The final weeks in Infants have been filled with energy and excitement as we prepared for Christmas. The last two have been a joyful journey which has included a visit from Baby Jesus, elves on the shelves, Christmas concerts, Christmas Around the World and the Teddy Bears Picnic.

In preparation for Christmas and for the beginning of Advent, Fr. Paul brought Baby Jesus into each of the Kindergarten and Year 1 classrooms, allowing the children to cradle Jesus and take a moment to reflect and talk with him. 

Our classrooms were visited by the delightful Elves on the Shelves. These little helpers made appearances in each of the Kindergarten and Year 1 classes, keeping a watchful eye on the children. Their presence reminded us all to continue being kind and thoughtful members of our school family.

Our Christmas concerts were filled with love and joy. The children in Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 presented "The Donkey's Christmas," a performance that warmed hearts and shared the story of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Prep children also performed beautifully, sharing their enthusiasm with the songs they have learned and showcasing their talents with musical instruments.

Our final days of school proved to be exceptionally adventurous as our Kindergarten and Year 1 students, with luggage bags packed, passports and boarding passes ready, embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas around the world. Kindergarten visited Sweden, Mexico, Italy, and France. Year 1 explored Ethiopia, Spain, England, and Germany. Our jetsetters even made special stops at the North Pole, where they prepared reindeer food, and they also had the opportunity to visit Bethlehem at our very own Chapel.

Nominated students were invited to the Term 4 Teddy Bears Picnic as a reward for their effort and best behaviour. It was a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate their hard work and positive attitudes.

As the academic year concludes, I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, gifts and lovely messages for me during my surgery and recovery. It meant so much to me and my family during this time. We are truly blessed to be part of such a caring and thoughtful school community. 

I wish you all a beautiful Christmas with your families and look forward to beginning the 2025 academic year together.

As the school year draws to a close, we reflect on what has been a busy and rewarding year. Our teachers have once again worked tirelessly to implement the new 3–6 English and Mathematics syllabus, while the girls thrived in STEM activities facilitated by SAMMAT Education. Among many noteworthy accomplishments were the outstanding results achieved by our Maths Olympiad Team. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and growth, and we thoroughly enjoyed celebrating their successes together at the Presentation Evening.

What a magical way to celebrate our Year 6 graduation!

On Friday, 22 November, Year 6 celebrated their graduation at The Epping Club, after a beautiful Mass in the school chapel. It was a wonderful experience and a great culmination of the last 7 to 8 exciting years in primary and infants.

It was a short term but we packed a lot in. 

Year 3 learnt about abstract art with a case study on Wassily Kandinsky. They listened to different styles and genres of music and responded in paint: sounds translated to shapes and emotions into colour. They finished the year with some lovely stain-glassed nativities and glittery Christmas trees.

Year 4 created watercolour self-portraits based on the work of Freida Khalo and finished the term with some symmetrical Gothic Cathedrals with stained glass windows. 

Year 5 learnt the skill of 1-point perspective with some very creative aquariums.

Year 6 did a case study on Matisse, looking at basic anatomical proportions and bold colour. They then went on to advanced drawing skills using a grid, with some incredible drawings of eagles. 

It was another fabulously creative year. 

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas.

Mrs Denahy 

We finished off our 2024 school year by making Christmas cards for the homeless.

It was a great way to share our Christmas joy with those who need it the most.

Have a Merry Christmas with your families.

From Year 4 Religion 2024

This week, the Chapel Choir performed a selection of Christmas carols for the school community.

Thank you to the choir and their Musical Director, Mrs Lucy Roh for organising this event and sharing the spirit of Christmas through music.

The Infant Christmas Concert on Monday was a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

Thank you to Music staff Mrs Crosbie and Mrs Goldsworthy for preparing the students for their performances. Their hard work helped make the event a success.

Students from the combined Years 3-11 choir and instrumental groups performed at both the Primary and Secondary events this week.

Thank you to Mrs Crosbie, Mrs Roh, and Mrs Tsipidis for their guidance and effort in preparing the students for these performances.

The Sport Information for 2025 has been sent to all families. Please make your selections early to avoid disappointment.

If you have not received it or have any questions, please email sport@tangara.nsw.edu.au.

Primary

HZSA Primary Tennis

HZSA Basketball Trials

HZSA Netball Trials

Secondary

HZSA Football Trials

HZSA Netball Trials

HZSA Touch Football Trials

HZSA U16 & U18 Basketball Trials

HZSA Open Girls Tennis

These opportunities are for players who are playing at a representative level in their chosen sport.

Please see the HZSA website for further information and contact Mrs Benson if your daughter is interested, alison.benson@tangara.nsw.edu.au.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected into the Spalding Waratah Junior Representative 2025 program:

On 2 December 2024, our Year 7 and 9 students traded their desks for the sandy shores of Dee Why beach. This annual excursion offers an incredible opportunity for students to develop essential water safety skills while appreciating the stunning beauty of part of our coastline.

Guided by experienced surf instructors and lifesavers, students learned to identify rips, determine the safest places to swim, and practice safe water entry and exit techniques. They also mastered survival skills like treading water and floating.

The highlight of the day was hitting the waves, with many students trying their hand at surfing for the first time. For some, it was an opportunity to refine their skills, while others delighted in catching their very first wave. The laughter, smiles, and sheer joy on display made it clear that everyone had a fantastic time. Teachers and instructors praised the students' enthusiasm and positive attitudes.

This surf education excursion not only equips our students with invaluable life skills but also encourages a love for the ocean, promotes physical activity, and highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle.