Term 4 Week 8 of 11
Friday, 28th November 2025
Message from the Principal
Dear parents/carers,
Earlier this week I emailed you some important staffing news. Here it is again in case you missed it:
“I’m writing to you to inform you of some important staffing news at our school. Our Deputy Principal, Shannon Betham has been asked to be the Acting Principal of St Mary’s Castlemaine for 2026. Shannon will be replacing St Mary’s current principal, who is going on maternity leave for 2026. It is expected that Shannon will return to our school to her Deputy Principal role in 2027. Shannon will be replaced by an existing member of our staff. You will be notified soon of Shannon’s replacement as Deputy Principal and any other staffing changes that will have to occur as result of this”.
Congratulations to Shannon on being offered this role. It is a recognition of her hard work and skill in her current position. I wish her all the best in this new role.
I can now let you know the following changes that have been made to replace Shannon for 2026. These changes will ensure the smooth running of our school.
For 2026:
Matt Dalton will be Acting Deputy Principal and Teaching and Learning Leader
Carla Krsticevic will be Literacy Leader fulltime. I am currently in the process of employing a teacher to replace Carla as a Year 4 teacher.
Georgia Tankey will be Year 3-6 Leader as well as Year 6 Teacher
This upcoming Monday December 1st is a school closure day.
We are excited for the Christmas Carols on Wednesday December 10. Please see the flyer later in this newsletter for full details.
Best wishes
Deputy Principal
Years 6 Transition to Year 7 2026
There are a few transition sessions coming up for our Year 6 students to transition to Year 7 in 2026. We have listed these dates below:
Tuesday 2nd December: Caroline Chisholm Catholic College
Monday 8th December: Marian College
Tuesday 9th December: CRC St Albans, CRC Caroline Springs
Prep Level Mass
There has been a change in date and time for the Prep Level Mass in Week 9. This will take place on Wednesday 3rd December at 10am in the Church. Families are invited and welcome to attend the mass.
Learning Diversity
Joanne Steers and Kate Horstmann have put together a great book full of ideas to help students with ADHD in schools. However, these are great for students with ASD as well. Here are some quick tips for helping kids keep cool and calm, which will hopefully assist your child's anxiety!
Wellbeing, Child Safety & Community Leader
THE PBL focus for weeks 7 and 8 is being
Respectful
Respectful
Care for belongings and school
Put items away
Use items for their purpose
Being careful with equipment
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Music Workshops
On Thursday the 4th of December, our school will be visited by some members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as part of the "Jams In Schools" initiative for primary school students to engage with orchestral music and orchestral instruments. These professional musicians performed at our school last year and were so impressed with our students, they asked to return this year!
MSO Artist in Residence and leading music education specialist, Karen Kyriakou and six MSO musicians will come to our school and lead fun and interactive workshops exploring a piece of orchestral music, pulling out musical themes and compositional techniques.
The workshops will be held across the day in the church with each year level from Prep-6 having the opportunity to take part in a 45-minute session. What a wonderful musical opportunity for our students!
Reminder: Sun Smart School
As the sun begins to shine brighter and the days grow warmer, it's time for our Term 4 sun safety reminder: all students are required to wear their school hats during outdoor activities.
Wearing a hat is a vital part of our SunSmart policy, helping protect students from harmful UV rays while they enjoy recess, lunch breaks, PE lessons, and other outdoor events.
What You Need to Know:
Hats are compulsory whenever students are outside.
Students without hats will be asked to stay in designated shaded areas.
Please check that your child’s hat is clearly labelled with their name.
Let’s work together to keep our school community safe and sun-smart.
Religious Education
The Season of Advent
Advent begins this weekend, meaning there are under 4 weeks left until Christmas! Our school has now been transformed with fairy lights, tinsel, trees and nativity scenes as we prepare for Christmas. Students have also begun their Advent prayers as we continue to wait during this Advent time. Here are some ways we can prepare our hearts and minds for Advent.
“At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God's own love and concern.” - St. Teresa of Calcutta
The Year 6 Social Justice Fair is an opportunity for our Year 6’s to share what they have created in response to the calling of the Holy Spirit during Confirmation. The fair is open to families from 2:45 - 3:15pm on Thursday the 4th of December in the Year 6 building.
In Faith
SUNDAY GOSPEL
First Sunday of Advent, 2025
We Reflect
This Sunday we begin a new season in the liturgical calendar of the Church. We begin Advent! There are two messages that we will hear over the next four weeks. One message is we will be told that we will have to move faster, stay busy, queue longer in the shops and spend more money on those ‘must have’ presents so that we will have the ‘perfect’ Christmas, as if such a thing exists.
