Term 1 Week Nine 2025
- From the Principal - Mrs Janelle Heffernan
- Keeping School Funding Fair – Supporting Families in Choosing the Best Education
- From the Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching - Mrs Amanda Deeps
- From Our Assistant Principal Mission - Mr Brendan Tickle
- From our Leader of Sport - Mrs Toni McRae
- Noticeboard
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Dear Families,
As we near the end of our first term and as this is our last Newsletter for Term One I want to thank all members of our school community for the contribution each of you has made to ensure our school continues to be a place of quality learning in a safe and happy environment. We have had several opportunities for parents and carers to visit our school in both a social and educational context and we look forward to continuing this next term.
We celebrate Holy Week in the middle of the school holidays. This is the most important time in the Church’s calendar. Holy week begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday next Sunday, the beginning of our journey to Easter. Holy Week is most definitely a very sacred time of the year, for it is then that we will commemorate and remember the last week of Jesus' life on this earth. These are the days leading up to the great Easter Feast. The Lenten season of sacrifice and self-denial comes to an end. In Holy Week, the greatest focus is the Passion (suffering) and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the events which lead up to it. Historical documents tell us, that as early as the fourth century, the Church celebrated this "Great Week" with a feeling of profound sanctity.
We celebrate Palm Sunday on the 13th April and this marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The palms will be blessed and then borne in procession to the church, where an entry is made with a certain amount of ceremony, after which the Mass is celebrated. The other notable and very ancient feature of the present Palm Sunday service is the reading of the Gospel of the Passion by three readers.
Especially important for Catholics is the Easter Triduum. This is the three days just before Easter Sunday. On Holy Thursday, we re-enact the Lord's Last Supper, which He shared with His apostles on the night He was betrayed and arrested. This is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the entire liturgical year. On Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion and death of our Lord, we have the veneration of the Cross. A service is held at three o'clock in the afternoon (the hour He is believed to have died). There is no consecration of the Eucharist on this day, and the Communion we receive will be from the night before, which has been reserved in the tabernacle. The Holy Saturday Mass begins after sundown as the crowd gathers. In the darkness a new fire is kindled and blessed by the Bishop or priest. This new fire symbolises the light of salvation and hope that God brought into the world through Christ's Resurrection, dispelling the darkness of sin and death. From this fire is lit the Paschal candle, symbolising the Light of Christ. This Paschal candle will be used throughout the season of Easter, remaining in the sanctuary of the Church or near the Lectern, and used throughout the coming year at baptisms and funerals, reminding all that that Christ is "light and life." Those who engage themselves wholeheartedly in living the entire paschal cycle (Lent, Triduum and Easter's Fifty Days) discover that it can change them forever. This is especially so of the Triduum which, standing at the heart of the Easter season, is an intense immersion into the mystery of what it is to be Christian. During these days, we suffer with Christ so that we might rise with Him at His glorious Resurrection.
Anzac Day
Tuesday 25th April is Anzac Day. We invite all students to join us for the Anzac Day March. We value our students making the effort to join us on this day and appreciate the effort from our families in allowing this to occur. Students will be required to assemble at the Clyde Campbell Carpark by 8.45am on Friday 25th April and the march will begin promptly at 9.00am. Students wear their normal school uniform with their school hat. Staff will be at the carpark to meet students as they arrive. Students may stay for the Memorial Service at the Cenotaph in front of the Lismore Baths or may be collected at the end of the march. Students will stay with school staff until they are collected by a parent at the end of the service.
Tell Them From Me - Parent Surveys
Early in Term 2 we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Carthage's Primary School.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You will be able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL that we will provide when the survey opens.
More information will follow.
Mother's Day Breakfast - Save the Date
We invite our mothers and mother figures to join us for Breakfast on Thursday morning 8th from 7.30 - 8.30am. We will provide muffins or croissants for breakfast.
Mother's Day Stall (advance notice)
We will hold a Mothers’ Day Stall for the children to buy a gift for mum. This will be held on Thursday, 8th May. All gifts will be $5.00 each - please send money in with the children on the day. There will also be a limited number of extra gifts.
St Carthage's Primary School Open Evening
St Carthage's Feast Day
The 15th May, is Feast of St Carthage. St Carthage is the Patron Saint of our parish and our school. Bishop Doyle and the Presentation Sisters who established our school 138 years ago decided that the Cathedral School of our Lismore Diocese should be named St Carthage‘s in honour of a great Saint who was an inspirational leader and a great teacher. St Carthage, whose name is also given as Mochuda, was born of a good family, in what is now County Kerry, Ireland, about the year 555. Mochuda’s father was an important man in the village so he was given everything that he wanted or needed. When he was young, a group of priests were walking through his village singing songs of praise and he was so fascinated that he followed them to the monastery gates. A while later he decided to join this group of priests and was ordained as a priest in 580 when he was thirty years old. Mochuda was very close to his head priest and took his name, Carthage. Later on young Carthage founded a monastery for young priests and he lived there for forty years. Carthage was an inspirational church leader who set up a monastery that attracted 1000 young men to the priesthood. He set up a school that produced many excellent scholars and the school became famous around the country for encouraging a love of learning.
