Dear, Parents, Guardians, Students and other Parishioners, Sometimes I think it’s a great shame that we don’t get to spend all the Advent Season and Christmas Season at school because for the children it is such a wondrous time. I hope that you can appreciate this time with your children and that you too are not rushed off your feet with work demands. This is the last newsletter for 2016 and the staff and I want to wish everyone all the best for Christmas. May your home be filled with love and joy and may Christmas Day begin and end in peace. Mass times are included on the newsletter, it is the giving of God’s son that we celebrate at Christmas. Not a feast of the almighty dollar but a gift so huge and so generous that it saved all of us. Staffing for 2017 Last Friday we enjoyed watching the children move to their new communities for 2017. The children have put the pieces together but they might not have it all right so here is the official list of who is doing what next year. Foundation classes will be taught by Ms Jessica Connolly and Ms Natasha Stirling. Year 1 / 2 communities will be taught by Ms Hollie Zachariassen and Ms Louisa Chalk working with Ms Delphine Hesse. In the other Year 1 / 2 community Ms Rebecca Kealy will work with Ms Donna Burke. In Year 3 /4 Ms Marija Diosi and Ms Katie Pisciotta will partner Ms Sherika Olagama in one community. In the other community, Ms Kris Hall will work one day a week with Ms Melenhorst and a day a week with Ms Maria Popowycz. In Year 5 / 6 we have a community where Ms Koutroumanis works with Ms Kelly-Anne Donald and in the other community Ms Ianthe Lim and Ms Gabby Catania will work together. One day each week, Ms Cecile Claxton will work in Ms Lim’s homegroup. Ms Rebecca Gage will be our Deputy. Ms Nan Perazzo will be looking after Student Services. Ms Lim will be part of the Religious Education Team with Ms Maria Popowycz. Performing Arts will be taught by Ms Dana Kroenert. Mr Dean Andrews will be teaching PE and Sport.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish School

Newsletter: 8th December 2016

Mr Gary Young will be teaching Media. Ms Iris Ai will be teaching LOTE Chinese Mandarin. Ms Katelyn Howe will be teaching Coding and Design, Creativity and Technology. Ms Maree Fay will be taking the Reading Intervention Program. Ms Kerry Strapp will coordinate our Literacy Program. Ms Lyn Dennett will be responsible for our Numeracy Intervention Program. We say ‘Thank you’ and ‘Farewell’ several staff members who are leaving as well as our Year 6 students and any students transferring to other schools. Ms Shona Cosgriff, Ms Helen Shen, Ms Gagan Shergill, Ms Xanthe Willenburg, Mr John Desengano are off to new adventures as is Ms Vivienne D’Cruze. Vivienne has been a wonderful bursar. She has kept the school finances in excellent shape and managed fees and wages and all the other things a Bursar does with great attention to detail. You could not find a more honest person to manage a school’s finances and we are going to miss her enormously. Vivienne is going to work at St Francis de Sales in Lynbrook. I think it’s to escape the Monash in its coming year of reconstruction! Finally…..

Congratulations to John H. for winning the Nazareth Scholarship. This is a bursary to help with transition to Nazareth College. It is worth $200 and is awarded to a student who has shown great commitment to the Parish. Congratulations to Jasmine K for winning the inaugural Community Spirit and Leadership Award. This award is donated by the Hon. Justin Smith MP and the Award ceremony took place on Thursday night. Jasmine has worked tirelessly to build community within the school community and is very supportive of the Student Representative Council.

Thanks to our retiring School Captains, Alex, Thomas, Angie and Kea and congratulations to our 2017 Captains, Peter L, Candice C, Tianna A and Krisigan S. See you back again in 2017. Stay safe this Christmas. Christine Ash Principal cash@sedandenongnth.catholic.edu.au

Religious Education News

The Stepfather

The pain was stronger this time. It wouldn’t be long now until the

baby came. Joe gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, but avoided

looking at me. I don’t blame him. He was trying to cope with his own

pain. Trying to deal with the fact that his wife was about to give birth

to a baby that wasn’t his.

“Are you ok?” I whispered. “Shouldn’t that be my question?” he

replied.

And this time he did look at me and gave a small smile. But it didn’t

hide the sadness in his eyes. The next wave of pain hit, stronger. I was grateful for the excuse

to look away.

It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. A short time ago we had been happy. We met, fell in

love, became engaged. Then I fell pregnant – but the baby wasn’t Joe’s. Trembling I told him,

although I understood his anger. “Why? When? Who?” he demanded, his face flushed. What

could I say? No excuse or explanation could take away the pain, the confusion. One thing

hadn’t changed though.

