Dear Parents, Guardians & Carers,

On Tuesday this week, our Year 3-6 students went to St Michael’s church to celebrate mass for the Feast of the Assumption. On this Feast Day we celebrate the entry of Mary, body and soul, into heaven and recognise her as a model of faithful service to God. Father Peter encouraged us to pray to Mary, who takes our prayers to God. A simple way to do this is to say the Hail Mary together as a family. I’m sure your child will be able to teach you this prayer if you don’t know it or have forgotten it!

On Thursday 31^st of August we will be having mass together as a whole school community at St Michael’s church. Mass begins at 9:30 and parents and family members are very welcome to attend.

The Father’s Day Stall will be held on Friday 1^st of September. Families who would like their child to have an opportunity to choose a gift at the stall are invited to make a payment of $7 through CDF pay. Payments can be made up until 9pm on Wednesday 30^th of August. Please see the link in the attached flyer.

Next week our Year 6 students will be attending Urban Camp in Melbourne from Monday to Wednesday. The teachers and students are excited and looking forward to the great range of activities and experiences provided. A reminder to parents of Year 6 students that Thursday 24^th of August is a student free day for Year 6 students only.

Our Annual Book Fair is underway and will be open before and after school until next Thursday 24^th of August. It’s great to hear the buzz of excitement around the school about the books the children are excited to buy. Book week dress-up day is next Friday 25th of August. There will be a costume parade at 9am in the morning in the courtyard (weather permitting). Parents and family members are welcome to attend.

On Monday 31^st of July, Ian Whitehead from the Rotary Club of Traralgon Central attended our assembly to accept and collect our donations for the Give A Damn, Give a Can campaign. I would like to thank all our very generous families for their contributions and pass on the following message of thanks received from Ian:

Appreciation from the Rotary Club of Traralgon Central.

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Traralgon Central, we pass on huge appreciation to your school and parent community for support to Give a Damn. Give a Can. While the club receives wonderful community support the schools are front and centre, annually contributing over 75% of the total collection; this year around 14 000 cans. Special thanks to parents for allowing your children to raid the pantry and to the school co-ordinators, whose spirit of generosity and creative thinking leads to expansive collections.

St Gabriels has been a wonderful supporter of GACGAD.  Of all the schools I visit, you are one of the most welcoming and generous of spirit. Thank you for your invitation to the assembly.  This year’s collection was a most generous 586 cans.

Ian Whitehead.  Rotary Club of Traralgon Central.

Warm regards,

Alison