Term 3 Week Nine 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 we come to the end of another very busy term we may wonder how we will get the energy and motivation to keep going. Below is an article that talks about ways that we can nourish our soul.
We all need to be nourished and nourishment comes in different ways for each of us. Sometimes we need to reach for that piece of fruit, have a short nap or a longer night’s sleep, pause in the middle of our day or listen to an uplifting song.
The vegetable garden was one to envy. The bounty was plentiful. The dinner plates were full. Everything on that dinner plate came from that veggie patch. Sometimes we desire the harvest but forget what it takes to get it. We want and need sustenance but often forget to nurture and care for the garden. Plants require food, water and sunshine to grow. Without them, they are lifeless.
Our faith needs nourishment too. Without feeding our faith, we too can become lifeless, mindlessly moving through our days without stopping to pause for spiritual nourishment.
Prayer, song, scripture, quiet reflection and coming together as a community of faith are some of the ways we can receive this nourishment. Central to our spiritual nourishment is the Eucharist. It encompasses all of these things in one place at one time. It is the source and summit of our Catholic faith. It nurtures us, feeds us and allows us to grow. Ron Rohleiser OMI explains there are a number of ways the Eucharist nurtures us: ‘by giving us God’s physical embrace (“the real presence”), gives us a oneness with each other that we cannot give to ourselves, it provides us with a life-sustaining ritual, a regular meeting around the Word and person of Christ that can become the daily bread of our lives and our communities.’
He goes on to say, ‘The Eucharist is meant to be God’s regular nourishment for us, daily manna to keep us alive within the desert of our lives.’ And some days our lives can feel like the desert, especially when our to-do lists are long and others are asking for more than what we feel we can give. Sometimes it takes everything to just show up in life, let alone at the table of the Lord. This is precisely the time that we need to come for nourishment. When we come and encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, his words echo in our hearts:
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
As this will be our last Newsletter for this term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at St Carthage's. The students at St Carthage's are fortunate to have such dedicated teachers, who make a positive difference to all of our students everyday. Thank you to the many parents who continually support the school with your involvement in so many different ways and in so many different areas. We appreciate your generosity in assisting us, for without your help we could not achieve the positive outcomes and partnerships which are so important if a school is to run smoothly and efficiently.
I hope all our staff, students and families have a very enjoyable and restful break and I look forward to seeing all our students on Tuesday, 15th October.
Renaming of Green Colour House
As you know we have been gathering voice to determine the name of our Green Colour House. Students have researched saints who may be appropriate based on the criteria that; they must be a saint and that they have some relevance to our school context.
After input from students, staff and parent/carers we narrowed it down to 3 options; MacKillop, Patrick and Champagnat. Everyone then had the option to vote on their preferred choice and after collating these responses the new name for Green House is Patrick House.
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and also the Diocese of Lismore and Australia, connecting him closely to our parish. He spread Christianity in Ireland and showed strong faith and dedication to teaching. This matches our parish’s focus on faith and helping people grow spiritually.
We look forward to updating our logos to reflect this change.
Regional Poetry and Public Speaking Finals
Today St Carthage's hosted the Regional Poetry and Public Speaking Finals. We had students from our local Richmond schools compete in both Poetry and Public Speaking. We congratulate all finalists and, in particular, the finalists who represented our school so well. We are very proud of you!
Please see Mrs Deeps' section of the Newsletter for further details on those students who made the finals.
Kindergarten Parent/Carer Information Evening
We will be having our Kindergarten 2025 Parent/Carer Information evening on Wednesday 25th September at 6.00pm in the school hall. Our families will receive valuable information about our school and what our new students will require to begin their educational journey at St Carthage's in 2025.
2025 Enrolments
If you are aware of anyone who may be considering enrolling at St Carthage's please encourage them to make contact with the school or go to our school website and complete the online enrolment form.
Starting Dates 2025
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.
Term 4 Dates to Remember
Poetry and Public Speaking
Last week, we gathered for our school-based Poetry and Public Speaking Competition Finals. Participants took to the stage, showcasing their remarkable talents and passion for expression.
The event celebrated our students' creativity, featuring an incredible line-up of finalists who each brought their unique voices and stories to their performances. From heartfelt poems about personal journeys to powerful speeches addressing pressing social issues, each performer captivated the audience.
We are thrilled to announce our winners who will attend the Regional Finals!
Early Stage One Poetry: Niamh Bailey & Emilia Loughlin
Stage One Poetry: Martha Hogan & Ashton Munro
Stage Two: Poetry: Holly Ellem & Lucy Pereira
Stage Two Public Speaking: Princess Obioha & Holly Ellem
Stage Three Poetry: Nashua Loadsman & Luca Lombardo
Stage Three Public Speaking: Samuel Obioha & Penelope Gorman
Each winner demonstrated not just skill but also a connection with their material.
We thank Mrs. Matthews, whose hard work made this event possible. A special shoutout to our judges, Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Craig, for their time and expertise in evaluating the performances. Their feedback and encouragement have been invaluable to our participants.
