Term 1 Week Six 2025
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,
We have been incredibly fortunate with the recent weather conditions, and we would like to take a moment to reflect on just how lucky we were during this time. The cyclone passed without causing significant damage to our school and community, and for that, we are truly grateful.
We want to extend our deepest appreciation to all staff members for their unwavering support and assistance in packing, preparing, and ensuring everything was safely secured during the adverse conditions and then the time and effort that was again put into unpacking and restoring things to normal. Their teamwork and dedication made a world of difference in keeping things organised and manageable.
A very big thank you also to O’Briens for providing a team of men and women to come in and assist us with the move and, in particular, the heavy lifting. They returned to help with unpacking and will be back on Friday to move furniture into our bottom infant’s classrooms. Their assistance at this time was invaluable.
A huge thank you also goes to our wonderful parents for your understanding and support throughout the school closures and disruptions. Your patience, flexibility and continued concern have been invaluable, and we appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us as we navigated these challenging times together.
Our thoughts have been with the wellbeing of all our students, staff and families and we sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well. If anyone is still in need of any support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here for you.
It’s wonderful to be back to normal school operations, especially with our students back in the classroom and excited to continue their learning journey. The energy and enthusiasm of our learners is truly heart-warming, and it's been fantastic to see our school bustling with activity once again. We recognise the impact of recent events on everyone and appreciate your resilience throughout this challenging period.
We are looking forward to continuing our work together and supporting one another as a community.
Wishing you all continued safety and wellbeing, and as always, please let us know if you need any assistance.
Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent
Last week, we celebrated Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Our students participated in prayer services in their classrooms and received ashes on th
eir foreheads. Ash Wednesday is the start of the season of Lent. Lent signifies the beginning of our faith journey toward Easter and new life.
The word Lent comes from the Old English word ‘lencten’, meaning spring - the time of new life in the northern hemisphere. To move toward ‘new life,' fasting and prayer are practised in Lent as remembrance and reflection of our Lord’s fasting in the wilderness.
During this time, we often talk about what we are going to refrain from. We also discern what we are going to give. Pope Francis has previously told us almsgiving - donating money, goods or time to the poor - ‘sets us free from greed and helps us to regard our neighbour as a brother or sister. What I possess is never mine alone.'
Pope Francis not only underlines giving in Lent, but he warns against our culture that takes, uses or discards: ‘How many of God’s children are mesmerised by momentary pleasures, mistaking them for true happiness! How many men and women are entranced by the dream of wealth, which only makes them slaves to profit and petty interests! How many go through life believing that they are sufficient unto themselves, and end up entrapped by loneliness! How many young people are taken in by the panacea of drugs, of disposable relationships, of easy but dishonest gains! How many more are ensnared in a thoroughly digital existence, in which relationships appear quick and straightforward, only to prove meaningless!’
So this Lent, in fasting and giving, let us also think about what it is to take; what it is to discard others; what it is to deny the ‘least of our brothers and sisters.'
New Date - Welcome BBQ and Disco
Unfortunately we were unable to hold our Welcome Barbeque and Disco last week due to the weather. The new date is Thursday evening, 3rd April from 5.00pm - 6.30pm. This is an opportunity for us to come together as a school community to celebrate our first term.
We will now need to collect numbers again for catering purposes. Please see Compass for more details in the next few days.
School Photos
Our School photos will be taken on Tuesday 18th and Friday 21st March. School Photo envelopes have been sent home with the students. Please return these envelopes, with the correct payment enclosed, on the day of the photos, as
these will be handed straight to the photographers. We do not handle photo money. Sibling envelopes will be available from the School Office. Please ensure that students are in their correct school uniform on these days.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
We look forward to welcoming our parents and carers next week (17th - 20th March) to meet with teachers. Working together in partnership helps to clarify goals for your children, inform about areas of strength and areas to work on as well as clarify any issues or concerns which we may not be aware of.
Please check Compass to book an interview.
School Community Group Meeting - Tuesday 25th March
We will be having our School Community Group Meeting on Tuesday evening, 25th March, at 5.30pm.
A flyer has been sent home via Compass for your information.
Anzac Day - Advance Notice
We have received notification from the RSL Lismore Sub-branch that the Anzac Day March will again go ahead on Friday 25th April. This date is in the school holidays. We invite all students to join us for the 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.
Further information will follow as the date gets closer.
