Dear Parents and Carers, 

This weekend marks the commencement of the Season of Advent, a sacred time of prayer and contemplation in which we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. During this time of waiting and expectation, we are challenged to look for opportunities and practical ways to honour the holiness of the season. Throughout December, students at Nazareth are learning what Christmas truly means and how we can prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. If you’re looking for ways to engage with your son or daughter during this special time, the Catholic Education Office have put together a few ideas to share with families – Celebrating Advent With Your Family.  

Last week the P & F hosted a very successful silent disco. Thank you to the many parent helpers who assisted on the night, especially Nikki and Ryan Aitchison who donated the three hundred headsets that were used on the night.  

Last night, we farewelled Year 6 with a special graduation Mass and ceremony. It was a wonderful time of thanksgiving and celebration and an opportunity to acknowledge the children and their families for all that they have contributed to our school. To the families who are leaving us at the conclusion of 2024, thank you for the time and dedication you have given to our school community. A special mention must go to Emma Till, our current P&F President, who has been an active member on the P&F Committee for the last fifteen years and served nine of these years as P&F President. On behalf of the school community, I would like to acknowledge and thank Emma for her tireless dedication to the Nazareth school community. All students will farewell Year 6 with a special guard of honour at 2:20pm on Wednesday 18 December. 

Over the last week, there has been much discussion in the media about the new social media age restrictions. The new legislation passed by the Australian Parliament will mean children and teenagers under the age of 16 will be banned from social media. If you are looking for support when talking to your child about social media, the Carly Ryan Foundation is a certified online safety program provider and delivers online safety and support resources. Their factsheets provide information and parent advice on the following apps: Calculator; Tik Tok; Fortnite; Roblox; Discord; Snapchat; Instagram; Facebook; and YouTube. Please take the time to read through the fact sheets attached to this newsletter, some of the apps you will be familiar with, however there may be some that you as a parent/carer are unaware of.

As we approach the end of the school year, please make note of the following important dates:

• Friday 6 December – Annual Summer Fun Day. Hosted by Year 6 to fundraise for their end of year graduation gift for the school. For a gold coin donation children are invited to wear mufti and participate in a morning of fun activities.
• Thursday 12 December – 2025 Meet and Greet. At 11:30am children will meet their 2025 class teacher and class. 
•  Friday 13 December - End of Year Awards Assembly. Commencing at 8:45am in the school hall.  
• Saturday 14 December – Combined Schools Parish Christmas Carols. This will commence at 5:00pm on the Nazareth grounds with an outdoor mass. Following mass children from Nazareth, Stella Maris and Corpus Christi will perform Christmas carols. 
• Monday 16 December – Talent Show. Commencing at 11:30am in the school hall. 
• Tuesday 17 December – Nazareth Christmas Celebration. This will commence at 11:30am in the hall. Each grade will share two Christmas songs. Parents, carers and grandparents are warmly invited to attend.
• Wednesday 18 December – Last day of school for all students, Kindergarten to Year 6. Day will include a farewell guard of honour for Year 6 at 2:20pm. 

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Kind regards, 

Mr Matt Downes 

(Principal)