Term Two Week Three 2024
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.
We welcome back our students and families for Term 2. I hope that everyone had a great holiday and found plenty of time to rest and relax. We look forward to a very busy and productive Term Two with many events and lots of learning planned!
Traditionally, May is the month when we remember, celebrate and thank Mary, the mother of God, in a special way. During his 26 year pontificate, John Paul II frequently reminded us that the month of May is, in a particular way, dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. In their reflection on the significance of Jesus’ passion, the Church fathers understood that when Jesus, dying in agony on the Cross, said to John, “This is your mother”, he was not merely entrusting Mary to John’s care, but also to making Mary the spiritual mother of all followers of Christ. In Mary’s life on earth we see a strong woman, the author of the Magnificat, who was willing to embrace motherhood as a vocation from God in all its joys and sorrows. Every mother will know exactly, the meaning of the prophet Simeon’s words to Mary, when Jesus was presented in the temple in Jerusalem: “A sword will pierce your own
heart”. She was with Jesus at every important moment of his life: from his conception, his birth in Bethlehem, during his public ministry, at his crucifixion, and with the disciples on Pentecost Sunday, when the Holy Spirit came down upon them.
In following the footsteps of Jesus, and in the richness of the Christian tradition, we find in Mary the perfect mediator between mankind and God, in who we can confide our most private thoughts and deepest fears, asking her intercession in the confident
knowledge that Jesus will hear her, as happened at the Feast at Cana. During this month of May, dedicated to Mary, we are encouraged to pray to her to intercede on our behalf.
Mr Hatchman - Retirement
As you are aware Mr Hatchman is going on Long Service Leave in a couple of weeks and will be retiring at the end of this term.
Danny has been involved in Catholic Education for over 40 years and during this time he has undertaken many roles.
Danny has been a teacher, Religious Education Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal and Consultant. He has undertaken these roles with professionalism and compassion, always putting the students at the forefront of his work.
To Danny, teaching is not just a job but a true vocation. He is a man of true faith and this is expressed in his interactions with students, families and staff. He has been a role model for us all.
We will farewell Danny with an assembly/prayer on Friday 31st May at 2.00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
I know that you will join with us in wishing Danny all the very best for the future.
Tell Them From Me
The Tell Them from Survey has now closed. Thank you to the 118 parents and carers who filled out this survey. This will provide us with valuable information to inform our next Strategic Plan.
St Carthage's Feast Day
Wednesday 15th May, was the 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.
Proclaim - Staff Day Wednesday 29th May (Student Free Day)
Catholic staff from all Catholic schools across the Richmond region will come together on Wednesday 29th May at Xavier Catholic College in Skennars Head to be reinvigorated with prayer, purpose and passion towards our vocation.
We ask that you pray for all staff in Catholic education as they continue their mission to serve the students and families in their care.
THIS DAY WILL BE A STUDENT FREE DAY. Active Kids will be operating, however, bookings are essential.
Mother's Day
We hope that all mothers, grandmothers and mother figures had a lovely day last Sunday.
Thank you to the many mums who came along and shared the Mothers’ Day breakfast with us. It is always a great event and it is an opportunity for us as a staff, to say thank you to our mums and significant mother figures of our students. It was lovely to see families socialising together and enjoying a meal.
I hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day gifts that the children took great delight in choosing!
Please see the photos below and go onto our Facebook page to see many more!
Tell Them From Me Parent Survey
Thank you to the families who completed the Tell Them From Me survey over the past couple of weeks. The information gained will be used to support us on our School Improvement agenda.
ANZAC Day
Thank you to the many students who participated in the ANZAC Day March in the holidays. The number of students who participated was outstanding and the respectful manner in which they did so is to be commended. As a school, we believe it is very important to support the wider community on this day, to show our appreciation and give dignity to those who have worked so hard, some even losing their lives, to bring peace to our world. I thank our students for giving up their time to represent our school at such a significant event. Thank you also to our parents for making it possible for the children to be present on these occasions. We have received many compliments and all students were a credit to their families. Once again, thank you to all students, families and teachers who were able to support our participation in this very important community event.
School Community Group - save the date
Our next School Community Group Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening - 11th June at 5.45pm. Everyone is welcome.
Professional Learning Days
Thank you for your support of our Professional Learning days.
We have 4 Professional Learning days left for 2023;
Wednesday 29th May - (Term 2 Week 5)
Monday 22nd July (Term 3 - first day)
Friday 27th September (Term 3 - last day)
Monday 14th October (Term 4 - first day)
Kindergarten Enrolments 2025
Parents of children who are ready to start school in 2025 are asked to go onto our school website, click on the Enrol Now tab and complete the online Enrolment Application to begin the enrolment process.
