College Newsletter - 26 November - Term 4, Week 8 2021

Final Farewell and Best Wishes

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of the St Gregory's College Community,

As I sit to write my final College Newsletter article at the College, I must admit to feeling quite emotional about leaving a place I have grown to love. St Gregory’s has been my ‘home’ for the past three years and as the College has continued to grow, so have I. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have very fond memories to call on when I leave in December and begin my new role as Assistant Director – Catholic Education, in the Diocese of Lismore.

I thank the St Gregory’s community for their support over the past few weeks since the announcement of my departure, and I extend my thanks to our staff, students, and families for their farewell messages. I have been humbled by the kind words and sentiments expressed by our community to me for the leadership I have provided at St Gregory’s. I am proud of St Gregory’s, and it is a blessing to hear our staff, students and families speak so glowingly about the College and the impact it has on their lives. While I will no longer be here each day, I can assure you that each day the St Gregory’s community will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to many opportunities to return to the College for a friendly visit and to say hello.

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Farewells

Mr Matthew Brennan - College Principal (K-12)

Staffing 

As we approach the end of the school year, we wish to acknowledge some members of staff who are moving on from St Gregory’s College at the end of this year. We acknowledge and sincerely thank each of these staff for their contributions and commitment to the College, and we wish them all the very best for their time beyond St Greg’s. 

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Junior School Wrap Up for 2022

Mr Joel Weekes - Assistant Principal

Dear Members of the St Gregory’s College family,

Welcome to the end of Week 8, which brings us to the end of another wonderful week at the College. There have been so many great things happening at the College in the last fortnight that has made for such a positive buzz around the Junior School. With only 2 weeks to go, I trust that your families enjoy the ‘downhill run’ before the frantic Christmas rush.

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Best Wishes

Another school year is nearly behind us and whilst COVID restrictions continue, lockdown and the slower pace of the world is over and once again we are busy! Students are completing exams and other assessment tasks, maintenance and administrative staff are completing to-do lists and planning for 2022 and teachers are planning for next year while teaching, marking and reporting. It is a busy and productive time.

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2022 Senior Student Leaders

One of the greatest joys in my role as Director of Mission is to work with our student leaders. Another casualty of COVID, our leadership gathering was unable to take place in its typical form at our spiritual home in Mittagong, instead, spending our time here at the College. Miss Kent, Mr Newell and I, along with our 19 elected leaders, were able to spend an inspiring and productive time learning and planning for 2022, focussing on the Christian model of Servant Leadership and the needs of our community.

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Student Leaders Gathering - Marist Youth Ministry

On Thursday 18 and Friday 19 November; Andrew Parkin, Benjamin Kelly, Manoj Weerasingham and I, attended a Student Leaders Gathering run by Marist Youth Ministry. Throughout these two days we learnt how to effectively set goals, time manage, balance our studies and leadership roles and lead the College in many ways that reflect the Marist Charism, which will positively impact the College.

From choosing three of the greatest leaders in our minds, to peacefully and quietly reflecting on our personal decisions and actions, we participated in a range of activities that brought us closer together and gave us the knowledge to positively impact the College throughout our time as elected leaders.

On the last day, we were joined for lunch by members of the College Leadership Team; Mr MacMaster, Mr Brooks, Mrs Clarke and Ms Tolomeo. Together we shared one of our goals over the coming 12 months and had the opportunity to attend the closing Liturgy where we received a Palm Cross made of olive wood from the Holy Lands. This cross represented our connection with our faith and allows us to grow stronger as a group and with God.

 

By Lucas Braithwaite (College Captain) 

Community Service - by Elliot Power

In a year where the Community Service Program was not what it always has been, I would confidently say that through this experience we have learnt more and been able to push ourselves more to help others at home, at school and in the community. Whilst in previous years we would have had many more school and community opportunities to partake in, this year we had to find more ways to help others which I think pushed us to think outside the box and find opportunities that enabled us to participate from home. To help with this Ms Kent created service challenges each week during online learning encouraging us to prepare meals for our family, spend time with siblings and our pets, clean areas of our homes, connect virtually with our extended family and check in with our mates.

