Week 10 Term 1 2021
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From Our Principal Mrs Janelle Heffernan
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From Our Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching - Mrs Amanda Deeps
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From Our Acting Assistant Principal Mission - Mr Brendan Tickle
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From Our Leader of Pedagogy Mrs Abbie Matthews
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From Our Acting Leader of Sport - Mr Luke Collings
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General School News
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Noticeboard
Aboriginal Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We commit ourselves to actively working alongside Aboriginal people for reconciliation and justice.
Dear Families,
Looking back, I wonder where this first term has gone, especially as I look at our Kindergarten children who have been at school for such a short time and yet are now so much a part of our school family. All students have been involved in so many activities both in and outside of the classroom, and I guess the old saying ‘time flies quickly when you’re having fun’ comes instantly to mind. As we come to the end of first term, we can look back on all the positive things which we have achieved as a school community. Together we have experienced academic, cultural, sporting and spiritual success in a climate where each person is respected and valued for the contribution which they make, no matter how small or how large!
I 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 look forward to our holidays as an opportunity to rest, relax and recharge in preparation for the coming term and we ask that God stays close to each and every one of us as we enjoy this family time together. I hope that everyone has a very safe and happy holiday and I look forward to a very productive and positive return to school on Tuesday, 20th April.
Easter
This week is Holy Week – the most important time in the Church’s calendar. Holy week begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday, the beginning of our journey to Easter. Holy Week is most definitely a very sacred time of the year, for it is now 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 has come 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 celebrated Palm Sunday last weekend and this marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The palms were 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.
The Chrism Mass at which the Holy oils are blessed also takes place on the Monday of Holy Week and this very special mass was celebrated in the Cathedral on Monday evening.
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). We go forward and kiss the Cross in order to show honour and respect for Christ's sacrifice for our sake. 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 Catholic. During these days, we suffer with Christ so that we might rise with Him at His glorious Resurrection.
Mr Hatchman
Please keep Mr Hatchman in your thoughts and prayers as he continues his chemo treatment. Danny has taken further leave until mid Term 2. In his absence Mr Tickle will remain in the role of Acting Assistant Principal - Mission.
Online Enrolment
Enrolment Applications can now be 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 2021 are asked to fill out the online Enrolment Application. Please pass on this message to family and friends who are intending to enrol children in Kinder next year. Children must turn five by 31st July 2022 to be enrolled in Diocesan schools.
Stage Three Toilet Block Refurbishment
We have received a School Renovation and Improvement grant from the Catholic Schools Office to refurb our Stage Three toilet block (Years 5 and 6). This project will begin in the holidays and will take approximately 6 weeks to complete.
The demolition work will occur in the school holidays therefore limiting noise during learning. During this time the area around this building site will be fenced off in accordance with WH&S requirements to ensure safety for our students, staff and visitors.
We thank the Catholic Schools Office for enabling this project to proceed.
Anzac Day
We have received notification from the RSL Lismore Sub-branch that the Anzac Day March will proceed as normal. Students will be required to assemble at the Clyde Campbell Carpark by 8.45am on Sunday 25th April and the march will begin at promptly at 9.00am.
To adhere to the RSL's Covid Safety Plan we will need to have a list of all children who are marching prior to the event.
Please click on the link to complete the google form re your child/childrens' attendance at the Anzac Day March in Lismore.
https://forms.gle/AdHTWFamfBkVJFbc9
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic School's Week will be celebrated in the Lismore Diocese in Week 2 of Term 2- (26th-30th April). The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2021 is "Faith in our Future." In 2021, Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in 1820. The first Catholic school in the Diocese of Lismore, St Joseph’s Primary, was established at South Grafton in 1858. 2021 is a time to celebrate the many contributions Catholic Education has made to the Nation.
As a school community we will have our major celebration on Friday, 30th April. We will begin with open classrooms at 10.00am followed by a BYO morning tea (11.00 - 11.30am) with your child/children and finish with a whole school assembly prepared and led by Year six students and teachers beginning at 11.45am.
Other activities will be relayed to you as they are confirmed.
Professional Development Day Reminders
The first day back next term, Monday 19th April will be a Professional Learning Day for staff. This day will focus on a writing initiative called The Learning Collaborative. This project will be a two year focus to improve student writing outcomes in Literacy.
In Week Three, Wednesday 5th May all staff from across the Diocese will engage in a PD day focusing on Catholic Mission in our schools.
Both of these days will be pupil free. Active Kids well be available for those families requiring child care. Thank you in anticipation of your support of these valuable learning days.
Respect for All Members of our School Community
Respect is one of our school values and something that we are constantly talking to our students about. Respect for self, respect for others and respect for our environment is a message that our students hear regularly, and we encourage them to reflect on what this looks like in their daily interactions with others.
