1 July 2024

Upcoming Events

Term 2 - Week 10

• Monday 1st July 2024
  
  • Year 6 Camp
  • Assembly led by KA

• Tuesday 2nd July 2024
  
  • Year 6 Camp
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8:35am
    

• Wednesday 3rd July 2024
  
  • Year 6 Camp
  • Guitar Group @ 11:00am - 11:40am
  • P & F Meeting @ 5:30pm

• Thursday 4th July 2024

  • Senior Band @ 7:50am-8:50am

  • Junior Band @ 11:00am - 11:40am
    

  • Alpha @ 12pm
    
    

• Friday 5th July 2024

  • Winter Woolies Day (Gold Coin Donation)

  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess

  • Last day of school for Term 2

Term 3 - Week 1

• Monday 22nd July 2024
  • First Day of Term 3, Welcome Back
  • Assembly 9:00am
    

• Tuesday 23rd July 2024
  
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ Recess
  • SRC Committee meeting @ Recess
    
    
• Wednesday 24th July 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @ 11:00am - 11:40am
    

• Thursday 25th July 2024

  • Senior Band @ 7:50am-8:50am

  • Junior Band @ 11:00am - 11:40am
    
    

• Friday 26th July 2024

  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess

2024 Important Dates

• Friday 5th July 2024
  • Last day of Term 2
    
    
• Monday 22nd July 2024
  • First Day of Term 3

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

Many thanks to our Cathedral community for a wonderful term of learning. Learning takes many forms throughout the school and we have been so pleased to see the return of many off site excursions, bringing learning to life. Last week our Year 5 students stepped back in time visiting the Bathurst Goldfields and this week I join our Year 6 students and staff on their Christian Living Camp at Lake Burrendong.

Our Agriculture Club and Mini Vinnies team joined together in service last week for the Mini Vinnies Knit In. Our Agriculture Club catered for the event with fresh produce from their gardens. Mini Vinnies joined together with volunteers from our community for an afternoon of knitting, raising both funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness and hardship in our community.

Sometimes it is easy to be consumed by the idea of ensuring that our children have more. What I love about these social justice activities is that our children learn to find purpose in giving more; in serving others. These activities are an important part of the life of Cathedral and we thank Mrs Antoinette Angelucci and Mrs Genevieve Avinash for bringing these opportunities to our students.

 It was obvious to see last Friday that we have a special group of students in these clubs who not only generously give of their time but who do so with such a joyful spirit. We are so proud of the children who put their faith into action.

A huge thanks to our P&F and lively school community for a fabulous Trivia night last Friday. What a blessing to have the opportunity to join together in such fun.

This Friday is our last day for Term 2 and we look forward to welcoming all student back to school on Monday 22nd of July.

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Religious Education & Catholic Life

Christian Living Camp
This week Year 6 head to lake Burrendong as part of their Christian Living Camp. We hope that the three days away will be a time where the grade values their time together outside of their regular learning environment.

Students will participate in a series of activities around endurance, initiative, teamwork, responsibility, respect and fun!   We will also have time to come together and reflect in prayer about our unique gifts & talents and what we can all individually bring to the wider group.

Save the Date!
On Friday 26th July (Term 3, Week 1) we will celebrate the Feast of Ss Joachim & Anne and the gift of those in our lives that fulfil the amazing role of grandparents. We envisage some activities just after 9:00am in our classrooms before moving to the Cathedral Church for Mass (commencing at 10:00am) and Morning Tea afterwards. We hope that you can join us for this special day.

RISE!
RISE is for young people in Years 6 to 9 (anyone in Years 10-12 can be involved as Youth Team members).

A festival full of fun, friendship, small group challenges, workshops, games, music and lots of opportunities to encounter Jesus.  Don't miss the chance to be part of something that changes lives and it's great fun!

RISE will be held in Bathurst during the school holidays on the 11th and 12th July in Bathurst. Register HERE!

Recently we were lucky enough to participate in an online presentation with other schools and youth ministers from around our diocese. Deacon Josh and his amazing team of youth ministers shared additional information and highlights about this year’s Rise!  My highlight was confirmation that Cathedral School is privileged to be the host location for the daytime components of the festival this year. Many of our Year 6’s are excited to not only participate in Rise but to be proud hosts and ambassadors for Cathedral School! 

