On behalf of the Community Council, I would like to extend a very Merry Christmas to the St Pat's School community and thank you all for another fantastic year. Despite lockdowns, home learning, and social distancing, the school community has managed to achieve so many things this year including:

- Two extremely successful fundraising events, with the St Patrick's Variety Night and the annual Street Stall;

- A grant for $129,000 to complete works to our playground;

- We covered the transport costs for all school excursions;

- Purchased 20 new chrome books;

- Purchased a new pie warmer for the Canteen;

- Introduced new uniform items, including a sports skort and regular uniform skort, along with unisex sports shorts.

As mentioned at Friday's awards assembly, I will be stepping down from the Council next year. I have been a member of the Council for eight years and Chair for the past three years. It has been a truly rewarding experience and I thank you all for your support. We will also farewell Emma Peterson, who has decided to step down from the Council next year. Emma's commitment to our school is second to none and she will be missed from the Council. Thank you Emma.

To our existing members - Craig Hargreaves, Kim Paton, Jacki Carberry, Michelle McDonnell, John Morgan, Michael Leane - thank you! This team is so dedicated to our school and to seeing a great future not only for our current school community, but the community to come.

If you have a desire to be part of this incredible team, are passionate about our school and about working hard for the betterment of our school and its people, then please consider applying to be a member of the Council. Expressions of interest can be sent directly to Principal Chris Baron prior to our AGM in February.

A massive thank you must also go to Leanne McDonnell and Bec Gaskin for managing canteen and uniform shop again this year. Leanne hands over the reigns of the canteen to Alicia Hargreaves next year - thank you Alicia for volunteering to take on this role.

On a final note, I did mention end of year drinks at Lott's Family Hotel this Thursday night. It seems this week is incredibly busy for many families, so we have decided to postpone and instead, host a welcome to 2021 gathering early in the new year. Please keep an eye out for further information.

Wishing you a safe, happy and Holy Christmas with family and friends.

Renee Lindley