Newsletter Term 3 2025 18th September
Principal Report
Dear parents and carers,
This fortnight we have a really beautiful edition of our newsletter for you, celebrating the 'whole child' from achievements in Art, Mathematics, Sport, Wellbeing and ideas to keep the children busy in the school holidays. Enjoy!
Education is an ever changing space, in which we are required to stay agile in our practice. With a close eye on the research to guide us and the NSW Curriculum to inform us, we discern the needs of our students in the context of our school community.
Some theories of how teaching and learning should be designed stand the test of time, and this week I am keen to share with you an example of this in Kindergarten. First, because it was as perfect an example of contemporary pedagogy that you could hope to see, and second, because it was so joyful.
Our writing units are built on what we call 'rich texts', which put simply, are books that provide a model of beautifully crafted and structured language (great for learning about punctuation and grammar in context), relatable storylines and events that can capture the imagination and interest of our students, thoughtfully created text elements such as illustrations and literary devices, leading students to draw meaning from multimodal information (leading to deeper comprehension) and stories that provide scaffolded opportunities for students to make 'text to text' connections, 'text to self' connections and 'text to world' connections. Hopefully you are still with me!
Great teaching and learning begins with opportunities for students to draw from prior knowledge or, if the experiences aren't already there, create these experiences for our students and build their vocabulary. Once this is in place, opportunities are provided for students to respond to the text by creating something. This could be spoken, drawn, written, or spring-boarding into something completely new.
Currently our Kindergarten students are reading a text titled, "Banjo and Ruby Red", a tale about a farmyard dog and a bossy chicken, who although do not see eye to eye, learn how they can be friends. After reading the text, the students went on a visit to our school chicken pen, where they spent time observing their behaviours. It was a great opportunity to build vocabulary and inspire thinking. We especially need to build what we call Tier Two language that is increasingly complex. An example of this is substituting the word 'nice' for delightful, delicious, spectacular, and so on.
The visit to the chickens was followed in class by each student recreating their own "Ruby Red" and composing sentences to demonstrate their understanding of the text. The grammar focus for this task was verbs, so the children then engaged in another layer of complexity by identifying and circling these. As it was what we call an 'open-ended task' there was plenty of opportunity to cater for individual learning needs, with support for students at the early stage of their writing development and stretch for some others.
I have included some images of their work below. Although we can't always build real world experiences such as this example, we aim to provide as much as possible through text, discussion, short videos and excursions. You can assist your children to grow their general knowledge and vocabulary in a multitude of ways... taking them on day trips and holidays when you able to, walking in nature, going to museums, workshops and exhibitions, sitting with them as they watch documentaries, including them in conversations about the world around them, and of course, by reading widely to them. Ask them if they know any Tier Two words, and hopefully they'll know what you're on about!
Pupil Free Day tomorrow
As advertised, the staff have their last Pupil Free Day tomorrow (we actually have two more after the children finish at the end of the year, but thankfully this does not impact you). As we are a Catholic School, we take one day each year to grow our individual and collective connection to our faith. On Friday we will study various parts of the Gospel and consider how people have responded in art to scripture over the centuries. The presenter, an expert in this field, is only available on the date nominated, hence us needing to take this day in Week 9. The richer our knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Faith and Traditions, the greater our capacity to teach Religious Education.
Epilepsy Awareness Training
Yesterday our Stage Three students and some of the teachers and support staff participated in an engaging presentation by Dr Farooq Shaikh, a parent and an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Charles Sturt University, and a Pharmacy Student called Phoebe Wilson, who helped us understand more about Epilepsy and how to respond to someone having a seizure. Learning opportunities such as these help connect our students to their responsibilities to be inclusive and care for one another. A flyer with a summary of First Aid information is included in this week's newsletter. Thank you Dr Farooq and Phoebe!
Christmas Art Awards
A big congratulations to Jye Edwards and Leah Howarth who were recent recipients of special awards for their Christmas Art pieces in this year's Diocesan Competition. Nashita Zahin won the prize for the teacher's choice award. All students involved produced the most spectacular work and we are very proud of them. A very big thanks to their teachers for their work with these students, whose efforts were acknowledged during our Flag Raising Assembly today.
Enjoy a lovely weekend when it arrives,
Gayle Stratton
Religious Education
Claire Nicholson
Religious Education Coordinator
Year 6 Confirmation: Congratulations to our Year 6 students who have now completed their Sacrament of Confirmation over the past weekends. We celebrate their commitment to faith and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen them in the years ahead.
