Thursday, December 8, 2016 No. 37 - 2016

St. Damian’s Newsletter 5 Settlement Road, Bundoora 3083. Phone: 9467 8566 Email: info@sdbundoora.catholic.edu.au

The Magical Christmas Jigsaw

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PLEASE NOTE: SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS IS BETWEEN 8.30am TO 3.30pm ON SCHOOL DAYS.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Advent This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday and marks the third week of Advent. This third candle is known as the Shepherd’s candle. We are reminded that God sent the Angels to proclaim His arrival and to spread the Good News. The third candle is pink and represents God’s love and faithfulness to His people. St Damian’s Carols and Performance Congratulations to all our students and teachers for their presentation of the Christmas Carols last Thursday evening. What a talented group of students and staff we have here at St Damian’s. My thanks are also extended to you, the families for your support in attending the event and supporting the students with your attention. I know the children enjoyed presenting to you and I hope that you also enjoyed the night. 2017 School Leaders Announced At the final school assembly to be held next Monday December 12 at 2.30pm, we will be announcing our 2017 School Leaders. We also will be saying farewell to students, families and staff leaving our school at the end of the year. The assembly will be taking place in the Hall. This is our final assembly for the year and we hope that our families will be able to join us. Whole School End of Year Mass We extend a warm invitation to all our families to join us for the final school year Mass to be held next Wednesday 14

th

December at 9.15am. Reports & Orientation This coming Monday December 12, the students will be bringing home their school report for the second half of the year. I hope that parents will discuss these reports with their children and celebrate with them their achievements over the year. If parents wish to discuss any aspect of the report with their child’s teacher, we encourage you to make an appointment as soon as possible. On Monday and Tuesday the students will meet their new teacher and class for 2017. It is important to keep in mind that the classes have been structured to balance academic, social and personal needs and is a very involved process. Therefore, we encourage families to discuss these placements in a positive way with their children to help develop resilience and lessen anxiety. Staff News & Farewells This is the time of year when all schools find themselves having to farewell members of the community as well as staff. At St Damian’s we will be saying goodbye to a number of families this year as our Year 6 students leave us after completing their primary education as well as a number of families across the school who are moving to other schools. We wish all these families continued success and happiness as they become members of their new communities. We are also very sad to lose two members of staff at the end of the year. We farewell Mrs Maureen Kovacevic who is leaving St Damian’s after 8 years to take up a new teaching position at St Luke’s, Lalor. We thank Maureen for all her commitment and hard work over the years and wish her every best wish as she takes up her new appointment. We also farewell Mrs Cristine Brewer who is going on Maternity Leave as she awaits the birth of her second child in March next year. We offer Cristine and her husband our congratulations and best wishes for the safe arrival of their newest family member. Uniform Shop As all our families are aware, Academy Uniforms will be the official supplier of uniforms next year. An order form is available at the school office for families wishing to use the current system to order items from Academy. However there is also an online facility for families wishing to use this or if you wish to visit the store it is open Monday- Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm and Saturdays 9.00am – 12.00pm. The address is: 238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown The school Uniform Shop will cease operating from this Saturday 10

th December.

Newsletter Next Thursday’s Newsletter will be the final one for the year.

Prayer Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ will come again in His glory.

Have a great week

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Literacy News

Writers of the week:

Ryan S PC Alannah P PB Gabriel D 5/6M Drew S 5/6KW Zoe M 3/4 SZ

Isabella B 3/4 SZ

“Name the Character” competition winners, for our drawings displayed in the open area.

Ava A 3/4 SZ Chris S 5/6 C Emma D 1/2T

Last Mathematicians Awards for 2016

Daniel in 5/6 C for always using his deep thinking to analyse mathematical problems in order to find solutions.

Dion in 3/4 G for displaying confidence in reading and writing times using analogue and digital clocks.

Christiana in Prep C for the way she explains her answers in Mathematics by clearly explaining the strategies she uses.

Ted in Prep C for his excellent progress when counting using various counting patterns starting from different numbers.

Julian in 1/2 MM for continuing to use his knowledge of mental strategies when solving difficult addition and subtraction sums.

