'TIS THE SEASON - Christmas 2024

Our club Christmas party was held in the Wine Room at Balgowlah RSL club on Tuesday December 10, 2024. Everyone enjoyed a most relaxed night that provided a great opportunity to enjoy fellowship and Christmas cheer.

 

President Diana welcomed club members, partners and guests.

Guests included Margaret Murdon (Streetwork), Sarah Watts(Lifeline), Kerry and Mark Gwynne (Dalwood Splistead Services), and Honorary member, Peter Stephenson and his wife Barbara; together with member's partners, Enid Hill, Chiaki van Brugge, Joy Apps, Helen Gray, Anne Thompson and Diane Mead.

 

 

Enid, Helen and Anne selecting pudding

 

As in former years,  members brought gifts for Dalwood Spilstead Services (DSS) to distribute to the needy families they give so much valuable support. Kerry Gwynne, Manager Spilstead Services told us how they would help make Christmas for so many of the families that are so dependent on the support from DSS.

Kerry also spoke about the extremely difficult time where both funding and the future of Dalwood Spilstead services was so much in doubt for such a long time during the year. She said that two people in particular championed the wonderful resolution, John Darragh (Dalwood Executive) and Rotarian PP Roger Gray. 

Kerry presented Roger with a certificate of appreciation and a nice bottle to thank him for his sterling efforts. In accepting this Roger said how happy we all were that the long standing association between Rotary Balgowlah and Dalwood Spilstead was now assured.

Roger thanks Kerry for the certificate and acknowledgement

One other item occurring on the evening was Community Recognition Statement presented to the club by the State member for Manly, Hon James Griffin. 

James Griffin presenting Roger the community Recognition Statement.

The statement was presented to Roger for the club's Awards Night and the recognition of "various organisations and members from the Manly area for the fantastic contributions they make in our local community, and in the vocations they work in." 


 
A copy of the statement will be sent to awardees from the 2024 Awards night.
 

Everyone present said how much that they enjoyed the evening and the very nice meal.

Wishing you and your families 

a very Merry Christmas 

and a most successful 2025

--------------

Other news:

Letter from School of St Jude

Balgowlah Rotary donates $55 each month to the school.

Dear All at the Rotary Club of Balgowlah,

Warm greetings from The School of St Jude! 

We are profoundly grateful for your steadfast support, which has been pivotal to another remarkable year of educating Tanzania's future leaders. As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the privilege of connecting with you and the 3,000 sponsors and supporters who make our mission possible. Your unwavering generosity truly means the world to us.

2024 Highlights from St Jude's

This year has been exceptional, and we are excited to share some of the milestones we’ve achieved together:

  • Form 5 Scholarship Day: Held at Sisia Campus, where 64 students earned free, quality Advanced Level education for two years.
  • Form 6 Graduation: 200 students celebrated their achievements alongside proud parents in a memorable ceremony.
  • Beyond St Jude’s Recognition Ceremony: 94 tertiary scholars graduated from university and were honored at this annual event.
  • Record-Breaking Form 4 Graduates: 235 students celebrated their accomplishments at the first combined Form 4 Celebration.
  • St Jude’s Day: A vibrant celebration at Sisia Campus brought students, staff, and community members together on October 28.
  • Form 1 Scholarship Applications: This record-breaking event spanned two regions and was hosted at the Girls' Campus in Moshono.
  • ECA Day: Primary students showcased creativity in science and arts, with the best projects winning accolades.
  • Sports Achievements: Our students excelled in various sports, representing St Jude’s proudly and earning recognition.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the updates about the Boarding and Transport facilities you sponsor. As always, we welcome your feedback or suggestions—just reply to this email!

Holiday Updates

As we celebrate the season, we also want to share important dates:

  • St Jude’s Primary School: Closes December 6, 2024, and reopens January 13, 2025.
  • St Jude’s Girls' Secondary School & St Jude’s Secondary School: Close December 7, 2024, and reopen January 12, 2025.
  • Head Office: Officially closed December 15, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

A Note of Gratitude

All at the Rotary Club of Balgowlah, your commitment to sponsoring a scholarship at St Jude’s is truly extraordinary. Your support has transformed the lives of students in Tanzania, empowering them with free, quality education. Together, we have achieved so much this year, and we are excited about the possibilities for 2025.

From all of us at The School of St Jude, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

With deepest appreciation,
All of us at The School of St Jude

Our next meet:

Tuesday January 14, 2025 BARBECUE in Clontarf Reserve. (arrive about 5pm)

Wagyu Beef Burgers and Buns will be provided (price to be announced)  - bring your chairs, plates, salads, sweets and drinks.

Planner:

Finally:

Merry Christmas to you all

and a very safe and happy New Year


 





 

 


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