“I still love you,” I said simply, with no tears, no pleadings. He stared in disbelief, then walked

away.

I knew it was over between us. For days Joe avoided me. I’d heard through the grapevine that

our engagement would be called off, and soon. Which didn’t surprise me, but I was scared – for

the baby, for the future. How would I cope?

When Joe came to see me one evening I expected the worst. Surprisingly, he took me in his

arms. “I still want to marry you,” he declared. Why did he change his mind? I didn’t dare ask,

afraid that by asking, I’d make him leave me again.

We married soon afterwards in a simple ceremony. Foolishly, I thought we could go back to a

normal, uncomplicated life. But it wasn’t to be.

The whispers all around the place were the worst. Wherever I went, everyone knew. Nothing

was ever said to my face, but you just know when you’re being talked about. When you walk

by, people stare. You enter a room that suddenly falls silent. If Joe was subjected to this

behaviour, he never told me. But often, during the evening meal, he was quiet and thoughtful,

stroking his short beard absent-mindedly.

Then one day, Joe said we had to pack up and leave.

I cried aloud as another burning pain hit, driving all worries aside. I no longer felt the chill in the

air of this strange town. Even the sounds and odours of our surroundings faded and I was only

aware of pushing and pain. Joe held my hand, wiped my brow. My cries filled the air and he

whispered encouragement. And at last the baby came into the world.

Exhausted, I lay back, the baby in my arms. A beautiful boy. I loved him instantly, but that’s

natural, isn’t it? I am his mother. Joe knelt beside me, gazing at the placid baby, a strange look

in his eyes.

“He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” I said. Joe nodded.

“Here. You hold him,” I said, holding out the baby. A look of shock crossed Joe’s features and,

for a moment, I thought he might refuse. Then, carefully, he took the baby into his arms. A

myriad of emotions crossed his face and the baby stared at him with wide, curious eyes. I

blinked away tears. My heart ached for us to be a family. But that was up to Joe.

I watched silently while my husband struggled. With an awkward hand he stroked the baby’s

cheek. The baby gurgled. Joe extended a finger and the baby grasped it tightly with one tiny

hand. Then, and I swear it’s true, the baby smiled.

Joe smiled back and whispered, “Hello, my son,” and my heart swelled with joy.

Gently he handed our son to me and said, “His name?”

“You know his name already,” I said softly. “He’s going to be called Jesus.” Joe embraced me

and I hugged him fiercely. “It takes a special man to be a father to a baby not his own,” I

whispered.

Joe’s eyes shone with fatherly pride. “No, Mary,” he said. “All it takes is love.”

By Rosemary Hayes. Women’s Day. December 30, 2002.

School Liturgies and Key Events to lock in.

It is a busy time and we need to be constantly checking our calendars so here are some dates to be added in. We always welcome all families and parishioners to attend school masses with us. Year 6 Transition Mass & Presentations for all

2016 Year 6 students and their families. On Thursday 15th December the Year 6 children will gather at the 6:30pm mass. This is a time for the students to gather to pray and celebrate the time spent together as part of the St Elizabeth's School community and all that lies before them as they move into Secondary schooling. We, the staff, look forward to sharing this mass with ALL

students in Year 6 who they have taught during their time at St Elizabeth’s. After Mass the Year 6 students will process to the PAC where we will continue with speeches and presentations.

Year 6 Student’s Disco & Parent Supper After all the formalities it will be time to have fun together, with a disco for the Year 6 students in the PAC and supper for the parents in the Level 3 link. Carols Night.

A very big thank you to everyone who participated in our wonderful Carols Night. It was a beautiful and reverent evening that began with the Story of Christmas. Our Foundation students did a wonderful job of acting out the main characters of Christmas and were well supported throughout the story with the entire school community leading us in the traditional carols.

Every community presented a variety of novelty songs that were fun and made us song along. A great way for our school community to all come together and be festive. Thank you to all the students, staff, parents and parish for making our carols night successful. I would like wish everyone holy, happy and safe Christmas.

Maria Popowycz Religious Education Leader popoma@sedandenongnth.catholic.edu.au

Student Wellbeing News

Teaching Children the REAL Meaning of Christmas Author Unknown

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor, it was Santa. I saw that he had

tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. He whispered quietly,

‘TEACH THE CHILDREN!’ I was puzzled: What did he mean? Santa then

brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind his back.

As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, ‘Teach the children! Teach them the

true meaning of Christmas.’ Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR

TREE and placed it on the mantle. Teach the children that the pure green colour

of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope

of mankind. All needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man’s thoughts turning toward

heaven.

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the children

that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Saviour for

the world, and the star was a sign of fulfilment of that promise.