It is important that, as adults we also show respect to our students and families in all that we say and do. Similarly, we ask that our parents and families show that respect to each other as well. I know that there can be times, particularly around drop off and pick up times, there can be frustration and annoyance, however it is important that we remain respectful and patient to all members of our school community. I ask that we refrain from speaking negatively or disrespectfully, as this does not set a positive example to our children.
NAPLAN
The NAPLAN practise was completed by our Year 3 and Year 5 students last week. There were no technical issues which was encouraging so now we are all ready for the NAPLAN tests in Week 4 next term. Students will need to have their headphones at school for these tests.
In advance of taking NAPLAN online, students, teachers and parents are invited to use the public demonstration tests to familiarise themselves with the type of questions and related functionalities available in the NAPLAN Online assessment.
Some of the key features include a range of question types, onscreen tools, timers and interactive navigation. Students are encouraged to try all the tests for their year level to practise the complete range of question formats available in the online assessment.
To access the demonstration site please go to: https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
NAPLAN Withdrawals
NAPLAN tests are a routine part of the school calendar. However students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent/carer if there are religious beliefs or philosophical objections to testing. This is a matter for consideration by individual parents/carers in consultation with their child’s school. If you wish to withdraw your child/ren from NAPLAN testing please contact me and I will send home the form for you to complete and return to school. This needs to be done as soon as possible.
Amanda Deeps - St Carthage's Primary School
Phone: 0266215529
amanda.deeps@lism.catholic.edu.au
Holy Week Prayer Service
On Monday all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 rotated around four prayer stations that were based on the events of Holy Week. The students were immersed in the scene of each event; listening to reflective music and reading the associated scripture passage. It provided the students with the opportunity to explore the meaning of each event and reflect on how it is applicable to their life. The stations included Palm Sunday, The Washing of the Feet at the Last Supper, The Garden of Gethsemane and The Crucifixion.
Upon returning to the classroom, students engaged in a wide range of activities, including art, bible journaling, recounts and personal reflections. Thank you to Henry and Olivia from 2KI for sharing their outstanding work!
Holy Week Mass Times
Thursday 1st April
- Sacrament of Reconciliation 4.30pm - 5.00pm
- Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7.00pm
Friday 2nd April
- Office of Readings and Morning Prayers 8.30am
- Stations of the Cross 10.00am
- Sacrament of Reconciliation 11.00am - 12.00pm
- Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3.00pm (Collection at this Liturgy supports the Christian Communities and Holy Places in Jerusalem and the Holy Land)
Saturday 3 April
- Office of Readings and Morning Prayers 8.30am
- Easter Vigil Mass 7.00pm
Sunday 4 April:
- Carmelite Monastery 7.00am
- Dunoon 8.30am
- Cathedral - Easter Sunday Mass 9am
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no 11am Mass on Easter Sunday.
Sacramental Program
Information for the Sacramental Program in 2021 has been distributed to Year 3 and 4 students. If your child did not receive a note please contact the school office.
Alternatively, if you child is in any other year would like to participate in the Sacramental Program (Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist) please contact the office as soon as possible.
Cartias Lenten Appeal
The lines were long, with children eager to win the coveted prize. The Guess for Caritas competition raised a total of $285.50! This has brought our total to $2506. This is a true indication of the selfless and caring community that St Carthage's fosters. Thank you!
Caritas Cross Country forms are due back at school on Wednesday 21st April.
Congratulations to Kaitlin who guessed the correct amount of 295.
Digital Technologies K-6
During Term One, Anna Moloney has been working with teachers, exploring a range of digital technologies which will engage students in their learning across a range of Key Learning Areas.
Students have enjoyed using these technologies to present their work and demonstrate their skills and understanding.
Students will continue to develop their confidence in using these technologies during Term Two and incorporate these into a wider range of subjects.
Year Level | Digital Technology Focus |
Music/Drama |
Google Sites
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Kindergarten |
Scratch Jr, Clips, Book Creator
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Year One |
Scratch Jr, Chromebooks, Sound Waves Online
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Year Two |
Book Creator
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Year Three |
Pixton
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Year Four |
Google Sites
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Year Five |
Plickers, Explain Everything
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Year Six |
A variety of tools/programs to give students choice and voice - Screen Casting, Podcasting, Stop Motion Animation, Scratch, Greenscreen and Google Sites |
Spotlight on....... Year Three!!
Year Three have been engaged in some wonderful learning during Term One.
Mathematics
During the warm-up phase of the Math's Block, Year Three have been engaged in exploring quantities to gain a deeper understanding of Place Value. Important features of these warm-up tasks include predicting, reasoning and justifying. Some warm-up tasks include Number Busting, Handfuls, Round the Garden and Number Target.
Personal Development & Health
Within the Health unit, Year Three has been learning about 'Connections' which develops the skills of empathy, inclusion and respect for others. Learning experiences focused on building student relationships within the class in order to foster an understanding of the special qualities and differences of each other.
Digital technologies have been embedded in this unit through the use of 'Pixton'. Pixton is a platform that allows students to create and display a visual illustration or comic to introduce concepts, definitions, skills and step-by-step processes.
