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,

Last weekend we began the season of Advent in the Church Year. The four weeks of Advent allow us time to ponder how Jesus came into the world in such a stunningly humble way. As we contemplate His birth in a bed of straw, in a messy stable, perhaps we see our own life as being a little messy too. Our life is often distracted, self-centred and sometimes leaves us wishing we were better people. If we can slow down and refocus our attention, we might realise that God is there, waiting to love us, even though we have so many unfulfilled good intentions.

 “Are we there yet?” This is a question we have probably heard, and probably asked, multiple times throughout our lives. It is a question that frequently comes up, especially when the kids are the backseat wondering when they will finally arrive at the destination. It is also a question that we may be tempted to ask during the Advent season. We know that many people have now jumped right into their Christmas festivities, barely taking taking time to catch their breath but, with this Advent season, we are being reminded that we’re not there yet. This season of Advent, this beginning of the Church’s new liturgical year, is an opportunity for us to take the time to enjoy the journey. To proceed a little more slowly and intentionally towards Christmas – to notice what God is doing in our lives, and in the world around us, to help us be better prepared to welcome Jesus anew.

So, we may not be “there” yet, but, even now, Jesus is here, with us, as we begin this journey through Advent.

Jesus, through Your Holy Spirit, grant us the light and strength needed to journey through this Advent season, so as to always be prepared to encounter You.

First Eucharist

We congratulate our students and families who are celebrating their first Holy Communion on Sunday. We thank Fr Bing for his support in ensuring our students don't miss out on this very special step in their faith journey by putting on a special Mass on Sunday at 4.30pm in the Cathedral.

Year 6 Fun Week

Next week our Year Six students will be participating in a week of fun activities to finish off their time at St Carthage's. Unfortunately, this cohort of students has missed out on many of the traditional 'rites of passage' due to Covid restrictions but we hope that they will enjoy this time with their friends.

Year Six students and parents will join together for Dinner and a Disco next Thursday evening. (All visitors must be fully vaccinated).

School Reports

School Reports will be sent home on Friday, 10th December. Parents may not feel that an interview is required at this time and may prefer to wait and catch up with your child’s 2022 teacher during our Term One interviews next year. If you would like an interview, please contact your child’s teacher.

Welcome

We welcome Mrs Sally Innes, Miss Bronte Doolan, Mrs Bethany McDermott and Mr David Morrissey to our staff for the 2022 school year. Sally is joining us from Our Lady Help of Christians, Bronte is coming from St Francis Xavier in Ballina, and Bethany and David have both worked at St Mary's, Casino. They are all looking forward to experiencing our school for 12 months. I am sure you join with me in welcoming them to our St Carthage's school community.

School Canteen 

There will be NO Canteen in Week 11. The last day of canteen will be Friday, 10^th December.

School Leaders for 2022

Over the past week  we had the privilege to listen to our Year 5 students campaigning for leadership roles within our school for 2022.

When I spoke to the Year Five group at their Leadership Retreat I began by telling them that leadership is not about being the most popular student or the best athlete or the best scholar but it is more about the qualities, attributes and values that you can bring to the role and about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could and supporting them along the way.

They were asked questions such as; what makes a good leader, who is a role model for you in your leadership aspirations and what qualities do you bring to the leadership role you seek. As we know, leadership can be very rewarding but it can also be very challenging, sometimes lonely but always a privilege.

It is exciting to know that we have a group of children who are very excited to be a part of this journey of leadership within our school. I know that any of the children chosen for leadership positions will represent the school well and most importantly represent themselves and their family.  We look forward to congratulating the new leaders in a few weeks time.

New School Logo

Throughout this year we have been discussing our school logo and its relevance to faith, education and wellbeing at St Carthage's now and into the future. During staff meetings we broke open what we would like to see on a school logo and there was much conversation about what would symbolise St Carthage's. As you would be very aware a logo is very small so it is impossible to encapsulate everything.

We collated our responses and spoke to an ad agency for them to come up with some options that we could agree on. Several drafts later we have narrowed the options to two. 

We would really like to hear the voice of our parents before we make a final decision. Therefore we are asking that you have a look at these options and 'vote' on the one that you feel best suits St Carthage's by clicking on the link below.

The choices are;

Concept One:

Concept Two:

Concept two contains a cross at the centre of the logo. This represents Jesus Christ and the history and traditions of our Catholic faith community. The hands below represent the caring and nurturing environment at St Carthage's Primary School. As a school community that follows Jesus Christ we are able to let our light shine. This is represented through the yellow rays and the school motto that sits within the logo. 

Please click here to complete the google form.

