Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

School Transitions- School TV:
Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

It is always important to remember that transitioning is an ongoing process for school children, as they navigate changes in their educational, social, and emotional environments. Whether it's moving to a new grade, adapting to different teaching styles, or developing new friendships, each stage requires support and time.

Understanding that transition is not a one-time event but a continuous journey helps children build resilience, confidence, and a positive school experience. Linked below is a current published article from School TV that provides helpful strategies for parents to support their child through the transition process, helping to reduce stress and anxiety along the way.

https://stangelawarragul.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

Kind Regards,
Rachael Williams | Acting Principal

2024 Christmas Mass Timetable

Tuesday December 24 (Christmas Eve)
6.30pm       Marist-Sion Hall, Warragul (Carols 6.00pm)
9.00pm       St. Ita’s Church, Drouin (Carols at 8.30pm)

Wednesday December 25 (Christmas Day)
9.00am        St. Ignatius Church Neerim South
9.00am        St. Joseph’s Church Warragul
10.30am      St. Ita’s Church Drouin

2nd Rite of Reconciliation before Christmas
As well as regular times there is to be a communal service for Reconciliation at St. Ita’s Church on Tuesday December 17 at 7.00pm.
All parishioners are welcome.

Christmas These Days!

Preparations for Christmas these days are typically less focussed on Luke and Matthew’s nativity stories and some folks have only a jumbled notion of the feast we celebrate. And certainly, much is written about the commercialisation of Christmas. But still much can be learnt about preparation, consideration of others and reflection on values and circumstances beyond ourselves.

St Francis of Assisi might be said to have invented Christmas in the thirteenth century. His special devotion to Jesus, in what he considered the “feast of feasts”, highlights the incarnate Creator born to Mary in poor, simple, awkward, humble circumstances. Francis celebrated this earthy humanity, encouraging anticipation of the feast and introducing some of the symbolism remaining today. The world is a better place for Christmas preparations.

All three of our readings for this second Sunday of Advent are about preparedness, yearning and eager anticipation. That’s what Advent is about – preparation.

Baruch, a lesser-known Old Testament prophet, expresses the yearning of his people during times of sorrow and distress for a joyful future with God’s glorious coming (Bar 5:1-9), while the gospel (Lk 3:1-6) outlines John the Baptist foretelling the imminent coming of the Lord, his kinsman Jesus, Son of God. St Paul in his letter to the Philippians (Phil 1:3-6, 8-11), a few decades after Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is about preparation for the anticipated second coming of Jesus at some unknown time in the future. 

All in all, the message is clear. Prepare with joy for Jesus’ first coming as a child in Bethlehem. We are familiar with the story, but that doesn’t make it any less exquisite. And whilst we anticipate the secular pleasures of Christmas, let us eagerly celebrate the Good News as well as prayerfully preparing ourselves too for the second coming of Christ.

Deacon Mark Kelly

St Angela of the Cross Primary School has a long tradition of supporting our local St Vincent de Paul Society. 

Leading up to the festive season, St Vincent de Paul make Christmas Hampers for families in our local community who are in need of support, particularly at this time of year.

To assist St Vinnies, we ask our school families to donate items that could bring joy to a child or teenager during this special time of year. 

Any support you can offer at this time would be greatly appreciated. We ask that donations be at school before Friday 13th December.

Thank you for your continuous spirit of giving. 

FINAL REMINDER

Have you handed in your School Fee Information forms for 2025?
These were due back Monday December 2.

We still have a large number of families who have not yet handed their forms back, it would be apprecaited if you could please return these ASAP.

If you have any questions regarding fees please conact

l.soumilas@stangelawarragul.catholic.edu.au 

Dear Parents/Guardians of students who will be in Grade 3 to 6 in 2025,

Our program for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation begins early in Term 1, 2025.

If your child is Baptized and will be in Grade 3 or above in 2025, and you would like them to receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, we invite you to attend our Information Meeting on Thursday February 6, at 7pm in the Marian Room at St. Joseph’s Church in Warragul.

Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SDB.  He is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker.

At this gathering we will hand out information packs, containing enrolment forms, and outline the events and details concerning this wonderful Sacrament.

For further enquiries please feel welcome to contact:

Liz Schellekens
Sacrament Coordinator
Catholic Parishes of Warragul & Drouin
Phone: (03) 5623 1642
Email:Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au    

Congratulations to Maya and Haven on being crowned 2024 CheerCon National Champions with their team, Surge!  

This incredible achievement reflects their hard work, dedication and teamwork and we are so proud of their success. 

Well done, Maya and Haven!