Issue #20

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

The term is moving at an extremely fast pace with plenty having happened and several events still to come. The year 6 Musical was another wonderful event. Congratulations to the students for their brilliant presentation of Rock Bottom. The students performed during the day for the rest of the school and then in the evening for families and friends. Like all those who attended, I was impressed by the costumes, props and each child’s performance. Under the direction of Mrs Williams, it was a great show that was worthy of the enthusiastic applause it received.

There is some news regarding three of our staff members. Miss Stretton, who has been a year 1 teacher this year, has won a position at another Catholic school for 2024. We thank Elise for her great work at St Gabriel’s and wish her all the best for her future career. Mrs Sparapani and Ms Pedler will both be having next year off.  Karla has been seconded to Catholic Education South Australia as a System Coach and Kylie will be on maternity leave.  Both ladies have been invaluable members of our team and we look forward to their return in 2025.

Congratulations to Lila Dekic who was nominated for an ArchD Podcasting Award and, along with her family, attended the presentation ceremony at Sacred Heart College last Sunday.  Lila joined Catholic School students from across the state at the event which recognises podcasting excellence in South Australian Catholic Education. Lila’s nomination was testimony to the high standard of work she produces in the podcasting domain. Well done Lila!

Our Reception to Year 4 students are concluding their term 4 swimming week. The girls and boys have had a great time at the pool. I was wrapped to be told by the director of the program that our students’ behaviour was outstanding and that dealing with the school was a delight. Well done to everyone and thanks to Mrs Marino for her great co-ordination of the week.

We have two significant events, our End of Year Mass and Christmas Carols Night fast approaching. Details of these events are included in today’s edition.

It is nice to be in our new Administration Building. The rest of the works are tracking well.  We hope to have everything up and operational for the start of next year. If you are visiting the school near the end of the day, it would be helpful if vehicles are not parked in the bus zone or in front of the gates on Barrington Avenue. When this does happen, the flow of traffic is stifled during pick up time causing more congestion.  I appreciate your support.

As we conclude another year at St Gabriel’s and look forward to an exciting 2024, I would like to affirm how great this place is.  As I have said before, I haven’t encountered a school quite like St Gabriel’s in regard to student disposition, staff commitment and parental support.  To all community members thank you and have a lovely and blessed Christmas break.  Hopefully, I will get to see you at the Carols Night next week.

Seah Hill

Principal

Advent 

On Sunday The Season of Advent begins. It is celebrated by most Christian Churches, as well as some other Christian communities. It is a time for Christians to prepare themselves for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas. 

Advent is a Latin word that means “coming.” In the Christian church, advent is time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus. Advent officially begins four Sundays before Christmas. 

In a lot of countries it is very common to have an advent wreath with 4 candles. In many Catholic the most popular colours for the candles are violet and rose. Every Advent Sunday one more candle will be lit so that by the 4th week 4 candles are burning, which is a symbol for Jesus as the light of the world who is coming at Christmas. Sometimes there is a fifth white candle in the middle of the wreath to celebrate Christmas Day.  

What do the Advent Candles stand for? 

Candle one (purple) represents hope. It is often called the prophets’ candle. 

Candle two (purple) represents peace. It is often called the angels’ candle. 

Candle three (pink) represents joy. It is often called the shepherds’ candle. 

Candle four (purple) represents love. It is often called the Bethlehem candle. 

The Catholic School Parents SA Community have created a great family interactive Advent Calendar to support learning the meaning of advent. A different activity each day will guide families to learn about the meaning of Advent, create Christmas Craft, donate, pray and connect in the lead up to Christmas. You can find the link on the their Facebook page, the following website https://cspsa.catholic.edu.au/advent or in the picture below.  

Parish Christmas Carols 

To help us prepare well the Clearview-Kilburn Parish will hold a free Christmas Carols Evening at St Gabriel’s School on Saturday 9th December at 6.00 pm.  All families are welcome to enjoy singing by community groups and Miss Wymond’s Year 1 students. Tracy and Shania will play keyboard showcasing their musical talent.  There will be sausages and soft drinks available to purchase on the night.  

We hope you can put the 9th December in your diary and come along to this parish event.  All are welcome.  

Vinnies Christmas Appeal 

In support of Vinnies’ Christmas Appeal, we are asking for your help. We will be collecting new unwrapped gifts and hamper items to ensure all South Australians can enjoy this special time of year.  

