"Rejoice: the Lord is nigh." As Christmas draws near, the Church emphasises the joy which should be in our hearts over all that the birth of our Saviour means for us. The great joy of Christians is to see the day drawing nigh when the Lord will come again in His glory to lead them into His kingdom. The oft-repeated Veni ("Come") of Advent is an echo not only of the prophets but also of the conclusion of the Apocalypse of St. John: "Come, Lord Jesus," the last words of the New Testament.

Today is known as Gaudete Sunday. The term Gaudete refers to the first word of the Entrance Antiphon, "Rejoice". Rose vestments are worn to emphasise our joy that Christmas is near, and we also light the rose candle on our Advent wreath.

"Prepare ye the way of the Lord: Make straight in the wilderness His paths; Every valley shall be exalted; Every mountain and hill shall be made low; And the crooked shall be made straight; And the rough ways plain" (Is. 40:3, 4). Then shall you see the salvation of God!

Staff Change

Once again this week it has been announced that Miss De Quintal has accepted a 12 month transfer to St Clare’s, Narellen Vale. Ana has taught at St Therese for over 20 years across Kinder to Year 6. This position will keep Ana closer to home for 2021 and will also provide excellent Professional Development as she learns and adjusts to the environment and routines of a much larger school. We wish Ana well for her move and look forward welcoming her back in 2022.

2021 Swimming Carnival

All students who can swim one lap of a 50 metre pool, in any stroke, should attend this event. We put a note out earlier this term, to remind parents that the carnival does come up very early in the year and it gives time for students to practise over Summer, and maybe set a target during swimming lessons.

P & F AGM

Save the date – Tuesday, 16 February, 2021

Christmas Celebration

Today we had a beautiful celebration to tell the Christmas Story. Every child looked fantastic in their Christmas clothes and participated with their class in a very reverent way. The synthetic grass has proven to be a very welcome sitting area to watch assemblies and special events such as today.

Thank you especially to Mrs Hogan who was “instrumental”  in bringing this altogether with practise sessions during weekly music lessons. Thank you also to Mrs Macdonald, Jenna’s “right hand man” who assisted with the choreography and preparing the stage.

Lastly, a huge thank you to our band and narrators who performed exceptionally well with the music and telling the story that brought all the components together.

Christmas Concert http://www.stwwdow.catholic.edu.au/home/new-gallery-page/christmas-concert-2/

Reports

These are now available via the Parent Portal on Compass.

Classes 2021

Students will meet their 2021 teacher and visit their new classroom on Monday 14 December 2020.

Last Day of School – Wednesday, 16 December

This is a normal school day. We have planned our end of year assembly to be held outside. The handover to the new Student Council for 2021 will form part of this assembly. Unfortunately, once again, parents are not allowed onsite for this. At the end of the assembly, students from Kinder to Year 5 will form a guard of honour (socially distanced) to form a path down to the church where Year 6 parents will be allowed to park and watch their children come down and celebrate. All other children will go back to their classes before normal dismissal at 3pm.

Building Update

This significant renovation will commence during the holidays. When we return at the end of January:

• Morning routines for drop-off will remain the same
• There will be NO parking onsite in the afternoons
• Kiss & Collect will be from the Basketball Court - instructions for further information to follow in 2021
• All other ways students leave will remain the same

Covid-19

Christmas Story Art Exhibition Launch - Inter-Diocesan

Keeping with tradition, the 2020 Inter-Diocesan Christmas Story Art Exhibition Launch will take place on the First Sunday of Advent, Sunday 29 November at 12:30 pm, with a pre-recorded YouTube video being made available via the link below.

The Christmas Story Virtual Art Gallery will go live the week following the Launch and will be available on the Sydney Catholic Schools Website. 

The Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition is a wonderful opportunity for members of our school communities to explore the true message of Christmas.