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 in Term 1. Please speak to your child’s teacher or myself if you require further information about registrations.

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 and it is a wonderful way to find out all of the special things happening inside and outside of our learning spaces.

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 and it is a wonderful way to find out all of the special things happening inside and outside of our learning spaces.

Our Parish
We are proud to be an important part of the Cathedral Parish of Ss Michael & John.  Please follow this link for more information about the many formation opportunities, ministries  and other ways that you can participate in the life of our parish. 

Coming up:

Ashley Boylan   | Religious Education Coordinator

Teaching and Learning

Naidoc Celebration
On Wednesday, all of our First Nations students across K-5 will be attending an event at BMEC to introduce NAIDOC week, an event which is celebrated across Australia between 7-14 July 2024. This event includes a didgeridoo and dance performance as well as the premier of the film, MIIL BULAL, a local film in collaboration with Bathurst Regional Council, Loverdige Digital, local community members and Elders. The collation tells the story of the Bathurst First Nations Community. The celebration will begin with a flag raising and end with a free BBQ lunch. We look forward to our school celebrations for Naidoc Week that will occur in September, along with further Bathurst celebrations.

Acknowledging and Celebrating Achievement
This week, you will receive your child’s assessment report, reflecting their work over the past two terms. This report will highlight your child's progress and pinpoint areas for improvement in key areas of English and Mathematics for the remainder of the year. Along with the assessment report, students will also complete a personal reflection on their learning. These reflections will be sent home to provide a comprehensive view of their academic journey and progress so far.

Both the assessment report and student reflections will form the basis of our upcoming Student-Parent-Teacher conferences, scheduled for Week Three of Term Three. Early next term, after reviewing the student reports, parents will also be invited to identify a specific goal for their child. This goal will contribute to the discussions during the Three Way Conferences, ensuring a well-rounded and focused approach to your child's learning.

A Busy Term Comes to an End
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students for their hard work and dedication throughout the term. A big thank you also to our parents for your ongoing support of our school activities and initiatives, and your partnership in supporting students to reach their goals.

I wish all our families a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

Catherine O’Neill   | Assistant Principal

From the Public Relations Committee

Duck Mascot Voting Competition
45 determined students have been working hard to design a school mascot (a wood duck). Every design was unique, showing each individual's style with the Cathedral colours, making it a hard vote for each student to pick from. Voting took place on Monday and Tuesday, where every student from Kindergarten to Year 6 voted for one of the four designs. It was a close vote and in the end everybody received a rubber duckie and a certificate for their participation and hard work. The winner of the mascot competition will be announced at the start of Term 3.

Caitlyn, Flynn, Jacky, Minh Minh, Oliver, Oscar and Ralph

School Photo Orders

Photo Shoot Keys were sent home on Wednesday 19 June 2024.
To place your photo order visit www.creativeschoolportraits.com.au
Online ordering ends Thursday 4 July 2024.
Orders placed after Thursday 4 July 2024 may incur a $12:95 late/postage fee.

If you have not received your Shoot Key, please email Cathedral School via cathedral@bth.catholic.edu.au, add your Child’s Name, Class - Shoot Key (eg. John Smith 1P - Shoot Key) in the subject bar and your Shoot Key details will be emailed to you.

Awards

Library

There will be no borrowing this week so please return all books to the Library.
Looking for something to read in the holidays? The Bathurst City Library has a wonderful range of books and it is free to join! You can also access the online reading app SORA - we use the ACEN collection and sign in with your school sharecloud login.

Book Week is Coming!
Next term on Friday 16th August is our annual Book Week dress up and activity day. The theme this year is Reading is Magic. Over the holidays you might like to find a costume and make an entry for the magical cardboard roll character competition.

Design a Magical Character Book Week Competition

Use a cardboard roll to create a magical character.
Due date: Friday of Week 2

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

Class in Focus

1M

We've had an exciting start to the year in 1M! Year 1 has been diving deep into the world of mathematics, discovering that being mathematicians involves exploring problems that have more than just one solution. This encourages critical thinking and creativity, setting a solid foundation for their future learning.

