November 21st, 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

A Note from our Principal

Ngata families, 

Learning Conversations

Bookings for 3 way conversations are now available in PAM. At this time of year our learning conversations are a celebration of student achievements, providing a platform to showcase their hard work and progress. The learning conversations are more than just meetings; they are vital opportunities to set future goals and ensure that every family is actively engaged in their child's educational journey. By involving parents and guardians, we strengthen the home-school partnership, creating a supportive environment for our students to thrive. We are proud of our students' accomplishments and grateful for the continued collaboration with our families. 

Together, we are laying the foundation for future successes and fostering a community where every student can reach their full potential. We encourage families to log in and make an appointment to celebrate your child/ren’s success. 

Major Raffle Updates!

We are thrilled at the positive feedback and response we have received so far regarding our 2024 major raffle that is supporting our school community! Here's everything you need to know:

• Ticket Seller Prize: There will be one lucky ticket seller who receives their family school fee credited in 2025—a fantastic incentive to get involved!
• Please Return Sold Tickets: If you have sold tickets, please ensure you return them by 6th December so we can process the entries.
• Unable to Sell Tickets?: If you are unable to sell the tickets, please return them to the school ASAP so we can reallocate them to others.
• Want to Sell More Tickets?: If you would like to help sell additional tickets, please reach out to the school office—we’d be happy to provide more.
• Raffle Draw Date: The raffle draw will take place on 11th December.

Tickets are available for sale at the front office—just pop by to get yours!

Thank you for supporting this exciting initiative!

Kind regards,

Nick Murrell

Principal

The Foundation Files

Counting Pattern’s 

Last week we did some fantastic counting using our pattern’s of 2’s, 5’s and 10’s. We have been learning about counting in groups and we know that all groups need to have the same number to be fair. We used counting cards, calculators and another one of our favourite ways to learn is through our Jack Hartmann action songs. 

Gruffalo

On Monday we went on a bus trip to the Lighthouse Theatre. We were so excited to be going back to see a Live Show. We had a little bit of an idea about the story of the Gruffalo so we couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen on stage. We had a great time and we loved it.

We then used our writing time to reflect on the story of the Gruffalo as we did some writing each day this week. Take a read…

‘The Gruffalo looks scary but he still looks nice.’Emmi

‘The Brown Gruffalo is stomping in the woods.’ Lincoln

‘The Gruffalo looks scary because he has a black tongue and a pimple on the end of his nose.’ Georgia

‘The Gruffalo looks scary but he is friendly.’ Theo

Crazy Hair/Sock Day

Thanks to our Mini-Vinnies for organising last Friday’s Crazy Hair and Sock Day. We were all very excited to wear different things to school. We were also happy with our sausage sizzle and zooper doopers, too. Check out the fun photo’s from last week.

Foundation Fun Week

Just a quick reminder about next week’s big adventures. We cannot wait to go out and have lots of fun together. Remember these things….

• sign your permission form online or on paper
• dress in your sports clothes but wear your white school polo
• make sure that you have a packed lunch and a water bottle
• put on some sunscreen at home before you come to school
• come to school ready to show your happiness norm and be a good friend

Congratulations Victoria!

Last Saturday, 16th November, Victoria Balash competed at the Little Athletics regional relay carnival in Ballarat.   Vicky competed in four events and attained medals in three of them.   She received Gold in the Mixed 100m Relay and Silver in both the 100m U/11 Girls Relay and the Swedish Medley. (The Swedish Medley Relay is conducted over 1000m and involves legs of 100, 300, 200 and 400 metres).    Next month Vicky will travel to Whittlesea to compete at the State Championships. Congratulations on a fantastic achievement Victoria!

Scholastic Book Fair

Thank you to everyone who supported the Scholastic Book Fair this week.    It is our major fundraiser for the library and was a great success.   Every book sold at the fair goes toward earning free books for our school.  

We hope that everyone enjoys the fabulous books and goodies they had so much fun picking out!

Fee statements

Fee statements are sent out to families via email every month.  If you have not been receiving this email or have recently changed your contact details, please notify the office.  Thank You.

Free Uniforms!

If you are looking for some good quality second hand uniforms, we currently have a display set up in the foyer area near the office.  You are welcome to come in anytime and have a look through what we have.   Items include summer dresses, shorts, pants, shirts etc. in various sizes.  All items are FREE to take. 

Bunnings BBQ on Saturday, 7th Dec.

Don't forget that our PnF Bunnings BBQ is coming up on Saturday 7th December!  Be sure to head out on this day, buy a snag and support our wonderful school.  If you still wish to donate any goods to the fundraiser (bread, sauce or soft drinks) or know of any business that would like to donate, please let the front office know by November 29. 

2025 Japanese Language and Culture study tour

For those families considering our Warrnambool Catholic Network Japan study tour in 2025.

A reminder that a deposit for the proposed 2025 Japan trip is due by November 29th to St. Joseph's Primary School. Contact cduyn@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au or 55611343 for payment inquiries. 

Full details in the document below. 

Food bank support - Thank You!

We have had a great response to the launch of our weekly community food bank to support families within our school. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered  to help with this great initiative. 

Please text Lara on 0423 453 334 if you wish to participate or need more information. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Text Lara on 0423 453 334

Breakfast Club - Wednesdays

A friendly reminder that Breakfast Club is running on Wednesday mornings from 8:20am. It is open to ALL students before school to enjoy some yummy toast, yogurt, cereal or a piece of fruit and take part in a morning conversation with others. We look forward to seeing everybody there!

Again, a big thankyou to Foodshare for providing us with breakfast items and Woolies Dennington for providing the fruit! Of course, this wouldn't take place without our amazing parent helpers, so a big thank you to Sarah & Virginia as well!

A special message just to say.............

The following students will be celebrating their birthday over the coming week......

Roneet Singh & Evie Brisbane.

Canteen Roster for next week.

Important Dates.

Friday, 22nd November - Assembly, 3pm in church

Monday, 25th November - 5/6 Beach safety commences  (one week program)

Thursday, 28th November - Foundation 2025 Transition #1

Friday, 29th November - Advent Liturgy 3pm church

Monday, 2nd December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Tuesday, 3rd December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Wednesday, 4th December - Learning Conversations 2.30-5.30pm

Friday, 6th December - Assembly, 3pm in church

Saturday, 7th December - P&F Bunnings BBQ from 9am to 5pm

Thursday, 12th December - Gr 6 Graduation

Tuesday, 17th December - Carols and Presentation evening 6pm

Wednesday, 18th December - Final day for students

Before & After School Care.

Parish Contact.

Sunday Mass 9.00am @ St Pius X Church. School families are always welcome.

The Parish office can be contacted on 5562 2231

Other information and contact details can be found on the Star of the Sea South West Coast website: https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/parish/southwestcoast/