29 July 2024

Upcoming Events

Term 3 - Week 2

• Monday 29th July 2024
  • Assembly led by 5A @ 9:00am (Cup of tea in the hall from 8:30am)
  • Mini Vinnies with Mrs Avinash @ Recess
    

• Tuesday 30th July 2024
  
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8:35am
    
  • SRC Meeting @ Recess

• Wednesday 31st July 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @ 11:00am - 11:40am
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1:30pm

• Thursday 1st August 2024

  • Senior Band @ 7:50am - 8:50am

  • Junior Band @ 11:00am - 11:40am

  • Christmas Art Workshop

• Friday 2nd August 2024

  • Year 3 Eucharist Retreat

  • Year 1 Libary Excursion

  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess

Term 3 - Week 3

• Monday 5th August 2024
  • Assembly led by 1M @ 9:00am (Cup of tea in the hall from 8:30am)
  • 3 Way Conference Meetings

• Tuesday 6th August 2024
  
  • 3 Way Conference Meetings 

• Wednesday 7th August 2024
  
  • Eastern Region Athletics Carnival
  • 3 Way Conference Meetings

• Thursday 8th August 2024

  • Senior Band Eisteddfod

  • Junior Band Eisteddfod

  • MacKillop Day

• Friday 9th August 2024

  • Guitar Group Eisteddfod

  • Year 1 Percussion Eisteddfod

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

Thank you to the grandparents, parents, aunties/great aunties, uncles/great uncles and extended family who were able to join us for our second annual Grandparents Day. This special celebration on the Feast of St Joachim and Anne was a beautiful time to recognise the significant contribution that the extended village makes to our families. From providing a special treat in the pantry to supporting our children to attend their extra-curricular events; the presence and wisdom shared with our families from these people is profound and we are very aware and grateful for the  mpact that they make in our young people’s lives.

We know that many family members travelled from afar and many took time out of their busy days to be with their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The children were overjoyed to show you their school, their classrooms and to sit and sing with you during our Mass.  

We apologise that we ran short of snacks for morning tea but we were so thrilled that we had such a response to this event … we will increase our catering for next year!

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Staffing

This week we welcome Miss Hannah Chapman to our support team. Hannah will be working throughout the school as a teacher assistant and we are so grateful for her arrival at Cathedral.

Congratulations!

We congratulate Miss Aimee Morris on her recent engagement. The Sacrament of Marriage is a beautiful gift and we wish Aimee and Jesse every blessing during this special time in their lives.

Cathedral School Fleecy Sports Tops

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

Religious Education & Catholic Life

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.

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

Student-Parent-Teacher 3-Way Conferences

Next week, we will be holding our Student-Parent-Teacher 3-Way Conferences, and we're excited to implement this new initiative! These conversations will provide an opportunity to share unique perspectives on the educational journey so far this year. They will also provide an opportunity to identify the strengths of the student and identify areas of focus along with discussing strategies to maximise opportunities for growth in the future.

This week, we ask that parents create a goal for their child using the school assessment report sent home at the end of last term, along with your child's reflection sheet, to guide this process. This collaborative approach to goal setting will greatly benefit our students, helping them to meet their goals with the support of both their teachers and parents. 

Remember to book your meeting through Compass this week if you have not done so already. We look forward to these valuable discussions aimed at supporting each student's growth and success.

NAPLAN Results

This week parents of students in Year 3 and Year 5 will receive individual student NAPLAN results. NAPLAN results provide important information about literacy and numeracy skills that your child is learning through the school curriculum. The results complement other assessments your child does at school, providing you and your child’s teachers with an understanding of your child’s achievements at the time of the tests. 

The NAPLAN report shows a proficiency scale for each assessment area (numeracy, reading, writing, spelling and grammar and punctuation). The report also shows each child’s achievement against the national average for their year and the range of achievement for the middle 60% of students in their year level.

NAPLAN tests are only one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process. As they are held once every 2 years for each student, they cannot replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance. Your child’s teacher will have the best insight into your child’s educational progress.

Catherine O’Neill   | Assistant Principal

Awards

Library

Reminders for Book Week Activity day -  Week 4 Friday 16th of August

1. Organise a costume or casual clothes to be worn on Friday 16th of August.
2. Place your order for the Canteen Book Week special lunch order on Flexischools.
3. Hand in your cardboard roll magical creation competition entries by Friday 2nd August.
4. Save some coins for the Preloved Book Sale (most books will be priced between $1-$2).

Parents are welcome to attend our Book Week Assembly and Parade on Friday morning which will be held outside on the pavers.

That Bird Has Arms Books To Life Performance

Last Friday we were treated to a wonderful performance based on the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2024 shortlisted book That Bird Has Arms. The CBCA council said this about the book -  “This quirky story oozes originality. It embraces popular culture, such as social media and popularity contests and cleverly explores themes of identity and accepting difference through the main character, Roy, a bird with human-like arms’.

This book was brought to life by performer Tony from Books to Life who danced and sang his way through the story with some special help from Cathedral students and staff. The children were enthusiastic audience members and even got to dance and sing too!

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

SPB4L

This week we focus on respect, one of our key universal behaviours. At Cathedral School, we define respect as showing consideration, understanding and regard for people, places and things. 

Our students expectations, along with an overview of our lessons across the week, are detailed below.

 SPB4L Committee

Wellbeing

In Week 2 the staff will have the opportunity to attend a Zoom meeting with Hugh van Cuylenburg who will combine humour and storytelling to share simple, practical tips we can use everyday to improve our wellbeing. We look forward to the opportunity to take some time to personally reflect on our own Wellbeing and to practise  gratitude and mindfulness, in preparation for the business of the term ahead. 

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

Eastern Region Athletics Carnival

A reminder to those students attending the Eastern Region Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 7th August 2024 at Mackillop College Bathurst, permission notes and payment are due this week. 

For those attending, please refer to the Compass notification sent out at the end of last term.

NSW Equestrian Team Championships

We wish Harrison well as he competes in the Cudal Equestrian Interschools Regional School Championships this week. 

Congratulations is also extended to Harrison who  has just been announced in the New South Wales State Equestrian Team for Equestrian Interschools National Championships that will be held in Tamworth in September 2024. This is a massive achievement for Harrison as this is the third year he has been selected as part of the New South Wales Interschool Equestrian Team. We wish him well in his endeavours.

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:

Louise Condon   | Sports Coordinator

Parents and Friends

Next P&F Meeting: Wednesday 7th August 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

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

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Father’s Day Breakfast and Stall - 30th August 

School Disco- 13th September

Melissa Bray   | P & F Publicity

Music

Well done to all band members on your performance this morning at assembly!

As we prepare for our upcoming Eisteddfod  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 3 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.

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