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Dear Parents
There is a growing sense of excitement in the air as we edge closer to the end of the year. With easing of restrictions across most of the country, many of us are looking forward to spending Christmas with family and friends at home or further afield. Our prayers for an end to this dreadful pandemic have been heard with the news of vaccines as early as March next year. Let’s pray that we start the new school year being able to be gather as we have done in the past.
With Jacarandas in full bloom at present, it is a timely reminder that we begin the Season of Advent this weekend, a time of preparation for the birth of Christ. In Sunday’s Gospel reading, we are reminded that now is the time to watch and be alert for when the “owner of the house comes back”. As the “silly season” begins, take a moment to reflect on what the season is all about, the coming of Jesus the Messiah.
This week began with a successful swimming carnival where the St Kieran’s spirit was evident throughout the day, from our swimmers, students and parent volunteers. Meanwhile, back at school, Kindergarten and Year 1 held a teddy bear’s picnic that was a relaxing day for the students and teachers. Thank you to Mrs Middleton and Mr Labone for organising such an excellent carnival, to our parent volunteers and to the Year 6 students for their assistance on the day. The remainder of the week has seen activities such as swim safety, yoga, Year 6 spirituality day and optional play for next year’s Kinder students.
In anticipation for a return to “normal” school next year, we are calling for expressions of interest for volunteer roles such as P&F committee members, class parents, canteen helpers, car park lollipop controllers and library assistants. The current P&F team will be stepping down at the end of this year in what has been a very challenging year, unable to complete many of their planned activities due to COVID. With the change, I am eager to explore new ways of approaching event organisation, fundraising and further strengthening the community at St Kieran’s. It is an opportunity to re-imagine the P&F by re-defining roles e.g. co-presidents instead of president and vice-president or a change for class parent roles. The linked form allows you to express your interest in one or more roles, even if it is just to enquire before next year. You might like to discuss with a friend or two and look at the possibility of volunteering together for a role. The Catholic School Parent Council often ask, “If you could do just one thing to volunteer for next year, what would it be?” I am happy to discuss any roles or answer questions before the P&F AGM next year where we will thank the outgoing P&F and welcome a new team for 2021.
Monday will be a very sad day for the St Kieran’s community when we say goodbye to two long-standing staff members; Mrs Narelle Leathem and Mrs Wendy Rose. Narelle and Wendy have served the St Kieran’s community for a significant number of years. Both teachers will be at school on Monday for a farewell morning tea and a presentation of gifts by students after recess.
Narelle, an ex-student of St Kieran’s and past parent, was also the co-founder of Just ASC, the before and after school care that ran for 23 years. Narelle was PE teacher for many years and worked alongside her daughter Kayle for a short period. Narelle’s energy and sporting abilities will be greatly missed by the staff and students.
Apart from the many years that Wendy has served at St Kieran’s, she has also served Catholic education at a number of other local schools. Wendy has been a much loved and valued member of the St Kieran’s community over this time. She has been described as the moral compass and conscience of the school, displaying immense empathy and compassion for the disadvantaged and needy. From Winter sleep outs, Vinnies drives to the Valentine’s Day undies collection, Wendy has shown us what it means to live a truly Christian life. Wendy will finish school on Monday with Mrs Karen Hughes completing the year with Year 2.
We wish Narelle and Wendy many happy and healthy years ahead with their families and friends. Know that you will both be very much missed but loved by your St Kieran’s family.
Principal
Michael Gallagher
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