Week 8 brings with it a feverish excitement about the coming of Christmas as we have entered the season of Advent. The word 'Advent' comes from Latin and means "coming;" its purpose is to look forward to the coming of Christ to Earth; it was a season that focused on waiting. So, "Advent means something new is coming. The dawn of a new and better era.” That is certainly something to look forward to!

Through prayer, we can enter into God's world and ask Him to prepare our hearts the way He prepared all of history to receive the gift of His Son. Ask the Father to use this time during Advent to cut away the distractions and make your life a place of warmth and openness.

First, Some Simple Things to Pray For During Advent:

1. Pray for attentiveness to what truly matters, without being distracted by trivial things.
2. Pray for opportunities to learn something new regularly.
3. Pray for discernment of how God would like you to set your priorities and the ability to focus on them consistently to fulfil His purposes in your life.
4. Pray for the grace to be able to rest, become aware of God's presence, and enjoy it.
5. Pray for strong relationships with other people in the bond of loving community.
6. Pray for peace in all situations, no matter what the circumstances.
7. Pray for an enlivened imagination that helps you contribute to the world in creative ways.
8. Pray for freedom from all that burdens you - past mistakes, fears, destructive habits, hurts other people have inflicted, and more.
9. Pray for joy and a sense of humour.
10. Pray for confidence in God's love for you and trust in His power to work things out for the best in your life.
11. Pray for a clear mind and the ability to clearly communicate what you value to others.
12. Pray for purity so you can grow as a person and encounter God more fully.
13. Pray for openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
14. Pray for a genuine awareness of God's grace in your life and the humility to extend grace to others.
15. Pray for a passion to pursue justice.

Thanksgiving Mass and Stage 3 excursion

Last Friday our school community celebrated the Year 6 Thanksgiving Mass. Once again we have much to be grateful for as our senior Primary students prepare to transition to high school. It was a lovely celebration of all that they had achieved in Primary and to recognise those who had helped them on their “journey” throughout their junior years. We wish our Year 6 students the richest of God’s blessings as they embark on a new and exciting part of their education. However, the most immediate focus is on their Stage 3 Excursion to Canberra departing tomorrow for three action packed days in the Nation’s capital with their Year 5 peers. Thank you to Mrs Winsor, Mrs McLeod, Mr Turner and Mrs Maxwell who will spend quality time with the students and a select group of parents.

Annual Awards Presentation

It is obviously that time of year again and the Annual Awards presentations will be held next Wednesday 11 December at 12noon in the Church. Traditionally we have always held the Presentation on the last day of school for the students BUT this year it is a week earlier. This is a time to acknowledge effort, growth and achievement. Not everyone will win a prize and not everyone will be recognised for their efforts and dedication, however, the staff have devoted many hours to choosing recipients. We strive to promote that the reward is in the improvement and the learning and we hope the reports will reflect this whether you win an award or not.

Year 10 GRADUATION

Next Friday 13 December our Year 10 students will officially end their time with Sacred Heart with the Graduation Mass at 11.45 and the Graduation Dinner that evening. We would love as many people as possible to join us to celebrate this important rite of passage and to wish our Year 10 students the richest of God’s blessings.

Drought Relief Funding

This week all fee paying families were given a remission of $490 off their school fee balance. Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn has given $520,000 to Archdiocesan schools in drought declared and/or drought affected areas. We are very grateful for this initiative, especially at this time of year, and hope that it will go some way to easing some financial effects of the prolonged drought. Please read the letter that was sent home and/or through Schoolzine for further information.

School Board and P & F

Last night our School Board and P & F held their final meetings for the school year. The School Board met to ratify the budget and consider fees for 2020 and the P & F met to evaluate this year and plan for the new one. I personally thank all those who are involved in the two groups as they provide invaluable expertise, advice, direction and funds for our school community. We are indeed fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer to help make Sacred Heart the best school possible. Thank you especially to Mr Chris Drum and Mrs Bianca Jones for their leadership of the different groups.

The Year Ahead

Most of the planning and preparation for the new school year is nearly done. Staff and Leadership are excited about all the possibilities that 2020 will bring. Our enrolments are very healthy and we are very confident that we can meet all the challenges of the new year and make 2020 the best one yet!

Thank you for all you do for our students and community.

Go gently and if you can be anything…be kind!

God Bless

Mrs Nicky Trinder

Principal