Mufti Day: On Friday, 26th September, students are invited to wear their favourite outfit for Mufti Day. We kindly ask each child to bring a gold coin donation in support of our Holy Land Fundraiser. This appeal provides vital assistance to Christian families in the Holy Land who are suffering due to conflict. Donations will help supply emergency food, medicine, and housing support to those most in need. Thank you for supporting this important initiative and for encouraging your children to take part. Together, we can make a real difference. More information: Aid to the Church in Need – Holy Land Appeal
St. Carlo Acutis: Last week Pope Leo XIV canonised Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in Rome. While the ceremony was in Italy, the celebration – and the lessons – reach right into Australian Catholic schools. His extraordinary life, although very short, has impacted millions of people, particularly young people. Carlo was born 3 May 1991 and died on 12 October 2006. He was only 15. Even as a toddler he showed amazing awareness of the love of Jesus and was drawn to attending Mass. He loved nature, soccer and was active in clean-up campaigns. He also loved video games and became a web designer to help at his local church. He never shied away from spreading God’s love to everyone.
Upcoming Parish Masses and Celebrations
Friday 31st October – 5:45pm, All Saints Vigil Mass, St Joseph’s Church
Saturday 1st November – 9:30am, All Saints Feast Day Mass, St Joseph’s Church
Sunday 26th November – 12:00 noon, Blessing of Animals
Sunday 23rd November – Christ the King Procession & Parish Festival
Christmas Art Competition: Our talented Stage 3 students recently took part in the Christmas Story Art Competition, creating beautiful artworks and thoughtful reflections inspired by the birth of Jesus. We are incredibly proud of all 10 finalists who entered and shared their creativity with our community. Nashita Zahin, Jye Edwards, Ella Hack, Charlotte Foster, Gracie Cosgrove, Abhirami Varma, Angus Cudars, Sophie Chalker, Tia Brown and Leah Howarth.
A special congratulations to Jye Edwards, awarded 1st Place for Year 6, and to Leah Howarth, who received the Artist Achievement Award! Well done to all our young artists for their effort and inspiration.
My New Gallery
Christian Leadership Awards
Adison Gould Jack Bollinger Aria Ahearne Merin Jacob Maeve Sharp Jack Wilson Sadie McGrath Kariom Manyang Lucas Brown
| In recognition of "Positive View of Life" |
Ebubenna Odoemene Loki Patterson Rohan Pargur Ilithiya Parry Jake Michael Jerin Liam Kerslake Susan Chivhaku Daniel Son Max Grabham Levi Jones Lincoln Finney Samuel Horan Lachlan McClymont
| In recognition of "Community & Common Good" |
Olena Babu | In recognition of " God's presence in the world" |
Maddi Meldrum Levi Stedman | In recognition of "Search for "Truth & Wisdom " |
Curriculum News
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Maths Olympiad
Some of our Year 5 and 6 students have taken part in the Maths Olympiad team challenge. This has consisted of 4 competitions over two terms. We are very proud of how hard they have worked and the persistence and problem solving skills they have developed.
Australian Maths Trust Maths Competition
Congratulations to the students who elected to take part in this very challenging competition. A special mention to Max in Year 4 for receiving a Distinction, awarded to a student who is in the top 20% of their year and region.
ICAS Competitions
We have had a number of students choose to enter ICAS for Maths, English, Science and Digital Technologies. This is a challenging academic opportunity for our students to be extended. Congratulations to Chankeerth from Year 4 and Jake from Year 6 for being awarded a Distinction in English and to Lola in Year 3 and Zaidan in Year 4 for receiving a Distinction in Mathematics and Science, respectively.
Sally Curran
Mathematics in Year 2
We have been learning to measure area by covering surfaces and using the structure of arrays. This can help us use strategies to efficiently calculate and compare area.
School News
Yesterday, Dr Farooq and Phoebe Wilson came to St Mary’s and talked to Year 5 and Year 6 about Epilepsy Awareness. They showed us what triggers Epilepsy and the types of seizures there are. Phoebe Wilson also talked about how she and her mum are Epilepitic. She told us what triggers her Epilepsy and how she felt. Dr Farooq and Phoebe Wilson taught us how to react when someone was having a seizure. We learnt a lot of things about Epilepsy. After, we had a fun Kahoot with questions about Epilepsy.
