Aboriginal Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We commit ourselves to actively working alongside Aboriginal people for reconciliation and justice.

Dear Parents,

We are now into our third week of Advent in the Church Year. The four weeks of Advent allow us time to ponder how Jesus came into the world in such a stunningly humble way. As we contemplate His birth in a bed of straw, in a messy stable, perhaps we see our own life as being a little messy too. Our life is often distracted, self-centred and sometimes leaves us wishing we were better people. If we can slow down and refocus our attention, we might realise that God is there, waiting to love us, even though we have so many unfulfilled good intentions.

 “Are we there yet?” This is a question we have probably heard, and probably asked, multiple times throughout our lives. It is a question that frequently comes up, especially when the kids are sitting in the back seat wondering when they will finally arrive at the destination. It is also a question that we may be tempted to ask during the Advent season. We know that many people have now jumped right into their Christmas festivities, barely taking taking time to catch their breath but, with this Advent season, we are being reminded that we’re not there yet. This season of Advent, this beginning of the Church’s new liturgical year, is an opportunity for us to take the time to enjoy the journey. To proceed a little more slowly and intentionally towards Christmas – to notice what God is doing in our lives, and in the world around us, to help us be better prepared to welcome Jesus anew.

So, we may not be “there” yet, but, even now, Jesus is here, with us, as we begin this journey through Advent.

Jesus, through Your Holy Spirit, grant us the light and strength needed to journey through this Advent season, so as to always be prepared to encounter You.

End of Year Message

As we approach the end of another school year, it is with a sense of pride and gratitude that I reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked upon together. The 2024 school year has been filled with moments of learning, collaboration, and growth.

To our students, you have embraced the teachings of our faith, demonstrating kindness, empathy, and a thirst for knowledge. Your achievements, both academically and spiritually, reflect the character and integrity that are at the heart of a Catholic education. As you move forward, may your faith continue to be a guiding light, illuminating your path and inspiring those around you.

I express my deepest appreciation to our dedicated staff, whose unwavering commitment to our students has created a positive and nurturing learning environment. Their passion and hard work have not only shaped our students' academic journeys but also instilled in them the values of curiosity, resilience, and compassion.

Our parents and carers play a crucial role in our school community, and I want to express my thanks for your ongoing support. Your partnership with us in fostering a faith-filled learning environment is invaluable. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, attending school events, or engaging in your child's education, has made a significant impact on our collective success. Together, we are building a foundation for a lifetime of learning.

In looking back on the year, we have faced challenges with grace and celebrated triumphs with gratitude. As we approach the holidays, I encourage each of you to take time for prayer, reflection, and quality time with loved ones. Whether you're travelling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying moments of quiet reflection, remember that your efforts have contributed to the success of our school community.

As we eagerly anticipate the start of the next academic year, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories created. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where every member of our community feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

I love this reflection on the Christmas story put into today’s context and it got me thinking about the way that we are so quick to judge others. During this Christmas season I hope that we all take the time to look at others ‘through the eyes of a child’ so that we can see things more openly and empathetically.

The first Christmas that little Linda learned to read, she was allowed to distribute the family gifts on Christmas day. According to family custom, the one who distributed the gifts could open the first package. After all the gifts were distributed with loving care, Linda kept looking around the tree and among the branches. Finally her dad asked, ‘What are you looking for, dear?’ To which Linda replied, ‘I thought Christmas was Jesus’ birthday and I was just wondering where his present is. I guess everyone forgot him.’

That is the challenge which faces us all this Christmas - to put the Christ back into our family Christmas. This is an ideal time for families to focus on the important things that affect their family life - the time they spend together, the quality of relationships within the immediate and extended family group, the willingness to put others first and to forgive one another. Please remember to include Jesus on your family gift list - make the religious significance of Christmas visible in your home and join with your Church family for this special feast.

And so to another Christmas! The little baby born in Bethlehem, serves to remind us of the truth that our God is a God who loves us, even to the point of becoming one of us. In becoming human, God has given each of us dignity and importance, and the opportunity to transcend the worries of this world and focus on our eternal destiny.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thank you for another remarkable year. Wishing you all a joyful and holy Christmas and a relaxing and safe holiday.

School Reports

Semester Two School Reports were emailed home on Friday. Please check your Compass email to access these reports.

Year Six Graduation Dinner and Awards                                                           

Congratulations to our Year Six students on completing their Primary education. We wish them all the very best as they begin high school. We thank them for the great contributions each of them has made to our school community.

Please see photos below of their awards ceremony.

Farewell to Families

We would like to wish all families who are leaving St Carthage’s all the very best for the future, wherever life may take you. Thank you for the contribution which each family has made to our school. Our best wishes and prayers go with you.

Farewell to Staff

We would like to take this opportunity to farewell our staff members who will not be returning in 2024. We would like to thank Mrs Biesteker, Mrs Llewellyn, Mrs Kane, Mrs Bailey, Mrs Seymour, Miss McWhirter and Mr Taylor for the great contribution they have made to St Carthage’s school community. 

Christmas Concert

What a great celebration we had on Monday evening at our Christmas Concert. It was great to see our school families come together to celebrate this joyous time of the year.

Our students were magnificent and we thank Mrs Craig and Mrs Allenand the many staff who assisted in some way.

Please see photos below.

End of Year Mass
Tomorrow, 18th December we will celebrate the conclusion of our 2024 school year with Mass at 9:30am in the Cathedral. At the conclusion of Mass, we will farewell the 2024 Year 6 students.

All members of our school community are invited to join us for this important celebration.

School Leaders 2024

We congratulate our Year Six leaders for 2025.

School Captains:   Isabella Mullington and Billy Bradfield

Vice Captains:  Luka van de Walt and Henry Hogan

Colour House Captains

Carthage: Ella Davey and Isaac Barry

D'Arcy: Sassy Zorzo and Billy McCarthy

Doyle: Georgia Dodds and Harrison Behan

Jerome: Ruby Hall and Jack Hutley

Nagle: Clancy Jeffery and Tobhi Olive-Conte

Thomas: Maggie Hughes and Gus Collings

Mathematics Assessment Interviews (MAI) 2024

Bookings are now open for our Mathematics Assessment Interviews (MAI) for next year for our Year One to Year Six students. MAIs will take place on Monday 30th January and Tuesday 31st January 2023. To make a booking go to: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/qfb2e

or use the QR code below:

Follow the prompts to make your booking/s. Please remember to select the year level your child/ren will be in next year (2024).

Bookings must be finalised by Friday 22nd December at 3pm.

Please contact me via email at amanda.deeps@lism.catholic.edu.au if there are any issues with your MAI bookings.

I would like to wish everyone a happy and holy Christmas. I hope you all have a chance to spend quality time with your loved ones and relax and renew yourselves ready for 2024.

Stay safe and well over the break and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2024.

Paintings

Our indigenous students have been completing some paintings with Mr Condie during their cultural groups. They have done an excellent job producing these artworks and are very proud of their work.

This semester, the Year 5 students have participated in the $20 BOSS Project. This program was designed to build the enterprise skills of young people, better preparing them for the future.

The program gave students $20 of funding per student to create, launch, and operate their business venture. The students were encouraged to work in groups. During this, they learned the key elements of social entrepreneurship, business, and organisational skills. Students also focussed on creating social good by donating some of their profits to chosen charities.

The total money donated by Year 5 students was $2606.80. We thank Year 5 for all their hard work and for giving back to our community through their donations.

Jan's Bucket Club