2023, Term 4, Week 10

Merry Christmas

Important Dates 2024

Principal Message

As we turn towards Christmas we remember that God gave us Jesus because God's love is unconditional. That Jesus was born in the humblest of circumstances, in an animal shelter, should not be lost on us.

God gave Jesus to us this way to make it clear that no place and no person was beneath His dignity. The first Christmas story is one of humility, a story without royal robes, and a story without a proper bed.  Jesus' presence brings joy to the world.

Although I have only enjoyed the privilege of being part of St Ambrose for Term 4,  I am deeply grateful for the way in which our parish school community welcomed me, the friendships I have made and  how you have all made me feel like I am part of the family here at St Ambrose. 

I would like to thank Fr Paul for all his guidance and support during the year and to me personally during Term 4. He is a huge support to myself and the school and he leads the school in being an authentic centre of Christ in action. He wants the best for every child in our school and has supported the staff in ensuring that this is the case at St Ambrose.

To all our children, I would like to acknowledge your resilience and determination to acheieve great things this year.  I could list all of the challenges and successes that you have faced and achieved, but I am more concerned with the positive actions that I have witnessed from you, the leadership that each and every one of you demonstrated, the commitment to support your classmates and other students in our school and most importantly, the fact that you put others before yourselves.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for all you do to make our school such an amazing place.
There is no doubt that we can’t do the job of education without the fantastic support and involvement we get from our parent community. I know that the staff look forward to this continuing in 2024 as we work together to ensure our school continues to be a school of excellence.

The staff at our parish school are among the best you will find anywhere and their determination
and commitment to make sure our students are loved, cared for and belong is evident in all that
they do. I would like to thank them for making it a joy to be a part of the team here at St Ambrose this term. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of such a wonderful team and I can assure you that your children are in amazing hands.

This year has been such a productive year in so many ways. We have made outstanding gains in
many areas and our school improvement data reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire
community.  We currently have many families wanting to be part of our parish school community and this is a testament to the wonderful work happening in our school.

I would like to thank our staff, students, parents, grandparents, Fr Paul, Parish staff and all our
wonderful volunteers for making 2023 such a great year. I look forward to seeing you at the
Christmas celebrations in our parish over the break. Have a safe and eventful Christmas break
and I wish you all the best in 2024 for another year of loving, growing and learning At St Ambrose.

I have loved my time at St Ambrose, made wonderful friendships and I will cherish the memories made. I hope that we can cross paths again in the near future.

Year 6 Graduating Students

A Wish for Our Children

If there could be only one thing for us to teach you, we would teach you to love. To respect others,
so that you may be able to respect yourself. To learn the value of giving, so if there is ever a time
in your life that someone really needs you, you will give.

To act in a manner that you would wish to be treated, to be proud of yourself. To laugh and smile as much as you can, in order to bring joy to others. To have faith in others and be understanding.
To stand tall in the world and learn to depend on yourself. To only take what you need and give to
others. To learn that happiness comes from the inside and being around those that you love.

To enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and to and peace and friendship in this life. To you, our
children, we hope we will teach you all of these things, for they are love.

Congratulations Year 6 

May you enjoy all the challenges and success that life will throw at you. May your journey be filled with love and happiness and may you continue to achieve your dreams.

I wish each and every one of you God’s Blessing and to our parents, I thank you for everything
you have done for your son or daughter graduating this year. I thank you for the support you have
given the school, the sacrifices you have made and most of all, I thank you for the great gift of
entrusting us to be part of your child’s education.

Now go and shine your light. When you leave St Ambrose, let your light shine for all the world to see!

Staff List 2024

Staff Farewell

At the end of the year we will farewell Mr Cameron Cook, Mr Nick Lock, Miss Courtney Wells and Mrs Charlotte MacTaggart as they begin a new adventure in their  careers.

Mr Cook is heading to St Joseph's College Banora Point, Mr Lock will be moving to St Finbarr's Byron Bay and Miss Wells will be returning to St
John's Primary Mullumbimby after spending twelve months with us.

We farewell Charlotte as she begins her new journey at St Joseph's College Banora Point in 2024. Charlotte was a foundation staff member at St Ambrose when it opened in 2015 and her knowledge, skills and beautiful manner with students, staff and parents will be greatly missed.  

We also congratulate Mrs Kimberely Mathewson on her success in being appointed as Education Officer for the Tweed Cluster of schools. Mrs Matthewson will return as Acting Assistant Principal for the first 6 weeks of Term 1 next year before commencing her role with the Catholic Schools Office. 