We wish our winners luck at the Regional Finals, which will be held at St. Carthage's on Friday, September 20th.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our finalists.
Year 4 Retreat - Eucharist/Reconciliation
On Monday 2nd September, our Year 4 students, along with several older students preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time, participated in a special retreat. The day was designed to deepen their understanding of God's forgiveness, love, and the significance of the Eucharist as they journey toward these important sacraments.
The retreat was led by Hogan, our Youth Ministry Development Officer, and Oliver, a Regional Ministry Assistant. Throughout the day, students engaged in two sessions that were both insightful and enriching. The first session focused on Reconciliation, where students explored the beauty of God's endless mercy and the transformative power of forgiveness. In the second session, the students delved into the significance of the Eucharist, learning about its role in nourishing their faith and strengthening their relationship with Jesus.
In the afternoon, Fr. Bing led a beautiful Narrated Mass, guiding students through each part of the celebration and helping them understand its deeper meaning. The day was a wonderful opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth, bringing the students closer to the sacraments they are about to receive.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their reverence and participation throughout the retreat and look forward to celebrating their special day.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to the students from St John’s College, Woodlawn, who generously gave their time to assist throughout the retreat. Their support, energy, and leadership made a positive impact on our students, helping to create an engaging and meaningful day.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
On the evening of Wednesday, 4th September, a group of our students experienced a very special moment in their faith journey, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. This significant event took place in a reverent and peaceful setting, as students opened their hearts to God's endless love and forgiveness.
Surrounded by family, friends, and our parish community, the students made their first confessions with deep reflection and sincerity. It was a moment filled with grace as they embraced the healing and renewal that comes through the sacrament. Each student was beautifully supported by our priests, who gently guided them through this important step.
We congratulate all the students who took this important step in their faith and thank the families, teachers, and parish team for their support and preparation. This celebration marks a key milestone on their journey toward a deeper relationship with God, and we look forward to continuing to walk with them as they prepare for their First Eucharist.
On Thursday 12th September, our Year 1 students took part in a wonderful retreat centred around the theme of God's Love. The retreat, run by Oliver and Eliza, our Regional Ministry Assistants, provided a special opportunity for the children to reflect on the boundless love that God has for each of them. Through engaging activities, stories, and games, the students explored how they experience God's love in their everyday lives.
We were also fortunate to have the support of ministry students from St John's College Woodlawn, who came along to assist and help guide the children throughout the session. Their enthusiasm and encouragement made a meaningful impact, helping the students to connect with the retreat's message in a fun and interactive way.
A heartfelt thanks to Oliver, Eliza, and the Woodlawn students for creating such a joyful and reflective retreat. It was a memorable experience for our Year 1 students as they continue to grow in their understanding of God's love!
Family Matters
Guiding Our Children in Their Search for Truth, Meaning, and Purpose
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, our children are navigating a landscape filled with endless information, diverse opinions, and constant distractions. Amidst this whirlwind, they embark on a profound journey - a search for truth, meaning, and purpose. As parents, educators, and members of the Catholic community, it is our sacred duty to guide them on this path, providing the support and wisdom they need to discover the profound answers they seek.
Seeking Meaning
Children and young people are on a search for meaning. They want to understand their place in the world and how their lives contribute to a greater purpose. This search is a vital part of their spiritual development and personal growth.
As parents, we can help our children find meaning by connecting their everyday experiences with the broader narrative of God's plan. Encouraging them to participate in community service, join youth groups, and engage in the sacraments can provide them with a sense of belonging and purpose. By witnessing our own commitment to living out our faith, we serve as role models, demonstrating how a life centred on God brings fulfilment and joy.
Discovering Purpose
Purpose is the driving force that compels us to act and live intentionally. For young people, discovering their purpose involves understanding their unique gifts and how they can use them to serve others and glorify God. As parents, we can take a strength-based approach to our interactions with our children and encourage them to identify and use their gifts. This will give them a deeper sense of purpose.
Leading Them to God
Ultimately, the search for truth, meaning, and purpose ends in the search for God. Our role as parents is to facilitate this spiritual journey, creating an environment where our children can encounter God personally.
Encouraging daily prayer and regular attendance at Mass helps to cultivate a habit of seeking God's presence. By making our homes and schools places of faith, love, and acceptance, we create the fertile ground needed for their spiritual growth.
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
Deadly Doors
We recently announced the Deadly Doors competition winners that were part of our NAIDOC celebrations.
Each classroom had an opportunity to design a door reflecting the NAIDOC theme for this year, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.
Walking around the school I saw some amazing door displays. It shows we have some very creative and artistic people in our school. Trust me, it was very hard to make a decision. However, the following classes were chosen as being exceptional.
- 2 Red
- 3 Gold
- 5 White
Well done to ALL students and classes for being part of the Deadly Doors competition.