In my own community service, I was able to help at the Claymore Homework Club with the Smith Family. This was an enlightening experience to see the work of the volunteers there who help the children and some of the few ways you can help children in the afternoons with their schoolwork. At home I was able to do work in the yard, fix my sister's bike and help my siblings with the online homework. I also participated in the Salvation Door Knock Appeal which helped raise money for those in need. We visited many communities and were humbled by the way many contributed to the fundraiser. I had a very positive experience throughout the Year 10 Community Service Program and urge younger years to give it the best they can. 

 

By Elliot Power, Year 10, Medallion Recipient.

St. Vincent de Paul Society / Claymore Community Appeal

We have been overwhelmed with the donations that have come into the Junior School this year for the St Vincent de Paul Society/Claymore Community Appeal. Each grade was allocated an item to donate. Lovely hampers will be put together with all the donations from members of the College to go to those less fortunate. Thank you to all the families who donated.

Mrs Robyn Bowen

Leader of Learning - Religious Education K-6

Operation Christmas Child in the Junior School

A big thank you to all the families in the Junior School for their generous donations to our charity fundraiser; Samaritans Purse – Operation Christmas Child. The purpose of this organisation is to pack shoeboxes full of lovely things for children overseas in disadvantaged communities. For most of these children, it will be their first Christmas gift.

Each family was given a shoebox to fill with items for a boy or girl in an age bracket between 2-14 years of age.

We had over 150 boxes donated! Samaritan’s Purse was overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the generosity shown by our community.

A big thank you to Mr Lunny and the Eschol Park Soccer Club for donating their excess sponsor shirts to Samaritans Purse to be used in boxes. This was a very welcomed gesture.

Mrs Robyn Bowen

Leader of Learning - Religious Education K-6

The St Gregory's Agile Graduate - Responsible and Reflective

As students returned to face-to-face learning earlier this term, Year 12 students were preparing for their last school experiences: their HSC examinations, farewells, Year 12 Graduation, and their Year 12 Formal. Students in Year 11 re-engaged with their teachers and commenced their HSC coursework. Students in Year 7-10 settled back into the classroom and their daily practices, preparing for their upcoming final assessments.

This year, despite major challenges, our staff ensured quality education continued for the students at St Greg’s. It has reinforced the significant role that teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families, and communities. I think we will all look back on 2021 as “the year that was”.

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National Bullying Prevention Week

During Week 7, students in the Senior School acknowledged National Bullying Prevention week.

Bullying impacts over 2 million Australians every year; whether its young people at school; employees in the workplace or all ages online, many face the challenging impacts of becoming targets of bullying behaviours.

 

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Odd Socks Day

During Bullying Prevention Week 2021, students and staff were asked to wear odd socks on Thursday as part of the sports uniform.  It was great to see the number of students who got involved with the initiative, while spreading the understanding of ‘One Kind Word’ to each other could make a world of difference to others.

 

The ‘Odd Socks’ represent the diversity in our community, all coming together in solidarity and respect.

Year 7 2022 - Homeroom Meeting

Last week the College organised an afternoon for our new Year 7 2022 students to meet each other and their homeroom teacher on Microsoft Teams. The event was organised by Mrs Alicia Price, who will be the Year 7 Leader for 2022.

For so many of our new Year 7 students, it was an opportunity to ask questions about their first day at school. To help support the meetings, our Year 12 Leaders also attended the meeting and made themselves available to help answer questions about being a student at St Greg’s!

 

In conclusion, the feedback received by parents, students and staff was amazing. A special thank you need to go out to the homeroom teachers who took time after hours to support the 2022 Year 7 students.

Student Merit System 2021

As we complete another year, I would like to congratulate the following students across Years 7 – 12, who were able to accumulate numerous Positive merits, Green stamps and Reward points over the year!

 

A special congratulations to Tristan CHANTHIVONG who has received 225 points this year!