On behalf of Mr Brian Laybutt and our school community, I would like to thank Cameron, Nick, Courtney, Kimberley and Charlotte for everything they have done for our students and our school during the time that they have been here. We are sad that they are leaving but we are grateful for our time spent with them here at St Ambrose. I know that they will all be an incredible asset to their future schools and I wish them every success and happiness.

Please find the link below for anyone interested in applying for our Office Administration position.

https://careers.pageuppeople.com/1001/cw/en/job/496353/finance-administration-st-ambrose-primary-school-pottsville

A message from Charlotte

2024 School Leaders

“It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

Facing challenges and learning from our mistakes takes courage and support from family, friends and our school community. As our Year 5 leaders continue on their journey of learning and leadership throughout the year in 2024, we wish them every success and pray that they will have the strength to face challenges, learn from their mistakes and strive to be the best that they can be for the benefit of our St Ambrose community.

Presentation and Awards

A message from Assistant Principal Missions

As the 2023 school year draws to a close, I would truly like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and appreciation in connection to my role as Assistant Principal – Mission.

I have had the privilege of working with many families in preparing their children for sacraments. Thank you to the many families who supported their children through sacramental preparation and their ongoing faith journey.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas filled with great joy. For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son, Jesus.

May you have the gift of Faith The blessing of hope And the peace of His love

The Christmas Appeal

We would like to thank everyone for your incredible generosity and support with the Christmas Appeal this year. St Vincent De Paul is very grateful for the donations from St Ambrose as these greatly assist those in need in our community at this special time of year. The Mini Vinnies did a wonderful job organising our donations and they presented them to St Vincent De Paul committee members today. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Mrs McGill and The Mini Vinnies 

Christmas Mass Times

3rd Sunday of Advent- 17th December

In this Gospel reading, John 1:6-8, 19-28 Jesus sends a message of Good News through John the Baptist.

In this third week of Advent, we light the pink candle as we pause and reflect on the first half of the Advent season, as we look ahead to the last weeks. The joy that we have and will experience during this season magnifies as we continue to prepare for the coming of Christ, who is full of joy.

Lord, help me to see the wonder in your creation,
to find joy amidst the trials. For in you I can
rejoice and be glad. No matter what the world brings,
I can find joy in you. Help me to celebrate with joy
and gladness this Christmas, for in you all things
are made new. 
Amen

Nativity

Huge congratulations to all the students involved in the school Nativity production last week! 

Cast List:

Mary - Lula                             
Joseph - Lukas                                                                             
Angel Gabriel - Ariana   & Ruby                  
Angels - Eve, Elsie , Mischa, May, Ariana, Ruby & Annie                       
Caesar Augustus - Georgie                                             
Innkeepers -Georgie, Ayda & Sam                   
Shepherds - Oscar, Husker, Sam & Amber   
Three Kings - Oscar, Husker & Ayda   
Narrators - Amber, Grace & Annie 
Backstage Director – Abby 
Stage Assistants – Eve, Susannah & Halle        

Well done everyone! 

Parish Newsletter

Seeking Music Tutors St Ambrose for 2024

We are currently seeking to appoint a variety of Music Tutors for 2024.  We are specifically looking for individuals skilled in Piano, Guitar, Drums, Wind, and Brass.

The successful candidate must:

• have appropriate qualifications/experience to teach students including a valid Working With Children Check;

• have the ability to teach students from 5 to 12 years of age;

• have excellent skills in communicating with students and parents;

• be willing to contribute to the development of performance opportunities held at St Ambrose as required by the Principal; and,

• have their own ABN and the capacity to operate as an independent contractor.

If this sounds like you we want to hear from you! Send your inquiry or application to the School at sapot@lism.catholic.edu.au

Uniform Orders for 2024

 1^st Uniform Orders for 2024

Uniform orders ready for collection in Classroom when attending MAI/Best Start Testing - Order by 5pm Sunday 28^th Jan

Please make sure you have changed your child’s Year Level/Class in Flexischools to be their Class for 2024 so uniforms can be delivered to the correct classroom!

School Planning and Organisation for 2024

Is your child returning in 2024? It is the time of the year where we begin planning classes and staffing for 2024. To assist with preparation, we need to know who is NOT returning to St Ambrose next year. Information is sought for any student who will not be returning in 2024.

Please advise in writing your plans and details on sapot@lism.catholic.edu.au or contact us on 02 66760099 as soon as possible.

LET'S COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN