All Saints Parish School Portland eNewsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the traditional owners, the Gunditjmara people, on whose land we learn, work and play. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders- past, present and emerging believing that we can walk together for a better future.

Principal's Report

The years just seem to be going by much more quickly than they used to but we have come to the end of another school year. And what a year it has been. As I sit and reflect I am amazed at what we have been able to achieve as a school community this year.

We have so many people to thank for their contribution to All Saints Parish School throughout 2024.

Thank you to our families for all of your support and understanding during the year. Thank you for entrusting your child's education to us and also for partnering with us on this journey. To anyone who has volunteered at any stage throughout the year, we really appreciate your support and assistance. Whether it be in our canteen, the Deb balls or in some other way your contribution is greatly appreciated by all in our school community. Special thanks to Sue, Loryn and their volunteers for keeping our canteen running while Hayley needed some time away.

Thank you to our amazing staff for the commitment and dedication that you have shown to ensuring that our students have the best opportunities to grow. The care and compassion that you show towards our students and their families is second to none. I am grateful for how you go over and above to understand each of your students and provide support and challenges for each of them. Thank you also to our school leadership team for your ability to work collaborativley to make sure that we are continuing to provide quality learning and social experiences for our students and support to our families.

Last but not least, thank you to the fabulous students of All Saints Parish School. Your willingness to work hard and overcome challenges is to be admired. Thank you to those students who have gone over and above to support community events that we are involved in. I encourage you all to take the time to sit back and reflect on what you have achieved throughout the year. You should all be extremely proud of what you have done this year. I know that your teachers are proud of you.

At the end of the year we farewell many students, families and some staff. We will be sad to lose Mrs Murrell and Mikki from our staff. We will acknowledge these people at our final assembly on Friday.

As we enter the Christmas season I would like to wish all families a happy and safe holiday break and hope that the spirit and joy of Christmas is shared in your homes and with your loved ones.

Christmas blessings,

Jamie

Prayer

Advent & Christmas

Mrs Murrell- we will miss you!

This week we say farewell to a remarkable teacher who has been an integral part of our All Saints Parish School family. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it involves someone who has left such a huge mark on our hearts and minds. As Mrs Murrell prepares to embark on a new chapter in her life, it is only fitting that we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact she has had on each one of us; past and present staff, students and families.

Georgia has been more than just a teacher; she has been a leader, a mentor, a guide, a friend and a source of inspiration. Her passion for education, unwavering dedication, and genuine concern for the well-being and success of all of her students have set a standard that will be hard to match. It is not just the subject matter that Georgia taught, but the life lessons, encouragement, and the belief she instilled in all that will be forever cherished.

Over her 40 years in the classroom, Georgia created an environment where curiosity and creativity flourished. Her creative teaching methods made learning not just a task but a journey of discovery. Georgia went beyond the curriculum, building in her students a passion and love for learning that extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.

But it's not just about what Georgia taught academically; it's about the values she ingrained in everyone – the importance of perseverance and doing your best, the value of hard work, and the significance of kindness. Georgia not only imparted knowledge but also played a pivotal role in shaping the personalities and characters of those lucky enough to cross her path.

As we bid farewell, let us remember and celebrate the incredible journey we have had with Georgia. The memories we've shared, the lessons we've learned, and the laughter we've enjoyed will forever remain strong in our hearts and minds. Some of the stories can never be forgotten.

Georgia, your departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill. Your legacy will continue through the countless lives you've touched, and the knowledge and wisdom you've shared will be carried forward by each of us. As you embark on this new adventure, retirement, know that you take with you the best wishes, gratitude, and love of everyone you've encountered.

To say that we appreciate everything that you have done does not seem enough for such an amazing career. Thank you, Georgia, for your tireless dedication, your wisdom, and the countless moments of inspiration. You will be greatly missed, and your impact has been and will continue to be recognised through the contributions of those who have been fortunate enough to have been taught by Mrs Murrell.

May the path ahead be filled with success, joy, and fulfillment. Farewell, Mrs Murrell. You will be deeply missed, and your impact will be a lasting testament to the incredible educator and person you are. Wishing you a retirement as wonderful as the countless lives you've touched throughout your remarkable career.

THANK YOU!

My New Gallery

We have made it!

This Friday is the last day of the school year for our students. Our day finishes at the normal time of 3:25pm and buses will run to their regular schedule.

We will have a final assembly at 2:30pm to farewell our Year 6 graduating students, staff and families who are leaving us at the end of the year.

The school office will be open Monday December 18 and Tuesday December 19 but not at the usual times.

Opening times will be:

Monday 1:00pm-4:00pm & Tuesday 8:00am- 12:30pm.