He then reached into the bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the children that the candle

symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world.

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach

the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases.

He then pulled out an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the children that Santa Claus symbolizes

the generosity and goodwill.

He reached into his bag again and pulled out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the children that the holly

plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Saviour.

Next he pulled out a GIFT from the bag and said, ‘Teach the children that God so loved the

world that He gave his only begotten Son. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before

the holy babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should give gifts in the

same spirit as the wise men.’

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach

the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook that helps the shepherd to

bring back strayed sheep from the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s

keeper.

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the children that it was

the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Saviour’s birth.

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a

BELL. Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a

bell, it should bring people to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked at the tree and was pleased. ‘Remember, teach the children the

true meaning of Christmas and don’t put me in the centre, for I am a humble servant of the ONE

WHO IS, and I bow down to worship Him, our Lord, our God.’

Nan Perazzo perana@sedandenongnth.catholic.edu.au

Learning and Teaching News

HOLIDAY FUN

The summer holidays are a very well-deserved break after a solid year of school work. But how long before you hear the dreaded words, “I’m bored!” It can be hard to come up with fun, interesting and low-cost or free activities to entertain your children. However, there are many ways to have fun and spend time with your child without spending lots of money.

Grab the scooters or bikes and head for your nearest cycle or walking path for some fresh air and exercise

Have a day in the kitchen, easy recipes for kids include pizza, sausage rolls and cakes Picnic in your own backyard, maybe even set up camp and stay the night Make a grass head by putting soil and grass seeds in an old stocking. Water it daily and

watch his hair grow Have a board game tournament, blow the dust off monopoly, take 5 and twister, organise

some prizes and have a great day in Get some face paints and spend the day painting each other Make a piñata, paper Mache a balloon and when it's dry fill it with treats Buy a day pass on public transport, pack a backpack with food and go discover your

town Have a movie day, make popcorn and settle in for some relaxation Explore your nearest Botanical Gardens, take a picnic and look for fairies in the garden Take the kids to a farm, feed the sheep and milk the cows Go fruit picking, find a local berry farm that allows you to pick your own Visit your local market, sample the foods and produce Get cultural at your local museum, check out the kids school holiday activities Let the kids join an art activity at the art museum, your littlies might be future Picassos Spend the day at the beach, remember the buckets and spades and the sunscreen Eat hot chips a jetty or wharf, ask the fisherman to show you their catch. Mordialloc is a

great one to visit. Swing, run, jump and play at your local playground, let the kids burn off that extra energy Head to the local library and get comfortable with some books and beanbags and settle

in for storytelling Meet up with some other Mums at a local park and let the kids hang out together Go bird spotting, borrow a bird book from the library and learn about the birds you see Have a world day, grab an atlas and discover what people wear, speak and do in another

country Dress up day, let the kids loose in your wardrobe and have a laugh at their fashion

parade Visit your local aquatic centre and spend the day splashing around Go bushwalking, contact National Parks and find a short bushwalk in your area Set up shop, grab the groceries out the pantry and let the kids be the shop keeper, make

pretend money and you're in business Check out your local council’s website and see what events or activities are planned in

your region

Rebecca Gage gagere@sedandenongnth.catholic.edu.au Deputy Principal: Learning and Teaching

Sports News

Hi all

Last week our Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students finished off their mini games program. Over the past few weeks we have played soccer, netball and t-ball to learn about how games are about rules and officiating, about sportsmanship and fair play. The kids played with great passion and vigour. They game off the field with sweat on the brow. I would like to thank a number of senior students who helped officiate the sports.

It's my last sports news of the year and I take the opportunity to demonstrate just one aspect of the importance of sport and P.E. in our curriculum. Our school's program increases our children's fitness, teaches elements of health and build social and emotional development. But recent studies have conclusively linked better health to improved learning in domains such as literacy and numeracy.

"Fitter schools get better NAPLAN results," is the message from sports scientist and Olympic running coach Professor Dick Telford of the University of Canberra's Research Institute for Sport.

He has spent the past decade tracking the progress of 800-odd primary school kids in a longitudinal study looking at how their young bodies respond, physically and psychologically, to an increased dose of school sport.

"The children who had the extra sport and spent that time doing an extra 90 minutes of proper, well-qualified instructed PE improved their NAPLAN scores, particularly their numeracy, and particularly in boys, improved their scores by eight to 10 points, which was quite a lot – a 25 per cent improvement."

Further details of the study can be found at:

https://www.ssv.vic.edu.au/Advocacy/Pages/DickTelfor%27sstudyfindssportcanimproveNAPLANscores.aspx

I wish everyone a merry (and healthy) Christmas and I look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year.