Upcoming Events

Over the next few weeks, we wish our students the best of luck in the following activities:   

Week 9               

  • Years 7 – 10 Exams
  • Friday 3 December;
    • Year 7 – 10 Awards and Christmas Liturgy
    • Year 12 Graduation Awards and Mass

Week 10            

  • Wednesday 8 December;
    • Year 11 Academic and Co-curricular Awards
    • Year 11 classes conclude
  • Thursday 9 December
    • Assessment Task Feedback Available

January 2022              

  • ATAR available (20 January 2022)
  • HSC Results (24 January 2022)

Years 7-10 Assessment Block

Over the next week, Years 7 – 10 students will complete assessment tasks in class for most of their subjects.

These tasks are a chance for our students to demonstrate what they have learned and the improvements they have made over the last term. These tasks will take place in students’ normal classes.

If your son is unable to attend an assessment task, we would ask that parents email the Academic Care Leader (Mrs Ursino – Year 7 and 8 or Miss Keir – Year 9) with a medical certificate. Year 10 students are to email or hand in a Student Assessment Form with a medical certificate to Mr Bombardiere. These students will receive an estimate based on their other assessments and class tasks. There will not be an opportunity for catch-up tasks.

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Year 12 - One more week of HSC Exams

While some of our students finished their HSC exams yesterday with Studies of Religion, there are still a number of smaller exams taking place next week ending with Investigating Science next Thursday afternoon (2 December).

 

ATAR results will be released on 20 January 2022 and HSC results will be released on 24 January. As is the tradition, our Year 12 students are invited back on Monday, January 24 for a BBQ breakfast to celebrate their HSC results. There will be a High Achievers’ Assembly on Friday 4 February. 

HSC Minimum Standard Testing, NAPLAN School Readiness Testing

Our students completed another round of HSC Minimum Standards tests in Week 7. Students in NSW must pass tests in reading, writing and numeracy in order to receive their HSC. Our students begin these tests in Year 10 and they have several chances each year to pass the tests. There will be further opportunities in the new year for students in Year 11 and Year 12 to pass their tests and our Year 10 students will complete their first set of tests at the end of Term 1 next year.

 

Students in Years 5 and 7 successfully completed the NAPLAN SRT in Week 7. This testing was designed to check school systems and to ensure that student laptops would function with NESA lockdown browser technology. Now that the College has successfully tested our systems, we are beginning to prepare for the transition to NESA online testing next year in May.

Final thank you for the year

On behalf of our Academic Care Leaders, Leaders of Learning and teaching staff, I would like to thank you for your continued support this year through all the challenges we have faced. In many ways, this year has been the toughest we have faced - for parents, students and teaching staff – but we have navigated our way through because of your goodwill and support. Have a happy, holy and safe Christmas break and we look forward to continuing our partnership next year.

Wrap up of Boarding at St Greg's

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Since the return of the boys a few weeks ago, it is hard to remember the significant online learning period. The students have settled straight into the routine of daily life. Classes, assessment tasks, sports training, activities, outings, dinners, beach trips, Luna Park, bowling, laser tag and, touch football competitions, have all been on the agenda as we have tried to make up for the significant amount of time lost this year.

The students are heading into their end of year exams and assessments at this time and have been busy preparing for the various tasks they will be undertaking. Our tutors have been working hard to support students at this time. Assessment periods can be a stressful time, if you have any concerns in relation to your son, please reach out to us so we can assist in the management and care of your son.

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Sport Report

As the College has made a successful return to College Sport, all staff and students are to be congratulated on their compliance with the “Return to Sport” guidelines that have been put in place by NSW Health and CSNSW. The students are happy to get engaged with the modified activities for the remainder of the term as they trial for representative basketball and cricket, participate in offsite activities, and run, swim, , hit and kick, in our onsite activities on our beautiful College grounds.

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HSC Primary Industries

On Thursday 21 October, the HSC Primary Industries class completed an incursion to complete the practical component of their ‘Sustainable Fencing’ assessment task. The completion of this task meant that all students are eligible to receive a Certificate II in Agriculture. The day involved the replacement of a post and wire fence in one of the sheep paddocks. All students worked hard on the day and the plumb and straight fence is a testament to their efforts.

Mr Edward Stefanski

Science Teacher/Agricultural Teacher

Year 7 Maths Algebra Game

On Friday 19 November, Mrs Sligar’s Year 7 Maths class, used their Maths lesson to create a series of cards containing Algebraic terms. In small groups of 3-4 students,  the cards were used to play an Uno-style card game that required an understanding of “like terms”. Students were challenged to match like terms, play wildcard to change the term and be the first to get all their cards down.

