents who are able to attend are welcome to join us to celebrate.

2024 Sacrament Program – enrolments have opened

Enrolment for the 2024 Sacramental Program have opened, and will close by the end of the 2023 school year. The program is open to any child who is baptised Catholic, and is 8 years or older (this generally includes students who will be in Year 3 and up from the 2023 school year). If you would like to enrol in the program – please fill in the attached PDF file (English version and return the form to the school office or Parish office (with a copy of your child’s Baptism certificate). Hard copies of the forms are also available from the front office. Attached is also a letter from the parish with further details of the program.

The program will begin in 2024 – and covers the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Our first parent and student meeting will be held on Wednesday the 7th of February, 2024 at 7pm in the Mary Mackillop Hall. More details will be provided early next year, and we will have dates for the whole program at this meeting. However we are planning to have Presentation Masses and Reconciliation in Term 1, Confirmation meeting in Term 2, and the Confirmation and Holy Communions in Term 3.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the program: jpage@whitefriars.catholic.edu.au

Josh Page

APRIM

Year 4 Camp at Nunyara Belair: A Memorable Journey 

As the school year wraps up, we wanted to share the fantastic experiences our Year 4 students had during their recent camp at Nunyara Belair. This camp was a highlight of their year, leaving lasting memories and fostering personal growth in a beautiful setting. 

Nunyara Belair, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, was the perfect place for our students' final adventure. With experienced instructors guiding them, our Year 4 students took part in various activities focusing on teamwork, resilience, and personal development. Right from the start, there was excitement in the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. 

Through team-building exercises, students learned the importance of working together and supporting one another, creating a strong bond among classmates. The supportive atmosphere encouraged everyone to share stories and create a sense of belonging. 

Under the guidance of caring instructors and teachers, students engaged in activities aimed at improving their skills and personal growth. Whether they were tackling obstacle courses or working together, each activity helped build lasting friendships and a sense of teamwork. 

The resilience and growth shown by our Year 4 students were impressive and inspiring. 

As the school year comes to an end, we're proud of the achievements and the fun our Year 4 students had at Nunyara Belair. Their teamwork and positive attitudes reflect the spirit of our school community. This adventure served as a high point to their year-long journey, that will undoubtedly remain etched in their memories for years to come. 

Flavia Luppino

This term in Science, our Reception to year 2 students are focusing on the Inquiry process of science where we are learning how to ask/pose questions, make observations, collect data (year 2’s) and make predictions. This helps us greatly as scientists but also in our everyday lives. 

The reception and year 1 students were set a homework task by Mrs Fairweather where they had to choose a special place and use their five senses to make some observations about their special place.

I am very proud of all their hardwork!  Here are some examples of their amazing effort and work.

Xaiver 1UK

Ava 1N

Ziad IRK

Ellie 1M

Harry Rec DW

Alessia Rec G

Ellie Rec SG

Ivanna Rec EG

Congratulations to all Whitefriars students who have completed music exams with the Australian Music Examinations Board this year.

We have had lots of results coming in this term and wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the following students, and their music tutors.

Guitar:

Grade 2 - Leroy, B+Grade 3 - Daniel, A

Flute:

Preliminary Grade - Lewis, A

Singing:

Preliminary Grade 

Alexia, B+Grade 1 - Audrey, B+Grade 2 - Kara, AGrade 3 - Yu-Chin, B+Grade 3 - Leah, AGrade 4 - Miesha, B+ 

Piano:

Preliminary Grade - Mila, A+Preliminary Grade - Nicolas, A+Preliminary Grade - Danelle, A+Preliminary Grade - Megan, B+Preliminary Grade - Lynh, B+Preliminary Grade - Yazhini, B+Grade 1 - Tom, B+Grade 1 - Megan, B+Grade 2 - Daniel, A+Grade 2 - Christina, A+Grade 3 - Olivia, AGrade 3 - Nathan, AGrade 4 - Lynh, B+

Regards,

Melanie

2024 After School Sport Nominations 

The nominations for After School Basketball and Netball for 2024 are now open.  These are open to all students from Year 2 – Year 6 for 2024 (i.e. current Year 1 - Year 5 students).   

Nominations for 2024 can be made through the QKR App from this week and students will be placed in teams early next year.  The nominations will be open till the first couple of weeks of Term 1 next year. We are usually able to place all students into teams however if we have a full team with some additional students still wanting to play, the students who currently play will be given preference followed by students who entered their nominations first.  2024 teams will be allocated by Mr Brigden, with an emphasis on fair and balanced teams with considerations given to friendships. 

We are very lucky to have such a wonderful community of volunteers. Our After School Sports program would not be so successful without them.  Next year, like in previous years, each team will require a coach and team manager. If there are no volunteers then teams cannot be entered.  If you are interested in being a coach or team manager please indicate that on the QKR form.  No experience is needed just a current Catholic Clearance or willingness to apply for one through our front office. Doing this before our summer break would allow the clearance to be done before games start next year, so if you are slightly interested in volunteering, please start the process before the end of the year. 

All games are played at St Clair Recreation Centre with games times varying each week between 3.50pm and 5.40pm 

Game days are: Year 2/3 Basketball – Monday 

Year 4, 5/6 Basketball – Tuesday 

Year 2/3 Netball – Wednesday 

Year 4, 5/6 Netball – Thursday 

If you need any help or support with using QKR please see Mr Brigden or the front office staff. 

Each year we have over 100 registered volunteers who help our school in so many different ways, contributing to our school and supporting children and staff.  Registered volunteers contribute to the school community in just some of the following ways:

• School Board 
• Parents & Friends events
• After School Sports (Coaches and Team Managers)
• Canteen
• Learning Assistance Program (LAP)
• Reading with children
• Assisting at excursions

All volunteers are required to obtain appropriate clearances, including a Department of Human Services (DHS) Clearance and Catholic Clearance.

Once submitted, clearances may take up to 6 weeks to process.

When you receive your clearance or card please bring this into the office for us to update to the Volunteer Register.

If you would like to volunteer, please see staff in the front office for a Volunteer Information Pack and support in registering as a volunteer.

Please see below for current volunteers wanted in our school.

Thankyou to the following volunteers assisting in Term 4, Week 7 & 8.

If you would like to contribute to this wonderful school community and spend some of your day making delicious food, chatting and laughing in good company, having fun and of course drinking coffee, whether you are able to assist for both recess and lunch, or just an hour, it makes a huge difference and we would love to have you join us.

• Monday - Friday
• Times: all day (9-1:30pm), recess (10:50-11:30am), lunch (12:50-1:30pm) or just an hour wherever you can!
• Tasks include: Making popcorns, jellies, sandwiches, assembling burgers, serving at the counter, packing lunches and stacking the chip rack.

Tasks are given in very easy, manageable steps so everyone can comfortably learn as you go.  No experience necessary!

If you would like to volunteer some time in the Canteen or would like to ask questions about what is involved, please contact Iris at the Canteen before school.

Iris Mori

Canteen Manager

If you child/children will not be attending school for an extended time (more than 5 days) please complete the above form and return to the Front Office  in advance.

Please note a form must be completed for each child.

Thank you 

We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Kaurna people as the traditional owners of the land of Mikawomma on which Whitefriars Catholic School is located.  We come with open hearts and minds to listen and learn from Elders - past, present and emerging.