Please drop off your donations on concert night, Thursday 7th December, or at the Office beforehand. Please see image below on some ways you can support those in need this Christmas.  

Karla Sparapani - APRIM

School Fees and Fee Remission for 2023

Please review your fee statement and ensure you are on track to have all fees paid by the end of the school year.

We strongly encourage families to enter into a regular payment plan to keep fees at a manageable level. 

Please be assured of the school’s support for your family during these difficult times.  If you are having difficulty paying fees, please contact Alison to make a time to discuss assistance and payment options available.

Fee Remission assistance

Parents/caregivers experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to apply for fee remission ASAP.  Please email accounts@sgs.catholic.edu.au for a fee remission form or collect from the School Office if you wish to apply. 

We assure parents/caregivers that all details provided will be kept strictly confidential.  

If you are having difficulty with meeting your fee obligations or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Alison Boyce (Bursar) or Sean Hill (Principal) on 8216 9900. 

Thank you
Alison Boyce, Bursar
accounts@sgs.catholic.edu.au
Direct Ph: 8216 9902

In Year 1, the highlight of our term was going to the Adelaide Zoo! We started off the day by learning about the importance of animal habitat’s and even got to create a life size one for a lizard. We then split into groups and got to explore all the different animal at the zoo. 

Some of our favourite animals we visited were.

Red Panda – Aidan 1S and Oliver P 1W

Penguins – Jayce 1S and Javieer 1W

Giraffes – Leigh 1S

Meerkats – Hannah 1W

Chelsea WYMOND and Elise STRETTON

CLASS TEACHERS

Student Attendance

You are reminded to ring the school/leave a message or Seesaw the teacher on the day your child is not attending school - please include the reason for non-attendance.  

We'd be grateful if this could be done prior to 9am. Thank you for your support in this matter.
 

Keeping Safe

Please be aware that on our school website, there are key documents in relation to keeping all children in our school community safe from harm; physically, mentally and emotionally. 

• Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
• Cybersafety: Keeping Children Safe in the Connected World
   

Labelling

Please check and ensure that your child's jumper/jacket, hat, drink bottle and small plastic containers are labelled so that they can be returned to them.  
 

Uniform

Please note that uniform will be sold at the office on MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAY.  If using QKR - every day.  Other days by appointment.

TERM 1 - STUDENTS ARE TO BE WEARING THE SUMMER UNIFORM

Please ensure that your child is wearing black laced up shoes with their everyday uniform.
Sneakers are not to be worn for everyday uniform and only to be worn with sport uniform

Click to read Summer & Winter Uniform List
Click to read Uniform Pricelist
 

Clearview Snack Bar - Lunch Menu

Lunches can be ordered by using the Qkr! app - see below or purchasing paper bags and writing your child's name, class and order on the bag with money enclosed. These can be left at the office or given to your child's class teacher.

Click to view Lunch Menu Price List

Year 6 Musical

The 2023 Year 6 Musical “Rock Bottom” was a great success. Students delivered an entertaining performance, showcasing their impressive singing, dancing, and acting skills. The audience was captivated by the students' energy and enthusiasm. The musical was a true celebration of the Year 6 students' talent, creativity, and hard work during their Performing Arts lessons throughout the year.

Congratulations to all involved!

Jacqui Williams – PERFORMING ARTS TEACHER

2023 and Farewell

As the year concludes I want to thank all the families who have supported the various initiatives throughout the year such as Community Group and all our wonderful events such as Mother’s Day Morning Tea and Christmas Raffle. In particular, thank you to Simone Stillitano for taking the lead in the Community Group and we look forward to an even more productive 2024.

As I head off to a year’s secondment at the Catholic Education Office, I would like to also say thank you to the St Gabriel’s Community for a wonderful 4 years back at the school. I tell everyone that this is my third time leaving the community, but I always come back because of how much I love it at St Gabriel’s. The community here is always so welcoming and diverse that it makes it a wonderful and joyous day to know I get to come to work here. Thank you to everyone who has made my last for years some of the most fulfilling in my career, but especially to all the students who I take in my heart wherever I go. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and wonderful 2024.  I look forward to returning in 2025.

With love and hope

Karla Sparapani

Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

We are very excited for another term of OSHC, and we hope everyone is excited that we are in the last term for 2023.

Click the link below to read more about what's happening in the OSHC Community!