19 August 2024

Upcoming Events

Term 3 - Week 5

• Monday 19th August 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  • Assembly led by 5C @ 9:00am 
  • Mini Vinnies with Mrs Avinash @ Recess
    
    
• Tuesday 20th August 2024
  
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8:35am
    
    
• Wednesday 21st August 2024
  
  •  Guitar Group @ 11:00am - 11:40am
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1:40pm
  • Kindergarten - Verse Speaking @ Eisteddfod - 11.30am session (BMEC)
  • Year 3 & 4 Verse Speaking @Eisteddfod - 9.30am session (BMEC)
  • Year 5 & 6 Verse Speaking @Eisteddfod - 9.30am session (BMEC)
    
    
• Thursday 22nd August 2024
  • Senior Band @ 7:50am - 8:50am
  • Junior Band @ 11:00am - 11:40am
    
  • Year 2 Choir @Eisteddfod - 9.30am Session (BMEC) 
  • Year 6 @ Praise and Worship in Orange
    
    
• Friday 23rd August 2024

  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess

  • Year 4 History Excursion - Sydney
  • Diocesan Athletics Carnival

Term 3 - Week 6

• Monday 26th August 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  • Assembly led by 3B  @ 9:00am 
  • Mini Vinnies with Mrs Avinash @ Recess
    
    
• Tuesday 27th August 2024
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8:35am
    
    
• Wednesday 28th August 2024
  • Guitar Group @ 11:00am - 11:40am
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1:40pm
    
    
• Thursday 29th August 2024

  • Senior Band @ 7:50am - 8:50am

  • Junior Band @ 11:00am - 11:40am

  • Yr 3 Bathurst Library Excursion
    
    
• Friday 30th August 2024

  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess

  • Fathers Day Breakfast from 7.30am - All Welcome
  • Fathers Day Liturgy in the Hall @9am led by Yr 1- All Welcome
  • Fathers Day Stall - throughout the day

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

Once again we have demonstrated our love for literature at Cathedral, celebrating a wonderful Book Week. A huge thank you to our families & P&F for supporting our dress up day, to Mrs Sadler, Mrs Watson and volunteers for organising the festivities and the food, along with our Informations Services Committee for their fabulous organisation and performance on Friday.

It has been an exciting year in our classrooms as Mrs O’Neill and our teachers have developed and implemented new English units. These units have incorporated a variety of rich literature to support both Reading and Writing. While over the years we have witnessed some school libraries reduced to havens for digital devices;  we are proud at Cathedral to have balanced the technological skills of the twenty-first century with a firm focus on reading both within our Library and in the classrooms.

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Staffing

We welcome Jemima Ivers, one of our Centacare counsellors who is supporting Cathedral as we wait for our new school counsellor to begin at the start of September. We are very grateful for the support of Centacare with their school program. This program aims to support students requiring  short term  individual support  along with group work in areas such as grief & loss, anxiety and respectful behaviours. 

Teaching and Learning

Celebrating Poetry Month at Cathedral School

Calling All Poets: Enter the 2024 Bathurst School’s Poetry Anthology and Competition!

We are thrilled to invite students to submit an original piece of poetry for the 2024 Bathurst School’s Poetry Anthology and Competition! Sponsored by Bathurst Poets in partnership with Charles Sturt University, this wonderful initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their literary talents. Details for submission are recorded below:

Poem Requirements: Must be the student’s one work, be written in English, no longer than 40 lines, and can be either free verse or follow a standard rhyme and meter.

Theme and Content: The poem can explore any theme or subject but should not include anything offensive to an individual or group.

Submission Information: Include the author's name and age with the poem and email your entry to cathedral@bth.catholic.edu.au.

Deadline: Submit by September 13 for inclusion in the anthology

Publication: The anthology of published poems will likely be available in late November and usually includes a Book Launch at Charles Sturt University including prize giving. The anthology, featuring the published works, is expected to be available in late November. 

This is a great chance to refine your reading and writing skills, so we encourage as many students as possible to participate.

Verse Speaking at the Bathurst Eisteddfod

We also want to wish Kindergarten, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 the very best as they participate in the choral poetry performance at the Bathurst Eisteddfod on Wednesday this week. This real-life opportunity not only allows students to develop their understanding of written expression but also enhances their performance skills. A huge thank you to our dedicated teachers for their hard work in preparing the students for this important event!

Welcoming MacKillop College Bathurst Students for Work Experience

This week, we are delighted to welcome five students from MacKillop College Bathurst for their Work Experience: Audrey, Brianna, Jacinta, Paige, and Paige-Louise. We are especially proud to see four of our ex-students among them. This is a valuable opportunity for these young women to develop their skills and explore potential career paths, including teaching. We are honoured to be part of their journey and look forward to supporting them as they gain insight into the professional world.