Mr Condie
Aboriginal Education Worker
Richmond Zone Netball and Soccer Gala Days
On Friday 30th August our school Netball and Soccer teams participated in the Richmond Zone Gala Days. On a very hot day, both teams displayed an excellent level of teamwork and skills throughout all their pool matches, allowing them to qualify for the final. Despite both teams losing their final, finishing 2nd overall, they need to be congratulated for their efforts and for the manner in which they played their games. We are very proud of your achievements. Once again, we are very grateful for the students of Trinity Catholic College who were able to assist at the soccer day by officiating all the matches.
Thank you to Mrs McRae and Mr Tickle for accompanying the students and sharing your time and expertise on the day.
Richmond Zone Multi Sport Gala Day
It was great to see our Year 6 children attend the multisport day at Hepburn Park. The children had the opportunity to rotate around multiple stations, sometimes encountering a new sport for the first time. The children experienced some skills sessions and small games in the following sports: NRL, AFL, Rugby League, FUTSAL, Hockey, Tennis and Table Tennis. We thank all the representatives of each sport for their time and expertise. Without your assistance, our students would not have been able to have such an amazing experience, learning new skills and having fun with their friends.
We also would like to thank Mrs Lynch, Mrs Taylor and Mr Bullpitt for supporting our children on the day. The children have said how much they enjoyed the day.
Polding Athletics Newcastle
On Friday 13th September, four students competed in the Polding Athletics Carnival in Newcastle. They have done remarkably well to reach such a high level of athletic competition. We would like to congratulate the following students. Mikayla Evely (11 years Shot put-7th), Grace Hogan (Senior Girls Shot Put-11th), Tyler Bell (200m-14th, Senior Boys Long Jump-10th, 100m (1st) and Archie Sauer (Senior Boys 800m-13th, 1500m-10th and High Jump -9th). They all performed extremely well and had a great experience competing against such quality competition, many achieving their personal bests. The reports that we have received from the carnival managers stated that all Lismore students conducted themselves outstandingly- they were a credit to their schools and their families. A special congratulations to Tyler Bell who won his 100m age division and will now participate in the NSW PSSA Championships early in Term 4. Way to go Tyler- we will be chhering you on from here!
The Todd Woodbridge Cup
The Todd Woodbridge Cup competition is specifically designed for students in grades 3 & 4. It is not just about selecting the best students, but encouraging participation and providing a positive experience playing tennis.
On Wednesday 18th September we had 48 students attend the Lismore Tennis Courts to participate on the day. There was a mixture of ability from our kids, from those who play and receive coaching in the sport to those having a go for the first time. The students were very enthusiastic and enjoyed playing tennis with their friends and displayed sportsmanship and excellent behaviour throughout the day. It was great to see so many of our children enjoying the chance to represent our school in such a wonderful manner and have fun along the way. Thank you to Mr Dimmick, Mrs Jones and Miss MacDonald for accompanying the students on the day.
Teams consisted of 8 students, four boys and four girls from each grade. We had two teams who won their respective pool, two other teams who both placed second in their pool, a third and a fifith. Overall, though, most pleasing was the new skills acquired throughout the day and the smiling faces upon the students return to school. We are awaiting confirmation about details of what the next stage of the competition looks like.
Years 5 and 6 Elective Sport
This term, during weeks one to five, the students in Years 5 and 6 have participated in their choice of elective sport. As a culmination to this, on Friday 20th September, the students had the opportunity to participate in their elective sport at an off-site venue.The children enjoyed the opportunity of being able to go and play their chosen sport at their venue. A special thanks to St John’s Woodlawn who were very accommodating (as always) and agreed to host the sports of Netball, Soccer and NFL Tag on their site. We truly appreciate your support and loved being able to play sports at your fantastic school.
Our hockey players, basketballers, gymnasts and tennis players also loved being off site, having a chance to demonstrate their skills and have some fun playing their elected sport on a venue designed for it. We have greatly appreciated the assistance from our hockey, tennis and gymnastics instructors who have helped develop the students skills during this term. Overall, our off site visits were a great way to round off our Elective Sport Program for Years 5 and 6 for this school year and we thank all involved for their support. We will include some great photos in our next newsletter.
Year 5 and 6 Water Safety Assessment
In Term 4, both the Year 5 and Year 6 excursions will involve water-based activities. All students in Years 5 and 6 must complete a water-based assessment. The water- based assessment will be used to determine how best each child can safely participate in these water-based activities on their school excursion. We thank St John’s Woodlawn for their use of their pool. Without your assistance, this assessment would be a costly undertaking for our students to do. Your generosity in allowing us to access your pool is greatly appreciated.
Polding Cricket Trials
A special mention goes to Gus Collings, who was selected to join the Polding team. This is a fantastic achievement and we look forward to following his journey as he competes at the next level.
Matt King All Schools Cup.
Next week two Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) teams and one Stage Two (Year 3 and 4) team will participate in the Matt King All Schools Cup in Casino. The children are very excited to represent our school and have been trialling and training with Mr Morrisey throughout this term. We wish them all the best as they represent our school. Thank you to Mr Morrissey, Mr Powell, Mr Matthews and Miss MacDonald who will be accompanying the children on the day. We look forward to hearing about your day next term and know you will represent our school in an excellent manner.