Sharing of Food
Students have been reminded about not sharing food, or buying things at the canteen for their friends or indeed giving money to others to spend at the canteen. We have a number of students with food allergies and the sharing of food can present significant health risks. Please reinforce these messages with your children.
Late Arrival and Early Departure
- Students arriving after the school bell has rung must be brought to the Office by their parent/carer upon arrival.
- Parents/carers collecting students early must come to the School Office. Staff will call students to the Office for collection.
Please Note: We are unable to allow children to go with another parent/adult unless we have permission (preferably written). If unknown to Office Staff, parents/adults calling to collect children will be asked for photographic I.D. This is not meant to offend and is only in the interest of your child/ren’s safety.
Notification of Student Absences
Parents of students marked as Absent (unexplained) will receive an SMS notification asking you to advise the reason for your child’s absence by return SMS. As SMS messages are now considered legitimate forms of communication, a follow-up phone call or note is not required. However, if you are unable to respond to the SMS then the school does require some form of communication via a phone call or email to explain absences.You can also enter your child's absence prior to getting the SMS notification using the Compass App.
It is both a legal requirement and a safety issue that all visitors report to the Office and sign in and out of the school. This is necessary in the unlikely event of a fire, evacuation, lockdown etc. but more importantly for the safety of the students in our care. If you are staying at the school, you will also be issued with a visitor’s badge.
Infant's Play Equipment After School
Our Infants’ play equipment is designed for use by our younger students under teacher supervision during the school day at the following times: before school from 8:30am to 8:55am, morning tea and lunch. It is not to be used by students from Years 3 to 6 at any time. Students catching buses, walking to Cathedral pick-up or waiting for parents are NOT to be on the equipment as they are not being supervised. Students must be supervised by their parents on the play equipment after school. We don’t wish to spoil fun, but safety is paramount, and teachers are spending a lot of time moving students away from this area to where they should be in the afternoon.
Child Protection and Complaints Handling Policies
The Child Protection and Complaints Handling Policies are available on our school website. Please use the link below to view these policies.
https://www.stcarthlism.catholic.edu.au/policies
School Attendance
Good attendance in primary school will be a skill that will help students succeed in high school.
It is a legal requirement and vitally important that students attend school every day and on time.
Good attendance in primary school is a fundamental building block for academic success and overall wellbeing, and it sets the stage for success in high school and beyond. Primary school is the foundational stage of a child's education. Regular attendance ensures that children build a solid understanding of fundamental concepts and skills that serve as the basis for more advanced learning in high school.
By recognising the long-term benefits and reinforcing the importance of regular school attendance in primary years, students are better equipped to succeed in high school and beyond. Attending school regularly instils a sense of responsibility and work ethic in students, and participating actively in class is essential to success.
Parish Mass Times
The times for weekday Masses in the Cathedral are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00am, and Friday at 12:05pm.
Weekend Mass times are; Saturday Vigil – 5:30pm
Sunday Morning – 9:00am
Sunday Morning – 11.00am
NAPLAN - Delayed Start
Due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, our school will commence NAPLAN testing on Monday, 17th March. This delay has allowed us to ensure our students are ready and supported.
Revised NAPLAN Schedule
Monday 17th March - Writing - Year 3 and Year 5 - 9am
Tuesday 18th March - Reading - Year 3 and Year 5 - 9am
Tuesday 18th March - Conventions of Language - Year 3 and Year 5 - 11:15am
Wednesday 19th March - Numeracy - Year 3 and Year 5 - 9am
If any student is absent for these assessments, catch-ups will be held during the remaining testing window.
As per the Week Two Newsletter, if you wish for your child to be withdrawn from NAPLAN, please contact the school so the form can be sent home for you to complete.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
Parent/Teacher Interviews - Reminder
This is just a friendly reminder that our Parent/Teacher Interviews are scheduled for next week, Monday, 17th March to Thursday, 20th March. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with your child's teacher, discuss their start to the year, and work together to support their learning journey.
Opening School Mass: A Celebration of Hope and Leadership
On Friday, 28th February, our school community gathered for a beautiful Opening School Mass, marking the beginning of the 2025 school year with the inspiring theme of Hope. It was a special time to reflect on the year ahead, placing our trust in God and embracing the opportunities to grow, learn, and serve one another with faith and kindness.
