Term 3 Week Six 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.
Dear Families,
As Father’s Day approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the special role that fathers and father figures play in our lives. Whether they are dads, granddads, uncles, or other caring adults, these figures provide guidance, support, and love that help shape who we are.
In the Bible, we see many examples of fatherly love and care. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse reminds us of the importance of guiding children with wisdom, patience, and love—values that many fathers and father figures model in their daily lives.
For many children, their dad or father figure is a source of strength and security—a person who is there to cheer them on, to offer a comforting word, or to simply share a moment of laughter. Fathers and male role models teach us valuable lessons, from riding a bike and tying shoelaces to showing us how to be kind, resilient, and respectful to others.
In our school community, we know that families come in many different shapes and sizes. Some children may be celebrating with their dad this Father’s Day, while others might be thinking of a special person who has taken on that caring role in their life. No matter who that person is, this day is a reminder to appreciate those who guide us with patience and love.
Father’s Day is also a time for us to reflect on the values of kindness, generosity, and selflessness that many father figures model daily. These values are at the heart of our school ethos and play a significant role in how we grow and learn together.
This week, we encourage our students to take a moment to say “thank you” to those who support and care for them. Whether it’s through a handmade card, a big hug, or just some time spent together, it’s these simple gestures that often mean the most.
To all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and male role models in our community, we wish you a very happy Father’s Day! Your presence and care make a world of difference.
Let’s celebrate those who give us strength, teach us with love, and inspire us every day. Happy Father’s Day!
Father's Day Celebration
Yesterday afternoon we celebrated Father's Day with our families. This was a wonderful celebration with many of our dads and father figures coming along to share some fun, food and social time with our school families. Over 700 sausages were cooked and enjoyed throughout the afternoon.
Thank you to our wonderful staff who helped to set up, serve and pack up.
School Community Group Meeting
On Tuesday 3rd September we will have our Term 3 School Community Group Meeting. This will begin at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome. Please register using the link that was sent out on Compass.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Next week our Year Four students and students from other grades will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This will be a special time in their faith journey. We thank Mrs Mayes, Mrs Atlee, Mr Dimmick and Mr Camilleri on preparing the children and Mr Tickle for his great organisation and assisting the teachers throughout.
In the second week of our NAIDOC Celebrations we had Mitch King visit us. His background is from the Yaegl and Bundjalung nations on the North Coast.
Mitch is a teacher of dance, hip hop and body movement. He has done performances for NORPA and recently went to New York to be part of an artist residency.
on a few moves on the dance floor!
Poetry and Public Speaking Finals
On Friday, 6th September we will be having our annual Poetry and Public Speaking school finals. All students present a poem to their class/grade. Each Stage selects a number of students to perform in our school finals. We congratulate all students on the work they have put into preparing their poems to present to their class.
Parents are invited to attend the finals next week.
Winners in each of the categories will participate in the Zone finals at St Carthage's on Friday 13th September.
Professional Development Days
Just a reminder that we have a Professional Learning Day (PUPIL FREE DAY) on Friday, 27th September. Our last Professional Learning Day for 2024 will be on Monday 14th October.
Active Kids will be operating on these days. If you wish to take advantage of this service. Go to the Active Kids tab on our School Website for information on how to enrol and make a booking. We thank you for supporting us in our Professional
Development opportunities.
PBS
At St Carthage's, we are proud to be a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) school. Our commitment to PBS reflects our dedication to fostering a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all students. The PBS philosophy is centred around teaching and reinforcing clear expectations for student behaviour. PBS at St Carthage's is underpinned by the following expectations:
- Be Safe
- Be Responsible
- Be Respectful
- Be your Best
Focus for Week 7-8: Transition - Be Safe
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and secure environment at St Carthage's Primary School, this week’s PBS focus is on transitioning safely around the school. Whether moving from the classroom to the toilet, completing a task, heading to or from the playground, or lining up, ensuring the safety of all students during these transitions is our top priority.
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Walk, Don’t Run: Always walk when moving from one place to another. Running can lead to trips, falls, and collisions, which can easily be avoided by walking at a steady pace.
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Stay on the Left: When moving through hallways or along paths, keep to the left. This helps manage traffic flow and prevents bumping into others.
Focus for Week 9-10: All Areas - Be Respectful
In Week 9 and 10, our PBS focus at St Carthage's Primary School will be on demonstrating respect in all areas of school life. Respect is a fundamental value that underpins our school community, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Key Ways to Show Respect:
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Respect for People:
- Use Kind Words: Speak to others with kindness and listen when they speak to you. Showing empathy and understanding helps build strong, positive relationships.
- Follow Instructions: Following the directions of staff members shows that you value their guidance and the smooth functioning of our school.
- Include Others: Make sure everyone feels welcome and included. Respect others' differences.