In our maths lessons, students have been busy sorting and partitioning two-digit numbers, mastering the use of coordinates, exploring patterns, and engaging in the fun challenge of dissecting two-dimensional shapes. These activities not only strengthen students' mathematical skills but also encourage a love for problem-solving.

One of the highlights of this term was our excursion to Miss Traill's house, where students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history and experience life as it was in the past. Additionally, our Science Unit on magical mixtures captivated everyone's interest, especially during Week 8 when we even created our own sherbet!

Danielle Mitchell   | 1M

2M

Expanding our Minds
In 2M we start each day by listening to God’s special message for us for the day. Then we take the opportunity to reflect on this message and spend a few minutes in silent, personal prayer.

In History we have been learning about the many and varied changes in technology and this week the students have been presenting their own findings through prepared speeches, to the class. They have certainly found out about some great advancements. Can you imagine having to actually walk over to the television to change the channel?

We have also been learning how to create interesting and entertaining texts in our English work.

Deidre McGregor   | 2M

3G

3G has been very busy this term and over the past few weeks. In History we have been learning about the different celebrations and commemorations that are celebrated in Australia. We started the term with learning about ANZAC Day, how that is recognised in Australia and how Indigenous Australians were involved in the wars. We then discovered information about Harmony Day, Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week. This is us finding out information about the Flags of our Nation and colouring in the flags in their specific colours. We labelled the Australian Flag with the British Southern Cross, the Southern Cross and the Federation Star. And the Aboriginal Flag with the colour black representing the Aboriginal People of Australia, the yellow circle representing the sun and the red colour representing the Earth. Currently we are doing a research project about celebrations and commemorations of our World and we will present the information that we find on a Google Slide.

Ainsley Greer   | 3G

4W

As we finish this term, we look back at the work 4W have done in English class, especially with the books “Stolen Girl” by Trina Saffioti and "The Rabbits" by John Marsden. These books, with their strong pictures and stories, helped us talk about big ideas like colonization, environmental damage, and the loss of culture. By studying the books, we learned more about history, today's world, and the importance of being more aware and empathetic.

In Maths, we have recently been exploring different multiplication strategies, with students applying them to solve various multiplication problems. This work has enabled students to find shortcuts to multiplication, such as using the Doubling and Halving strategy in the calculation of area.

Carolyn Wood   | 4W

5C

What a busy term 2 we have had! Many students in 5C have enjoyed representing Cathedral School this term at the Netball and Rugby Gala Days, with many 5C students also attending the Soccer Gala Day this Friday. 

In Science, 5C have been learning about states of matter, particularly the properties of solids, liquids and gases. Students enjoyed experimenting, predicting and observing the combination of bicarbonate soda and vinegar to create gas that inflated a balloon and snap lock bags!

In HSIE, 5C have been busy learning about the Australian Gold Rush, the Eureka Stockade and what life was like on the Gold fields in the 1850’s. All of Year 5 are excited to experience the gold fields in person in week 9 when we attend the excursion to the Bathurst Gold Fields!

We have also been working hard on improving our reading and comprehension skills through reading fluency practise, reading groups with Mrs Burns and completing Mrs Sadler’s 10 minute Reading Challenge each day.

Anna Clayton   | 5C

6T

6T have had a very busy term! We are looking forward to finishing the term off with our excursion to Lake Burrendong next week for our Christian Living Camp. 

In our English lessons this term we have been reading the novel ‘Mahtab’s Story.’ This novel has taught us about self-discovery and belonging, highlighting the profound lessons of bravery and resilience. Mahtab’s Story linked closely with our picture book ‘The Lost Thing.’ When unpacking the story of ‘The Lost Thing’ students realised the connections between the two stories and were able to relate to the themes by writing about a time that they had lost something special to them. 

We had fun in our Mathematics lessons this term learning all about Cartesian Planes. We learnt how to accurately plot points, a fundamental skill that fosters a deeper understanding of geometric and spatial reasoning. 