Please pass on this message to family and friends who are intending to enrol children in Kindergarten next year. Children must turn five by 31st July 2025 to be enrolled in Diocesan schools.
School Reports and Interviews – advance notice
School Reports will be sent home in Week 9 and interviews with teachers will be held in Week 10. We will again be using the online booking format for Parent/Teacher interviews and more information will be sent home and a reminder on how to book these interviews electronically as the time draws closer.
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. We will follow this up with a phone call/letter 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 Catholic Schools Office, may need to be undertaken.
Please see the following infographic on the impact of non-attendance at school over a period of time.
Understanding the K-6 Student Report
Please see the pdf below for an outline of the changes that have been made to the Student Report for this year. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school.
School Leader Gathering
St Carthage's Reading Challenge
'Farmer wants a Wife'
I've been talked into watching 'Farmer wants a Wife' spending most of my time observing the ways everyone responds (or does not respond) to the words and actions of others. I guess that's the point of the show.
Pope Francis says also speaks of love. He says we are all capable of “all the forms of love in the world”: romantic love, love of friends, country, humanity.
But Francis also talks about a higher form of love “...which comes from God, is directed towards God and enables us to love God … and (and this is the hard part) to love our neighbour as God does" - even those we find it difficult to love!
Catholics talk about living a 'sacramental life' which is a call to experience the Sacraments so that we become more open to a love which "...comes from God and is directed towards God and enables us to love God … and even those we find difficult to endure!
Very soon many of our children will be experiencing the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please say a prayer for them as they are Confirmed and invited to come closer to a God who loves them and calls them to a higher form of love.
Information
Sacrament of Confirmation
Information session for families of children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation (Please see important note: a change of date for this event from Wednesday 5th of June to THURSDAY 6th of June!)
We do apologise for this date change forced upon us by unforeseen circumstances.
This information session for families of children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be on the 6th of June from 5:30-6:30pm in the School Hall.
The children will be keen to share their learning with you. Fr Bing will be speaking and there will be a Q and A session for all the questions you might have. An overview of the session is below.
Dates for the Sacramental Program for 2024
Sacrament of Confirmation (Students in Year 3) - 27 June, 2024
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Students in Year 4) - 28 August, 2024
Sacrament of the Eucharist (Students in Year 4) - 27 October 5:30pm
If you are yet to enrol your child into the 2024 program it is not too late! Download the form below and return to the school office as soon as possible.
A prayer for our Confirmation Candidates
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday.
In the New Testament, Pentecost was the occasion of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1–11.
When Pentecost day came round, the apostles had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.
Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Church
When the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, they immediately began proclaiming the Gospel. In fact, three thousand people were baptized that day. The disciples, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, were answering Jesus’ call to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The Holy Spirit is vital in the mission and witness of the Church, so we consider Pentecost the birthday of the Church.
Building our Community
Welcoming everyone
Year 2 families are invited to the Family, Fun and Faith Gathering
A reminder that all Year 2 families are invited to the Family, Fun and Faith Gathering on the 23rd of May starting at 5:30pm.
See the Flyer below for details and please return the Return Form by this Friday 3:00pm for catering purposes.
Service to others
An Amazing Act of Service for others - Elkie Annette
At St Carthage's we always talk about putting our words and thoughts into actions. Recently I learnt about someone who wanted to do something for others.
Here is her story!
Elkie Annette is in 1 Gold and recently Elkie learnt that the Cancer Council supports people who are ill in many way. We explained to the children at Assembly that some types of medicine used to fight cancer causes a person to lose their hair.
Elkie had heard about that side-effect as well and decided to do something to help those people suffering from cancer. Elkie donated her hair to this cause.
Elkie had the most beautiful long hair of which she was rightly proud! But Elkie felt that her hair would be better given to the Cancer Council to help someone who may be more in need of her hair than Elkie.
So...here is Elkie with her beautiful long pony tails...
...and here is Elkie at the hairdressers....
...and finally...here is Elkie travelling to the Cancer Council to donate her lovely locks of hair to the Cancer Council.
Thank you so much Elkie for thinking of others - something we always encourage at St Carthage's.
Council of Catholic School Parents
The link below leads to 'Parent Talk' - the newsletter of the Council of Catholic School Parents. There are usually some worthwhile articles and resources for parents and carers of students attending Catholic schools.
You can subscribe here
The Wildfire Team returned to St Carthage's recently and once more were a hit with the students!
The purpose of Wildfire is to make the Gospel of Jesus relevant to the students in an enjoyable way. This event is about evangelisation to those not yet evangelised.
