St Lawrence & Mary Immaculate Parish Balcatta:

Parish Priest: Fr Emil Ciecierega SDS Assistant Priest: Fr Leonard Macionczyk SDS

God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas,

it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it. Pope Francis

CHRISTMAS PLAY

What a sensational afternoon in the Church yesterday to celebrate the Birth of

Our Lord. It was fantastic to see all students from Kindy to Year Six involved in

what was a truly spiritual experience. I would like to thank all staff involved but

particular thanks to Mrs Annette Tana who puts her heart and soul into these re-

enactments. I could not think of a better way to conclude our 2017 year as a

whole school.

MASS AND GRADUATION CEREMONY

On Thursday at 6pm in the Church all students from Year Three to Year Six

will come together to celebrate Mass and to participate in the Graduation Ceremony for our savvy Year

Six’s. Could all families please ensure your students are seated by 5.55pm in the Church. Mass will be

followed by the Graduation Ceremony and announcement of all Year Three to Year Six St Lawrence

Medal Award winners. I would like to thank Miss Anna Brenkley and Mrs Annette Tana for all their hard

work and preparation for this ceremony. Year Six families are welcome to attend supper in the undercroft

following the Graduation Ceremony. I would like to say thanks and congratulations to our Year Six

students. They have been a sensational class and demonstrated excellent leadership throughout 2017.

I wish you all the best for your future lives.

St Lawrence Primary School 386 Albert Street Balcatta WA

Telephone: 9344 4944 Fax: 9344 5099 Email: admin@stlawbal.wa.edu.au

Home Page: www.stlawbal.wa.edu.au

Newsletter No. 39 6 December 2017

School Vision Statement The vision of St Lawrence Catholic Primary School, Balcatta

is to share the message of God’s love and friendship in a community of learners, developing the full potential of each child.

YEARBOOK

The eldest student in each family will be given a copy of our 2017 St Lawrence Yearbook. I would highly

recommend all families looking through the pages and the range of activities and opportunities each

student receives. I would like to thank Mrs Marie Boyle who has once again gone above and beyond to

ensure the quality of this publication. It truly is an excellent read.

UNIFORM SHOP

The Uniform Shop will be open on Tuesday 30 January 2018 from 2.30pm to 4.00pm before school

commences for all students on Wednesday. The Uniform Shop will also open on Wednesday 31 January

from 8.00am to 9.30am. Thanks to Mrs Angie Miola for opening at these additional times to support the

families of St Lawrence.

BISHOP HOLOHAN

Attached to today’s newsletter is a letter from Bishop Holohan in which he clarifies important Catholic

teachings on the understandings of the dignity of homosexual people and how they should be welcomed

in parishes.

FAREWELL

I would like to say thank you to the whole St Lawrence Community for your support over the last 8 years.

It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve the students of our school. We have an extremely dedicated

staff and I know St Lawrence Primary School will continue to go from strength to strength under the

leadership of Mr Sheldon Carey. I truly wish all families a happy and holy Christmas.

John Rose

Principal

TERM DATES Term Four 2017 ends Friday 8 December

Term One 2018

Wednesday 31 January to Friday 13 April

Term Two 2018

Monday 30 April to Friday 29 June

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS

MASS FOR GRADUATION

There will be a Mass for our graduating Year 6 student on Thursday 7 December at 6.00pm. All

students receiving a St Lawrence Medal Award in Years Three to Six will be presented with their medals

following this Mass. All students from Year Three to Year Six are expected to attend this event and are

required to wear their summer uniform. We thank all the Year 6 students and their parents for their

presence and contribution to our school during their years at St Lawrence.

SWIMMING

Swimming lessons have now ended and certificates or progress reports have been sent home with your

child today. It was very pleasing to see the older children Making Jesus Real by assisting the younger

students before, during and after swimming lessons. The holidays are a perfect opportunity to take your

children swimming so they can consolidate what they have learnt over the last

two weeks.

ST VINNIES APPEAL This week we will present our donated food items and vouchers to St Vincent

de Paul. Thank you so much to all of those who have shown compassion and

mercy to those who are less fortunate and in need during this Christmas

period.

REPORTS

Pre Primary to Year Six Reports will be electronically distributed on Friday 8 December after 3pm. All

parents are encouraged to log on and try their password before Friday. Teachers are available for

interviews on Monday 11 December.

