God of Hope,

Awaken our hearts to you this season of Advent.

Fill our hearts with hopeful anticipation of Your coming,

so that when Jesus arrives, we are ready

to welcome him into our hearts and minds.

Amen

The Advent Wreath is a Symbol which reminds us of the everlasting love of God and the time of waiting for the coming of Christ into our lives.

The wreath is round, reminding us of the never-ending love of God.

The wreath is made from evergreens, reminding us of the life that comes from God.

There are four candles, three purple and one pink, representing the four Sundays in Advent.

The colour purple is the liturgical colour for Advent, which symbolizes a time of waiting and the colour pink represents the joy we share in the life of Jesus.

During the season of Advent one candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday as a part of the Advent services.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the 1st December, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is called the Prophet’s candle to remind us of the prophets, those special people who spoke God’s word to the people and promised that a saviour would come. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming of Jesus.

Dear Parents and Community Members,

It is hard to believe we have less than three weeks left until the end of the 2024 school year. As the teachers reflect on all the learning that has occurred during the year, as they write end-of-year reports, we are proud of the achievements made by our students.

The Advent season invites us to slow down, reflect on the year that has passed, and prepare for the new opportunities that await. It is a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle, we can find moments of stillness and purpose. As we approach the end of the school year, I encourage each student to embrace this spirit of reflection and use it as a source of inspiration to finish the year positively. Please take note of all the end of year activities and join with us as we celebrate and conclude a memorable year.

At our Annual Community Meeting, we acknowledged and thanked our School Advisory Council and P&F Executive for their work throughout the year. We are so lucky as a community to have such wonderful people who willingly volunteer their time and talents for our beautiful school.

Families of students who have commenced in the school in Semester 2 will be receiving an email invitation to SEQTA to activate their account in preparation for accessing school reports at the end of the year.

This is a good opportunity for all families to check they can still access SEQTA. Please contact the office if you have any problems.

Thank you very much to all our OLC families for the incredible effort to assist us with our preparations to be ready in the event of an emergency bushfire situation, where we may need to evacuate our school. Having the opportunity to test our procedures is really important to us. In the event of a real emergency, we want our students to be calm and prepared, so these annual drills help us to ensure that we can keep our students safe.

Special thanks to Andy Thompson and his team for their advice, support and presence.

Also, thanks to all OLC staff, who epitomise team work at its best.

Last week, we held the Annual Community Meeting, where the School Advisory Council (SAC) and P&F reported on activities of the year. After many years, Craig Saunders will be stepping down from chairing the School Advisory Council. His leadership on the SAC has resulted in our school growing its buildings to allow us to have the incredible facilities we now enjoy. His attention to detail, knowledge and expertise dealing with architects and builders, as well as his wise advice and creative thinking, were vital in the success of the building programs. His shoes will be hard to fill, and I am extremely grateful for his leadership and support. I would also like to extend my thanks on behalf of the school to retiring SAC member, Amelia Hart, and thank her for her dedication and time as Treasurer over the last two years. I look forward to working with continuing members, Leah Pearson, Judd Heitman and Ben McCarthy next year, and welcoming new members, Cath Dwyer, Matthew Ryan and Ebony Treptow, who join the Advisory Council for 2025.

Our P&F have done an outstanding job again this year, with their focus on friend-raising and fund-raising, with the aim to reduce the number of fund-raising activities and demands on parents. Sincere thanks to the Executive, Jessica Duffy, Penny Woods, Caris O’Connell and Laura Paxinos for their service and commitment in their first year in their roles. Special mention and thank you to Caris, who has been our Treasurer this year, and will not be continuing in that role next year. I look forward to working with the rest of the Executive again next year, and Billie Wheatley, who nominated to take on the role of Treasurer, to continue to be able to give much-valued financial, social and pastoral support to the school.

IT Technician: Janine Johnston

Finance Officers: Sandra O’Leary, Kaya Jecks and Sarah Wielgus

Administration Officers: Frances Marrell, Jodie Spencer

Library: Mary-lee Kemp, Leah Reilly

Education Assistants: Abby McFadden, Misty Hearne, Alice Huxtable, Jodie Spencer, Rachel Sweeney, Deb Young, Bron Byrne, Niki Butterly, Lauren King, Linde Millett-Beatty, Lotta Clark, Tina Hayward, Lisa Annert, Joni Beeston, Letitia Jackson, Prisca Glaskin, Lynn Peacock, Marylee Edwards, Leanne Gibbons, Lotta Clark

Grounds: Robert Wielgus

The teachers are still working on class lists for 2025. Please note this is an extremely complex task, with many factors taken into account in order to meet the needs of all learners. I have confidence in the professional decisions made by our teachers to place students. Classes for 2025 will be finalised in the coming weeks and will be communicated to parents via text in Week 10.

