Advent: Prayer of Hope

God of light, shine forth, show us how to bring hope to others. God of mercy, help us to comfort your people and share in their joy. God of hope, make us Advent people, preparing the way for life in all its fullness.

So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ -- the Life of the world.

Amen

Last week, the students were taken on a tour through the new classrooms and were suitably impressed with the outcome of our Stage 1 Building Works. We are pleased to announce that today the fences came down and we were given official access to the new classrooms and have begun the moving process with the aim of Year 1 and 2 classes being in their new homes (albeit for a short period) by mid next week. Our Year 3 and 4 classrooms will be ready for the start of Term 1 next year.

It has certainly been a year of making adjustments, working collaboratively and displaying patience and resilience. The staff and students have all risen to the challenges and changes encountered during the building works. I promise you, it will all be worth it!        

Camp Australia Bookings

A reminder that bookings for our new OSHC provider, Camp Australia are now open. It is important to understand that any current bookings with YMCA will not be carried over so you must register your child with Camp Australia and then make your bookings for 2021. Follow this link to our St Joseph’s registration page.

Camp Australia is offering Holiday Care at St Joseph’s from Monday 11 January. Click here to find out more information about session costs and the activities on offer.

We are aware that there have been some teething issues with the booking process but can confidently confirm that these issues have been rectified. Bookings can now be made for the duration of 2021. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition phase.

End of Year Thank You and Carols

With the year that we have had, we have much to be thankful for. While we are still limited in how we can come together, we do want to celebrate 2020 and rejoice the Christmas season.

We invite you to join us under the trees in front of our new classrooms (bring a chair or rug) on Monday 14 December.

• Foundation to Year 2 families (max 2 guests) 9:15am
• Year 3 to 6 families (max 2 guests) 10:15am

Foundation will lead the Nativity Play at each gathering, joined by other grades to sing some carols.

Library Books

We ask that any St Joseph's Library books be returned to school as soon as possible. Although students have not been able to borrow library books for the majority of the year, there may be some books hiding in bedrooms that were not returned before our Covid restrictions came into place.

Kid-Free Friday Night

Have you booked your place for a well-deserved kid-free night? The P&F, in conjunction with support from YMCA are offering you a couple of hours to yourself next Friday 11 November. Further information and booking details can be found here

A Budding Filmmaker

Congratulations to Reese M in 4 Green who was awarded 1^st Place in the Future Film competition. The theme of the competition was ‘Reimagining Canberra’s Future’ and gave young filmmakers a creative platform to express their ideas to solve our most pressing environmental issues. The love of all things sustainable certainly runs deep in the McGee household!

Have an enjoyable end to the week!

Sustainability in Action

Worms are our friends! Last week, Foundation sampled their yummy green beans planted last term. After the tasting, we read “Yucky Worms” and discussed the importance of worms in an ecosystem. Here are the takeaways:

“They eat our food scraps,” said Enoch.

“Their poop is really good for the soil,” said Claire.

Bea said, “They can’t see,” and Xander added, “but they can feel the vibrations.”

Madeline said, “They make the soil really good for planting plants in.”

“They make the plants grow really big,” said Adam.

Charlie said, “They make tunnels so the water can get in.”

“They have bristles that help them move,” said Ivy.

Ryan McGee