The link to the website is https://stlawbal.coneqt-p.cathednet.wa.edu.au/

Please call Mrs Armstrong if you have any problems logging on.

Parents of students in Year 6 will need to download their child’s reports by the end of the year, as there

will no longer be access to SEQTA at St Lawrence. Please call Mrs Armstrong if you have any issues.

HOLIDAYS We wish you all a happy and safe holiday.

May the blessings of Christmas be with you

and your family over this festive season.

Mrs Gabrielle Brennan and

Mrs Jacki Tucker,

Assistant Principals

PARISH NEWS

Christmas Calendar 2017

St Lawrence, Balcatta

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December

Children’s Nativity Vigil Mass 6.00pm

Carols 11.30pm then Midnight Mass 12.00am

Christmas Day Monday 25 December

7.00am & 8.30am Mass English

10.15am Mass Italian

12 noon Mass Croatian

No evening Mass on Christmas Day

St Theresa, Gwelup

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December

Carols 5.30pm then Mass 6.00pm

Christmas Day Monday 25 December

Mass 11.00am

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

Thank you to all who participated in the children’s mass and party held last Sunday. Readers and singers

were wonderful and a great time was had by all after the mass. The last children’s liturgy will take place

this Sunday at the 5.30 mass. Then our final event for the year the Nativity mass at 6pm on Sunday 24

December. We would love as many children as possible to participate in this special mass and hope to

have children to do the first and second readings, prayers of the faithful, narrating of the Nativity play,

acting the parts and of course lots of singer. Rehearsal commences on Monday 11 December at 4pm, with

further proposed dates Wednesday 13, Monday 18 and Wednesday 20. Please bring your children along.

It has been a joy to have the children participate in our Sunday liturgies and I am very keen to continue

next year, it brings so much life to our celebration. Please email me your contact details and I will then

forward you the information regarding both the Nativity and children’s masses in the future.

On behalf of the parish I would l like to thank parents and children for their support throughout 2017.

We look forward to an even better 2018. Wishing you all many blessings for a wonderful Christmas a

happy New Year and safe and restful holiday.

Mrs Toni Mattiaccio Toni.mattiaccio@cewa.edu.au Contact : 0406309483

CLASS NEWS

PRE KINDY

We are finally at the end of a very exciting and wonderful year for all Pre Kindy children where we have

grown up so very much and learnt lots. It has been fabulous teaching such gorgeous, happy children and I

know that their year in Kindy will be enthralling with such wonderful staff to care and guide their

learning. Please remember to return all Take Home Story Books tomorrow.

I thank all parents for their support and interest in our programme, Mr Rose for always dropping in to say

hi and have a chat and Mrs Fiorenza for the passion, hard work and friendship she has given to me as we

work together as a team in Pre Kindy. I find it to be very rewarding and a very special day in my week.

Let me share an old proverb with you

Parents hold their children’s hands for a while … and their hearts forever.

May you all enjoy a very holy, happy and safe Christmas with your loved ones. Thank you!

Mrs Kaylene Bozich, Pre Kindy Teacher

KINDERGARTEN

Well the school year comes to an end! The children have grown and learnt so much over the year. I have

thoroughly enjoyed teaching this happy group of children and wish them all the best for Pre-primary next

year. I would like to thank the Parents for all their help and support this year. This has helped to make

everything run smoothly in Kindy.

I also want to say a huge thank you to Mrs Michelle Seragusana and Mrs Kayli Thompson for their

support and for their hard work and dedication to creating a wonderful work and learning environment for

us all. I couldn't do it without you.

As the holidays approach, I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe

holidays. Best wishes for 2018.

As this is my last year at St Lawrence, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone

involved in the school community. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at this school. I have had the

privilege to teach such wonderful children, meet fantastic Parents and work with amazing staff. While I

am sad to be leaving, I have lots of wonderful memories to take with me. Thank you.

Mrs Simone Covich, Kindergarten Teacher

PRE PRIMARY

The Pre-Primary’s enjoyed their time at Yokine Play Space with their Year 5 Buddies. The children

played, completed challengers and ate pizza and subway for lunch. The Pre-Primary’s have flourished

this year with the support of their buddies. The teachers have seen each buddy combination grow to know

each and support each other over the course of the year. Thank you to Mr Haydon for all the fantastic

experiences that we have planned together. I hope all the families have an enjoyable break over summer

as they celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus.