I commend our teachers for their work in this area. Please see the Class Placement Procedure if you have any questions about the process.

Tomorrow afternoon, all students will spend time with their new teachers for next year, in their new classrooms. Although class lists have not yet been finalised for 2025, students will be able to spend time with both teachers, as part of familiarisation with their new classrooms for next year, to assist with a smooth transition.

This is being held on Wednesday 27 November commencing at 5.30pm. All students, Kindy to Year 6 will be participating, on stage with their classes. Students need to assemble in their classrooms with their teacher at 5.15pm, ready for a 5.30pm start. Parents can bring picnic blankets or low concert-style chairs to sit on. Please note that the playgrounds and basketball courts are unable to be used by siblings during the concert, out of respect for the performers, who have worked hard to prepare their items for the concerts. Please keep younger siblings and teenage siblings with you for the duration of the concert. A reminder that this is an alcohol-free event. Thank you very much.

The format for the concert will involve all students participating, with class performances of songs and some speaking roles to link the songs together, all based around the beautiful Christmas Nativity, which embraces and celebrates our Catholic identity, and has a focus on the true meaning of Christmas. There will be an upbeat medley to conclude the performance, with all students involved.

During the year, individual students are recognised in many ways, including Merit Certificates, Star Citizens, Kimochis and MJR awards. There will not be any individual awards presented at the concert, as the concert is a celebration of ALL students at the end of the year.

On Thursday the 5th of December at 9:00am, the Kindy children will be performing a few songs as a Christmas/farewell to Kindy for 2024. This will be a mini performance of Christmas songs and a special visit from the man in red to finish off the morning. There will also be the presentation of certificates for finishing Kindy back in the classrooms, followed by an early morning tea,

We are looking forward to a wonderful morning to celebrate these wonderful Kindy children!

Parents, please note that to enable teachers to keep teaching meaningful lessons covering the curriculum until the end of the school year, reports are not being finalised until Week 9. Reports will be made available for parents to view and download on Monday 9 December. Please check your login details now for SEQTA Connect and contact the school if you are having difficulty.

The P&F are organising a Fun Day for the end of the year, to be held on Tuesday 3 December. There will be allocated times for classes to go to the oval, K-PP, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. There will be two main activity zones, a wet and dry zone. The dry zone will include high ropes and climbing wall. The wet zone will have the fire truck, water splash zone, and a 'disco'. There will be giant games, a craft table and icy poles for everyone. Students will need to wear their bathers, have sunscreen applied, with a rashie or t-shirt, hat and thongs and bring water bottles. They can bring something dry to get changed into, free dress for the day. Thanks to our P&F for organising a fun day for our students to celebrate the end of the year.

Parents, please note that canteen will operate on Wednesday for the last two weeks of school and NOT on Friday.

This week it will still operate on Friday (tomorrow).

The last day for students will be Friday 6 December. The day will feature Graduation Assembly for Year 6 students and families, beginning with morning tea for Year 6 students and guests at school from 11.00am. After morning tea, the Graduation Assembly will begin at 12.00pm.

Pre-Primary students moving into Year 1 will need formal school uniforms in addition to their sports uniform that they currently wear every day. Uniforms are available to order online.

Please spread the word that we still have some places left for 2025.

Please contact the office for details.

Please make sure your school fees are paid in full by the end of the school year.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

May God bless you.

Mrs Angela Hegney

Principal

We will be presenting our donations for the St. Vincent De Paul Christmas appeal to representatives from the local Dunsborough Vinnies at the 9.00am assembly next Friday the 29th November. That means you have just over one week to make a contribution. If every family could donate just one small item per class box to help a local family in need this Christmas, we would be well on our way to brightening the lives of dozens of less fortunate local residents on Christmas Day. Thank you for your generosity. Here is a reminder of what we are chasing:

K & PP: Christmas goodies, chocolates, bonbons, puddings, decorations, small children's gifts, and stocking stuffers etc. No lollies or candy canes please!

