Dear Families,

I would like to start by saying a huge thank you to our school community. Last Friday, together we raised $829 to help other people in need this Christmas – the generosity of our families was just wonderful. So again, thank you all for supporting Vinnie’s and the school at our Bethlehem Bazaar.

I’d also like to thank Mr Clarke and the Grade 5/6 children who put together such fun and engaging stalls. A lot of hours and hard work went into the Bethlehem Bazaar – being my first time at Lumen Christi I didn’t quite know what to expect. It was certainly lots of fun, but best of all was the joyful atmosphere and watching everyone have a wonderful time.

We also had a wonderful turnout for our end of year mass and Nativity Play. A huge thank you to family and friends who came along to celebrate with us and also to our teachers, Miss Smith, Mrs Dosen, Mrs Savige, Mrs Campbell and Mrs Moir – all who helped put the Nativity Play together. The children were beautiful and it was a really lovely display of an important part of our Catholic Story and Lumen Christi tradition.

This week, we have our whole school concert practice and our school concert. We are very excited to be presenting our play to the school community. Please remember top buy your tickets. They can be paid for on CDF pay or at the school office. Tickets can be collected at the school office.

A reminder to families that we have transition dates coming up for our year 6 students. Please ensure that you know when your child needs to attend their new school for transition.

State-wide transition day is Tuesday 13^th December – on this day at Lumen Christi, your child will spend some time with their 2023 teacher hopefully in their new classroom.

Grade 6 graduation is next Thursday at 5pm in the church. We are looking forward to celebrating the end of Primary School Years with our wonderful children and their families. Award ceremony and supper will be served in the eco-centre afterwards.

As we go into the second week of Advent, we remember the symbolism of the Advent wreath and candles:

• The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the "Prophet’s Candle" reminding us that Jesus is coming.

• The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the "Bethlehem Candle" reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

• The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the "Shepherd’s Candle" reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus.

• The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the "Angel’s Candle" reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

In this season of Advent, it is lovely to see the spirit of Hope, Faith, Joy and Good Will alive in our school, in our children and their families as we come to the end of another school year and head toward our Christmas celebrations.

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Sally