Later in life, Carthage was consecrated Bishop of Lismore, Ireland. He died on May, 14th 637. After his death, the church and school were named St Carthage’s in his honour.
School Attendance
We are seeing a greater number of students arriving late to school or not attending school at all. The Education Act (1990) requires all children of compulsory school age to be enrolled in, and attend school, on a regular basis. Parents/ carers of children of compulsory school age are responsible for ensuring their child attends school every day.
The Catholic School's Office monitors student attendance and are in the process of flagging 'at risk' students. Parents/carers will now receive a letter if a student's attendance falls below 90%. If the attendance does not improve we will follow this up with a letter/phone call to offer support to assist children to come to school each day and on time. If attendance does not improve a formal process, assisted by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools office will be undertaken.
Online Enrolment
Enrolment Applications are now done online. The online application form can be accessed via our school website. There is a tab on the top right-hand side of the launching page that says ENROL ONLINE. By clicking on this button you can begin the application form. If you require a paper copy, please contact the school office.
Parents of children who are ready to start school in 2026 are asked to fill out the online Enrolment Application. Please pass on this message to family and friends who intend to enroll children in kindergarten next year. Children must turn five by 31st July 2026 to be enrolled in Diocesan schools.
Professional Learning Days
We have 5 Professional Learning days left for 2025;
- Friday 11th April (Term One Week 10)
- Monday 28th April (Term Two Week 1)
- Friday 4th July (Term 2 Week 10)
- Monday 21st July (Term Three Week 1)
- Friday 26th September (Term Three Week 10)
- Monday 13th October (Term Four Week 1)
We thank you in anticipation of your support. Active Kids will be available on these days. Bookings are essential.
Catholic schools have long provided families with quality education, strong values and a sense of
community. New research confirms that parents make thoughtful financial choices to ensure
their children receive the education that best suits their needs.
With rising costs affecting many households, families continue to prioritise education, valuing the
academic, spiritual and personal development that Catholic schools provide. Ensuring school
funding remains fair helps families continue to access the right school for their child.
Read the Catholic Schools NSW media release below and visit keepfundingfair.org.au to learn
more about how we support families.
NAPLAN
We want to extend a huge congratulations to all our Year Three and Year Five students who recently completed the NAPLAN assessments! You all demonstrated incredible focus, resilience, and dedication throughout the testing period.
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is designed to provide valuable insights into students' progress in key areas of literacy and numeracy. While we understand that tests can sometimes feel challenging, it's important to remember that they are just one tool we use to support our students' learning journey.
We are immensely proud of the effort each and every one of our students put in. Their hard work and positive attitudes were truly commendable. We witnessed firsthand their ability to tackle each task with determination and perseverance.
Remember, the results of NAPLAN are just a snapshot of their skills at a particular moment in time. They don't define their overall abilities or potential. Our teachers are here to support our students in all aspects of their learning, and we value their growth and progress throughout the entire year.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our dedicated teachers and staff who provided guidance and support to our students throughout the NAPLAN process. Their commitment to creating a calm and supportive environment was instrumental in helping our students perform at their best.
To our parents and guardians, thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. Your partnership with the school is invaluable in helping our students succeed.
Now that NAPLAN is complete, we encourage you all to take some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the well-deserved break coming up! We are excited to continue working with you and supporting your learning journey.
Once again, congratulations to all our students on completing NAPLAN. You've made us all very proud!
St Carthage’s Sacramental Program 2025
At St Carthage’s, we are blessed to journey with our students as they prepare to receive the sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Eucharist. These sacraments are important milestones in their faith journey, deepening their relationship with God and strengthening their connection to our parish community.
The dates for sacramental celebrations are as follows:
- Confirmation – Tuesday, 3rd June
- Reconciliation – Tuesday, 12th August
- Eucharist (First Holy Communion) – Sunday, 21st September
If your child is in Year 3 or 4 and has not yet brought home an enrolment form for the sacramental program, please contact me as soon as possible to ensure they are included.
We look forward to sharing this special journey with our students and their families as they take these important steps in their faith.
St Carthage's Commitment to Caritas Australia's Project Compassion 2025
At St Carthage's, our dedication to social justice and community support is exemplified through our active participation in Caritas Australia's Project Compassion. This annual Lenten campaign mobilises Australians to raise essential funds, alleviating poverty and promoting justice globally.
