“Christmas is almost here!” So what do we think of when we hear such news? Probably, the thoughts that come to mind are those associated with the necessary preparations that go to make the day an enjoyable occasion marked by lots of food, presents, lights and tinsel. Besides this type of joy there is another:

“Let’s arise with joy in our hearts

And share it with everyone;

The meaning of Christmas will always be

The birth of Jesus, God’s Son.” Author uncertain

Christmas is an anniversary celebration of when God gave us the gift of Himself without splendour or opulence but in poverty and weakness, in the form of a tiny baby in an animal enclosure. Jesus, Son of God, emptied himself of power, privilege and possessions and was born into the human race in the humblest of manner.

In the early years of the Church, Christianity grew and spread very quickly. This was because Christians were known for their unusual compassion for those around them – so different to the treatment metered out by the Romans. If we choose to reach out to others in the midst of our own worrying, as did those early Christians, we, too, can be liberated by the joy of knowing ourselves to be united to Christ. .  The goodness of a Christian, one who models life on Christ, is not a matter of achieving a high moral standard or of scoring high marks in a test of rules’ observance. It is letting the wonder of God’s love come through our lives and allowing it to be available to other people. Love is given so that love can be born in another and given in return.

“As a baby, Jesus came                                                         As a baby, Jesus came

From his home above,                                                        The hope of eternal life.

He left his throne and where he was                                   Recalling us back to God

To teach us how to love.                                             Giving meaning to our lives.” 

Author unknown

Last Friday’s Feast Day celebrations were once again a great school and community event. The mass was a lovely way to bring our community together and the singing and reverence displayed by the children truly added to a beautiful liturgy. Even though the Christmas play was moved indoors it was another wonderful opportunity to gather and think about the Christmas message. Thanks to Mrs Kirsty Simpson and the Religious Education team for their organisation of both the liturgy and play. I would also like to thank Father Slawek for giving his time to celebrate with us. Thanks also to the staff of our school for their work in preparing the children for their part in the play. Thanks to the many parents who helped out with the preparation, cooking and serving of the fabulous sausage sizzle lunch. Your support is very much appreciated.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP - Over the last few weeks the children in Year 5 have been working through the process of electing our school leaders for the 2020 school year. I, along with the Year 4 and 5 students and teachers, had the pleasure of listening to the speeches and I was very impressed by the preparation of all candidates. The 2020 leaders will be inducted and presented with their badges at our Opening School Mass in 2020. I am pleased to announce our leaders for 2020:

School Captains                      Emmanuel Ramos                  Alexa Woo                 

School Vice Captains               Parker Cameron                      Sta O’Brien          

Therry (Red)                           Kyce De Silva                         Emily Skipper

Gibbs (Green)                         Brodie Cutajar                        Anne Warwick Smith

Farmer (Blue)                         Adrian Capitly                        Ayen Ajak

Mitchell (Yellow)                      Darby Scales                          Angelina Bampton

END OF YEAR THANKSGIVING MASS - On Wednesday 18 December, the Mary Immaculate School Community will celebrate our End of Year Thanksgiving Mass. The mass will commence at 11.00 am and will be followed by the ‘Closing of the Door’ ceremony where we farewell all those who will be leaving our school. At the conclusion of the mass children are free to go home with their parents. Parents and friends are invited to celebrate this mass with our children and staff. Please join us in giving thanks for the wonderful year we have experienced.

SEMESTER 2 REPORTS - A reminder to parents that Semester 2 reports for all students will be available on the Compass Platform this coming Friday. Please take time to sit with your children and celebrate their achievements for the 2019 school year. If any parents wish to discuss the report, I ask that you contact your child’s teacher and a convenient time will be arranged.

CHILDREN NOT RETURNING TO MARY IMMACULATE IN 2020 - If your child will not be returning to Mary Immaculate in 2020 could you please notify Mrs Pizarro in the office as soon as possible. This information will assist us with accommodating both new applications and students who are currently on our waiting list. Leaving families also need to complete the appropriate documentation.

HAIRSTYLES AND UNIFORM - During the holidays, children will undoubtedly have haircuts in preparation for the school year ahead. A reminder to parents that hairstyles for the School Term should not attract attention. Hair for both boys and girls should be neat and tidy and of natural colour. Rat tails, shaved indents and hair covering eyes etc, are not permitted.

Please also be aware of the School’s Uniform Policy especially in regards to sport socks and sport shoes. Socks should be short fold over socks, which cover the ankles and shoes are to be predominantly WHITE in colour with white shoelaces.

PARENT HELPERS MORNING TEA - By way of thanking the parents who so generously give their time and talent to support our school, we are holding a morning tea on Friday 13 December. Please join us from 10:25am in the school hall. No matter what you are involved in please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated. If you are able to join us, please return the tear off slip on the note sent home previously.

Have a great week and let Christ be our way and life.

Mrs Lillian Del Giudice

Acting Principal

MATHS OLYMPIAD - This year, 28 Stage 3 students participated in the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads. This consisted of 5 separate Olympiads each with 5 questions of varying difficulty.

After the 5 Olympiads our team score was 192. As a team we finished 118 out of 1553 teams that entered. With the result we achieved a team certificate for finishing in the top 25% of overall team scores.

I am extremely proud of every student who participated in the Olympiads and thank them for their commitment to Mathematics.

Team Awards

Trophy Winner: Jasmine L

Medal Winners: Grace M, Angelina B, Anthony P, Isabelle V, Madison W, George D, Isaiah F, Dominic N, Issac R and Aidan R

Patch Winners: Zach B, Sophia C, Liam S, Parker C, Jilliane, C, Sta O'B, Emman R, Alexa W, Madison Z, Adrian C, Darby S and Elijah T.

Certificate of Achievement: Lachlan B, Jayden D, Mitchell W, Patrick A and Patrick W.

Special Achievement: Dominic N.

Darryn Warren

MIDDLE LEADER