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Respect for Property:
- Take Care of School Resources: Whether it’s your desk, books, or school equipment, treat all property with care. Keeping things in good condition ensures that everyone can enjoy and benefit from them.
- Clean Up After Yourself: Whether in the classroom or the playground, tidy up your space. Leaving areas neat shows respect for those who use them after you.
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Respect for the Environment:
- Look After Our School Grounds: Dispose of rubbish properly, care for plants, and avoid damaging school property. A clean school is a pleasant place for everyone.
Service - Our Kids
At St Carthage's, we believe in the importance of service and giving back to our community. Each term, we focus on a whole-school service initiative, and this term, we directed our efforts towards supporting Our Kids, a local charity dedicated to helping children in our area who require medical attention.
Our students and their families had the opportunity to participate in the 4km Darrel Chapman Fun Run, a fantastic community event that not only promotes health and fitness but also supports a great cause. We are incredibly proud to share that over 25 of our students participated, raising funds for Our Kids and showcasing their commitment to helping others.
A special congratulations to Daisy Smith and Archie Sauer, who won the U12’s 4km races! Their achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we couldn’t be prouder of their success.
In addition to the fun run, our Year 6 students held a cake sale, baking delicious cakes, slices, and cookies at home to bring to school for sale. The support from these students was truly outstanding, and their efforts paid off significantly. Together, they raised an impressive $1,145 for Our Kids.
We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication to service and their willingness to go the extra mile to support those in need. Their efforts this term have made a real difference in the lives of local children, and they’ve shown once again what it means to be part of the St Carthage’s community.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and contributed to this wonderful cause. Together, we are making a positive impact in our community!
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
Supporting Sierra Learners
Last year, the St Carthage's community came together in a remarkable way to support the Sierra Learners Foundation, a charity dedicated to empowering students in Sierra Leone through education. We are proud to share that through your generous donations, we were able to contribute a significant number of books and electronic devices to help build brighter futures for these young learners.
Recently, we received a heartfelt letter, along with a video and photos, from the Sierra Learners Foundation expressing their deep gratitude.
The books have opened up new worlds of knowledge and imagination, while the electronic devices have provided access to essential educational resources, connecting these students to opportunities they might otherwise have missed.
The video and photos that accompanied the letter offer a glimpse into the joy and excitement of the students as they explore their new resources. It is truly moving to see how our community's efforts have made a tangible difference in their educational journeys.
We want to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who donated and supported this initiative. Your kindness and generosity have not only enriched the lives of these students but have also strengthened the bond of our global community. Together, we have shown that education is a powerful tool for change, and that by working together, we can help create a brighter future for all.
As we continue to support meaningful causes like Sierra Learners, let us keep in mind the incredible impact we can have when we unite for a common purpose. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment to making a difference.
St Carthage's Reading Challenge
Congratulations to everyone who has taken up our reading challenge over the past two weeks. We have had an enormous number of students register their hours, jumping from roughly 7000 minutes total read in the first two weeks of this term to a whopping 40 030 minutes read in Weeks Three and Four.
Congratulations to 5 Red who have had the most number of students register their hours since the beginning of the challenge.
Congratulations to week four winners: Lily Corkhill, Austin Santhosh, Maria Tuntsova, Grace Hogan
We encourage everyone to continue to log your hours via the QR code or through the office communication bags.
St Carthage's Poetry and Public Speaking Competition
Students have been starting to select their poems and write their speeches in anticiaption for our school competition. The class/grade events will take place over the next few weeks, where finalists will be announced. Our school final will take place in our hall on Friday 13th Sepember (Week 8).
The winner and runner-up from each stage will be invited to participate in the Richmond Zone Regional Competition which will be held on Friday 20th September (Week 9). We will be hosting this event again this year.
Poetry: All students in Years K-6 will choose and recite a poem of their choice to their class. Class finalists will then be selected to recite their poems at a grade level, where three grade finalists will be selected for our school final. Kindergarten will have six students selected across the grade.
Public Speaking: Students from Years 3-6 can nominate to particpate in the Public Speaking Competition. Students will write a speech about a topic of interest. Students will present their speech to their grade/class where three finalists per grade will be selected for our school final.
Year Five - August and Jones - Imaginative Letter
This term, Year 5 have been learning about characterisation and narrative through an in-depth study of the text August and Jones by Pip Harry. As part of this unit, students have explored the development of characters as depicted through their appearance, words, thoughts and actions. Students were then asked to select and research a person with a physical disability who has accomplished extraordinary physical pursuits. Their final task was to write a letter to their chosen person from August's point of view.
Year Two - Ruby Lee Character Description
This term students from Year Two have been learning about how a character's feelings and traits can be described through the way they experience and interact with the world.
