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Dear Parents and Carers,
Staffing 2025
I am pleased to confirm the following staffing arrangements for 2025.
Kathy Harvey and Megan Crossley will be returning to casual teaching. I would like to thank them for their service this year.
Teaching Staff:
K/1: Natalia Caruana (Monday-Wednesday)
Chelsea Harveyson (Thursday-Friday & Sport Coordinator)
2/3/4: Lachlan Martens
5/6: Dione Ryan (Monday, Tuesday and Friday)
Cindy Washbrook (Wednesday and Thursday)
REC: Executive Support, Child Safe Advocate, Student Centred Learning (Yr 2 InitiaLit, SM & CMC):
Danielle McFarlane (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)
Student Centred Learning (Yr 2 InitiaLit, SM & CMC) & RFF:
Dione Ryan (Thursday)
Classroom Support Teacher, Library & RFF teacher:
Loy Best (Monday-Wednesday)
Contracted Casual (Yr 1 InitiaLit, SM, CMC and casual coverage):
Deb Green (Monday-Thursday, 0.8)
Loy Best (Friday, 0.2)
Classroom Support Assistants:
MiniLit, MacqLit and RFW: Sue Tenhave
MiniLit, MacqLit and Playgroup: Sally Metcalfe
Classroom Support: Tay Hutson (returning part time September 2025)
Classroom Support: Ty Millgate-Ashe
Administration & Finance:
Nichola Baker (Monday, Tuesday)
Sheridan Hunter (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
Sport & Recreation Camp in Berry
Last week I had the please of attending the Year 2-6 Sport & Rec Camp in Berry, along with Ms Washbrook and Mrs Hunter. All of the students were exceptionally well-behaved, considerate of others and respectful of the Camp rules. Students had a wonderful time participating in a variety of activities that taught skills such as team building, resilience, getting along with others and trying new things. Activities included circus skills, pool activities, indoor rock climbing, kayaking, dark maze, archery, night time games and free time activities.
Please see further in the newsletter for photos.
Helping Parents Stay Safe Online: Kirra Pendergast’s Expert Advice
In today’s digital age, keeping children safe online can feel like a daunting task for parents. That’s where Safe on Social comes in!
Kirra Pendergast, a trusted expert in online safety, offers invaluable resources that help families navigate the ever-evolving world of the internet. Through her Safe on Social platform, Kirra provides parents with practical tips, easy-to-understand advice, and helpful tools to protect children from online risks. Her social media posts are filled with essential information, covering everything from privacy settings to spotting potential dangers like cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
One of the most useful resources Kirra offers is her cheat sheets—simple, actionable guides that help parents quickly adjust their child's online settings and understand key issues like digital footprints, online gaming safety, and screen time management. These cheat sheets are designed to empower parents to take control of their children’s online experiences and create safer, healthier digital environments.
Don't forget to follow Safe on Social for regular updates that will keep you and your family safer online. Together, we can build a more secure digital world for our kids!
Stay Safe Online sessions will take place via Teams next week.
Please ensure that you have provided consent and payment for the student session (Yr 2-6) on Compass asap.
Have you bought your tickets for the parent session yet?
Available now on COMPASS.
Upcoming Events
Wk 7: Friday 29th November - Mufti Day
Wk 8: Thursday 5th December - Yr 2-6 ‘Safe on Social Media’
Wk 9: Swimsafe lessons commence (K-6)
Thursday 12th December - Presentation Evening 7pm
Friday 13th December - Reports published on Compass
Assembly 2.40pm
Wk 10: Tuesday 17th December - Yr 6 Graduation Mass 6pm
Wednesday 18th December - Last day for students
Kind thoughts,
Melissa Hotham
Principal
Advent
Advent is a special season in the Christian calendar. It is a time for getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. This year, Advent starts on Sunday 1st December. During this important time on the Church calendar, each week of Advent focuses on a different theme - hope, peace, joy, and love.
As we prepare our houses for Christmas by putting up the tree, decorating our homes, sending cards, and wrapping presents, we keep focused on what is at the heart of our preparations. We make time during Advent to prepare not only our homes, but our hearts and minds through prayer. We prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day.
Advent Prayer
God of Light,
We pray for our community that our Advent journey may bring us closer to You as we prepare for the coming of Jesus.
We pray for those whose lives seem dark and hopeless. Lift their darkness from them and help them to find their way.
We pray that our hearts, minds, and spirits may be ready to receive your Son, Jesus, who is born in our hearts.
May our giving to the Christmas food drive continue to be generous that we may brighten the lives of other families this Christmas.
Loving God, hear the prayers we place before you and those silent in our heart. Listen to our prayers for the needs of our world, community, and ourselves.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Grenfell Food Hall – Christmas Food Drive
With the festive season drawing closer, and in the spirit of Christmas, we are asking all families to provide generous support to offer hope for many locals who face an uncertain Christmas. The aim is to bring relief to those who need it most through a food drive.
Below is a list of the categories/ items we will be collecting. For all items, please check that the expiry dates extend into 2024. Baskets will be left in each classroom for students to place items into. All donated items will be delivered to our local Food Hall at the end of term.
End of Year – Year Six Graduation Mass
We welcome everyone to attend this special event at St Joseph’s Church – December 17.
Year Six Graduation Mass Photos
A reminder that Year Six Graduation Mass photos are required by no later than Monday December 2. Email: danielle.mcfarlane@cg.catholic.edu.au
Student Prayer of the Week
Written by Emily.
Parish News
Sunday 8 am
St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell
Please note that a Mass will be held every Sunday at St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell, in the lead-up to Christmas this year. All families and friends are more than welcome to attend.