Catherine O'Neill   | Assistant Principal

Religious Education & Catholic Life

Christmas Art Storytelling Competition

Our school is excited to be part of the 7th year of the diocesan Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition, an important tradition involving students from the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Dioceses of Bathurst and Wollongong. This competition encourages Year 5 and Year 6 students to create artwork and written reflections on Advent and the meaning of Christmas, drawing from their Religious Education and Catholic Life experiences and interpretations.

Beginning their entries in Term 2,  our students have submitted their artwork and associated synopsis, reflecting on the chosen scripture passages. The process includes:

• Subject Matter: Identifying the chosen Scripture passage and describing the artwork.
• Personal Connection: Relating the subject matter to family, culture, or personal experiences.
• Scriptural Reflection: Exploring how the Scripture enhances faith and inspires reflection.
• Artistic Style: Discussing whether the artwork is inspired by others or original, and detailing the style, media, and intention.

Approximately 2000 students from 29 schools participate, with around 140-150 entries shortlisted by RE teachers and parents. This week, we will be shortlisting at the school level, with approximately 20 submissions currently under review. Next week, we are excited to share the names of the Cathedral School representatives who will be featured in the diocesan showcase later this term.

Thank you to all of the staff involved and the dedication of our teachers for guiding our students in the connection and significance of the Christmas Story in their lives.

Feast of the Assumption

Our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption was a truly special time for our faith community to come together with MacKillop College representatives from Years 8, 10 & 11, with the wonderful guidance of Ms. Waters and Mr. Hughes brought so much to the Music Ministry, enriching  Mass with their beautiful contributions. It was also fantastic to see our MacKillop College Captains (Willow & Tom)  join Stage 3 representatives from our own Instrumental Music Program involved in the MacKillop College Mass—what a great showcase of our students’ talents and leadership! We were especially grateful to have St. Philomena’s joined us, making the occasion even more meaningful. 

The atmosphere and reverence throughout the Mass created a moment to remember.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make this such a memorable and special occasion!

Faith & Worship Event: Year 6

This Thursday our Year 6 students will be attending a special Faith & Worship event, facilitated and funded by Catholic Education, Diocese of Bathurst, at the Orange Function Centre. They’ll join other Stage 3 students from across the diocese for a day of music, prayer, and reflection.

The event will feature Emmanuel Worship, a group dedicated to inspiring young people through faith-filled music and ministry. The goal of the day is to help students connect more deeply with their faith in a fun and engaging way. 

We’re looking forward to seeing our Year 6 students share in this meaningful experience! More information about the work of Emmanuel Worship can be found here!

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. Families are invited to enjoy a cuppa from 8:30am in the hall before the commencement of the assembly.

Sacramental Programme
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.

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. 

Coming up

Ashley Boylan   | Religious Education Coordinator

Awards

Library

What a great day we had on Friday!

Fantastic costumes, yummy food and the best thing - lots of books! Well done to the Information Services Committee of Charlotte, Emmerie, Macey, Logan, Harrison, Lachlan, Jackie, Alfie and Christian who entertained us during the Assembly/Parade in the morning (Drew and Seth also were a big help but couldn’t be there on the day). It was fantastic to see so many parents and relatives in the school helping us to celebrate Book Week.

Our preloved book sale raised $100 for the Timor Leste Water project and there was even some left over to purchase some supplies for the Library. Great effort Cathedral!

Thank you to all the people who helped ensure this day ran smoothly

• Mrs Watson (and her Canteen helpers - Stacey McKee, Lucy Costello, Cherie O’Shannesy, Alison Cornish and Louise Francis)
• The Cathedral P&F and Mrs Couper who provided the competition prizes
• Mrs Condon and Mrs Humphries who helped set up the book sale
• Jeremiah Sadler and Mrs Couper who ran the Book Sale 
• The Cathedral School school staff, students and parents

Remember Reading is Magical!

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

Wellbeing

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is being aware and thankful of the good things in your life.

Family Habit Builder for Gratitude:

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

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.

Merryn Sadler   | Wellbeing Coordinator

Sports

Diocesan Athletics Carnival

Congratulations is extended to the following students: Porsha, Flynn, Max, Liam, Audrey, Molly, Grace, Zara, Liam, Emelia, Geowin and Georgie who are representing Cathedral School as part of the Eastern Region team, at the Bathurst Diocesan  Athletics Carnival in Dubbo on Friday 23rd August 2024.

Cathedral School wishes all competitors every success at this carnival and we look forward to hearing all about your sporting endeavours.

Miss Toole will be  accompanying the students.

Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and carers, for your ongoing support, particularly transporting your child to and from this event.

The Order of Events for the Day is available on:

Community Website for parents:

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

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 September 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!

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

Bands are back to normal this week, I hope you enjoyed the sleep in last week.

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 (the 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