We had a really good time and we give a BIG thank you to Dr Farooq and Phoebe Wilson.
Written by Eloise Flitcroft
| Year Group | Grade Reps | Event |
| Kindy | Michaela Wilson & Alice Weily | Kindy Orientation |
| Year 1 | Sharon Henry & Stacey Tracey | Kindy Welcome Morning tea-"Tissues & Tim Tams" & Father's Day Gift Stall |
| Year 2 | Amanda Fragar | Father's Day Breakfast |
| Year 3 | Renee Davis & Lizzy Jaensch | Mother's Day Breakfast |
| Year 4 | Olivia Day Gorham & Renee Davis | Easter Egg Raffle |
| Year 5 | Jess McGrath & Katrina Holway | Mother's Day Gift Stall |
| Year 6 | Kellie Pickering, Kym Flitcroft & Angela Duncan | Kindy Welcome Morning Tea -"Tissues & Tim Tams "& Year 6 farewell |
Sports News
Bathurst Diocesan Community Sport
Dear Parents,
Keep up to date with sporting events and achievements across the Bathurst Diocese. Search CEBD community sport or use the following link.
https://sites.google.com/bth.catholic.edu.au/cedbsportcommunity/
SPORTS UNIFORM Term 3 (Winter)
(any changes to the uniform days will be sent out via Compass)
Kindergarten - Thursday
Year One - Thursday
Year Two - Wednesday & Friday
Year Three - Wednesday & Thursday
Year Four - Wednesday & Thursday
Year Five - Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Year Six - Wednesday & Thursday
Class News
Art Corner
Canteen News
SEVERE REACTIONS TO ‘NUTS’ & ‘EGGS’
As some of our students have a ‘nut’ and/or ‘egg’ allergy, we ask that nuts, nut
products and eggs NOT be packed as part of school snacks and lunches.
Sometimes even contact with nuts or eggs can trigger the severe reaction. This
severe allergy is called ANAPHYLAXIS and can be life-threatening.
Please, NO eggs, peanut butter, Nutella, nut products, etc.
(Check those labels to see that products do not contain nuts.)
School-Wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPB4L)
SPB4L
We will speak up about our safety and the safety of our friends.
I WILL
- take action when I am concerned about my safety or the safety of others
- report unsafe behaviour to the teacher
- report if school property is unsafe or damaged
- keep myself and others safe
- remind others of the importance of staying safe
- ask others to stop if they are being unsafe or unkind
- use the 3-step telling rule (Stop, I don't like it. Stop or I'll tell the teacher. I'm telling the teacher.)
- respectfully report unsafe or disrespectful behaviour to a teacher
- keep myself and others safe
- report if anything happens to me or others
- report if any behaviour makes me or others feel uncomfortable
- report incidents to the teacher on duty or the classroom teacher as soon as possible after the incident happens
- be honest when reporting
I KNOW THAT
- reporting helps to keep us all safe
- when I report, the teacher or adult will listen
- when I report, my concerns are being heard
- when I report, my concerns are taken seriously
- my concerns will be followed up
- the teacher or adult will tell me that they are going to help find a solution
Health Matters
Medication at School- Parental Advice
If your child requires medication that needs to be administered during school hours, please bring the medication to the school office, where it is stored safely. This includes asthma inhalers.
Medication must be authorised by a Medical practitioner with a letter
Students can come to the office at an arranged time to have the medication administered by trained First Aid Officers.
The office does not have Panadol, unless parents supply and complete a form for their child only.
Thank you
Student Wellbeing
Children with communication devices such as iPhones and Smart Watches must be handed to the school office in the morning before class and collected at the end of the day. This includes any device capable of taking photos.
Please support your child to meet this school requirement.
If you need to contact your child during school hours please call the school office.
Community News
NO Parking in the Bowling Alley car park
the bowling alley car park is for their patrons so please park elsewhere when dropping or picking up your children.
The PCYC has many parks that can be used for dropping off and picking up
Thankyou
St Mary's Uniform Shop
is run by Parent Volunteers and is open from 8:45 am for an hour on Friday Mornings.
If you have put your order through Flexi schools it will be packed the following Friday and sent home with your child.
Dear Parents & Carers
Please label students' clothing , so we can return them from lost property with ease.
Clothes that don't have names will be returned to the clothing pool, if not collected by the end of term.
Thank you