11 November 2024

Term 4-Week 5

• Monday 11th November 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  • Remembrance Day Liturgy & Assembly led by Mr Boylan and the Student Leaders @ 9:00am 
  • 4th Kindergarten Orientation 9.15am -10.45am -Library
  • Year 5 Student Leaders Forum @ 9.30am-10am
• Tuesday 12th November 2024
  
  • Yr 6 Police Talk - Transition to High School-2pm
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @8.35am
  • PR Committee Meeting @11.10am 
• Wednesday 13th November 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @11.00am
  • Didgeridoo Group @1.40pm
• Thursday 14th November 2024

  • Senior Band @7.50am

  • Junior Band @11.00am
  • Yr 5 Grade Reconciliation Service with Fr Karl  @9.10am
  • Diocesan Summer Sport Trials for school representatives @ Dubbo - Cricket, Touch Football, Softball
  • School Chaplain Visit-Year 4 @10am
• Friday 15th November 2024
  • Diocesan Summer Sport Trials for school representatives @ Dubbo - Tennis, Basketball
  • Quinn Day- Casual clothes (Yellow or Gold) for a gold coin donation to Caritas 
  • Quinn Day shared picnic recess @11-11.40am Parents/Families welcome to join us
  • Quinn Day Mass @ 12pm in Parents/Families welcome to join us

Term 4-Week 6

• Monday 18th November 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  •  Assembly led by 3B @ 9:00am 
  • 5th Kindergarten Orientation 9.15am -10.45am -Library
    
• Tuesday 19th November 2024
  
  • SRC Committee Meeting @ Recess
    
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @8.35am
• Wednesday 20th November 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @11.00am
    
• Thursday 21st November 2024

  • Senior Band @7.50am

  • Junior Band @11.00am
  • Yr 4 Grade Reconciliation @ 9.10am
  • Back-Up Diocesan Summer Sport Trials for school representatives @ Dubbo - Cricket, Touch Football, Softball
  • School Chaplain Visit-Year 4 @10am
• Friday 22nd November 2024
  
  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess

2024 Important Dates

More important dates listed here 

For those with a Google Account the calendar can be added to your Google calendars
for easy access on your phone or device 

From the Principal

What a fabulous night at the fete! We can not thank enough, our amazing Fete committee, P&F, parent volunteers, staff and gorgeous students for making the fete such a successful event. We acknowledge this year especially the work of Jodie Sargent and Louise Francis for leading our fete efforts over the past years and their commitment to passing their wisdom on to our new families who are taking the reins. This is their last year as Cathedral parents but not their last as well loved friends of Cathedral! 

We also thank Courtney Anderson for leading our 2024 Fete team along with the fete committee and P&F. This year we saw many new families generously donating their time, talents, food and livestock to make this such a special event. 

What an outstanding community. 

As a principal, I could not be prouder. Thank you!

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Staffing

As we look towards the end of 2024 we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution of some of our staff members who are finishing up their permanent roles at the end of the year along with staff who will be completing their 2024 contracts. This year our students and parents have the opportunity to thank these staff members at our final term assembly. This assembly will be held at 9am on Monday 16th December (Week 10).

This year we have three staff members retiring: Mr Terry Guilfoyle,  Mrs Deb McKean & Mrs Louise Condon along with Mrs Anita Burke who will be taking on new adventures with her family. We have the most dedicated team here at Cathedral and we thank these four for the amazing contribution that they have made to the school. Each has passed on so much wisdom to our students, families and their colleagues and we are so blessed to have had their presence at Cathedral. 

Once our Cathedral staffing  puzzle is complete, we will notify families via the school newsletter of our 2025 staff.

End of Year Celebrations

Each year we gather to celebrate and give thanks for the year that was. Below is a brief outline of our end of year events.

School Representative Uniform Items

We ask that all school representative items be returned to school this week. Items such as football, soccer, netball, band uniforms and any other items that may have been loaned out throughout the year. These can be returned to the front office so that they can be used by students in 2025. 

Teaching and Learning

Student Assessment & Reports

Following last week's explanation on A-E Grading, here’s more on how we determine the grades you see on reports. Teachers record assessment data from various sources: class participation, projects, assignments, and tests. By gathering this evidence through ongoing observations and feedback, we ensure a comprehensive view of each student's progress.

This approach aligns with New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) standards, providing an accurate reflection of your child’s abilities and growth. If you need further clarity on how Semester 2 Report final grades are formed, our teachers are available to provide more information.

System-Wide Reading Assessments

This week, we begin our reading assessments, focusing on fluency, accuracy, and comprehension using DIBELS ((Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). This diagnostic tool is crucial in understanding each student’s reading abilities and identifying areas for growth.

