3rd November 2025

Term 4 - Week 4

• Monday 3rd November 2025
  
  • Kindergarten Orientation #3
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8.35am
    
  • Assembly led by 1W @ 9.10am
  • Agriculture Club @ Recess
• Tuesday 4th November 2025
  
  • Year 6 Fundraiser - Crazy Hat Day
  • Mini Vinnies @ Recess 
    
• Wednesday 5th November 2025
  • Guitar Group @ 11.00- 11.40am
  • Year 2 Ukulele Group @ 1.10pm
  • Leadership Photos
  • Voiceology @ 1.30pm
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1.40pm
    
  • P&F Meeting @ 5.30pm
• Thursday 6th November 2025
  • Senior Band @ 7.50 - 8.50am
  • Junior Band @ 11.00-11.40am 
    
• Friday 7th November 2025
  
  • Kindergarten Peter Pan Musical

Term 4 - Week 5

• Monday 10th November 2025
  
  • Kindergarten Orientation #4
    
  • Year 6 AWM Presentation to all Classes
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8.35am
  • Gospel Reflection & Assembly led by 2MG
    
• Tuesday 11th November 2025
  
  • Rememberance Day Liturgy @ 9am
  • Mini Vinnies @ Recess
    
• Wednesday 12th November 2025
  
  • Guitar Group @ 11.00-11.40am 
    
  • Year 2 Ukulele Group @ 1.10pm
  • Voiceology Group @ 1.30pm
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1.40pm
    
• Thursday 13th November 2025
  
  • Senior Band @ 7.50-8.50am
    
  • Year 6 Faith and Worship
  • Junior Band @ 11.00-11.40am
    
• Friday 14th November 2025
  • Quin Day Mass & Activitity Day
  • Cathedral School Fete 

Important Dates

Principals Message

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  John 10:10

One of the most powerful parts of being in the community at Cathedral is watching children live this scripture in real time. Jesus doesn’t say “I have come that they may have a quiet life” or “a careful life”.  He says a full life. A life with meaning, purpose, adventure and growth.

Over the past few months we have seen this fullness lived beautifully in our student excursions:

• the courage, resilience and team spirit of Year 5 at their Leadership Camp in Burrendong
• the wonder and excitement of Years 4 exploring Sydney
• the pride, curiosity and civic understanding of Year 6 in Canberra
• the sense of adventure and excitement of Kindergarten and Year 1 exploring our local community

In each of these moments we have seen children take risks, step bravely into new places, and discover new confidence in who they are becoming. These experiences only happen because of the generosity of teachers, the trust and support of our families, and the way our students show up ready to learn and ready to live life to the full.

Transition to 2026
As we move toward the end of this year, it is very normal for some students to begin to wonder (and worry) about who their next teacher will be. Please let your children know that feeling a little nervous about next year is absolutely okay, and very normal.

We are unable to accept parent requests for individual classes or teachers but please be assured that classes are created through a careful, professional process, using what we know about each child and each cohort.

We ask that families encourage children to: be brave, trust the journey and to show gratitude for the many different  people placed in their path. All students will take part in a Transition Day on Friday 12 December where they will meet their 2026 teacher and classmates.

Our Newsletter will be published fortnightly in 2025 and we encourage you to access the Google Cathedral Community Calendar so that you can stay current with school dates and celebrations. 

Mrs Camille da Silva Tavares | Principal

Awards

Teaching & Learning

Staff Professional Learning Focus
During the next two weeks, staff will be engaging in two important professional learning opportunities to strengthen teaching and learning across our school.

Crossing Cultures: Hidden Histories
Miss Reece Ryan, our Aboriginal Education Officer, will attend the Crossing Cultures Hidden Histories workshop as part of a suite of professional learning planned by Catholic Education, Office of Bathurst (CEDB). This learning deepens understanding of local and national Aboriginal histories, cultural perspectives and contemporary experiences. This professional learning will help equip staff to:

• Share cultural knowledge with students and colleagues
• Strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal communities
• Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in learning programs
• Model lifelong learning and cultural respect

The course offers a powerful exploration of over 65,000 years of history, including the impact of colonisation, through stories many Australians have never been taught.

New K–6 Science and Technology Syllabus
Teachers are also beginning to unpack the new K–6 Science and Technology syllabus for implementation next year. The focus includes:

• Updated outcomes and content
• New syllabus language
• Strengthened digital literacy and safe technology use
• Links to cultural safety and cross-curriculum priorities

This ensures staff are well-equipped to deliver innovative, inclusive and future-focused learning experiences for our students.

Kindergarten Transition
Our Kindergarten Transition program continues for the next two weeks. We love welcoming our 2026 Kindergarten students and supporting their smooth and confident start to school life.

Kindergarten Theatre Excursion
Our Kindergarten students will attend a performance of Peter Pan at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Friday. This live theatre experience supports imagination, language development and engagement in the Arts.