 

 

The students enjoyed having fun as well as learning some of the important basics of Algebra. 

Mrs Julie Sligar

Assistant Leader of Learning - Mathematics

Mathematics Study Group

Mathematics Study has been up and running again this term with Year Groups separated into different rooms. With the upcoming Year 7 to Year 11 assessment tasks, Week 8 has seen a huge increase in the number of students wishing to get that little bit of extra study time for Mathematics. With teachers moving throughout all the rooms, students are able to seek assistance with concept areas that they are struggling with or just get reassurance with content that they are consolidating.

Mrs Melissa Giles

Leader of Learning - Mathematics

Year 8 - STEM in the Science Classroom

Throughout Term 4, Year 8 Science classes have been studying the topic “Science Improves Our Health”. In this topic the students have been investigating how scientists work in collaboration towards improving the quality of life for those with health issues. Science and Technology have contributed to better quality and length of life by curing diseases and replacing damaged body parts.

 

Recently students carried out a STEM activity into replacement body parts – Artificial Limbs.

 

In groups, students had to design an experiment to test the features of their prosthetic arm. Problems investigated included:

  • How much mass can your prosthetic arm pick up?
  • How quickly can your prosthetic arm transfer 10 paper clips from one container to another?
  • How well can your prosthetic arm draw a sketch of a smiling face?

 

The experiment involved the following parts:

  • Research: the materials used in current prosthetics, properties of the materials that make them suitable for use and the functionality of prosthetic limbs.
  • Design: design a bionic arm from a set of equipment provided
  • Construct: construct a model prosthetic arm
  • Analysis: comparing the functionality of their model with the human arm

 

This activity gave the students an insight into the difficulties of designing and making a prosthetic limb to replicate parts of the human body. It also demonstrated the work of Science and Technology in replacing damaged body parts.

 

Mr John Dinnen

 

Leader of Learning - Science 

Year 9 Commerce - ASX Sharemarket Game

Mr. Baz’s Year 9 Commerce class completed in the ASX Sharemarket Game which ran for ten weeks through to 28 October.   Syndicates of up to four students were given $50,000 in fantasy money to invest in the sharemarket.   The game uses real companies and their real-time minute-by-minute price changes.   The object of the game is very simple.   Whichever syndicate’s share portfolio ends up being worth the most at the end of the ten weeks wins.

 

Of the 14,000 syndicates nationally, I am very pleased to announce that Darcy West and Sean West finished in 14th place in the country, and 7th place in NSW, with a share portfolio worth $56,665.88.   This is an outstanding achievement, particularly as the game involves students in all year levels up to Year 12.

 

In fact, four of the 13 St Gregory’s syndicates finished in the top 1,000 nationally.   The others were:

  • Cameron Aiken - 152nd place (70th in NSW) with $53,623.30.
  • Charles Hayward - 311th place with $52.736.78.
  • Daniel Canellis – 889th place with $51,378.66.

 

Well done to the above students, as well as all involved, who learned some valuable life lessons and skills about the sharemarket through their participation in the truly worthwhile activity.

 

Mr Peter Baz

 

Year 9 Commerce Teacher

School Fees Payment Reminder

A reminder that all fees are to be finalised by 30 November 2021. All parents please check your Parent Portal for any outstanding invoices that must be paid. If you are experiencing financial issues and cannot finalise your fees for 2021, please contact our Accounts Receivable Officer, Deanna, on 0246 294 112 or email – dpirovano@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

College Uniform Shop Trading Hours

Please see below information regarding the Trading Hours of the College Uniform Shop for School Holidays.

 

Year 1 - Young Archies at The Junior School

The students in Year One have been doing a Unit of Inquiry on “How We Express Ourselves”. First, we looked at the artworks of famous artists such as, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. We learnt that their paintings changed over time as they sought to express different feelings, emotions and ideas.