Yours in Sport

Dean Andrew Sports Coordinator dandrew@sedandenongnth.catholic.edu.au

Numeracy I have to begin by saying I don’t know where this year has gone. For me it’s been a busy year

but an enjoyable one especially working with the children. I

have been fortunate this year working closely with the

Foundation teachers and getting to know all the children. It

has been a pleasure to watch all the children grow and

develop in their understanding and knowledge of

Mathematics and I look forward to watching them develop

further in 2017.

However, just because it’s near the end of the school year doesn’t mean the children have to

stop learning so with this in mind I came across a website called childhood101.com in which the

editor, Christie Burnet, has compiled 10 Christmas picture books together with activities. You

may have these books at home which you could read to your child and have a go at the

activities. Below are just a couple to give you some ideas.

The Aussie Twelve Days of Christmas by Heath McKenzie

I love the Aussie twist on the classic Twelve Days of Christmas. Get

reacquainted with Australian animals while practicing early number concepts

and counting 1-12 (older children could try adding up the total!). It’s also a

great idea to compare the Aussie version to the original.

Spot’s First Christmas

One of the most lovable characters in early childhood has to be Spot! Spot’s

First Christmas is definitely on our Christmas book list this year. Spot helps his

mum get ready for Christmas by decorating the tree and wrapping up all of the

presents.

Create your own wrapping paper allowing your child to create their own

Christmas patterns.

Lyn Dennett

Numeracy Leader/F-4 Number Intervention Leader

ldennett@sedandenongnth.catholic.edu.au

St. Elizabeth’s Community

A huge THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who donated goodies towards our raffle, sold raffle tickets and brought raffle tickets. The response was amazing. We were able to create 10 raffle prizes. Congratulations to our Christmas raffle Winners:~ Nicholas FJC; Mia 1 /2DB; Marli 3 /4GE; Christine Ash; Zac FJC; Antony 1 /2Rk; Alfreda FJC; Alyssa 1 /2DB; Julian 5 /6KK; Ethan 3 /4RM.

Wishing you all and your families a wonder filled Christmas, shared with family and friends. May you enjoy some relaxing time after the busyness of the year. We look forward to seeing you in 2017.

News from The Nook. We still have a number of items that have borrowed by both children and parents. These items need to be returned to the Nook and I’d really appreciated it, if this can be done before Wednesday. Thank you Trixie Martin marttr@sedandenongnth.catholic.edu.au

Out Of School Hours Care Dear Parents, The last day of the school year for our students is Friday December 16th. There will be a program offered by Youth Leadership Victoria as part of our After School Program on Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd December. Please choose your day(s) carefully as the centre will only be open if we have a minimum of 10 children. Please contact Elarine on 0422 803 709 if you wish to book your child/ren or wish to discuss this further. Note: St. Mary’s Primary School in Dandenong will be running the 5 days as well. Should we not have enough interest, the option is St. Mary’s vacation care FREE TENNIS LESSONS WITH EXCEL TENNIS: Our local community tennis coaching at Excel Tennis are delighted to offer free junior coaching classes for the remainder of term 4 2016 to St Elizabeth students who have not been in their coaching program before. Please contact them on 9533 5375 to book in. Limited availability.

St. Elizabeth’s Out of School Hours Care Program …

YOUTH LEADERSHIP VICTORIA PRESENTS – ST ELIZABETH’S OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

Contact Details ….

111 Bakers Road,

Dandenong North

Ph. 0422 803 709

Before School Care

Permanent: $13.50 /Casual $16.00

7:00am to 8:55am Monday to Friday during

school term, excluding all Victorian Public

Holidays.

After School Care

Permanent: $14.50 /Casual $17.00

3:15pm to 6:15pm Monday to Friday during

school term, excluding all Victorian Public

Holidays.

Vacation Care / Pupil Free Days

Per Day: $50.00

7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday

(The School Holiday Programme in January

will be held at St Anthony’s and St. Marys)

Late Pick Up Fees: Per minute: $1.00

For enquires or further information, please

contact Elarine on 0422 803 709 during

session times.

Fortnightly Activities …

Monday 12th December to Friday 16th

December

Monday Christmas Craft.

Tree Decorations

Reindeer Masks

Tuesday Make your own Christmas

Cards

Wednesday Christmas paper Lanterns

Paper Chains

Thursday Chalk designs . Pom pom

creatures

Friday ASC Christmas Party

If you need care, please contact Elarine,

Honorine or Shayanika on 0422 803 709

The School Holiday Programme in January will be

held at St Anthony’s and St. Marys