Zoe in 3/4 SZ for striving for excellence in all mathematical tasks, and explaining to others her strategies for solving problems involving area.

Deanne in 5/ 6 SC for being an enthusiastic learner in Maths and for developing confidence in solving decimal multiplication

equations.

Faith News

Giving Tree and Food hampers for Vinnies The Giving Tree is beginning to look very festive with a good number of gifts ready to be collected by Vinnies. We will continue to collect until this Monday, 12

th December. If you have bought a gift for a

particular age group and you cannot find a star on the tree to match your gift please simply write on the wrapping or add a star or tag of your own.

Donations of food items can be sent to classes. These donations will also be collected until Monday 12

th December. A volunteer from Vinnies visited the

school today to thank us for our efforts thus far, so thank you for your continued support, on behalf of Vinnies.

Advent Prayer Service and End of Year Mass Our Prep students will lead us in our third Advent Prayer Service on Monday 12

th at 9:15am. A whole school End of year Mass will be celebrated on

Wednesday 14th at 9:15am. You are most welcome to join us as we celebrate.

Aoife Mc Carthy Religious Education Leader

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DECEMBER

Monday 12th

Tuesday 13th

Wednesday 14th

Thursday 15th

Friday 16th

JANUARY

Tuesday 31st

FEBRUARY

Thursday 2nd

Wednesday 15th

Third Week of Advent JOY 9.15am– Preps

First Orientation Session 10.30-11am

Final Assembly 2.20pm, being held in the Hall

Second Orientation Session 10-11am

End of Year Mass 9.15am

Graduation Mass 7.30pm

Final Day for Year Six Students

Last Day of Term

School Finishes at 3.15pm

Years 1-6 Students Return

Foundation (Preps) Commence School

School Closure Day (Student Testing Day)

Student of the week Prep C Herman

Jordan Lucas

For making an effort to complete all set work on time to the best of his ability. Well Done For being such a kind and helpful member of Prep C. You try so hard! For always doing your best to complete work that is a pleasure to read. Well Done

Prep S Neo For doing his best in all learning tasks

1/2DW Leon For completing Reading Recovery. Congratulations

1/2M Matthew Giacomo

For a great improvement in your Reading For working hard and always doing his best! Bravo!

1/2MM Sebastian Caleb

For working hard and showing improvement in Reading For an outstanding improvement in his handwriting

1/2MO Julian Asher Petar

For completing Reading Recovery. Well Done! For having a positive attitude towards her work and always doing her best For always doing his best and being an excellent role model for his peers

1/2T Nathan For being a thoughtful, supportive and respectful class member

3/4B Liana For always setting a fine example for others

3/4G Matthew For showing tolerance and empathy to other students

3/4J Jack For always being a respectful and well-mannered member of 3/4J

3/4L Avneet For always listening during class discussions and giving constructive feedback

3/4SZ Joshua For his efforts in helping others succeed by displaying good sportsmanship skills in class sport

5/6C Jamie For the kindness he shows others and trying his best at all times

5/6S Daniel For your commitment to learning and facing challenges with a positive attitude

5/6M Isaac For helping others succeed during the time table challenge

5/6SC Martin For being a helpful and friendly class member

5/6KW Lincoln For always involving yourself in class discussions though out the year. You always share ideas and insights

Dates for your Diary

Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th

December

5.30pm: Christmas Carols 6.00pm: Family Mass

7.30pm Christmas Carols 8.00pm Family Mass

10.30pm: Christmas Carols 11.00pm Christmas Mass

Christmas Day, Sunday 25th

December

8.00am & 10.00am: Masses

ST DAMIAN’S BUNDOORA

2016 CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

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Happy Birthday to the following students who

will celebrate their birthday:

December

8th Nathan Jenny

5/6M 3/4L

9th Dean Aarchi

3/4SZ 1/2MM

10th Chiara Sheron Isaiah Julian

1/2T PB 5/6SC 3/4SZ

12th Jasmine 3/4L

13th Benjamin Anabelle

5/6KW 3/4B

14th Luca Ian Anastasia Spencer Jason

5/6M 5/6KW 5/6KW 3/4L 5/6SC

JAZZ.HIP HOP.ACRO.LYRICAL.TAP.SINGING.BARRE.BALLET

ALL AGES - Toddlers – Adults

**2017 ENROLMENTS ARE OPEN** Visit www.dancestreet.com.au for timetable

RACHEL DUNNE FUGA (D.F.T.A) – Principal Former Australian Champion 25 years of teaching expertise The Uniform Shop at St Damian’s

will close on Saturday 10th December.