Fluency and accuracy are key components that measure how smoothly and correctly a student reads. These skills are foundational, as they directly impact comprehension—the ability to understand and interpret text. By integrating assessments of all three, we gain a comprehensive view of each student’s progress.

DIBELS  forms part of a broader set of assessments, providing accurate data that helps us tailor instruction and support. This ensures every child advances effectively in their literacy journey.

System-Wide Mathematics Assessments

In Mathematics, we are conducting Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) to measure students’ abilities across three content strands: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. 

These tests address the proficiencies of fluency, understanding, problem-solving, and reasoning. PAT provides detailed insights into each student’s strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to personalise learning experiences and effectively support individual growth

Thank You for Your Feedback

We would like to extend our gratitude to parents who have recently provided valuable feedback on resourcing, including student workbooks and stationery. Your insights are instrumental in informing our practices as we begin planning for 2025. Your support helps us enhance the educational experience for all our students.

Navigating Friendship Dynamics

It's important to take a balanced and objective view when discussing your child's recollections of friendship dynamics. While these interactions are a vital part of their social development, they can sometimes be challenging.

We encourage parents to listen and offer support, while gently guiding children to resolve issues independently when appropriate. Positive reinforcement and open communication can help children build resilience and empathy. By maintaining a supportive environment, we can prevent small issues from escalating and empower students to navigate their friendships confidently. Thank you for your partnership in fostering a positive school community.

Ashley Boylan   | Acting Assistant Principal

Religious Education & Catholic Life

QUINN DAY 

On Friday we will celebrate our final School House, Quinn, and their final House Patron, Bishop Matthew Quinn. Bishop Matthew Quinn was the first Catholic Bishop of Bathurst, taking up this ministry on 1 November 1866. He was determined to establish a system of Catholic schools in the Bathurst Diocese, principally run by religious orders.

Bishop Quinn invited a congregation of Mercy Sisters to travel with him to Bathurst under the leadership of Mother Mary Ignatius Croke. Bishop Quinn also later invited the Brothers of St Patrick to work in education in Bathurst arriving in 1884. Bishop Quinn established St Stanislaus' College. Bishop Quinn died on 16 January 1885 at St Stanislaus' College and was buried in the Bathurst Cathedral of St Michael & St John.

NOVEMBER - The Month of Remembrance 

Especially during the month of November each year, the Catholic Church has a beautiful tradition of praying for those who have departed this world.  Significantly, 1 November is the Solemnity of All Saints (All Saints Day) and 2 November is The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day).  

As a wonderful tradition at Cathedral Catholic Primary School in November, we have our own Book of Remembrance containing the names of people we want to pray for and remember. Each class has its own special book and they have a prominent place in our class prayer spaces.

As a members of our Cathedral School community, you are invited to help your child/ren write down the names of any special people that you would like included in the class Books of Remembrance. Your child’s teacher will then help them write these names into the books.

RECONCILIATION & CHAPLAIN VISITS 

Over the next 4 weeks, our School Chaplain Fr Karl will be spending Thursday mornings with different grades.  These visits will be an opportunity for Fr Karl to invite our students of the Catholic faith tradition to live out their faith through the Sacrament of Penance and the gift of forgiveness. These services will be optional and I ask you to please speak with your child to encourage them to participate in this special opportunity. 

“Voices of Grace” LITURGICAL MUSIC DAY 

Congratulations to our 13 Primary Choir students who participated in this special incursion. The students demonstrated excellent behaviour and enthusiasm throughout the day. It was wonderful to see the girls enjoying themselves so much and developing their faith through the gift of music.

IN OUR PARISH
We are proud to be an important part of the Cathedral Parish of Ss Michael & John.   For information about our parish please click here. This includes Mass Times, Ministries, Sacraments and current edition and archived stories from the Catholic Observer and Parish Bulletin. 

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME 
LAST OPPORTUNITIES to register for 2024 - Registrations for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion. Please contact the Parish Office this week if possible if you wish for your child to receive one of the above mentioned Sacraments. No more sacraments for 2024 after Week 6. NOTE: Confirmation enrolments have now ceased - students will now need to wait until 2025.

Coming Up: School Events

SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS 

It is such a joyful time for the students, and their families, when they receive a sacrament and take another step in their faith journey. Congratulations to these beautiful and happy students!

Julia Baird  | Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Awards

Library

In Library classes Year 6 have been researching the Australian War Memorial, World War I and an Australian Soldier who died in WWI. Last Friday this research was presented to various classes in preparation for Remembrance day. 

