Term 4 Week 2 - Friday 13th October 2023
From our Principal
Term 4 Week 2
Dear families,
I have felt so helpless this week reading and hearing about the devastation in Israel and Palestine. I went over to the Church and lit a candle and said a prayer. Sometimes, in the midst of terror and grief and incomprehension, kindling a flame is all we can do to keep the darkness at bay and our hope alive.
Today, we kindle that flame for those in Israel and the Gaza strip who have lost their lives.
We kindle it for their families and loved ones.
We kindle it for those who have been taken hostage and all who are injured and shocked.
We kindle it for emergency workers, for the fearful and the broken and the children.
And, we kindle a flame, forever and always, in hope, in prayer, in longing for peace for all, everywhere.
We ask this in the name of God, who calls us always and everywhere to be people of peace.
Amen.
Term 4 can always be a bit of a juggle; one foot in the current year and the other foot planted in next year. Our leadership team begins the important process of planning for the upcoming year, including staffing, timetabling and class allocations. There are always multiple factors to consider, including student needs, class sizes, curriculum requirements and the allocation of qualified educators. You might have noticed some part-time positions advertised on our website and Facebook page. At the centre of all our decision-making is what is ultimately best for our students. Our number one goal is to create an environment that promotes learning, collaboration and personal growth for all our students. We place a strong emphasis on creating balanced and diverse groups, believing that this fosters rich learning experiences.
Next year, we will continue to run composite classes while still differentiating our learning to suit the individual needs of our students. Research indicates that multi-age classrooms have educational and social benefits for students. These include:
- Increased proficiency to problem-solve
- Increased social interaction with a broad range of peers
- Increased opportunities for peer modeling and leadership development
- Alignment with the curriculum
As always, if you have any questions please reach out and have a chat.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Roxanne
Western Region Athletics Carnival - Ballarat
Congratulations to our students who competed in the Western Regional Athletics carnival last week. We had strong representation over various disciplines. A special mention to Pat who has qualified for the state level in high jump.
School Hat Reminder!
School hats must be worn in Terms 1 & 4 in line with our SunSmart Policy. If your child needs a new hat, these are available to purchase for $10 at the office.
2024 Junior Learning Community Info Session
Christmas Cards Available!
Series 1 & Series 2 Christmas Cards are now available to purchase from the office. 20 for $10. Congratulations to all our featured artists!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Our birthday celebrations this week:
Lachlan B & Finley C
Holy Spirit Parish Bulletin
2023 STUDENT FREE DAYS
Wednesday 1st November
WHOLE SCHOOL PRAYER
Every Friday at 2.45pm in the Multi Purpose Room
TERM 4 DATES
WEEK 3
WSP - SLC1
Thursday 19th October
Grade 2 Sleepover
Friday 20th October
Book Club orders due
WEEK 4
WSP - MLC1
Thursday 26th October
Black Ranges Cricket Blast
Friday 27th October
No lunch orders available - VCE exams
WEEK 5
WSP - JLC2
Wednesday 1st November
Student Free Day - Staff PD
Friday 3rd November
No lunch orders available - VCE exams
WEEK 6
WSP - SLC2
Thursday 9th November
JLC Excursion - Ballarat Wildlife Park
Friday 10th November
No lunch orders available - VCE exams
WEEK 7
WSP - MLC1
WEEK 8
WSP - JLC1
Tuesday 21st November
Foundation 2024 Transition 2.15pm - 3.15pm
WEEK 9
WSP - SLC1
Tuesday 28th November
Foundation 2024 Transition 2.15pm - 3.15pm
2024 Junior Learning Community Info Sessions:
Session 1 @ 3.20-3.50pm OR
Session 2 @ 6.00 - 6.30pm
ALL CURRENT AND NEW FAMILIES WELCOME!
WEEK 10
WSP - SLC2
Tuesday 5th December
Year 6 Transition Day @ Marian College
Foundation 2024 Transition 2.15pm - 3.15pm
Thursday 7th December
Christmas Performance @ 6pm
WEEK 11
Tuesday 12th December
Whole School Transition Day for 2024
Thursday 14th December
End of Year Mass @ 9.15am
Grade 6 Graduation @ 6pm
Friday 15th December
Students Last Day for 2023
Grade 6 Big Day Out
NORMAL FINISH @ 3.15pm
WEEK 12
Monday 18th December
Staff Last Day for 2023
2024 TERM DATES
Term 1
Monday 29th January - Friday 28th March
(students return Tuesday 30th January)
Term 2
Monday 15th April - Friday 28th June
Term 3
Monday 15th July - Friday 20th September
Term 4
Monday 7th October - Friday 20th December
In Our Community
Well done to our school captains for contributing to this year's Resilient Ararat theme "Grow Happiness". The girls spent time collaborating with other students in the district to develop the theme.
Ararat Rural City Council are working with RUOK? to host a free event in Ararat at the end of the month.
The Locals Know Best workshop aims to provide our community with tools and recommendations on how to best approach those difficult conversations with family, friends and colleagues. There will also be opportunities to provide feedback on what resources you think our community needs in order to have more meaningful conversations and see change in this space.
Details: Location: Ararat Town Hall, Barkly St Date: Monday 30 October 2023
Time: Free BBQ 5:30-6:00pm, followed by the RUOK? workshop from 6:00-7:00pm
The event is free, however, it does require you to book a seat
https://www.ararattownhall.