The 2023 theme was 'Friendship With Jesus' which was about the HEART.
This year we move to the HANDS (Service) and the Ten:Ten team will facilitate retreat with the theme of 'Build the Kingdom' exploring how students can go out and be disciples of Jesus and practically build the kingdom of God.
"Students can expect games, dancing, singing, activities, prayer, talks and small group discussions.
Guidelines for the day:
Enjoy: students are encouraged to have fun and be themselves.
Respect: students are asked to be respectful of the guest presenters and their peers when they are talking.
Invest: students will get something out of the experience if they are open and ready to contribute."
Here is a link to a video - you can view this to get a little bit of an idea about the Wildfire experience!
A Focus upon leadership
Local MP Kevin Hogan's school leaders event
As student leaders, Luca Lombardo, Bella Mitchell and Penny Gorman were very grateful to be able to attend Local MP Kevin Hogan's school leaders event.
Penny writes, "We got to hear Lyn Larson and her story. Lyn was from Lismore and lived near Tuntable Creek. In primary school Lyn played tennis but in high school she began her love of cricket. Lyn's dad had Parkinson's Disease but still found the time to play cricket with Lyn. Later on Lyn’s dad died.( May He Rest In Peace).
We learnt a lot about how to be a leader who had the respect of others. Thanks to Lyn Larson we learnt a lot and we hope our story has taught you some worthwhile things about leadership."
Penny Gorman
Bundjalung Country
The implementation of the new English and Mathematics syllabus has provided more opportunities to incorporate and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and perspectives which is great to see. As I was walking around our great school recently, I noticed some fabulous learning that is a great example of this.
The Year 2 students created a collage to represent Bundjalung Country. They used their senses and adjectives to create a description of our natural area.
I was very impressed at how they described the land, air, waters, animals, plants and how it made them feel to be a part of this area.
We all need to feel connected to ‘country’ and learn to appreciate the local history and culture of where we live.
Well done to the Year 2 teachers and students!!
Mr Condie
Aboriginal Education Worker
St Carthage's Cross Country
After many attempts, we were finally able to hold the St Carthage's Cross on Thursday 11th April. Despite the muddy conditions, our courageous students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, turning a potentially damp day into a memorable adventure.
Our young athletes showcased true sportsmanship, encouraging and supporting their peers throughout the event. Their determination and perseverance were truly inspiring, demonstrating the values of resilience and teamwork that we strive to instil in our students.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff who helped make this event possible, ensuring that all students had a safe and enjoyable experience.
The top 5 students were invited to attend the Richmond Zone Cross Country on Tuesday 7th May. We wish them all the best of luck.
Boys
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
| 8 years | Dalziel Lovell | Archer Whitney | Ezra Lindsay | Arlo Blair | Jarvis McPherson |
| 9 years | Hugo Hogan | Hamish Hughes | Archie Green | Harry Hughes | Josh Bryant |
| 10 years | Zander Annetts | Louis Bailey | Nash Darragh | Nash Taylor | Cooper Munro |
| 11 years | Billy Bradfield | Archie Pietzsch | Henry Hogan | Billy McCarthy | Gus Collings |
| 12/13 years | Kyan Smith | Reggie Field | Veiko Lovell | Tyler Bell | Cooper Bennett |
Girls
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
| 8 years | Halle Bull | Willow Field | Evangeline Martin | Frankie Veronese | Isabelle Witchard |
| 9 years | Daisy Smith | Tes Mete | Chloe Blainey | Allie Bradfield | Madelyn Perin |
| 10 years | Nadia Cittolin | Eloise McFarlane | Zarni McGregor | Sophie Lane-Winkler | Evie Field |
| 11 years | Ella Davey | Ebony Andrews | Georgia Dodds | Maggie Hughes | Mila Olivieri |
| 12/13 years | Luca Lombardo | Lexi Behan | Grace Mills | Lyla Russell | Astrid Campbell |
Richmond Zone Cross Country
Despite the damp weather, the Richmond Zone Cross Country held at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah was a resounding success, with 49 enthusiastic students braving the wet and muddy conditions to showcase their running prowess. The event, which took place on Tuesday 7th May, brought together schools from across the region for a day of spirited competition and fun.
Despite the challenging conditions, the young athletes demonstrated remarkable determination and sportsmanship, making the most of the muddy course to dash towards the finish line. Laughter and cheers filled the air as students tackled the slippery terrain with gusto, their enthusiasm undampened by the rain.