However there is a very different message and set of values that will be offered to us through the gospels, the prayers and the liturgy of Advent. We are being asked to prepare a way for the Lord, to stay awake, to make a straight a path for the Lord and to get ourselves ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is most definitely is ‘Good News!
Waiting is not something that we are usually good at these days. Our modern world tells us to move faster in so many ways. We have smart phones, emails and microwave ovens that all ‘help’ us to get through our busy days.
However Advent asks each of us to do the very opposite. During these sacred days of preparation, we are being asked to take some time to be still and silent as we prepare ourselves deeply for the Christmas.
If we get too caught up in the shopping and spending, there is the danger that we will miss what Advent is really about. This is what the call to ‘stay awake’ means. It would be so sad, that if after the shopping and all the other preparations we missed Advent and its joyful and hopeful message.
In what ways can I prepare a way for the Lord this Advent as I get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas?
We Read Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!
Parish News
St Vinnies Christmas Appeal
As the year draws to a close and we prepare for the joy of Christmas, it's important to remember that this season can be especially challenging for those in our community who are doing it tough.
St Vincent de Paul will be offering support to families in need ahead of Christmas, and we’re calling on the generosity of our parishioners to help make this possible.
If you’re able to contribute, we kindly ask for donations of: Christmas hampers for families (you’re welcome to create your own), books, puzzles, and activity sets for children, toys for children.
Your kindness can bring comfort and joy to those who need it most this Christmas. Thank you for your continued support. All our St Vinnie’s members will represent each of you as we will deliver these generous gifts on your behalf.
Ministry Sign Up
Have you ever thought about sharing your gifts and talents with our parish community? Now is the perfect time! We are inviting parishioners to sign up for our ministries and be part of the wonderful work that helps bring our parish to life.
Whether it’s hospitality, proclaimer, special minister of communion, coffee makers, or data projector there is a place for everyone to contribute. Your involvement not only strengthens our parish but also enriches your own faith journey.
Sign-up sheets will be available in the foyer after all Masses 13th & 14th December.
Together, let’s continue to build a vibrant and welcoming parish family!
Christmas Mass Times
Join us at Resurrection to celebrate the birth of Christ on the following Mass Times:
Christmas Eve December 24th - 4pm Children's Mass, 6pm Family Mass & midnight Mass
Christmas Day December 25th - 10am Mass
Dawn Mass
Prepare for the coming of Christ in the Philippine tradition with a nine-day novena Mass which starts at 5.00am on 16th December through to 24th December.
You are invited to stay back afterwards for breakfast which is prepared daily.
Mass of Anointing
The Anointing of the Sick is for the healing and spiritual strengthening of those who are impaired by sickness or old age.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick at Resurrection Parish, within a Eucharistic celebration on Saturday 20th December at 10.00am, followed by light refreshments.
Student of the Week Awards: Week 8
Five C
Lavina Stewart
Rhys S - For always trying his best and putting great effort into all areas of his learning. Well done Rhys!
Alyssia P - For confidently collecting data and presenting it in a well-organised frequency table. Fantastic work Alyssia!
Six A
Katherine Salloum
Austin J - for showing great dedication and persistence each and every day. The growth that you have made, both academically and socially, has been so wonderful to see Austin. Keep this up as you head into Year 7!
Six B
Jane Huang
Jayden R - For being a responsible leader in our classroom when arranging different class jobs for his team members.
Dwayne L - For being a caring member in the classroom by helping his peers understand the relationship between percentage, fractions and decimal.
Riley M - For being an inquisitive learner when he asked for further explanation about how to use different strategies to solve Math operations.
Six C
Rosie Nojek
Anie A - For demonstrating enthusiasm and focus when completing tasks, as well as accuracy in calculating and converting numbers among fractions, decimals, and percentages.”
Emme Q - For remarkable growth across all areas of maths.
Selena H - For being a humble, quietly determined achiever in maths while persevering when solving problems involving percentages, decimals, and fractions.
Japanese:
Yumiko Aiki
Bilai Pha K (5C) - For demonstrating excellent Japanese skills during the Zoom session with his classmates. His active effort and ‘can-do’ spirit are inspiring. Well done Bilai Pha!
Performing Arts:
Jody Banks
Ruth Z (4B) - For her excellent and positive attitude when in Performing Arts lessons, and for demonstrating her confidence when auditioning for a solo singing part for the Christmas Concert. Keep up the awesome effort, Ruth!