Well done to our Year 6 leaders who are always trying to improve their research and public speaking skills.

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

Class in Focus - 4BR

We are all unique and special in 4BR. We may look different, speak different languages or enjoy different foods from all over the world - that’s what makes our class so vibrant and interesting!

This term we have been learning about each other’s backgrounds - helping us become more educated, connected and assisting us to build stronger friendships. Abhi and his father shared some beliefs of Sikhs, Rahim shared some of his beliefs as a Muslim and last week Mrs Tavares inspired us in her chat about respect in our school and community. We are learning to celebrate each other’s differences, making our classroom and playground a place where everyone feels respected, valued and loved. 

Here is some friendly advice from our Year 4 students about being culturally inclusive and respectful:

* Be inclusive - include people even if their background is different to yours.

* It’s okay to be curious and ask questions about other people's backgrounds!

* Be positive - say kind things about other people’s culture.

*TREAT EVERYONE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED!

We are so proud of our Year Four students leading the way in showing respect in their thoughts, words and actions!

Mrs Rice   | Teacher 4BR

SPB4L - School Wide Positive Behaviours for Learning

‘We are respectful and inclusive during play’

This will be our final week of our current focus which concentrates on respectful and inclusive interactions during play. The playground is a space where small misunderstandings or conflicts can arise as children navigate these times more independently. Over the next three weeks, we’ll work on developing essential social skills, encouraging students to handle these situations respectfully, responsibly, and kindly.

Week 5 Lessons will include: 

Lesson 7: “Including Others” - Encourage students to actively look for ways to include others.

Lesson 8: “Respecting Differences” - Help students understand and respect that others may have different ways of playing.

Lesson 9: “Cheering Each Other On” - Show students how encouraging others builds a positive, inclusive environment.

Students are reminded that three staff members are always on playground duty to support them, and they are encouraged to seek help whenever needed.

Julia Baird  | SPB4L Committee

Mini Vinnies

As a final focus for the year, the Cathedral Mini Vinnies Club are combining with our Year 6 Social Welfare committee to help those in need in our local community. The Mini Vinnies Van distributes snack packs in our area and has asked us to contribute to this again, as we did such a wonderful job last year. The Mini Vinnies Club members have already started creating little messages of support to those in need to add to the snack packs.

Genevieve Avinash | Mini Vinnies Coordinator

Wellbeing

Did you know ….

80% of our happiness is derived from:

• Friendship.
• Health.
• Work fulfillment.
• Loving relationships.
• Spirituality. 

When you do something kind for someone else your brain releases the love hormone oxytocin. This makes you feel good too. Check out Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project talking about being kind and the benefits of kindness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-ja3h5INc

“Kindness is the greatest wealth of all. Small acts of kindness last longer than a lifetime” - Eddie Jaku (Author of ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’)

Merryn Sadler   | Wellbeing Coordinator

Sports

Under 12’s League Tag Gala Day

Congratulations to our Cathedral School representatives - Pippa, Charlotte, Emmerie, Peppa, Georgie, Caitlyn, Minh Minh, Lily, Poppie and Willow - who all played extremely well and to their strengths during all of their games. Excellent sportsmanship was displayed by the girls throughout the day.  The girls participated in a skill development session, which preceded playing 3 hard and fast games. The girls were very privileged to meet the Australian Jillaroos and watch their training session. The girls learnt a lot and were very inspired by the Australian Jillaroos 

Special mention goes to Pippa, who was awarded Player of the Day for Cathedral School. Pippa was presented her T Shirt and gift bag by co-captain of the Australian Jillaroos,  Ali Brigginshaw. Thank you to Miss Ryan for her help and sharing her knowledge of the game with the girls on the day. Thank you to the parents for your on-going support to give the girls such an opportunity to play League Tag.

Diocesan Summer Sport Trials

Congratulations to the following students who are representing Cathedral School at the Summer Sports Trials for 2024 in Dubbo on Thursday and Friday of this week.                        

Softball               Tennis                        Touch (girls)                           Basketball (boys)          

Carter                Zara                            Isabella   Emilia                    Harrison F    Harrison R                                       

                             Harrison G                Molly       Grace                     Samson           Henry                                                                                                                          

Community Sport Site
Our Diocesan sports coordinator Mr Steve Maguire has created a Community Sport Site (has reports from events) for parents, families & teachers which can be accessed to assist with Diocesan Sports pathways. You may like to book mark this site for reference:

https://sites.google.com/bth.catholic.edu.au/cedbsportcommunity/home

Louise Condon   | Sports Coordinator

School Student Travel

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Further information can be found at transportnsw.info/school-travel
Enquiries can be submitted at transportnsw.info/passes-concessions-feedback

Uniform

Our students have been reminded of the correct socks and shoes that should be worn to school. The colour of socks  are listed below. Please support your child by ensuring that they have the correct socks on before leaving home each morning and assisting them to organise their correct school uniform the night before each school day (including socks). 