We were delighted to officially welcome Father Philip and Sister Evelyn as our school chaplains for 2025. Their presence and guidance will be a wonderful support to our students and staff throughout the year. We look forward to journeying with them in faith as they lead us in prayer, reflection, and service.
During the Mass, our Year 6 leaders were proudly presented with their leadership badges, a symbol of their commitment to serving our school community. As they step into these important roles, we encourage them to lead with humility, kindness, and a spirit of hope, inspiring their peers to follow in their example.
A special moment in our celebration was the presentation of the Lions Citizenship Award to Ebony Andrews. This award recognises students who demonstrate outstanding citizenship, kindness, and a dedication to serving others. Ebony is a shining example of compassion, leadership, and community spirit, and we are incredibly proud of her achievement.
As we begin this new school year, we are filled with hope for the journey ahead. May we continue to support one another, grow in faith, and make 2025 a year of positivity and kindness in our school community.
Year 6 ‘Called to Serve’ Retreat: Embracing Leadership with Purpose
Our Year 6 students recently participated in a retreat, ‘Called to Serve’. It was a special day dedicated to exploring the theme of servant leadership. As the leaders of our school in 2025, the students reflected on what it truly means to lead with humility, kindness, and a desire to serve others.
Throughout the retreat, students engaged in discussions and activities that challenged them to think about their role as leaders within our school community. They explored the qualities of great leaders and set personal leadership goals for the year ahead—focusing on how they can contribute positively to their peers, teachers, and the wider school environment.
The retreat was an inspiring experience for our Year 6 students, reminding them that leadership is not just about titles or responsibilities but about serving others with a generous and open heart. We look forward to seeing them grow in their leadership journey in 2025!
St Carthage’s Ministry Team 2025: Leading with Faith and Service
We are proud to announce the 2025 St Carthage’s Ministry Team, a group of dedicated Year 6 students who have committed to serving our school and wider community. This team will play a vital role in assisting with school masses and liturgies, leading retreats, and organising fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
Congratulations to our Ministry Team members:
- Isabella Mullington
- Caitlin Gapes
- Ebony Andrews
- Jack Bryant
- Luka Van de Walt
- Nyah Marshall
- Olivia McLean
- Patricia James
- Savannah McPherson
- Ardjn Thind
- Olivia Maxson
- Max Phillips
Through their leadership, these students will embody the values of faith, kindness, and service, making a meaningful impact in our school community. We are excited to see all that they will accomplish in 2025 and look forward to their contributions in strengthening our school’s spiritual life.
Stay tuned for updates on their initiatives and achievements throughout the year!
Ash Wednesday: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a special season in the Church where we take time to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts for Easter. It is a day of repentance and renewal, reminding us to live with kindness, faith, and a commitment to helping others.
Traditionally, Catholics receive a cross of ashes on their forehead, a symbol of our faith and our desire to grow closer to God. These ashes remind us to live with humility, love, and hope.
Ash Wednesday Celebrations
Unfortunately, Cyclone Alfred interrupted our Ash Wednesday service for K-2 and prevented Year 3-6 from attending mass. However, those students who were present at school on Wednesday participated in a meaningful prayer experience with their grade. They had the opportunity to receive ashes as a sign of their faith and their desire to be people of hope.
Lenten Promises
As part of our Lenten journey, students in their classrooms took time to make Lenten promises. These promises focus on the three key pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Here are some child-friendly Lenten promises students could make:
Prayer – "I will take a moment each day to pray for someone in need."
Fasting – "I will give up sweets or screen time one day a week to practice self-discipline."
Almsgiving – "I will donate some of my pocket money or time to help someone in need."
Even though our celebrations were affected by the cyclone, our students embraced the true meaning of Ash Wednesday—a time to reflect, renew, and prepare our hearts for Easter. We encourage families to continue this journey at home by discussing Lenten promises and finding ways to pray, fast, and give together.
Project Compassion: Making a Difference Together
At St Carthage’s, we are proud to support Project Compassion, an annual Lenten fundraising campaign run by Caritas Australia. This important initiative helps provide food, clean water, education, and support to communities in need both in Australia and around the world.
This year, our school will be holding three special fundraisers to encourage students to give generously and make a difference:
St Patrick’s Day Casual Clothes Day – Gold Coin Donation
On St Patrick’s Day, students are invited to wear green and bring a gold coin donation to support Project Compassion. This fun day is a great way to celebrate while also helping those less fortunate.