Congratulations to the following students who will now progress to the Lismore Diocesan Cross Country on Tuesday 21st May:
Archie Sauer - 12/13yrs Boys - 2nd
Kyan Smith - 12/13yrs Boys - 4th
Vieko Lovell - 12/13yrs Boys - 8th
Luca Lombardo - 12/13yrs Girls - 5th
Ebony Andrews - 11yrs Girls - 9th
Znder Annetts - 10yrs Boys - 5th
Hamish Hughes - 9yrs Boys - 5th
Daisy Smith - 9yrs Girls - 4th
Congratulations to Ella Davey who also placed 4th in the 11yrs Girls but will not be attending the Lismore Diocesan Cross Country. We wish all of these students the best of luck.
Polding Winter Sports Trials - Hockey, Football and Rugby League
The Polding Winter Sports Trials in Tamworth proved to be a memorable event for our school, with several students showcasing their talent and commitment on the field. Despite the chilly weather, Priya Vantaggiato, Dusty Zorzo, Maggie Hughes, and Mason Smith represented our school admirably in hockey. Tyler Bell and Fraser Wright displayed their skills in football, while Reggie Field stood out in rugby league.
The trials, held on Friday 3rd May, brought together young athletes from across the Polding region to compete in various winter sports. Our students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, demonstrating their skills and sportsmanship throughout the event.
In hockey, Priya, Dusty, Maggie, and Mason showed exceptional teamwork and skill, impressing selectors with their performance. Tyler and Fraser exhibited their football prowess with flair, showcasing their talent in various aspects of the game. Their passion and commitment were commendable, highlighting their potential in the sport. Meanwhile, Reggie's performance in rugby league was outstanding, demonstrating his strength, speed, and defensive play. His performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
We congratulate Priya, Dusty, Maggie, Mason, Tyler, Fraser, and Reggie on their remarkable achievements at the Polding Winter Sports Trials.
A big congratulations to Priya who was selected in the Polding Hockey Team. She will now travel to Newcastle to compete in the NSWPSSA Hockey Carnival from 28th - 31st May. We look forward to hearing about your experience.
Caboolture Dressage Day
In the school holidays Lyla Russell and her pony Ninja represented St Carthage's at the interschools state qualifiers at the Caboolture Dressage Day.
Lyla competed against 21 students - which included both Primary and Secondary students across two preliminary tests.
In the the first test, Lyla was 2nd outright and 1st for Primary. In the second test Lya was 4th outright, and 1st for Primary.
Lyla has now qualified for the Interschool State Championships in Toowoomba in two disciplines; Dressage and Show Horse.
Congratulations Lyla on your achievements and we wish you the best of luck in June.
St Carthage's Athletics Program
The St Carthage's Athletics Program has now commenced and will run until the end of Week 7. Located below are the events that the students will participate in, the location and other important information.
Long Jump and Shot Put - Students in Years 2-6 have now commenced long jump and shot put. Finals for the long jump and shot put will be held at school throughout weeks 4-6. If a student has made the final and they are absent on the day, they will be given the opportunity to throw/jump on another day.
800m - The 800m event will be held on Friday 7th June for students in Years 2-6. This will be held on the St Carthage's Ovals. Parents are welcome to attend. The order of events are as follows:
- 9:10 - 12/13yrs Boys
- 9:15 - 12/13yrs Girls
- 9:20 - 11yrs Boys
- 9:25 - 11yrs Girls
- 9:30 - 10yrs Boys
- 9:35 - 10yrs Girls
- 9:40 - 9yrs Boys
- 9:45 - 9yrs Girls
- 9:50 - 8yrs Boys
- 9:55 - 8yrs Girls
1500m - Students in Years 2-6 who finished in the top 5 at the St Carthage's Cross Country have been invited to participate in the 1500m event. This will be held on Thursday 30th May on the St Carthage's Ovals. Students compete in divisions for this event; Junior (8-10yrs), 11yrs and Senior (12/13yrs). Parents are welcome to attend. The order of events is as follows:
- 12/13yrs Boys and Girls - 2:25pm
- 11yrs Boys and Girls - 2:35pm
- 8-10yrs Boys and Girls - 2:45pm
Relay Selections - Students in Years 3-6 will be invited to trial for their colour house relay team. Students in Year 3-4 and Year 5-6 will race a 100m race against students in their colour house. The top 4 will be selected to join their Stage 2 or 3 colour house relay team that will compete at the St Carthage's Athletics Carnival. This will take place on Friday 24th May. Students must be at school on this day if they want to trial for the relay teams.
Athletics Carnival - The St Carthage's Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 14th June at St John's College Woodlawn. Please refer to the Compass event for additional information.
Please ensure that you have provide consent and payment for the athletics carnival by Friday 7th June.