6T have been busy drafting their ideas for the Christmas Story Art competition. We will continue to work on these throughout next term and can’t wait to see our finished products! 6T students have enjoyed the hands-on activities that we have been completing in Science. Last week we created electrical circuits to light a light bulb as a part of our ‘Energy on the Move’ unit. This week we are designing and producing our own electrical circuit based on a problem that our groups chose. We can’t wait to see our final products and test if they work!

Cassandra Toole   | 6T

SPB4L

Last week we commenced our final focus for the term. It was great to see our students share through the various activities and the mentimeter survey on how we all manage and solve conflict.

We look forward to consolidating our understanding this week.

 SPB4L Committee

Wellbeing

Breakfast Club
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.

Alice Gallagher  | Wellbeing Teacher

Sports

Softball Success
Congratulations to Carter who recently represented the Bathurst Diocese at the Polding Softball Trials in Sydney. Carter has now been chosen as part of the Polding Softball team and will compete in the PSSA Championships later in the year.

Eastern Region Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to the following students who have been chosen to represent Cathedral School at the Bathurst / Eastern Regional Athletics Carnival to be held next term on Wednesday, 7th August.

Year 6 - Georgie, Geowin, Jacky, Archie, Liam, Pipa, Caitlyn, Abhay, Seth, Sienna, Oliver, Poppie, Peppa, Jamie, Lachlan, Sean, Maximus, Flynn

Year 5 - Jaclyn, Lillian, Emilia, Breanna, Lily, Azura, Jaxon, Harrison G-S, Zara, Grace, Molly, Gurleen, Georgina, Maya, Hunter, Liam, Isabella, Joseph, Harrison R, Carter, Ana

Year 4 - Audrey, Jack, Jett, Sophie, Oscar, Wyatt, Noah, Ella P, Charlotte, Abhi

Year 3 - Max, Aidan, Harry, Audrey, Solomon, Primrose, Ingrid, Trisha, Franklin, Angela, Porsha

Year 2 - Travis, Evelyn, Hugh, Perrie, Noah

The carnival will be held at MacKillop College. Events are scheduled to commence promptly at 9.00am.
Due to the addition of the 1500m event it is anticipated that the carnival will conclude

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

 Catherine O’Neill   | Assistant Principal

Year 6 Fundraising Event

Celebrate the End of Term with Winter Woolies Day! 
As the winter holidays approach, the Year 6 Fundraising Committee is excited to announce our upcoming Winter Woolies Day! For a gold coin donation, your child can cozy up by adding a warm and snuggly item to their school uniform for the day. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to express their unique style and stay warm in their favorite winter gear.

Whether it's an oodie, a beloved hoodie, a special jumper, or a unique beanie, scarf, or pair of gloves, we encourage all students to participate and get creative. Your contributions will support our Year 6 fundraising efforts and help spread some holiday cheer.

Friday 5th July - Join us in celebrating the season and showing off your winter woolies!

Thank you for your support and participation!

Parents and Friends

Next P&F Meeting: Wednesday 3rd July 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

TRIVIA NIGHT
Thank you to Bathurst people and the school community that braved the cold weather to come out and have a wonderful time at the trivia night.

P and F would like to thank the following people:
-Drummoyne Group for sponsorship of continuous rounds
-Knickerbocker bottleshop for the first prize hampers
-Baird and Francis families for bonus round prizes

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

As we prepare for our upcoming performances it's essential that all children are practising their school band pieces. Please try to schedule some practise for your children at home and at the same time each week, this also helps with the children's routine and confidence for when we perform.

Cathedral School Ensemble Times & Days:

• School Choir Tuesdays at 8:35am
• 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

Absences

Full Day Absence
Full Day absences (Compass default time is 8:00am-5:00pm, please do not change this) are entered via the Compass App and Compass allows 7 days to add this.

Part Day Absences - Arriving Late or Early Departures
Complete this absence via the Compass Portal located in the School Office, when you bring your child to school late or collect your child early.
This information is recorded against your child’s attendance records and sent to your child’s teacher.

So that we can have your child ready for an early departure from school, please email your child’s teacher (via Compass) the departure details.

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