Benchmark Assessments – Week 5  
In Week 5, students will begin a series of benchmark assessments in Reading, Comprehension and Mathematics. These assessments help us:

• track student growth
• identify strengths and next learning steps
• inform end-of-year reports
• plan for 2026 teaching and learning priorities
• identify students requiring additional support
  
  

We appreciate your support in encouraging students to approach these assessments calmly and confidently.

Cathedral School Fete – Friday 14 November
Our Cathedral School Fete will be held on Friday 14 November.
Please mark this important community event in your calendar. If you are able to volunteer or support in any way, information is available from our Parents and Friends Committee — your contributions make a big difference!

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting our students’ learning and wellbeing.

Mrs Catherine O'Neill | Assistant Principal

Year 6 Civics & Citizenship Excursion Canberra 2025

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding success of our recent Year 6 Canberra excursion—a significant milestone in our students’ final primary school term and a treasured tradition thoughtfully developed at Cathedral Catholic Primary School over an extended period. This excursion is built on careful planning, reflection, and integrated learning experiences that have laid a strong and reliable foundation over many years, with ongoing small refinements contributing to its continued success. Each cohort brings its own unique spirit, moments, and contributions, enriching this special journey.

It is this unique spirit and the exceptional engagement of this group of students that we especially acknowledge and thank. Throughout the trip, our Year 6 students displayed curiosity, inquiry skills, respectful behaviour, and excellent manners, earning praise from educators across multiple venues. Accommodation staff and venue educators alike noted their care for shared spaces and their kindness and initiative extended beyond established friendship circles.

This collective maturity and enthusiasm was consistent across many key experiences. At Parliament House, the depth and relevance of student questions impressed our Member of Parliament. Mr Gee. Guides at the Australian Institute of Sport, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia praised the students’ thoughtful engagement. The creative collaboration at the National Portrait Gallery and Questacon, alongside the solemn and moving moments at the Australian War Memorial, reflected both the reflective and joyful spirit of the group.

Lighter moments enriched the experience—shared laughter on the bus, playful debates, support for those who accepted or bravely chose to step away from challenges like the Questacon slide, and a mascot moment that fostered smiles and community spirit. The students demonstrated responsibility by embracing mixed-grade groupings at venues, seating buddies on the bus, managing accommodation logistics, following expectations, and spontaneously expressing their gratitude through thank-you speeches.

Our final stop at the Australian War Memorial was profoundly moving. The students demonstrated maturity and empathy beyond their years as they connected their ongoing Service to Our Nation projects—researching individuals who served Australia—with the broader story of sacrifice. Guides praised the group’s reverence and preparedness, and teachers were proud of their respectful presence. A particularly meaningful moment occurred when a guide, herself a former Cathedral student, sought us out and fondly recalled her own Year 6 Service Project, highlighting the deep and lasting connections this excursion fosters across generations.

This year’s powerful new addition was the solemn recitation of the Eisteddfod poem “ANZACs” by Bartlett Adamson as the group approached the Memorial. This deeply moving gesture captured the enduring spirit of the longstanding service projects that continue to inspire students to connect personally with Australia’s history and Remembrance Day traditions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to parents for their invaluable support—from packing assistance to smooth departures and dismissals—that helped make this journey seamless. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the dedication of fellow Year 6  teachers, Mrs Baird & Mrs Lata, our Principal Mrs Tavares,  coach driver Alan, education officers, venue staff, school administrative team and all other contributors who played vital roles in ensuring a safe, rich and memorable experience.

This excursion exemplifies Cathedral Catholic Primary School’s enduring commitment to providing meaningful, outcomes-focused learning experiences beyond the classroom. We gratefully acknowledge the Australian Government’s support through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program, which enables our students to engage fully in civic education by contributing $30 per student directly to the school to support the costs of this excursion.

Together, our Year 6 students have demonstrated that they are truly ‘Stronger as One’ —building resilience, curiosity, respect, and unity—not only as a grade-level community but as active participants in our nation’s story.

Mr Ashley Boylan | Excursion Coordinator

Religious Education & Catholic Life

Remembrance Day Liturgy
Families are warmly invited to join us in the school hall on Tuesday, 11th November at 9:00 am for our Remembrance Day Liturgy. I will be joined by our student leaders as we lead the school's observance in honour of those who have served. This event follows the Year 6 presentations to classes on Monday, 10th November, where students will share their Service Projects— a cherished Cathedral School tradition.

Quinn Day Celebrations
On Friday, 14th November, we gather to honour the life and legacy of Bishop Matthew Quinn, the first Catholic Bishop of Bathurst. Bishop Quinn was a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly to establish schools, churches, and communities, especially for those in need. His mission inspired generations to grow in faith and education and to serve others with love and kindness. 

As we celebrate his life, let us open our hearts to God’s presence and remember how we can follow Bishop Quinn’s example by bringing hope and compassion to those around us. To celebrate our Quinn House Patron, our House Captains invite everyone to wear yellow or gold casual clothes and bring a gold coin donation for Catholic Missions. Families are warmly invited to join us for Mass at 10:00 am followed by a shared picnic morning tea at 11:00 am. After morning tea, students will participate in a rotation of activities from 11:40 am to 1:30 pm.

Solemnity of All Saints’
A heartfelt thanks to everyone who was able to attend the Solemnity of All Saints’ Mass, offering your support and presence for this important feast. We are especially grateful to Fr Nam for celebrating Mass with us and guiding us in prayer.

I thank all the staff who led ministries and various aspects of the Mass in my absence while I was in Canberra. Your dedication ensured the celebration ran smoothly and meaningfully. Thank you all for helping our community come together in faith and reflection on this special day.

Year 5 Bible Activity Day
On Thursday, 23 October, our Year 5 students participated in a special Bible Activity Day focused on faith, leadership, and community. The day began with Mass at 10:00 am in the Cathedral Church, and families from Years K–6 were invited to join us in prayer and support.

The event was led by our teachers, Parish Team, Parish Priests, and members of the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (Faith & Mission), who guided students through inspiring, faith-filled activities. Each Year 5 student also received a Bible as a symbol of their continuing faith journey. We thank our school and parish community for supporting this important occasion of faith and connection.

Sacramental Program
First Penance & First Holy Communion: Families are reminded to register with the Parish Office and ensure all required paperwork and payments are completed. The final weekend to book these Sacraments is 16th November. Please note that all paperwork and payments must be completed this week (Term 4 Week 4). The Priest Retreat will take place the following week, leading into the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King.

Confirmation: Year 5 students have begun their school-based preparation for Confirmation. Registration for this Sacrament will open in 2026 once the Bishop confirms the Mass dates. Registrations are not available at this time.

Celebrating the Sacraments: We invite all students and their families who have received a sacrament this year to join us for the Feast of Christ the King Mass on Sunday, November 23rd, at 10:00 am in the Cathedral Church to celebrate this important Feast and come together as a faith community.

Families are also warmly encouraged to email cathedral@bth.catholic.edu.au with photos of their child’s sacrament celebration for possible inclusion in the newsletter. Please note that photos from First Penance or those identifying students by name cannot be published.  If you have any questions about the sacramental program, please contact your child’s teacher or myself.

Coming Up
Please always reference the School Community Calendar for the latest event details and changes:

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.

Mr Ashley Boylan | Religious Education Coordinator

Sports News

Earlier this year, one of our talented Year 2 students competed at the Queanbeyan qualifying competition to represent the Central West and Riverina division in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Level 3 Championship.

Last Friday, this dedicated gymnast took part in the NSW Junior State Championships held at the Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre, competing among over 300 athletes.  She showcased her skills across four apparatus — vault, bars, beam, and floor — and achieved an incredible silver placing, ranking her within the top 35% of competitors in her division.

What an amazing accomplishment — a true reflection of hard work, perseverance, and passion for gymnastics! Congratulations on this fantastic result!

Miss Cassie Toole | Sports Coordinator

Class in Focus 5C

Year 5 Leadership Day
On Monday, 20th October, Year 5 students took part in a Leadership Day facilitated by nine Year 10 students from Stannies and Ms Holly Ferrugia. Through a range of engaging games, activities, and group discussions, the students explored what it means to be a good leader. They examined different leadership styles, with a particular focus on servant leadership — the model of leadership demonstrated by Jesus when He humbly washed the feet of His disciples. 5C have taken valuable insights about leadership and started working on their Leadership Speeches focussing on what type of leader they will be in 2026. 

Year 5 Bible Activity Day

Science
In Science, 5C are learning about adaptations and how different animals use behavioural, structural and physiological adaptations to survive in different environments. Some adaptations are weird and wonderful! For example, did you know that the wombat has a backward facing pouch and that the Fitzroy Turtle can breath through its bottom?

Geography
In Geography, 5C are learning about maps and defining and identifying urban, rural and remote areas. Students have been challenged to plan their own town, including a school, a swimming pool, shops, parks, a town hall, library and sporting fields, as well as residential and commercial buildings. 

 Mrs Anna Clayton | 5C Teachers

Class in Focus 6LB

Term 4 has been a busy and exciting time for our Year 6 students as they continue to engage in hands-on learning experiences across all key learning areas.

Independent Learners: This term, our Year 6 students continue to grow as independent learners, taking an active role as co-designers and influencers of their own learning journey. They are learning to recognise and celebrate both their successes and challenges, building resilience along the way. This self-awareness is helping them to reflect thoughtfully as they progress through Term 4 and prepare for the next stage of their education.