Luca's Pixton Example (3MW)
Science & Technology
Within Science and Technology, Year Three have been learning about 'The Living World'. As part of this unit, students explored similarities and differences between life cycles of living things and how they are all interconnected.
Some questions which have been guiding this learning include:
- How can we group living things?
- Why do we represent data in different ways?
- What are the similarities and differences between the life cycles of different living things?
- How environments and living things interdependent?
Upcoming Dates
Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials - Rugby union next term, date TBA
St Carthage's Cross Country - NEW DATE Wednesday 21st of April, Week 1 Term 2
Richmond Zone Cross Country - Friday 30th April
Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials’
These trials were finally held this week in Grafton across two days (rugby union will be next term). Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent the Lismore Diocese at the Polding Trials next term:
Rugby league: Jesse Cooper, Ethan Welman
Hockey: Akony Maciek, Lachlan O’Brien, Oliver Kelly, Hugh Marshall, Milla Zorzo, Ellie Brady and Eden Kelly.
Congratulations to all students who represented St Carthage’s and Richmond Zone by participating in these trials. Your sportsmanship and effort was commended by all.
Richmond Zone Representatives:
Emily Thorneycroft (netball)
Lachlan O’Brien, Hugh Marshall, Oliver Kelly, Akoni Maciek (hockey)
Eden Kelly, Milla Zorzo, Gigi Zorzo, Isobel Rose, Kaitlin O’Brien, Ellie Brady (hockey)
Maude Webster, Brydie Beston (soccer)
Jimmy Field, Lenny McDonald (rugby league)
Sam Conlan, Ethan Welman, Jesse Cooper, Harper Rowe (rugby league)
Congratulations
Will Bullpitt travelled to Sydney’s Olympic Park this week to compete in the NSW PSSA Swimming Championships. Will competed in the 50m breaststroke and finished 14th out of the 50 qualifiers. This is a tremendous achievement and one earned through much hard work. Well done, Will!
St Carthage's Cross Country
As previously mentioned, our cross country has been moved to Wednesday 21st of April (Week 1 Term 2). See the timetable below. As it is a short turn around between holidays and this event, it is advisable that competitors are doing some training over the holidays in preparation for this. I am still chasing a handful of parents that could assist on the morning as Track Marshalls. If you can help out please email me at: luke.collings@lism.catholic.edu.au
The day will commence at approximately 9:15am and conclude by 11:30am. The Cross Country will be held on our school ovals and the adjacent grounds of the Lismore Rugby Club. If your child qualifies on the day, they will then be invited to participate in the Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival to be held in Lismore Friday 30th April 2021.
Students are required to wear their sports uniform to school (colour house shirt). Prior to competing in their event, they may change into running shorts and suitable footwear (no spikes permitted). It is important that all children bring their school hat, water and any necessary medication (i.e. Asthma puffer).
As mentioned in the previous newsletter due to easing restrictions we are excited to invite parents to attend our cross country. It is important that all spectators adhere to social distancing and COVID protocols while in attendance.
Intensive Swimming
The St Carthage’s Intensive Swimming Program will be held during Term 2 at the Trinity Aquatic Centre. Students from Kindergarten to Year 4 will participate in a one-week program. This will consist of five sessions that are 45 minutes in length. The program is delivered by qualified swimming instructors. Your child will be accompanied to the pool and supervised by their class teacher. As it is a component of the New South Wales PDHPE Syllabus, it is strongly recommended that all students participate in the intensive swimming program. The cost of the program is $55. The following timetable has been developed to minimise interruptions to learning and the daily routines of the school.
Brendan Tickle - St Carthage's Primary School
Phone: 0266215529
brendan.tickle@lism.catholic.edu.au
Tom Rose Layla Turner Archie Ware Indiana Gale Akot Maciek Rong Will O'Connor Serena White Jonathan Addenbrooke Lara Brown Isabella Mullington Luke Robertson Amirah Shah Wilson Hauser Samuel Lovegrove |
Bryce Roberts Riley Barry Elka Brettoner Indie Dodds Kaycee Smith Piper Collings Ellie Brady Alexander Crane Jesse Cooper Isla Rhodes Jordan Heath Hugh Martin Benson Rhodes |
Eva Witchard Abel Yung Fletcher Rapley Jazmin Adams Bonnie Brady Sydney Childs Chelsea Gosling Zavier Zorzo Esme Addenbrooke Liarni Flaherty Rafferty Nilon Mr Ben Evans Mrs Nicole Jones Mrs Janette McFadden |
Charity Bike Ride
Mrs Bailey is completing a Charity Ride in support of mental health and THE BLACK DOG INSTITUTE. The team will ride this Easter from Glen Innes to Mudgee over 6 days, a distance of 640 Km.
Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Australians every year, with the most common being depression and anxiety. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life – individuals, families, workplaces and communities.