We have also been learning about the traditions of the Archibald Prize and Young Archies artworks that are exhibited every year at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney. The artists of the Young Archies Competition choose someone who is special or plays a significant role in their life and paints their portrait. The students looked at these entries and voted a winner for the 5–8-year-old section and the 9–12-year-old section.

The students of Year 1, then had the opportunity to draw or paint a portrait of someone who is special to them. They also had to write a blurb about the subject in their painting. In the next few days, the Year 6 leaders will be choosing the “Young Archie” winner of the portraits in Year 1.

The students have had an amazing time and learnt a lot about art appreciation and another avenue to express themselves.

 

Mrs Ball and Mrs Bowen

 

Year 1 Teachers 

PYP Verification Visit

On 18 and 19 November, the Junior School participated in a verification visit by two International Baccalaureate visitors. Due to the COVID pandemic, the visit was conducted online. The rigorous agenda included interviewing every teacher, a representative group of students and parents and a thorough visit to every classroom; speaking with students and viewing rooms and workbooks. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the amazing things we have implemented so far as a Candidate PYP (Primary Years Programme) school and receive feedback.

The team will now write up their comprehensive report, which will make its 4 – 6 week journey to Singapore and then Geneva. We wait in anticipation for our verification as an IB World School!

Thank you to the amazing staff, students and parent representatives that shared their experiences, knowledge and skills with the team. It has been a wonderful opportunity.

We look forward to welcoming our parents/carers back on-site in the near future to view all the new developments around the school.

Mrs Diana Ivancic
PYP Coordinator

 

Sport in the Junior School

Wollongong Diocese Sport

The Junior School had several students recognised for their outstanding sporting achievements at the 2021 CDF Sports Awards on 12 November.

Primary Sports Council Medallion Winners- Selected in a minimum of two Wollongong Diocesan teams.

  • Connor Potts (6M)
  • Benjamin Lawrence (6M)
  • Seth Obereigner (6M)
  • Marcus Desira (6B)

 

Red Award Winners -Selected in a minimum of two MacKillop teams.

  • Denham Tsagalas (5B)
  • Leonardo Valdmanis (6B)

 

John Gamble Trophy Winner- Most outstanding boy sportsperson of the year.

  • Denham Tsagalas (5B)

 

Well done to these students and their families.


Independent Primary Schools Sporting Organisation (IPSSO)

All IPSSO 2021 team members, please return your playing uniforms to the office at the earliest convenience.

Due to current COVID restrictions regarding sport, we can only hold trials among grades during school hours. Trials for cricket and oz tag will recommence in Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 1, 2022. This week we commenced the girl's soccer trials.  All IPSSO teams will be finalised in Week 2 of Term 1 2022.

Here is a guide to when trials will be conducted for each sport.

  • Cricket and Oz Tag will be in Weeks 6 and 7 of Term 4 and Weeks 1 and 2 in Term 1 2022.
  • Girls Soccer will be in Weeks 8 and 9 of Term 4 and Weeks 1 and 2 in Term 1 2022.
  • Basketball will be in Weeks 1 and 2, Term 1 2022.

Please ensure your child brings the appropriate equipment required for the trial they want to participate in. If your child is not participating in a trial, they will be doing regular grade sport.


Swimming Carnival 2022

Thank you to the Years 2-5 families that have completed the google form. The deadline for the completion of the google form was Wednesday 24 November. The program is now finalised. Entries submitted after this date will be entered for the novelty event only. Parents wishing to volunteer for the Swimming Carnival and other events in 2022, please express your interest via the following link https://www.stgregs.nsw.edu.au/connect/volunteer/

 

Thank you for your support in another challenging year, and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable break.

 

Mr Darryl Howe

 

PDHPE Teacher/Sports Coordinator

1 Year of Spanish!

Our first year of Spanish has been wonderful. Our students, parents and teachers embraced this journey with such enthusiasm.

Students looked forward to their Spanish class each week and the quality of work was outstanding. Although the year was interrupted with remote learning, our students were still happy to submit wonderful work each week.

To celebrate our first year of Spanish, Mrs Grados and the students at the Junior School, put together two amazing scrapbooks. ‘Nuestro Viaje en Espanol’

These include photos, quotes inquiry research and work samples from each class. It is a great way to look back at this amazing journey together. To say we have had fun is an understatement. We look forward to a new year full of Spanish fun next year.