All future orders must be placed directly with Academy Uniforms

Congratulations to one of our past students

Matthew Signorello on his recruitment to the

Adelaide Football Club. We wish him luck on

this exciting journey.

Parish News

The Communion to the Sick Group which visits

Bundoora Extended Care and Vasey House on Friday

mornings would welcome any parishioners who would like

to join this valuable Ministry. Volunteers are rostered

according to their availability. We would also like to hear

from parishioners who would like to visit the sick in their

homes.

Parents and Friends News

Dear School Community

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Parents and Friends Committee was held on Tuesday 29th

November 2016. The work of the 2016 P&F Committee was acknowledged and members thanked for their efforts in delivering a great mix of, activities, programs and services to help develop our school community, complement the services and activities offered by the school, and most importantly raise money for the upgrade of facilities and amenities in the School. These upgrades, which would otherwise not be possible without the work of an active P&F Committee, benefit all of our children. In recent years funds raised by the P&F have been used towards the purchase of the Sports House and School Gazebos, installation of benches, tables and shade sails, and acquisition of board games and books for class rooms and the library. A major upgrade of playground equipment is being considered with funds generated by the P&F Committee.

Following the recent call for nominations, many of the key Executive, community and fundraising positions and teams for 2017 were filled at the AGM. However, to be a fully functioning and successful Committee for 2017 we do need further volunteers. We encourage the participation of all – working and non-working mothers & fathers, grandparents, carers – in the work of the Committee. We have an exciting number of major activities planned for next year, so please do consider being involved.

Following is the list the key Executive, community and fundraising positions and teams already filled for 2017:

PARENTS AND FRIENDS COMMITTEE 2017

OFFICE BEARERS/EXECUTIVE

COMMUNITY SERVICES

President Dianne Stubbs

Vice President Nicole Turner

Secretary Rita De Amicis

Vice Secretary vacant

Treasurer Lina Parisot

School Banking Annette Accardi, Teresa Arambatzidis + at least

2 more

Book Club Clem Prisc, Deb Braidwood, Rita De Amicis,

Flora Papagiorgiou

Education Board Representative Sameer Das

Class Rep Co-ordinators Deb Braidwood, Clem Prisc

Class Reps Margaret Dempsey (4 or 6)

Megan Werner (1 or 3)

Fran Ravalli (1 or 6)

Rodoulla Kyriacou (2 or 6)

Sylvia Menezes (5)

Lina Borg (6)

Dilani Landers (6)

Grace Peng (P or 2)

Need coverage for P, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sacramental Morning Teas Lina Parisot, Deb Braidwood

World Teachers Day Dannielle Abolencia

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FUNDRAISING

The first meeting of the P&F Committee for 2017 will be held Wednesday 8th February from 7.30pm.

If you would like to nominate for any of the vacant positions, please contact either Rosanna Piccolo or the Dianne Stubbs (incoming President).

Dianne Stubbs Incoming P&F President.

BBQ’s x 2 (1 x Junior; 1 x Senior) Debra Braidwood, Clem Prisc

Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Stalls Nicole Turner, Dianne Stubbs

Something-A-thon Flora Papagiorgiou

Fran Ravalli??

Sponsors/Donations Campaign Flora Papagiorgiou

Coles/Safeway Promotions vacant

Raffles Campaign Donna, Grace Peng

Major Fundraising for 2017

School Disco Team Dilani Landers, Donna + others

Bingo night Team Lina Parisot + others

One other major fundraiser – eg. Dad’s

event, Ladies night, Trivia night

Sarah Davies + others

Microsoft Products now available for Parents and StaffDear Parents, As part of the school's Software Licensing Agreement with Microsoft, we now have access to the Windows 10 Education Program, for students and the Work at Home Program for staff. By registering on the webstore, you are entitled to download and use Windows and Microsoft Office on your home computer, while you have a student at the school. You must use your student's "@sdbundoora.catholic.edu.au" email address to register.