Merry Christmas,

Miss Laura Byrne, Pre-Primary Teacher

CONGRATULATIONS to the Byrne family on the arrival of beautiful Sienna, baby sister to Luca

(Pre Primary).

YEAR ONE Yesterday the children did a magnificent job narrating and acting out the story of Christmas. We had a

fabulous time at the Zoo today. Thank you to all our parent helpers. Your help is very much

appreciated. On Friday we will be taking part in a water afternoon with the Pre Primary and Year 2

children. Please remember to bring along your bathers and towel. It is hard to believe that we have

come to the end of the year already. The children have come so far this year and I am very proud of the

hard work they have put into their learning. They are making good choices and it is wonderful to see

them showing the Spirit of Jesus every day. Thank you to all the parents for your continued support and

assistance throughout the year. It has been a pleasure working together with you and your children. I feel

very privileged to have been part of this learning journey with you all. To my wonderful Year Ones, I am

so proud of all you have achieved this year. We have done lots of learning and had lots of fun together. I

will miss you all. Remember to read every day during the holidays. I hope that everyone has a fantastic

and relaxing holiday break and a safe, happy and holy Christmas.

Have a great week.

Mrs Roselyn Pizzino, Year One Teacher.

YEAR TWO

The holidays are a wonderful time to visit your local library to encourage your

child to read for pleasure. Most libraries have a fantastic selection of children’s

literature, DVDs and audio books for your child to borrow and many will have

holiday activities that your child may enjoy participating in.

It has been an action packed year with lots of learning, friendship and fun. Thank

you all for the kind wishes, cards, hugs and gifts; we have enjoyed working with

you to make the children’s year a happy one.

We would like to wish all of our families a happy and holy Christmas, may God

bless you and keep you safe over the holidays.

Mrs Jacki Tucker, Year Two Teacher

It is hard to believe it is time to send out these greetings to celebrate the very busy year I have had the

pleasure to be with Year 2 students. I am so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the

children and Mrs Tucker and Mrs Nyersh who have made me feel very welcome. I have loved seeing

their enthusiasm for learning and hope they take this with them into Year 3. Thanks also for the support I

have enjoyed from you parents and Mr Rose.

As I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and safe and happy new year shared with all your loved ones I

would like to leave this thought with you:

Having someplace to go is home.

Having someone to love is family.

Having both - is a blessing.

Mrs Kaylene Bozich Year Two Teacher, Wednesdays

YEAR THREE

Thank you for a wonderful year together in Year 3. I have really enjoyed getting to know all the children

and families. We have been fortunate to receive assistance from Mrs Staltari, Miss Leigh and Mrs Austin.

A few final reminders: Mass for Graduation is this Thursday 7 December at 6pm. All Year 3 students are

expected to attend with at least one parent. Children are to wear their summer uniform.

We are cleaning desks tomorrow morning. Please stay and assist us if you are able.

Have a blessed Christmas enjoying time with your family.

Mrs Marie Heavey, Year Three Teacher

YEAR FOUR

The Year Four class have had a fabulous year! It has been so pleasing to see the amazing growth and

learning of each and every child throughout the year. The class have certainly enjoyed Genius Hour and

Collaborative Technologies with the Year Six and Year Three classes. The Year Four class have amazed

me with their enthusiasm for learning and their willingness to attempt all tasks. The students had a

fabulous time today on our end of year excursion with Team Building activities and Minute to Win it

games. Please remember to keep reading over the holidays and keep practising those times tables! I wish

all the students and families, a Happy and Holy Christmas and a relaxing holiday. Thank you for a

fabulous year.

Miss Emma Reid, Year Four Teacher

Year Four students have been given 4 pads, 1 exercise book and all their cover pages for Year Five next

year. Mr Phil Haydon, Year Five Teacher

YEAR FIVE

Thank you for helping to make the Ballroom Dancing

evening such an outstanding event. The Year Five

and Six students were dressed and participated in an

exemplary fashion. They showed what a wonderful

group of students they have become and what a credit

they are to their parents and school. It was

particularly praiseworthy as they had spent much of

the earlier part of the day watching over and playing

with their beautiful Pre Primary buddies at Yokine

Open Space. A big vote of thanks to Mrs Figliomeni and Mrs Mucciarone for bringing the mountains of

pizzas and Subway for lunch.