School Dates for 2024

Some important dates for 2024

Thursday January 25- School office opens (9am -3pm)

Monday January 29- Staff return

Tuesday January 30- First day for students

Wednesday January 31- Whole School Welcome Picnic

Friday February 9- Opening School Mass @ All Saints Church

Wednesday February 14- Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent)

Wednesday February 14-Friday February 16- Year 5/6 camp- Melbourne

Wednesday February 21- Student Free Day- Staff PD- Structured Literacy

Friday March 1- World day of Prayer

Learning and Teaching

Students of the Week

FCL: Henry Garner & Zion Nuku

FRP: Layla Richardson & Gia Gavino

1/2DW: Nash Neave & Georgiana Litowschenko

1/2ID: Mia Tobolov & Zane Farrugia

1/2MN: Sienna Ozzimo & Faith Edwards

1/2MR: Emmy Powell & Ruby Rowe

3/4DL: Felilx Bell & Charli Hawker

3/4GM: Jayden Jackson & Emmy Bicknell

3/4JS: Sophia Budde & Ilaria Toohey

Indonesian: Althea Howman & Lucy Crimmins

Science: Cassie Jayasundara & Ella Mifsud

Music: Kiera McMahon & James Appleby

Phys Ed: Chaz Hawker & Tyler Leishmann

We congratulate these students on their wonderful work. Well done everyone!

Isla's Big Chop

Isla had her big haircut at school on Thursday. She looked very different and was now looking forward to having more time in the mornings as it would not take as long to do her hair. Isla cut off 38cm of her hair. WOW!!!

Well done Isla.

This is her fundraising link if any families would like to donate.
https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/fundraisers/alanastrom/wigs-4-kids

Isla's Short Hair

Leadership & Stewardship

Final Assembly

Our final assembly will be held on Friday December 15 at 2:30pm in the school hall. At this assembly we will farewell our Year 6 students and any families or staff who will be leaving our school at the end of 2023. All families are welcome to attend this End of Year assembly.

Community Engagement

Year 5/6 choir singing carols at Harbourside Lodge

On Thursday we took a choir of Year 5/6 students to Harbourside Lodge to sing Christmas carols to the residents and staff. The children sang about 10 carols and played instruments. Many of the residents joined in the singing and had their own percussion instruments as well. The Christmas spirit was alive and well.

What a great way to spread some joy at Christmas.

Harbourside Carols

Catholic School Culture

End of Year Mass

Our whole school End of Year mass will take place on Wednesday December 13 at All Saints Parish Church.

Families are invited to join us to celebrate at the Church at 11:00am.

Yr 6 Graduation Liturgy & Ceremony

We formally celebrate the end of the Year 6 students primary schooling with a Graduation Liturgy & Ceremony on Thursday 14th December. Families - including extended family members - are invited to our school hall to celebrate this significant event in their school lives. The Graduation Liturgy will commence at 6pm, we ask students to arrive by 5.45pm.

Child Safety & Wellbeing

Child Safety

It’s almost Christmas! It has certainly come around quickly this year. No doubt, your children will be
busy making their Christmas lists for Santa and there could be a bit of technology on those lists! Not
just the ones we immediately think of either; eg: gaming, tablets, phones, but also things like drones,
robotic toys and more. This link https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources/gift-guide from https://www.esafety.gov.au/ will give you more information on the different tech that may be on those lists and provides great information about them. It’s a great site to forward on to the North Pole too!

Congratulations

Hazel Paige Kennedy

Congratulations to Mrs Kennedy, Mikey and Elsie on the recent arrival of your beautiful daughter and sister, Hazel.

We can't wait to meet her in person. We are sure that Elsie will make a wonderful and loving big sister.

Success for the Bicknell and Lyons Families

We recently did a trip to Maydena, Tasmania for the Enduro Jam Mountain bike festival. The trails are steep and technical and known as some of the best in Australia. Racing is on multiple stage downhill trails, with combined times deciding the winner.
Emmy put down the fastest race times for under 10 girls, winning her category.
Jack won under 6 boys and Fletcher close in 2nd place.
The parents also raced and got podium positions although are pretty concerned the kids will be hot on their wheels next year

Happy Birthday

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

STUDENTS: Fletcher Bicknell, Zade Edwards. Sophie Powell, Charlotte Ubergang-Sandstrom, Cruiz McNamara, Briellah Logan, Ciarah Logan, Charlotte Norman, Danny Warn, Ella Jarrett, Holly Kort, Tyler Leishman, Travis Barnes, Tilly Friend, Georgia Hatten, Aliyah, Logan, Summer Chow, Oliver Copley, Melodi Fairweather, Archibald McCallum, Dylan Radley, Harry Rogers, Angus Smith, Evelyn Kort, Julian Mochales, Kiah Schlemmer, Violet Spiller-Christian,

STAFF: Rosie, Jess L