Dear Parents,

As we approach the final weeks of the year I thought I'd outline the major dates and events for your quick reference. Most items will have further details on the Compass Portal, but if in doubt please email or phone the school.

 Week 8

• Tuesday 29 November K/1/2 Excursion Junee Licorice Factory and Round House
• Wednesday 30 November Yr  3/4 Excursion Tumbarumba-Artists on Parade
• Thursday 1 December Carols by Candlelight Batlow RSL Club at 6:30pm-full school uniform please
• Friday 2 December Jump Rope for Heart "Jump Off" and Mufti Day!

Week 9

• Wednesday 7 December Awards Evening Batlow RSL at 6:00pm-all students will receive an award-full school uniform please
• Thursday 8 December Thanksgiving / Graduation Mass 10am—full school uniform
• Friday 9 December-Semester 2 Student Reports released on Compass Parent Portal

Week 10

• Thursday 15 December Celebration Day.... details TBC 
• Friday 16 December last day. Students asked to bring along a gift to a value of no more than $10-wrapped and preferably a gender neutral gift for easy distribution in a Secret Santa activity run in each classroom.
•  

On another note, thank you to the parents, and also staff, for participating in ROC (Rural Outreach Counselling) Suicide Awareness Programme yesterday afternoon. The Matekeeper Initiative is a positive step towards building awareness on a very difficult and significant issue. If you were unable to attend last night but want to know more feel free to speak with msyself or your child's teacher. Nadia Ho, our school counsellor is always a point of contact for families as well. Nadia is with us at St Mary's every Monday.

Have a lovely week everyone

Jannine

Season of Advent

This Sunday, 27th of November marks the beginning of the season of Advent in the Catholic Church.

Advent is a time where we anticipate and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas. 

We celebrate Advent by putting up an Advent wreath and placing a candle each week.

The 4 candles represent hope, faith, joy and peace. Lighting the candles on the wreath symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world.