Visual Arts:
Emma Lyons-Pell & Tosh Kaan
Elijah C (4C) - For planning a detailed composition for his assemblage sculpture.
S T E M:
Joanne Abos-Padilla
Mila M (3B) - For showing a strong understanding of scientific skills. You lead your group effectively, think critically, make thoughtful predictions, and reflect on your learning. Well done!
P.E:
Isaac M (5B) - For bringing positive energy to sports class and showing strong involvement during our activity rotations. You’re a real team booster, fantastic job!
Three A
Claudette Petruccelli
Amelia Z - For consistently applying yourself to improve your writing and literacy skills. Great work Amelia!
William N - For putting in an amazing effort and showing wonderful progress in maths. Well done, William!
Brendan L - For showing outstanding resilience and dedication to your learning. Great job, Brendan!
Three B
Enza La Rosa
Miranda N - For being a risk-taker by confidently applying her knowledge of factual recount structure to produce clear and well-organised writing. Well done Miranda!
Ava P - For creating a well-structured factual recount that is organised in a logical, chronological order and includes a clear title and introduction. Well done Ava!
Three C
Christine Tran
Adau Manut - For showing diligence and steady effort during reading intervention sessions. Keep going!
Nizapar Hesa - For showing outstanding growth in numeracy and committing to your learning by using IXL to improve. Keep up the fantastic work!
Four A
Lena Aloi
Aquin J – For showing great effort in your maths activities and IXL tasks. Great work, Aquin!
Amos L – For always having a positive attitude and showing initiative in your learning by asking for help when you need it. Well done!
Nepa P – For being a fantastic role model in class and confidently raising your hand to share your answers with the class. Well done!
Faye M – For giving your reading partner thoughtful, actionable feedback during our buddy reading sessions. Well done!
Four B
Ella Nowak
Lenix M - For showing resilience and determination when using the distributive strategy to solve multiplication equations.
Thiik D - For ensuring that his notes were written in his own words when researching for his factual recount. Well done Thiik!
Dawthlie K - For consistently being a respectful and responsible student who is always a positive role model to others.
Matthew T - For showing fantastic confidence during his leadership speech, speaking clearly and proudly in front of his peers. Well done Matthew!
Four C
Georgia Tankey
Niko L - For demonstrating exceptional care towards his classmates, ensuring all peers are included in activities. Well done Niko!
Jonathan N - For being a very diligent learner, going above and beyond to practice his mathematical skills. Great work Jonathan!
Alicia V - For demonstrating excellence during literacy, writing a detailed body paragraph about life after colonisation with facts she found herself! Keep it up!
Five A
Jake Moloney
Lucy L - For showcasing her collaborative skills whilst working with her team on their Nativity broadcast. Well done, Lucy!
Jenoleela N - For consistently demonstrating her love of vocabulary throughout the semester. Well done, Jenoleela!
Five B
Malae Suaesi
Ebenezer H - For being a knowledgeable learner when gathering appropriate data to create a column graph. Well done!
Pinidi A - For being an inquirer when researching and sharing important information for a significant person during the Gold Rush.
TERM FOUR DATES 2025
Week 10
Monday 8th December
Years 3-6 Assembly at 2:30pm
Tuesday 9th December
Wednesday 10th December
Carols By Candlelight 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Report changes back to teachers
Thursday 11th December
Friday 12th December
Year 6 Big Day Out
Saturday 13th December
Sunday 14th December
Third Sunday of Advent
Week 9
Monday 1st December
School Closure Day
Tuesday 2nd December
2026 Leadership planning day (off-site)
Wednesday 3rd December
Fr Gerard visiting Prep classes at 10am
Thursday 4th December
Year Prep Year Level Mass 9am
MSO Incursion - P-6
Friday 5th December
Principal’s Network
Reports due to leadership
Saturday 6th December
Sunday 7th December
Second Sunday in Advent
Week 11
Monday 15th December
Year 6 Graduation Liturgy & Presentation Night 6.00pm
Reports sent home
No assembly this week due to the awards ceremony tomorrow
Tuesday 16th December
Whole School Mass 9.00am
End of Year Award Ceremony
Last Day Of Term (3.15pm Finish)
Wednesday 17th December
School Closure: 2026 Handover and planning day (finish at 1pm)
Thursday 18th December
School Closure: Staff Lunch
TIL Day for staff
Friday 19th December
TIL Day for staff
Saturday 20th December
Sunday 21st December
Fourth Sunday of Advent