Year Four - Free Verse 'Canbe' (Fire) Concrete Poems
This term, Year Four studied the texts Bindie by Kirili Saunders and Fire by Jackie French, where they explored the use of figurative language and free verse poetry. Students wrote their own free verse poems with the theme of 'Canbe' (meaning 'fire' in Gundungurra language). Students used poetic and structural features to engage the audience.
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
A special congratulations to all of our students who travelled to Coffs Harbour for the Diocesan Athletics Carnival. They have done remarkably well to reach this high level of athletic competition and have represented our school in an excellent manner. They should be proud of whatever results they achieved on the day, as only a handful of students managed to qualify for each event from schools across the Diocese. We hope they have been inspired to keep striving to achieve their personal best in the future.
We had students in a range of individual events as well as two relay teams. Our Senior boy's relay team finished third, just missing out on qualification for the Polding Carnival in Newcastle.
The squad, which was impacted on due to illness and representative commitments, on the day consisted of: Lexi Behan, Tyler Bell, Ella Davey, Mikayla Evely, Ellie Gumbleton, Ruby Hall, Md Muntasir Faiaz Hasan Zarif, Grace Hogan, Zarni McGregor, Grace Mills, Nash Robinson, Archie Sauer, Kyan Smith, Fraser Wright.
The following children have achieved outstanding results which have led them to qualify for the Polding Athletics Carnival in Newcastle. A special congratulations to Tyler Bell who was Runner Up in the Senior Age Championship division.
| Name | Event | Placing |
|
Archie Sauer |
1500m 800m High Jump |
2nd 3rd 1st |
|
Tyler Bell |
100m 200m Long Jump |
1st 2nd 2nd |
|
Grace Hogan |
Shot Put |
2nd |
|
Mikayla Evely |
Shot Put |
3rd |
NSW PSSA Rugby
Congratulations to Reggie Field, who had the fantastic opportunity last week to play in the NSW PSSA Rugby competition. He was part of a very successful team that qualified for the final of the competition. They lost 14-5 to Sydney North, finishing as runners-up. Reggie displayed a high level of skill throughout the competition and has done remarkably well to reach this standard of competition. Well done Reggie - what a great experience you have had.
Netball NSW CUP Netball Gala Day
Well done to all the students who participated in the Netball Gala Day this week. Mrs McRae and Mrs Lynch were very impressed with your behaviour, sportsmanship and efforts throughout the day. It was great to see you playing with your friends, either in the competitive division or the social division. Our Competitive Red side played exceptionally well all day, making the final of the competition. They suffered a narrow loss, 13-11, but they should be proud of their level of skills and their excellent teamwork, which were on display throughout the day.
Thank you to Mrs McRae and Mrs Lynch for taking the children on the day and for members of the wider school community who also contributed by helping coach teams, making this day a success for our students.
We would like to thank Trinity Catholic College for supplying students to help coach and umpire on the day. They were wonderful role models for our students and a credit to their school. Without their assistance, we would not be able to have this many children experience days like this. Our St Carthage's School community is very grateful for your continued support.
Richmond Zone Multi-Sport Gala Day
The children in Year 6 are participating in the Richmond Zone Multi Sport Gala Day today at Hepburn Park. They will have the opportunity to play a range of sports with friends, learning new skills on the way. We know that they will have a fun day and look forward to seeing some pictures of the day.
Richmond Zone Netball and Football Gala Day
Today, our school Netball and Football teams both participated in their competitive Gala days against the other schools in the Richmond Zone. The overall winner of both days will represent the Richmond Zone and participate in the Diocesan finals in Grafton in Week 10 of this term. We hope they have a great day and look forward to sharing your results in our next newsletter.
NSW PSSA Softball
We are very proud of Gus Collings and Billy and Jack McCarthy as they competed in the NSW PSSA Softball competition this week. They have demonstrated excellent skills to compete at this high level of competition. The Polding team continued to learn and improve throughout the week, as the majority of the team were baseballers. They finished 8th overall. Our three boys were excellent team members and performed very well individually. Congratulations, Gus, Billy and Jack.
League Stars After School Program
The weather led to the cancellation of the first week of our League Stars After School Program. The program will run one week longer now.The last session has been pushed back to Monday 23rd September.
September
2nd - Year 4 Eucharist/Reconciliation Retreat
3rd - School Community Group Meeting - 5:30pm
4th - Sacrament of Reconciliation – 5.30pm St Carthage’s Cathedral
5th - Zohab Zee – Years 3-6 Performance
13th - School Poetry & Public Speaking Finals
13th - Polding Athletics
20th - Regional Poetry & Public Speaking Finals – St Carthage’s Primary School
26th - Last Day of Term 3 for students
27th - Staff Professional Learning Day - Pupil Free Day
Term 4
October
14th - Staff Professional Learning Day - Pupil Free Day
15th - First day of Term 4 for students
Alstonville Swimming Club
