Newsletter Term 4, Week 6
SCHOOL CLOSURE
Friday 3rd December
Dear Parents,
Today, is Remembrance Day. Every year at 11am on 11 November – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – we pause to remember those who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. This year, the Remembrance Day service at the Shrine will reflect upon 21 years of service in the 21st century. The past 21 years have seen Australians serve all over the world in conflicts, peacekeeping and peacemaking missions. Here at home, the Australian Defence Force has served, supporting our community through some of the most challenging experiences of our generation – from floods to bushfires and in the front lines of the current pandemic. As we were unable to gather as a whole school due to current restrictions, we did our remembrance day service via Google Meet in our classrooms. Our Senior Student leaders led the service reciting Prayers for our service men and women, In Flanders Field and The Ode. The service was finished off with ‘The Last Post, The Rouse and our National Anthem.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
This week we were informed that we were successful in our application for a shade sail for our yard to create some shaded area as well as an outdoor learning space. Thank you to the Victorian Government for their generosity and support of our school. I look forward to having this installed in the near future.
As you would have noticed, our new playground (not the sandpit) is finished and getting a very good work out from our students. The children are investigating all of the new areas they can play on and getting used to the border around the playground to keep the bark chip in. Once again, a very big thank you to all of our parents, past and present who have contributed to the fundraising of the playground and to our FSG for facilitating this fundraising. The children are absolutely delighted.
Andrea Richards
Principal
PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT DATES THIS TERM
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Each week, students who embody our values, apply the school mindsets to learning, work hard to improve or persevere to deliver on learning objectives are awarded a class award. The students who earned an award in the past weeks are:
Term 4, Week 5
Term 4, Week 6
Thanks to our parents, students and teachers for their generosity towards Catholic Mission week. The total raised from Socktober Day was $322. Many thanks to parents who jumped onto the website and made an online donations too. The children learnt about the reality for children in Thailand and other majority world countries and compared it to our own. They played soccer with a ball made from plastic bags, many children around the world play with a ball just like this - even Pope Francis did as a boy in Argentina. Ms Brown and The Mini Vinnies.
Last week, our Juniors enjoyed a virtual visit from the RSPCA. Our students learnt all about the role the RSPCA plays in our society and were able to see the RSPCA in action over a zoom meet. Check out their recounts and pictures from the online incursion. Did you know the RSPCA are the experts in animal care and protection? Their community services include providing stray and abandoned animals with refuge and a new chance of happiness, protecting animals from cruelty, treating sick and injured animals, promoting pet wellbeing, and providing education regarding responsible pet ownership.
The College is well and truly into exam season at the moment with many Year 12 exams completed and Year 11 exams starting on Monday this week. The students have worked really hard to remain engaged in their learning despite the disruptions of lockdowns and we again wish them the best of luck.
The Twilight Talk and Tour event for next Tuesday – St Paul’s Campus - is a virtual event. Registrations are essential and can be made under the Tours & Events tab found on the right hand side of the homepage of the College website, www.ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
Just a reminder that all remaining tours of both campuses for 2021 have been postponed and we look forward to an uninterrupted tour program recommencing early in 2022.
Also, please note the deadline for accepting offers of enrolment for Year 7, 2023 is this coming Friday. If you have not yet accepted your offer, please complete the Confirmation of Acceptance form and follow the return instructions. Thank you to those families who have already submitted their acceptance. If you have any questions, please contact the College Registrar on 8325 5119 or at enrolments@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
Dear Parents of our 2021 Year 6s
In the next week your child will be coming home with an invite for their Graduation Mass and celebration. We look forward to seeing everyone for the celebrations!!
Email Reminder
If you have changed address, phone numbers, emails or any of your family details need updating, please send an email using the button below through to the office account so this can be changed on our system for you.
SMM Family Statements
We would like to thank every family who has paid off their 2021 Family Statement or started making payment and those who have contacted the office or Andrea Richards regarding an agreement for these payments.
This is a reminder that these accounts are now overdue.
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