Years 1, 2 & 3: Pasta sauces, meal kits, rice, biscuits, crackers, sauces, jams, condiments, (any non-perishable good food, which can be used beyond Christmas. (No baked beans or tinned vegetables please 🙂).

Year 4, 5 & 6: Toiletries, chocolates, tinned fruit, non-perishable fruit juices, nuts, small gifts, pampering items, gift vouchers (Kmart, coffee, etc).

Thank you for helping to make someone’s Christmas a little more special this year!

Preparations are well under way for our Year 6 students to graduate from Primary School at the end of the year. Celebrations begin with a 6.00pm mass and award ceremony at the church, on Thursday the 5th December. The following Day (Friday the 6th December, begins with an 11.00am morning tea in the undercover area for Year 6 Students and their guests to attend. At midday the entire school will gather in the hall to say a special farewell to the Year 6 cohort. Special thanks to our Year 5 P&F Reps who are currently coordinating the Year 5 parent body to cater for the special Graduation Morning Tea for the Year 6’s and their guests on their last day. We are looking forward to a special day for our graduating students. Please keep our graduating students in your prayers during this special time.

Is your child keen on performing? Ms Ruth Morley is coordinating the local Christmas Eve Nativity play at the church on Tuesday the 24th of December at 6.00pm at our church, Our Lady of the Southern Cross. Ruth is looking for a number of children who may be interested in the following roles on the night:

· Narrators

· Mary

· Joseph

· Soldier

· Inn Keeper

· Shepherds

· Angels

· Kings

· Donkey

Only 1 practice prior to the night will be necessary (memorised parts are kept to a minimum) and costumes are provided. If your child is interested, please contact Ruth on 9756 8816 or Fr. Archie on 9755 3944 to indicate your interest. With thanks.

In the interest of promoting sustainability and fostering a calm and focused end to the term, we kindly ask families to refrain from student-to-student card and candy cane exchanges at school. This decision supports our efforts to reduce paper waste and to ensure that teachers can maintain a positive and settled environment for all students as we wrap up the year. With thanks for your support.

Mrs Amie Meyer

Assistant Principal

Start Learning our Language of Friendship

OLC parents get access to a series of 10 parent-child videos that walk you through our language and strategies. This video series mirrors many of the concepts taught in Friendology + links you to further activities and articles. Get your FREE membership if you don’t already have it.

Click here to become a member - https://urstrong.com/parents/

Click here if you are already a member

https://urstrong.com/language-of-friendship/

Our Lady of the Cape students James Dwyer (Year 5) and Leo Chapman (Year 4), along with their Busselton Blazers teammates, were crowned U/11 Division 2 State Champions over the weekend! The boys played 5 games against fierce competition before progressing to the Grand Final and defeating the Cockburn Cougars 29-27 in the Basketball WA State Championship Carnival at Bendat Basketball Centre.

Division 2 is the highest division the Busselton Association can compete in, Division 1 being WABL State Titles, making this team one of the best in the whole state for their age!

The OLC P&F are very excited to announce our Christmas Raffle and the OLC 2024 Summer Fun Day!

Details: The Christmas Raffle is $5 per ticket and includes the opportunity to win 50 amazing prizes! Prizes include wine, cookies, chocolate, coffee, toys, books, games, gift vouchers and more!

The tickets will be distributed to classrooms ready to be sent home with students (in case of families, the eldest child will be given the tickets). Return the tickets and money to your child’s classroom or bring them to the Christmas Concert. Extra tickets will be available to purchase on the evening of the concert.

A very big thank you to all local families and businesses who have kindly donated and contributed to make this raffle so special! Please be sure to check out the P&F Facebook Page for more details.

Duration: The raffle will run from now until Wednesday 27th November with winners announced at the OLC Christmas Concert that evening. Good luck!

The OLC Summer Fun Day is Tuesday 3rd December! This has been organised by the P&F for the kids to celebrate all of their hard work this year! The Fun Day will include a disco zone, climbing zone, water play zone, crafts, games and more!

Please note there is no cost involved as this is funded by the P&F. This will also be a free dress day. Please see flyer for further details!

Email: admin@ladyofcape.wa.edu.au
Website: www.ladyofcape.wa.edu.au
Location: 245 Cape Naturaliste Road, Dunsborough WA, Australia
Phone: 9781 3200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLCDunsborough/