20 May 2024

Upcoming Events

Term 2 - Week 4

• Monday 20th May 2024
  • Assembly led by 1JV
  • Mini Vinnies with Mrs Avinash @ Recess
  • SRC Meeting @ Recess

• Tuesday 21st May 2024
  • Athlectics Carnival

• Wednesday 22nd May 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @ Recess

• Thursday 23rd May 2024

  • Senior Band @ 7:50am-8:50am

  • Junior Band @ Recess 
    

  • Year 2 Bathurst War Memorial Carillon Excursion

  • Alpha @ 12pm (Parents, Grandparents and Parishioners)
    

  • Pizza Day Fundraiser (Order via Flexischools App)

• Friday 24th May 2024
  
  • Rugby Union Diocesan Trials
    
  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess
  • Our Lady Help of Christians @ 11:45am in the Cathedral
  • K-2 Gymnastics
    

2024 Important Dates

• Tuesday 11th June 2024
  • School Photos
    

• Wednesday 12th June 2024
  • School Photos
    

• Friday 5th July 2024
  • Last day of Term 2

More important dates listed here 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

From the Principal

Our school motto, Faith Values Excellence beautifully encapsulates the vision of our school. This week, our students will begin to unpack our schoolwide classroom expectations which begins with an important statement. The statement is below and reminds our students of why we support positive behaviours for learning in our school. We support positive behaviours because in doing so we show the love of Jesus. We live out our faith in our relationships with others.

Our call to treat one another with kindness and respect is integral to our faith and also lays the foundations for classrooms where excellence flourishes.

The final line of our school wide expectations reminds our students of their part in striving for excellence. As I walk around the school I witness excellence in many forms but the most impressive is when I witness students achieving individual growth; academically, with their behaviours, on the sporting field, in the creative arts and in the firming of their faith.

While our students learn about how positive behaviour influence their growth, our staff are constantly busy creating the conditions for this to take place. The structures in place throughout our classrooms which promote engagement and utilise assessment ensures that each student is supported at their point of need. We celebrate that excellence can look like academic achievement  but that it can also look like the mastering of a foundational skill that has been taught, reviewed, assessed, re-taught, reviewed, assessed and finally demonstrated at mastery. All of our children are on a learning journey and we must celebrate their growth whether it is an obvious academic milestone or a small skill that may have taken extra time and support to master.

At school,  excellence in learning is supported in many ways.

• Structured and routined learning environments where students feel safe in the predictability of the day
• Explicit whole class instruction
• Application of knowledge and skills in pairs or small groups
• Repeated individual practise
• Assessment practices that provide data used to identify the point of need for each student
• Breakout groups for enrichment and support
• Application of knowledge in engaging, creative and scientific activities such as writing, experiments, artworks, music, dance
• Co-curricular activities that cater for individual interests and talents (band, guitar group, choir, Mini Vinnies, Agriculture Club, school and diocesan representation in netball, soccer, AFL, rugby league, rugby union, hockey, tennis, swimming, cross country and athletics)

 At home excellence in learning can also be supported in many simple, yet effective ways.

• Regular school attendance
• A literature rich household where children witness us reading, where we read with our children and where we give our children space and structures to read independently
• Conversations - our children develop their language skills when we practise them together. Talking and listening at breakfast time, in the car, while hanging the clothes on the line, before bed etc. The more opportunities that our children have to interact with us in positive ways, the more their confidence and vocabulary will be built
• Creative pursuits - opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills that have been learnt at school. This may include cooking (reading a recipe and measuring), creating craft (colouring, painting, cutting, problem solving) and taking safe risks such as trying a task independently (washing the dishes, making breakfast, cooking a cake) knowing that small failures that can be learnt from will be the catalyst that promote grit and determination to succeed
• Celebrating our child’s unique giftedness

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Leadership Appraisals

As we embrace our journey of continuous improvement, our leadership staff are given the opportunity to reflect on their roles and plan for future development. We congratulate Mr Ashley Boylan for the validation of his leadership in the areas of Religious Education and Pastoral Care during his review week.

 I also commence my period of review this week. Parents are invited to complete a survey which will be emailed this Monday, 20th May. The survey is aligned with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership standards and the data will be used for future goal setting.  

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Cuppa After Assembly

You are invited to join us for a cuppa after assembly each Monday morning.
Bring your coffee from Cafe Viva or make yourself a cuppa in the hall kitchen.
All are very welcome.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

We have received some wonderful entries.
These are displayed in Mrs Tavares’ window.

It is not too late to enter, entries close Friday of Week 5.

Enrolments

Religious Education & Catholic Life

Parish Mass -18th May
Thank you to the l families and staff that joined other members of our parish last Saturday evening for the 5pm Parish Mass, where Cathedral School members who were excited to be involved in a number of ministries. It was another wonderful opportunity to strengthen our connections with other parishioners in our parish.

Stage Masses
We are excited to be recommencing these celebrations this term. This Thursday Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) would love for you to join them at 9:10am in the Cathedral Church. It means a lot to your children if you are able to join them at our Masses.

Whole School Mass - Friday (24th May)
Please join us as our whole school celebrates ‘Our Lady, Help of Christians’ with Mass in the Cathedral Church at 12:00pm on Friday 24th May.

Alpha Sessions
The Cathedral Parish invites families to another series of Alpha. We are excited to host these upcoming sessions in our school hall. Sessions commence on Thursday 12th May at 12pm with a provided lunch. Entrance is via the church car park entry.

Variety NSW Bash
Mr Bradbury is generously giving of his time  to  participate in the  annual Variety Club Rally. this week. As the participants travel around parts of NSW they will  get to see the direct impact of their fundraising efforts along the way, with a range of educational, health and mobility equipment provided to local schools and organisations en route.

Last Thursday many of our classes had the opportunity to check out the amazing set of wheels that has been decked out by Mr Bradbury and his teammates to participate in the bash! The spectacular Holden Statesman and Mr Bradbury took pride of place on the William Street Playground as classes to get up as closely and safely  as possible and to hear from Mr Bradbury about his upcoming adventure!

Thank you so much to Mr Bradbury for your time last Thursday and also for the time that he dedicates to this very worthwhile cause! Find out more information here:  https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/nswbash24/home

Sacramental Program:
It has been wonderful to hear about many of our students receiving sacraments through Parish Masses recently. Please email a photo through to me if you wish to have this celebrated in the school newsletter. We kindly request that names are not visible in the provided photograph

Information on First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation and how the parish based, but school supported, Sacramental Program will function this year was provided last term via grade overviews, school and the parish information session. Please speak to your child’s teacher or myself if you require further information about registrations or visit the Parish office.

Monday Liturgy & Assembly: 
Please join us each week between 9:00 and 9:30 am as we pray together and acknowledge the achievements of those in our school community. Classes, Grades and Committees each take responsibility for leading these celebrations.

Coming up:

Ashley Boylan   | Religious Education Coordinator

RISE 2024 Years 6-9! Its time to Register!

Dear Friends,

Are you ready to embark on an inspiring journey filled with faith, friendship, and fun? If so, we invite you to join us for RISE, our Diocesan Catholic youth event tailored specifically for Youth in the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst.

RISE isn't just another event; it's an opportunity to connect with peers, deepen your relationship with God, and discover the joy of being part of a vibrant Catholic community. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mt Panorama, RISE promises two days packed with engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, and moments of spiritual growth.

Here's what you can look forward to during RISE:

1. Inspiring Talks and Workshops: Our lineup of speakers and facilitators are committed to empowering you with insights that resonate with your journey as a young person.

2. Prayer: Experience the power of collective and personal prayer as we come together to praise and honor our faith through music, prayer, and reflection.

3. Meaningful Connections: Forge lasting friendships with fellow participants who share your values, beliefs, and aspirations.

4. Outdoor Activities: Enjoy the beauty of nature as we incorporate outdoor adventures and recreational activities into our program.

5. Encounter: Deepen your spiritual journey through moments of Encounter with God and the Church.

RISE will take place on the 11th and 12th of July, offering you two days filled with inspiration, growth, and joy. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to rejuvenate your faith and connect with like-minded peers from across our diocese.

To register for RISE and secure your spot, simply visit and complete the online registration form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNv-42N5f75quNrpzZ7pjDYfCK_jhkWaiAQB2uYKinXix3g/viewform

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited, and we wouldn't want you to miss out on this transformative experience.

If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email or 0458261513

Let's come together to rise in faith, hope, and fun at RISE!

More details below: https://youtu.be/8ySg1sS27e8

RISE Thursday 11th and Friday 12th July 2024 (School Holidays) (RISEN team arrive on Wednesday)10am Drop off at St Philomena's Bathurst and Pick Up 2pm @ Cathedral School BathurstRegister here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNv-42N5f75quNrpzZ7pjDYfCK_jhkWaiAQB2uYKinXix3g/viewform
 For payment please list the name of the person you are registering and paying for.

God Bless.
Josh
Deacon Josh Clayton
Mission and Renewal Director Catholic Diocese of Bathurst
118 Keppel St (PO Box 246) BATHURST  NSW  2795
P:    02 6334 6414
M: 0458 261 513
E: mrd@bathurst.catholic.org.au
To make Jesus known, to help people meet him, to grow in knowledge and love of him together as a community of Word, Sacrament and Service.

Awards

Library

Cathedral school is a community that values reading!
We will be joining as a whole school on Wednesday to celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). NSS is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. This year the book is Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker. The children have enjoyed reading this fantastic story in Library lessons and learning more about the incredible Bowerbird.

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

Class in Focus | 5A

A Glimpse of Learning in Year 5A!
In English we have been learning about personification. Creativity flourished through our classroom as we explored personification in literature and writing. We enjoyed sharing examples of personification with our peers! One of our favourite activities is spending time with our buddies in kindergarten, we feel responsible and we are grateful for this leadership opportunity. Science investigations and experiments have been fun, we especially loved designing and making a parachute. In HSIE we have been studying colonial Australia in the 1800s, we learnt about what it was like for different groups in the colonial period and we particularly enjoyed constructing a colonial house.

Year 5A examples of personification:

- The storm raged in anger- Hunter

- The wind joyfully skipped across the pleasant sky- Azura

- The sun bounced for joy and shone in owe – Harrison G

- The sun hid as fear approached- Lillian S

- The sun smiled with excitement- Molly

- Wind hit her face- Isabella

- The candlelight danced in the wind- Harper

SPB4L

SPB4L Committee

Wellbeing

Gratitude
Working on gratitude helps us to be thankful and appreciate what we have in our lives, rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we want. When we practise being grateful, we start to scan the world to look for positives – this only takes 21 days! Practising gratitude every day increases our levels of energy, and helps us to feel happier and more focused, determined and optimistic. It even helps us have better sleep, lowers levels of anxiety and depression and we are less likely to get sick. So many benefits – let’s all try to be grateful for the things and people in our lives every day!

Whole Family Activity: Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

• As a family create a scavenger hunt list of things that make you happy or you are grateful for, you can make your own list or use the examples below:
• Something that makes you happy
• Something you love to smell
• Something you enjoy looking at
• Something that is your favourite colour
• Something you like in nature
• Something that is useful for you
• Each member of the family uses the list and has to find as many things as they can.
• You can hunt for things inside or outside, or both. You can hunt for real things, or you can also do this using magazines or pictures from the internet.
• After a set amount of time hunting, come back together, have a look at what each person collected and let them explain why they are grateful for each item.
  

Family Habit Builder:

Every night at dinner, have each person talk about their favourite thing about the day.

Breakfast Club
Our Cathedral Breakfast club has continued to be positively received by our students. It is really pleasing to see our students enjoying something warm on these colder mornings, and being able to fuel their bodies for their day of learning and playing ahead.

We would like to thank Coles, Woolworths, Q Office Furniture, Mount Panorama Lions Club and the McMahon family for further sponsoring this project with their generous donations. Our hope is to continue this project into the future and would welcome any further donations of food or money to support the project.

Please contact Alana in the canteen on 0417 044 116 if you would like to be included in the morning breakfast roster. Food is served from 8:30-9:00am. If you could spare some time at drop off it would be greatly appreciated.

This program is voluntary and only students presenting to the canteen will be given breakfast. Please contact the school if you would like to opt your child out of this program as all students who present to the canteen will be given breakfast unless instructed otherwise.

Did you know children consume around 30% of their daily food intake at school? Most of this comes from the contents of their lunchbox. What children eat during their day at school plays a crucial role in their learning and development.

Alice Gallagher and Abbie Bowman   | Wellbeing Teacher/Primary Coordinator 

Counsellor

Jordana Kissell   | Counsellor 

School Photos

Family Photo Ordering
Family photos are treasured memories that are extremely important to parents just as much as individual and class photos. To be more efficient we are making a slight change to the ordering process.

Currently we offer online preordering for family photos 3-4 weeks before photo day and ordering ends 4pm the business day before school photos, this will not change.

 If parents miss that cutoff (having had 3-4 weeks prior to place an order) then we have to say no.    

Sports

Rugby 7’s Gala Day
Cathedral was represented by a Stage Two team last Tuesday, 14 May at the Rugby 7’s gala day. All students displayed excellent sportsmanship, talent and skill as they played other schools in the Bathurst region.

Thank you to Barry Froebel and Peter Rohr for preparing students in training sessions and coaching the students.

Thank you to Mrs Louise Condon and Mrs Alice Gallagher for supporting students at the gala day. 

Cathedral Athletics Carnival
We are very excited to be holding our annual Athletics Carnival tomorrow, Tuesday 21st May at Mackillop College. We would love for parents to be able to join us on the day. Please park at Proctor Park next to MacKillop (not on the MacKillop College grounds). All parents and carers are to sign-in at the main shed upon arrival. A Program of Events will be issued via Compass today. Any student participating in the 1500m event must be dropped at Mackillop College by no later than 8:15am to be ready to begin the event at 8:30am.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable day for all, please take note of the following details:

• Arrival Time: Students are to attend school as normal. Buses will leave school promptly at 9.05 am and arrive at the College by 9.30am.
• Finishing Time: 3-6 students will return to school on the bus at 2.45pm. Parents are able to take their child home from the carnival. Please ensure you sign your child out before leaving the venue.
• Program of Events: This year, we have made changes to our event program in response to the additional event of the 1500m. This will involve running track and field events concurrently. Please take note of the order of events sent out in today's COMPASS.
• Track Event Nominations: All students participate in the 100m events. Students from Years 3-6 have nominated themselves for the 200m, 800m and 1500m events.
• Field Event Nominations: Like our other Bathurst Schools we will host the Field Event finals at the carnival. The top 8-10 competitors from the Field Event heats held during Term 1 and Term 2 have progressed to the FINALS, which will take place on the day of the Athletics Carnival. This exciting development allows our talented students to showcase their skills in front of their peers and families. A list of these students will be posted to the staff room windows today for students to view.

Winter Sports Trials
We have four talented Rugby Union players that were selected from Stage 3 attending the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials in Bathurst this Friday 24th May. We wish all students a great day of sport, fun and friendship.

Infants Gymnastics Sessions
We are very excited to have Aspire Gymnastics come to school this term to teach our infants classes. These sessions will be taking place in Week 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this term on a Friday. This will mean that infants sports day will change from Thursday to Friday for these weeks only. Students are asked to wear their sports uniform on Friday’s for these weeks. They may still wear their sports uniform on their regular sports day if they wish.

Parent Volunteers
This term is filled with lots of fun sporting events for our students to be a part of! For these events to be as successful as possible and include all the students that want to participate, we are asking for parent volunteers to assist in managing these teams on the gala days. We are particularly calling for any parents who have experience or a child participating in the netball gala day in week 6 or the soccer gala day in week 8 to reach out via email to the school office or Mrs Bowman. We will be holding a parent volunteer session later this term for parents to be able to assist us on these very busy days. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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 bookmark this site for reference: https://sites.google.com/bth.catholic.edu.au/cedbsportcommunity/home

Abbie Bowman   | Primary Coordinator

Mini Vinnies Club

Lost and Found

Please claim at the School Office.

Parents and Friends

Next P&F Meeting: Wednesday 6th June 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

Friday 21st June- Trivia Night
Put your thinking caps on, plan a babysitter and get ready for a fun child-free night

 Start organising your table of up to 10 adults, If you need help finding a table, please contact us.

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

It’s great to hear all of the wonderful sounds happening again this term with music  back in full swing!

 It’s important to try your hardest to arrive on time each week for bands and ensembles, especially for our progress and structure.

Cathedral School Ensemble Times & Days:

• School Choir Tuesdays at Recess
• Guitar Group Wednesdays at Recess
• Concert Band Thursdays at 7:50am
• Junior Band Thursdays at Recess

 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

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

Canteen

   Canteen Roster Term 2 2024

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.

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

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