Science & Design Technology: Students have been exploring sustainability and environmentally responsible living. As part of our Sustainable Living unit, they designed and built model greenhouses using recycled materials. This project nurtures creative problem-solving, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of responsible resource management.

Mathematics: Integers and Angles
In Mathematics, students examined integers through real-world examples such as temperature shifts and financial gains or losses. They also practiced identifying, measuring, and calculating angles, applying these skills to construction and geometry challenges. These topics have strengthened their reasoning and problem-solving in preparation for high school.

History: In our recent History unit, students have explored how Civics and Citizenship shape Australia’s national identity through shared histories and democratic principles. Their learning focused on parliamentary systems and the separation of powers, helping them understand the foundation of our democracy. Inspired by this knowledge, students took initiative to organise mini-quiz trivia sessions, engaging their classmates in fun and meaningful ways to reinforce their understanding. The Canberra Excursion further enriched their experience by connecting classroom lessons to national institutions and history.

Creative Arts: Students have been exploring how sound and rhythm express identity, history, and culture. They learned to perform and compose music reflecting Australian stories and emotions, linking art with history and community.

Transition to High School: Year 6 students have been participating in orientation days at their high schools, including our feeder Catholic Colleges. These experiences focus on developing organisation, responsibility and confidence, while providing opportunities to build friendships, develop leadership skills and set goals to support their successful transition to secondary school.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations: This term, Year 6 students participated in NAIDOC Week, honouring the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through art, storytelling and reflection, they deepened their respect for First Nations voices and their importance in our shared future.

As we continue with this busy and rewarding term, we thank you for your ongoing support of our Year 6 students’ learning journey. Please remind your child to regularly check their diaries and Google Classroom for important updates and upcoming activities related to our end of Year 6 celebrations and integrated learning experiences. Staying organised will help ensure they make the most of these memorable events.

Mr Ashley Boylan & Mrs Sonika Lata | 6LB Teachers

Library

Nothing better than a good book! 

Some super readers in the Library at recess last week. 

The Library is open every recess for reading, drawing and games.

Mrs Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

Wellbeing

Merryn Sadler   | Wellbeing Coordinator

Crazy Hat Day

SPB4L - School Wide Positive Behaviour

NEW FOCUS: “We Transition Between Activities Calmly and Respectfully”
This week at Cathedral Catholic Primary School, our SPB4L focus is “We transition between activities calmly and respectfully.”

Learning how to move safely and sensibly between lessons, classrooms and activities is an important skill that helps keep our school environment positive and productive. Calm transitions show that students are ready to learn, respect the space and people around them, and take responsibility for their own behaviour.

When students move from one activity to the next — whether it’s packing away materials, lining up for a specialist lesson, or walking between classrooms — doing so quietly and with care allows everyone to stay focused and safe. It also shows respect for others who are still learning or working nearby.

We thank our families for reinforcing this at home by encouraging children to take their time, listen to instructions, and move calmly from one task to another. Together, we’re helping our students build independence, mindfulness, and respect in all that they do.

PREVIOUS FOCUS FEEDBACK: “We Follow Instructions the First Time, Every Time”  
At Cathedral Catholic Primary School, we’ve been focusing on the importance of following instructions the first time, every time. This simple habit makes a big difference in our classrooms and playgrounds. When students listen carefully and act straight away, it helps everyone stay safe, respectful and ready to learn. It also shows kindness to our teachers and classmates, as it allows lessons and activities to run smoothly and gives us more time for fun, engaging learning.

Learning to follow instructions the first time also builds independence and self-discipline — two qualities that help students succeed both at school and in life. Whether it’s lining up quickly, transitioning quietly, or responding positively to a teacher’s direction, these moments show that our Cathedral students take pride in their learning and respect the efforts of others.

We are so proud of the way many students have shown great listening and cooperation this week. Teachers have noticed more students responding promptly, using eye contact, and showing readiness to learn. These small actions create a calm, caring and focused school environment. Keep up the excellent effort, Cathedral! When we follow instructions the first time, every time, we show that we are respectful, responsible, safe and kind.

Mrs Julia Baird | SPB4L Committee

Parents and Friends

Next P&F Meeting: Wednesday 5th November 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. 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 

Date for the Diary:
P&F Meeting: 5th November
Cathedral Fete: 14th November
Family Night: 11th December 

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

Cathedral School Fete - 14 November 2025

Canteen & Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club Roster Term 4

Canteen Roster Term 4

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP??

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.

School Calendar Handy Hints

Google Calendar is an easy way to keep up to date with the school events.  This can be found on our school website under the Parents and Families tab. Below 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

Update your Details

Update your email, phone number, address, your child’s medical details or emergency contacts by emailing the information to cathedral@bth.catholic.edu.au

Community Notices