Easter Egg Guessing Competition
Starting in Week 9, students will have the chance to take part in our Easter Egg Guessing Competition. Each guess will cost 50c, and the student who guesses the closest number of eggs in the jar will win a delicious Easter surprise!
Project Compassion Classroom Boxes
Throughout Lent, each classroom will have a Project Compassion box where students can place donations. We encourage students to do extra jobs at home to earn money to contribute, like helping with dishes, tidying their room, or feeding pets. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference!
We look forward to seeing our school community come together in the spirit of generosity and compassion. Every dollar raised helps change lives, and together, we can make a real impact. Thank you for your support!
Attendance Matters
Building the habit of good attendance is crucial for a positive and successful school year. Here are some tips to help your child develop this habit:
- Establish a Routine. Set a consistent daily routine for your child, including wake-up times, breakfast, and a specific time to leave for school. Having a predictable schedule helps your child understand the importance of punctuality.
- Create a Positive Morning Environment. Make mornings enjoyable by creating a positive atmosphere at home. Encourage open communication and express your enthusiasm for the day ahead.
- Establish Clear Expectations. Clearly communicate your expectations regarding attendance and emphasise the importance of being present at school every day unless there's a valid reason for absence.
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Help your child to learn that going to school on time, every day is important.
Reinforcing the idea that attending school regularly is crucial for a positive school experience. Foster a love for learning by encouraging your child's natural curiosity.
Help your child to see school as a place to explore new ideas, discover interests, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Foster positive social connections at school by encouraging friendships. Knowing that they have friends to look forward to can motivate children to attend school regularly.
PBS
At St Carthage’s, our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) program helps create a safe, respectful, and welcoming learning environment for everyone. For the remainder of the term, our focus will be on two key areas:
Weeks 7-8: Be Respectful – Learning Spaces
Respecting our learning spaces means ensuring that everyone has the chance to focus, participate, and succeed in their learning. The goals for Week 7-8 are:
- I work cooperatively and respect the right of others to learn.
- I wait for my turn to talk.
- I listen to others when they are talking.
- I work well with others.
- I allow others to learn without distracting them.
- I follow instructions.
By following these expectations, we can create classrooms where everyone feels valued and supported in their learning journey.
Weeks 9-10: Be Safe – Playground
Playing safely is an important part of caring for ourselves and others. Our focus in the playground will be:
- I play in the correct areas and use equipment appropriately.
- I wear my hat.
These simple but important actions help keep our playground fun, safe, and inclusive for everyone.
We encourage all students to keep these PBS expectations in mind as we finish the term strong. Together, we can ensure our school is a respectful, safe, and positive place for all!
Parish Mass Times
St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore
- Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am
- Friday - 12:05pm
- Saturday Vigil - 5:30pm
- Sunday - 9am & 11am
Carmelite Monastery Chapel, Goonellabah
- Monday - Friday 7:00am
- Saturday 8:00am
- Sunday 7:00am
St Dympna’s Church, Dunoon
- Sunday - 8.30am
Parish Family Mass
We warmly invite all families to join us for our upcoming Parish Family Mass on Saturday, 29th March, at 5:30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school and parish communities to come together in faith and fellowship.
Families from Trinity Catholic College, St John’s College Woodlawn, Our Lady Help of Christians, and St Carthage’s will be gathering for this special celebration, and we would love to see as many families as possible attend.
Following Mass, everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a sausage sizzle and drinks, providing a great chance to connect with others in our parish community.
We look forward to celebrating this special evening with you and your family. We hope to see you there!
St. Carthage’s Swimming Squad Shines at Richmond Zone and Dio Carnivals
On February 14th, our St. Carthage’s Swimming Squad proudly represented our school at the Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival in Alstonville. With 31 dedicated swimmers competing, it was a fantastic day filled with determination, team spirit, and outstanding effort.
Each of our swimmers did their very best, with many achieving personal best times in their events. Their hard work and commitment to training truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.
A special congratulations to Jamal Magann, Isabella Mullington, Heidi Cormack, and Ella Davey, who were selected to compete at the Diocesan Swimming Championships as part of the Richmond Zone Swimming Team in Murwillumbah on Tuesday, March 4th. Congratulations to Jamal, Isabella and Ella who swam at the Dio carnival and achieved some excellent results in their events
A big thank you to our teachers, families, and supporters for their encouragement and guidance at these events. Well done to all our swimmers for their dedication and sportsmanship—we are so proud of you!