Project Compassion 2025: 'Unite Against Poverty'
The 2025 campaign theme, 'Unite Against Poverty,' emphasises collective action to address global inequalities. This year, Caritas Australia highlights inspiring stories from individuals like Lam in Vietnam, who overcame disability challenges through community support and education programs.
Easter Egg Guessing Competition: Sweet Success
A heartfelt thank you to the St Carthage's Ministry Team for organising the delightful Easter Egg Guessing Competition. This fun-filled event not only brought joy to our students but also raised significant funds for Project Compassion. Your leadership and dedication are truly appreciated.
St Patrick's Day: Celebrating with Compassion
Our St Patrick's Day celebrations were a vibrant display of community spirit and generosity. Students donned green attire and participated in various activities, contributing donations to support Caritas Australia's initiatives. It's heartening to see our school community embodying the values of compassion and charity.
Mission Boxes: Visualising Generosity
Throughout Lent, students have been diligently filling their mission boxes with donations. Our school's display features raindrops, each representing $10 contributed by a class. This visual testament showcases the collective effort and generosity of our students, symbolising hope and support for those in need.
Jubilee Year of Hope: Bringing Joy to Others
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, St Carthage's School has exemplified the spirit of giving. Through various initiatives, our community has come together to bring hope and joy to those less fortunate. These efforts reflect our commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Let us continue to support Project Compassion and uphold the values of empathy, generosity, and social responsibility that define our school community.
Celebrating Harmony Day at St Carthage’s
On Monday, 24th March, St Carthage’s Primary School came together to celebrate Harmony Day, a special occasion dedicated to inclusivity, respect, and belonging for all.
Students and staff proudly wore orange accessories as a sign of support, acknowledging and celebrating the many diverse cultures that make up our wonderful school community. From hair ribbons and wristbands to bright socks and hats, the sea of orange was a beautiful reminder of the unity and respect we share for one another.
Throughout the day, students participated in activities that encouraged conversations about cultural diversity and inclusiveness, reinforcing the importance of kindness, acceptance, and understanding.
At St Carthage’s, we are proud to be a school where everyone belongs, and Harmony Day was a fantastic reminder of the strength we find in our diversity. Thank you to all students, families, and staff who participated and made the day so special!
Parish Family Mass
Last Saturday, students and families from St Carthage’s, Our Lady Help of Christians, Trinity Catholic College, and St John’s College came together for a beautiful Parish Family Mass. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather in faith, prayer, and community, strengthening our connection with one another.
Following the Mass, we shared a sausage sizzle and drinks, giving families and friends a chance to mingle, enjoy a meal, and celebrate the sense of unity that these gatherings bring. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and friendship, reflecting the strong bonds within our parish community.
These Parish Family Masses will take place once a term, and we would love to see even more families join us in the future. It’s a fantastic way to come together, participate in the life of the Church, and share in faith-filled fellowship.
Thank you to all who attended and helped make the evening so special. We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering!
Year 6 Students Spreading Hope and Joy Through Community Service
Today, our Year 6 students had the incredible opportunity to engage in community service, visiting various venues across our local area. This experience allowed them to connect with different members of our community and bring hope and joy to those they met.
Students visited:
- East Lismore Cemetery – Paying respects and helping with maintenance.
- St Joseph’s Nursing Home – Spending time with residents, sharing stories, and bringing smiles to their faces.
- Caroona Uniting Care – Engaging with elderly community members and learning about their lives.
- Gingerbread House – Assisting with activities and offering companionship.
- Parish Centre Preschool – Playing and reading with young children, creating moments of joy.
- Our House – Supporting families going through difficult times with small acts of kindness.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, embracing the spirit of service and reflecting on the impact of their actions. It was a powerful reminder that simple gestures of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others.
A huge thank you to the venues for welcoming our students and to our Year 6 leaders for their enthusiasm and compassion. We are incredibly proud of them for living out our school’s values and making a positive impact in our community.
Attendance
Make getting students to school on time every day a top priority.
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Ensuring that students arrive at school on time every day is crucial for their academic success and wellbeing. Parents play a crucial role in instilling the importance of punctuality in their children. Here are some strategies for parents to make getting students to school on time every day a top priority:
- Establish a Consistent Routine. Set a daily routine that includes specific times for waking up, getting ready, having breakfast, and leaving for school. Consistency helps children develop good habits.
- Model Punctuality. Children often learn by example. Demonstrate the importance of punctuality by being on time for family events, appointments, and other commitments.
- Limit or Have No Screen Time in the Morning. Minimise distractions such as excessive screen time in the morning. This helps your child stay focused on getting ready for school without unnecessary delays.