Here is the link to the webstore – https://sdbundoora.onthehub.com/

Click on the Sign In link in the top right corner, click on the register button right below the sign in box, you will be asked to enter your institutional issued email address with which you will be verified. Upon verification, proceed with the registration process and submit the form. An email will be sent to your account to confirm the address (this is to ensure that users are being verified with their profile and not trying to use another member’s account to register). If there are any questions about the process please look at the Help Page: https://sdbundoora.onthehub.com/WebStore/Support/WebStoreHelpContents.aspx

Thanks,

Cris Brewer eLearning Leader

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU! As you may know I have accepted a teaching position in a new school for 2017.

It has been a privilege to teach so many children over my eight years at St. Damian's. My experience at St. Damian's has been wonderful and for this I would like to thank the past and present students, families and staff at our school.

Warm wishes to you all for a safe and happy Christmas.

Maureen Kovacevic

St Damian’s Family Maths Challenge !Here was the very last St Damian’s Family Maths Challenge for 2016! All families who have

participated in the challenges this term went into the draw to win major family prizes. Prizes were drawn at the school assembly on Monday 5th December. The Winners were the Ilaria Family and the Nguyen Family. Well done and we look forward to a great year of more family Maths challenges in 2017 !!

Junior Family Maths Challenge-

The solution is…

Families who participated in this challenge and correctly solved it are:

Stingas Family Pannu Family Vinod Family

Khooblall Family Khathuria Family Badwal Family

Lu Family Namburi Family Salvo Family

Iaria Family Groom Family

Well done to you all. You are stretching your brain and becoming great mathematicians!

Here you see five equal squares.

The Question: Can you leave just three squares by taking away three sticks?

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Senior Family Maths Challenge-

The solution is…

Families who participated in this challenge and correctly solved it are:

Pratt Family Gigliotti Family Galgano Family

Nguyen Family Groom Family Casasanta Family

Eighteen sticks form a star with eight triangles (six small ones and two large ones).

The Question: How can just two sticks be moved to make four small triangles and two large ones?

HOW YOUR SCHOOL CAN HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT SAVER PLUS…

The Saver Plus program assists lower income families to save for education costs and build their financial

skills, knowledge and confidence.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence has worked with local communities across City of Hume to inform

families about the benefits of Saver Plus and with the help of local schools and kindergartens more

families have become aware of the program.

It would be great to promote the Saver Plus program to your families, and I would welcome the

opportunity to discuss the best ways to reach them.

Here are some ideas of activities other schools have undertaken:

1. Running the attached Saver Plus notice in your newsletter.

2. Displaying Saver Plus information in your front office, including flyers, brochures and posters.

3. Including Saver Plus information when sending information to families about book lists, excursions,music programs or general school activities, particularly when lower income families may find itdifficult to afford these school costs.

4. Inviting your local Saver Plus Worker to speak to parents at your events or school meetings aboutsaving for education.

5. Inviting your local Saver Plus Worker to hold a free financial education session or morning teasfollowing school drop-off for students or parents.

6. Informing your Student Welfare Officer or School Counsellor about Saver Plus.

7. Using other innovative communication methods, such as text messaging parents, to inform familieswho could benefit from the program.

For more information, contact Christian Unger, Brotherhood of St Laurence Saver Plus Worker on9483 2416 or cunger@bsl.org.au

www.bsl.org.au/Saver-Plus

Saver Plus is an initiative of ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, with ANZ providing the matched savings for participants.

Join Saver Plus and match your savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500 for educational costs including: • school uniforms and text books• computers, laptops and tablets• excursions and camps• sports equipment, uniforms and lessons• TAFE, traineeship and apprenticeship costs • music tuition and intrument hire.

You may be eligible if you have a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card, are at least 18 years old, have some regular income from work (you or your partner) and have a child at school or study yourself.

Would $500 assist you with education costs?

Saver Plus was developed by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence and is delivered in your local area. The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government.