Richmond Zone Winter Sports Trials
St. Carthage’s students recently participated in the Richmond Zone Winter Sports Trials for Netball, Soccer, Rugby League, and Hockey. These trials provided an exciting opportunity for our talented athletes to showcase their skills and compete for selection in the Richmond Zone representative teams.
The purpose of the trials is to select Richmond Zone representatives who will progress to the 2025 Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials in Grafton on Thursday, 27th March. Students who are selected for the zone teams are expected to be available for this next level of competition.
In addition, Richmond Zone Rugby Union trials will be held on Wednesday 26th March in Wollongbar. Providing another great opportunity for students to represent the zone in their chosen sport. Good Luck to James Brodie, Cooper Grace, Aiden Lindop, Vincent McDonald, Tohbi Olive- Conte, Myles Weekes, and Jordy Williams.
Well done to all students who participated with enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and determination. We wish the best of luck to those progressing to the Diocesan trials. A special thank you to the coaches, staff, and families who supported our athletes throughout the trials.
Congratulations to the following athletes who will represent the Richmond Zone at the Diocesan trials:
Soccer: Billy Bradfield, Gus Collings, Caitlin Gapes, Brody Johnson, Giulia Locatelli, Savannah McPherson, Myles Weekes
Hockey: Zaria Ashcroft, Levi Dunstan, Lucas Harmon, Maggie Hughes, Georgia O’Brien, Benjamin Wicks, Sassy Zorzo
Rugby League: Tohbi Olive-Conte, Jordy Williams
Netball: Ebony Andrews, Mikayla Evely, Kyna Rhodes,
Polding Cricket
On Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th February, Jordy Williams and Gus Collings represented our school with pride at the Polding Cricket Carnival in Maitland. Competing against talented players from across the state, both boys showcased their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the event.
It was a fantastic opportunity for Jordy and Gus to challenge themselves, gain valuable experience, and enjoy the spirit of the game. Congratulations to both boys on their achievement—we are incredibly proud of them!
NRL Development Blitz – A Day of Skills, Fun, and Learning!
On Wednesday, 26th February, our Kindergarten to Year 6 students were thrilled to participate in the NRL Development Blitz, a fun-filled day focused on building fundamental Rugby League skills. Our enthusiastic Northern NSW NRL coaches– Max, Kel, and Paula – led students through a range of engaging activities designed to enhance their passing, kicking, dodging, and overall motor skills.
Students showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the day as they practised their skills in a supportive and energetic environment. It was fantastic to see them giving it their best effort, cheering each other on, and growing in confidence with each activity. The kids had an absolute blast learning new skills and participating in the drills, with plenty of smiles and laughter along the way.
A huge thank you to the Northern NSW NRL team for their time, expertise, and encouragement – we truly appreciate their support in helping our students stay active, develop new abilities, and most importantly, have fun!
Diocesan Winter Sport Hockey Trials – Congratulations to Our Students!
Congratulations to the St. Carthage’s students who recently attended the Diocesan Winter Sport Hockey Trials in Grafton on Monday, 3rd March. These trials provide a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their skills, with the goal of being selected to represent the Diocese at the next level of competition.
We are proud to announce that Levi Dunstan, Lucas Harmon, Maggie Hughes, and Georgia O’Brien have been selected for the Diocesan Teams and will compete at the Polding Hockey Trials in Bathurst on Friday, 2nd May 2025.
Well done to all participants for their hard work and dedication. We wish our selected students the best of luck as they take on this exciting next step in their sporting journey!
St Carthage’s Cross Country – Rescheduled Date
Please be advised that St. Carthage’s Cross Country has been rescheduled for Thursday, 20th March, at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah.
This is an opt-in school event. Students will compete in their respective age races, with the top five runners from each race earning a place in the St Carthage’s Cross Country Team. These students will go on to represent our school at the Richmond Zone Cross Country on Friday, 28th March 2025.
For further information and to accept or decline this event for your child/children, please refer to Compass.
We appreciate your support and look forward to a fantastic day of sunshine, participation and school spirit!
Woodlawn Open Night
Trinity Open Night
Auskick
April Kids Club
School Holiday Workshop
Horses, Hands and Hearts Open Day