PBS at St Carthage’s – A Wonderful Start to 2025!
As we move towards the end of Term 1, we want to take a moment to thank our students for the fantastic way they have started 2025. The way that they strive to follow our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) expectations is truly commendable.
At St Carthage’s, we are extremely fortunate to have a school community that works together to help each student let their light shine. This means showing kindness, respect, and responsibility while striving to achieve their personal best in all aspects of school life.
Looking Ahead – Focus Areas for Next Term
As we continue to grow and learn together, our PBS focus areas for the start of next term will be:
Weeks 1-2: "Be Your Best" – Learning Spaces
Focus: I have a positive growth mindset.
Encouraging students to approach challenges with confidence, persist in their learning, and believe in their ability to improve.
Weeks 3-4: "Be Responsible" – Toilets
Focus: I am responsible in the toilet area.
We are incredibly proud of our students for the way they demonstrate our school values each day, and we look forward to another great term of learning, growing, and shining bright together!
Parish Mass Times
Did you know that St Carthage’s has a school Facebook page?
Our page is a great way to celebrate the many events, achievements, and special moments that happen within our school community. It is the perfect place to stay connected and see all the wonderful things happening at St Carthage’s.
If you’re not already following us, head over and give us a follow – we’d love to have you as part of our online community!
St Carthage's Cross Country
On Thursday, 20th March, St. Carthage's Primary School held its annual Cross Country event at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah. This exciting day brought together students from Year 2 to Year 6, with each participant displaying great enthusiasm, determination and school spirit.
One highlight of the day was the support from the teachers and Year 10 PASS students from St. John’s College, Woodlawn. They assisted with track supervision, warm-ups, set-up and pack-up, each of them bringing incredible energy and encouragement to their younger peers. We thank them for their enthusiasm, efforts but especially for inspiring our St. Carthage’s students. Your efforts and support were greatly appreciated.
Also, a special thank you to our dedicated staff, parents, and grandparents who came along to cheer on the students. Your encouragement and involvement helped make the event a fantastic success!
Congratulations to the students listed below who will represent St. Carthage’s at the Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival on Friday, 28th March. We wish them the best of luck as they compete at the next level of competition.
Finally, congratulations to Doyle House, the winners of the 2025 St. Carthage’s Cross Country Event! Well done to all students for their fantastic efforts and sportsmanship on the day. We look forward to many more sporting events throughout the year.
Richmond Zone Cross Country
Due to weather conditions, this event has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 29th April (Week 1, Term 2)
Good Luck to our St. Carthage’s Cross Country Team. I am confident that they will all continue to train hard over the holiday in readiness for this event in Term 2.
Our team of 50 students includes: Leo Zajazkowski, Vincent Barry, Hugh Grossfelt, Harry Elphick, Lennox Scotcher, Georgie Scotcher, Billie Fittock, Aria Campbell, Maia Szybinski-Page, Elki Fraser, Nash Robinson, Jarvis McPherson, Dalziel Lovell, Patrick James, Luka Wright, Frankie Veronese, Halle Bull, Lily Murray, Isla Parrish, Samantha Giles, Hamish Hughes, Hugo Hogan, Archie Green, Josh Bryant, Thomas Cootes, Madelyn Perin, Chloe Blainey, Daisy Smith, Willow Hall, Ella Andrews, Allie Bradfield, Zander Annetts, Louis Bailey, Nhial Maciek, Levi Dunstan, Cooper Munro, Nadia Cittolin, Zarni McGregor, Evie Field, Emma Clement, Eloise McFarlane, Billy Bradfield. Henry Hogan, Miller Clarke, Billy McCarthy, Jack Bryant, Ella Davey, Ebony Andrews, Maggie Hughes, Georgia Dodds, Ellie Gumbleton.
Diocesan Winter Sport Trials - Netball
On Wednesday, 27th March, three of our talented students—Ebony Andrews, Mikayla Everly, and Kyna Rhodes—travelled to Grafton to represent the Richmond Zone Netball team at the Diocesan Winter Sport Netball Trials. Despite the wet conditions, the girls showcased outstanding skill, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship throughout the day.
The competition was fierce, but Ebony, Mikayla, and Kyna played with determination and teamwork, making their school proud. A special congratulations to Ebony Andrews, who was selected for the Diocesan Representative team. Ebony will now progress to the Polding Trials in Bathurst on Thursday, 2nd May (Term 2, Week 1), where she will compete at the next level.
We are incredibly proud of all three girls for their dedication and effort. Well done, Ebony, Mikayla, and Kyna!
Flicks in the Field
Hockey & Multi-Sports Holiday Camp
AO Holiday Tennis Program
April Kids Club
School Holiday Workshop