 

Sra. Grados

 

Spanish Teacher

Learning in Year 3

Since the return to onsite learning in Week 4, Year 3 have been very busy learning and getting straight into routines. In our final Unit of Inquiry for 2021, students co-constructed our central idea ‘Celebrations remember moments.’ The students have written a report about their learning so far.

 

Mrs Erin Burton

Year 3 Blue Classroom Teacher

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School Fees Reminder

A reminder that all fees are to be finalised by 30 November 2021. All parents please check your Parent Portal for any outstanding invoices that must be paid. If you are experiencing financial issues and cannot finalise your fees for 2021, please contact our Accounts Receivable Officer, Deanna, on 0246 294 112 or email – dpirovano@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

Ava and her Dance Award

During lockdown, Ava's Dance Nationals went online and she had to dance via zoom.

She received her awards last week.

 

She achieved 1st in Tap, 2nd in Musical Theatre and 2nd in Own Choreography.

A huge congratulations to Ava.

 

 

Uniform Shop Trading Hours

Please see below information regarding the Trading Hours of the College Uniform Shop for School Holidays.

 

2022 College Calendar

The 2022 Parent Calendar will be distributed to every student from K-11 by Friday afternoon next week. For families with more than one student at the College, you will receive more than one calendar. See a sneak peek of the calendar design below!

The Calendar is full of our College events; community, sporting, academic and co-curricular, and will most definitely assist families with their planning prior to the new school year commencing. As of next Friday, there will also be a digital version available for download via your Parent Portals and the website.

If your child is absent on the day of distribution in the Junior School, they will receive their copy on their return to the College.

If your son is absent on the day of distribution in the Senior School and is not returning to the College before the term ends, please have your son come to Student Services on his first day back in 2022 to receive his copy.

Miss Melissa Watts

Co

Catchup School Photo Day for K - Year 11

As you would be aware, both Junior and Senior students have now had their school portraits taken. If your son or daughter was absent on their corresponding school photo day, there is a backup portrait day scheduled for K-11 on Tuesday 30 November.

Please note, there are no group or sibling photos this year due to the restrictions. The College will work with the photography company to produce the Senior School Homeroom photos using individual portraits. The ordering system is now open and will remain so throughout Term 1 2022. Photos purchased will be delivered in 2022 and the delivery details will be communicated at a later date.

Students are expected to wear the summer uniform for their school portraits.

To view the options, prices and to pay online, please go to the website www.theschoolphotographer.com.au and click on Order photos under the I’m a Parent section. Enter the code X1277PRE43SG to review the options and to order the photos. 

Co-curricular photos will be available for viewing and ordering in early Term 1 2022. Communication including a new code to review and order 2021 Co-curricular photos will be sent in early Term 1 2022.

Please contact the College on 02 4629 4222 or email bgraham@stgregs.nsw.edu.au for further information.

Volunteering for 2022!

As we head towards a more 'normal' situation at the College, it means we are getting ever so close to having our wonderful Volunteer Army back at the College for our events! If you are keen to volunteer for any or all events for K-12, please complete your Expression of Interest at the below address:

https://forms.gle/xNKjZMWUPvvcS6Vn9

1st Narellan Scout Group Christmas Tree Fundraiser

This will be our first major fundraising event for 2021 due to COVID-19.

We will be selling trees that are all one size - 6 foot (180cm ) tall.

Trees may be pre-ordered online at https://www.trybooking.com/BVUAD and collected (or purchased on-site whilst stocks last) on the following dates and locations:

  • Saturday 4 December - 8am to 4pm - 1st Narellan Scout Group hall, Cnr Queen and Elyard streets, Narellan (before/after voting at the Council polling station at Yandelora School down the road), or
  • Thursday 9 December - 6pm to 8pm - Narellan Bunnings, cnr Northern Road and Porrende Street, Narellan.

There is also a delivery option within 5kms of Narellan. And you can book online for the collection of your tree (no flocked trees, please) within 5km of Narellan on Sunday 2 January.

All funds raised will greatly assist 1st Narellan Scout Group in its ongoing contribution to the education of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.