ICAS Results

ICAS Results

We have had a number of students sit the ICAS assessments this term. Whilst we are yet to receive the certificates we have been able to access the results online. We are extremely proud of all the students who sat the ICAS tests. 

Digital Technologies

The following students participated in the Digital Technologies assessment:

Ben Ryall, Jie-Shi Jackson, Aiden Boyd, Archie Da Fre, Jimmy Field, Phillippa Kirch, Jenna Ryall, Duncan Kirch and Ellie McKay.

A special mention goes to Ben Ryall, Jenna Ryall and Duncan Kirch who all achieved a distinction.

English

The following students participated in the English assessment:

Ben Ryall, Adrian Brickhill, Jie-Shi Jackson, Archie Da Fre, Jimmy Field, Phillippa Kirch, Jenna Ryall, Murphy Ware, Duncan Kirch and Ellie McKay.

A special mention goes to Ben Ryall who achieved a distinction.

Mathematics

The following students participated in the Mathematics assessment:

Ben Ryall, Adrian Brickhill, Sydney Childs, Jie-Shi Jackson, Aiden Boyd, Zachary Cohen, Archie Da Fre, Jimmy Field, Phillippa Kirch, Jenna Ryall, Murphy Ware, Oxford Childs, Duncan Kirch, Ruby Lake and Ellie McKay.

A special mention goes to Ben Ryall and Duncan Kirch who both achieved a distinction.

Science

The following students participated in the Science assessment:

Ben Ryall, Adrian Brickhill, Jie-Shi Jackson, Aiden Boyd, Archie Da Fre, Jimmy Field, Phillippa Kirch, Murphy Ware, Duncan Kirch and Ellie McKay.

A special mention goes to Ben Ryall, Archie Da Fre and Duncan Kirch who all achieved a distinction.

Spelling Bee

The following students participated in the Spelling Bee assessment:

Ben Ryall, Adrian Brickhill, Jie-Shi Jackson, Connor Robertson, Archie Da Fre, Jimmy Field, Phillippa Kirch, Jenna Ryall, Duncan Kirch, Ruby Lake and Ellie McKay.

A special mention goes to Ben Ryall, Connor Robertson and Phillippa Kirch who all achieved a distinction.

Mathematics Assessment Interview Bookings 2022 - Reminder

Bookings are now open for our Mathematics Assessment Interviews (MAI) for next year for our Year One to Year Six students. MAIs will take place on Tuesday 1st February and Wednesday 2nd February 2022. To make a booking go to  https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/yvkbq

Follow the prompts to make your booking/s. Please remember to select the grade your child/ren will be in next year (2022).

Bookings must be finalised by Wednesday 8th December at 3pm.

We encourage students not only to learn about their faith but to 'take it to heart' and Act!

Forms of Prayer

Mrs McFadden and her students have been studying various forms of PRAYER.

Recently they have taken an interest in the Rosary as a prayer of MEDITATION.

With the help of the Catholic Schools Office they explored a WALKING ROSARY in and around our SACRED SPACE.

What a peaceful and prayerful experience for the students! 

Mrs McFadden and her class then provided our whole school community with an opportunity to reflect upon the Advent theme of HOPE. 

I know the class put a lot of thought into this display design. Thank you students.

Teachers have been invited to bring their class to visit our SACRED SPACE to reflect upon the idea of HOPE and perhaps add to the display with your own class prayers of hope.

ADVENT 

Notice for parents/carers of children making their First Communion

We can advise that Father Bing has kindly offered to hold a special Mass for students ready to make their First Eucharist. As the Covid-19 Safety Plan for the Cathedral has a cap on attendance a maximum of 5 people per family (including the child receiving First Eucharist) is permitted. (If you have 2 children receiving First Communion your total is 6.)

If you are unable to attend this Mass your child may receive their First Eucharist at any Parish Mass of your choosing. Please notify the school prior to attending as we are very happy to make the Priest celebrating that Mass aware of your attendance.

Details: Mass - First Eucharist 2021

Date: Sunday, 5 December 2021

Time: Mass commences at 4:30 PM. Please be seated by 4:20pm.

Venue: St Carthage's Cathedral.

Dress Code: Smart casual

COVID Guidelines: 

• Please sign in upon arrival.
• Please sanitise hands upon arrival.
• Masks must be worn by ALL people in attendance, including children.
• Please use only one pew (seat) per family.
• There is no allocated seating.
• A maximum of 5 people per family (including the child receiving First Eucharist) is permitted. (If you have 2 children receiving First Communion your total is 6).

Jan's Bucket Club

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SCU Netball Club

Summerlanders Netball Club

Summerlanders

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