A reminder that students should be wearing all black leather shoes to school each day except on their designated sport day. For safety, boots with hard, reinforced toes should not be worn as these are not appropriate for participating in sports at lunch time.  

If you are experiencing financial hardship and need support in purchasing the correct uniform then please reach out to our office who will be able to provide assistance. 

Cathedral School Fleecy Sports Tops

Marietta’s now stock the new Cathedral School fleecy sports top. 
Price is $40.

Parents and Friends

Next P&F Meeting: Wednesday 4th December 5:30pm - School Library
Everyone is invited to attend our monthly P&F meetings, which are held on the first Wednesday of each school month at 5:30pm in the Library.

There is NO PRESSURE to attend every meeting or volunteer bucketloads of time - the P&F is a great resource to keep track of what’s happening at school and connect with other parents, caregivers and school staff.   

For those who cannot attend in person, we have a zoom link, if you would like to join from home!

 https://bthcatholic.zoom.us/j62675200979?pwd=duYyV3M2MvdoTVVjclRKZE5jdnlMdzo9

ID:62675200979@zmau.us 

Password: 106688

School Fete 

A huge “Thank You” to all of the people that volunteered at our School Fete. It was a beautiful night filled with community spirit. These events cannot exist without the help of everyone. It takes a village!

OPTIONAL SCHOOL JACKETS

 The Cathedral School logo is embroidered on the chest, the jackets are lightweight, windproof and water-resistant perfect for the cold weather. These optional school jackets are available to try on at the school office and ready to order via Flexischools under shop.

Please note: The optional jacket is NOT compulsory - All maroon/navy/black school jackets are also acceptable.

If you have any enquiries about our projects or would like to get involved, please email us at cathedralpandf@gmail.com

Melissa Bray   | P & F Publicity

Music

Congratulations

Well done to all Band, Choir, Didgeridoo and Guitar group children who performed wonderfully at the Open Ceremony at the Fete last Friday.

Year 2 Instrument Testing- Please feel free to contact Mr Dove if you have any further questions regarding your child participating in the Music Enrichment program in 2025

If your child is interested in participating in any of these groups please feel free to contact me chris_dove_trumpet@hotmail.com

Chris Dove   | Band Director

School Calendar Handy Hints

For those who are not familiar with Google Calendar an easy way to keep up to date with the school calendar is to check the school website. Here is the link that will take you straight to the Calendar section of the site where the calendar can be displayed by month. If you click on the event more details (if confirmed) will be available for the event. 

Most end of year events and special celebrations have already been added to the calendar and all other events appear as soon as we can confirm the details.  Website Calendar Link

For those with a Google Account the calendar can be added to your Google calendars for easy access
on your phone or device. Google School Calendar Link

OSHC

Cathedral OSHC is looking forward to a busy term with several community projects. This term, the children will be organising our annual Christmas Food Drive for The Little Pantry Bathurst. Please support their efforts with non-perishable, and/or long dated food item donations to assist families in need this Christmas season. Cathedral OSHC will be accepting donations in the OSHC room all December until 19/12/24 (and we won't turn away early birds!). Our children are also holding a design competition to decorate a giant "gingerbread" house as part of O'Connell Public's Competition. You'll be able to view their work, and hopefully hundreds of others, lining the streets of O'Connell Avenue with Christmas cheer later this year. 
If you'd like to express your interest for a 2025 enrolment, or have a sibling to enrol, please contact our Coordinator at cathedraloshc@centacarebathurst.com.au. 

Canteen

The Canteen is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

We are in need of helpers in the Canteen on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. 
For the canteen to run smoothly 3 volunteers are essential.

Please contact Alana Watson on 0417 044 116 if you would like to be included in the canteen roster,
any time offered is welcomed.

Thank you to all our friends and family for all your ongoing support of the Cathedral Canteen.

Community Notices

Bathurst Bus Lines - School Bus Tracking App
The school bus tracking app is available for parents to download on their phone and track their child's bus in real time.  This might alleviate some of the anxiety related to putting students on the bus. Please see instructions below.

Parents requiring any bus pass or general bus travel information are welcome to contact our office and we will be able to discuss their needs accordingly.

If you have any queries please contact us on 6331 2744

Kind regards,

Carolyn
Bathurst Bus Lines