It has been a very busy conclusion to the year and the students have certainly proven they are ready to

take on the role of leaders in our school next year.

May the peace and joy that only Christ can bring shower your family with many blessings!

Mr Phil Haydon, Year Five Teacher

YEAR SIX

And so we have made it to the end! A crazy week to finish an extremely busy year. The students should

be very proud of all their efforts and achievements this year. The Year Six students have taken home

bulging assessment files yesterday. Hopefully the work they have done this year leaves them in good

stead for high school. I am looking forward to all students showing off their talents and achievements

tomorrow night. A reminder that Mass starts at 6pm. The students have worked very hard on their

performance piece, it should be a great night. Congratulations to all the graduates. Have a wonderful

Christmas!

Miss Anna Brenkley, Year Six Teacher

LIBRARY NEWS

Sadly, this will be my last item in the St Lawrence Newsletter. As such, I would like to take this

opportunity to bid farewell to all of the St Lawrence community. I have had the pleasure to work with

many wonderful children and parents over the last thirteen years. Special thanks to Mary Mucciarone

and Antonella Crupi for their many years of shelving books for us in the library.

Thank you to the current, as well as the past, P&Fs and School Boards. They have been so supportive

of our needs in the library and always granted our Wish List requests. I would also like to thank both

of the principals and all of the fabulous staff I have worked with at St Lawrence. They have been

amazing!!!

Many thanks to all of the parents who have helped in some way in the library this year. Your

assistance in shelving, book covering ,distributing book club orders and helping out with special

events in the library is invaluable. We hope to see you all back helping in the library next year and as

always any additional parent helpers are welcome. Thanks also to the many children who volunteer to

do jobs at in the library at lunchtimes. We really appreciate your help.

Together with Mrs Frenzel,

I would like to wish all St Lawrence families

a joyous Christmas and a relaxing holiday break. Goodbye and God Bless Mr Lyn Archer, Teacher Librarian

SCHPOOL BANKING

Dear Parents

A big thank you to all families who banked this year and helped raise funds for our school.

Banking will commence on Thursday 8th February 2018. Please note the change of day.

Wishing all families a wonderful Christmas and a relaxing and refreshing break!

Leanna, Nicole & Katia

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

SUMMER UNIFORM

All students in Year 1 to Year 6 return back to school in Term One 2018 in their summer uniform.

Please ensure that the correct uniform is worn. Girl's dresses should be at worn at the correct length

(below the knee) and boy's blue shirts tucked in. Grey shorts and school socks and school sport socks to

be worn.

PRE-PRIMARY PARENTS

Uniform orders are required to be collected by tomorrow afternoon, Thursday 7th December. This is the

last day that the uniform shop will be open this year for students commencing Year 1, 2018. Cash or

cheque only.

JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS HOURS

Please note the following uniform shop hours during the school holidays:

Tuesday 30 January 2018: 2.30pm - 4.00 pm

Term 1, 2018 31st January first day students return back to school the Uniform Shop will be open earlier:

Wednesday 31 January 2018: 8.00am - 9.30am

Wishing all families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS

Wednesday 8.30am to 9.30am. Thursday 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Mrs Angie Miola, Uniform Shop Manager

CANTEEN NEWS

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support in the Canteen and a special

mention to Mr Ken Tonge thank you for all your help.

Unfortunately I am stepping down from the Manager role. I really enjoyed serving all your beautiful

children.

I would to introduce you to your new Canteen Manager Christina Russo and her assistance Frances

Caccamo. I am confident they will do an amazing job.

Thank you also to Mrs Major for allowing me to help with the sports carnival during the last four years.

I really enjoyed being a part of making history for St Lawrence Primary School. To see all the children

working so hard as made me so proud. I will never forget their excited faces when we won the shields.

I will cherish that memory forever.

BIKE RAFFLE

Many thanks to those who purchased a ticket for the bike raffle we raised $1240.00.

Congratulations to the winners

Merry Christmas and Happy

New Year to you all,

Mrs Amanda Xigas