2 September 2024

Upcoming Events

Term 3 - Week 7

• Monday 2nd September 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  • Assembly led by 2M @ 9:00am
  • Mini Vinnies with Mrs Avinash @ Recess
    

• Tuesday 3rd September 2024
  
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8:35am
    
  • PR Committee meeting @ Recess

• Wednesday 4th September 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @ 11:00am - 11:40am (Recess in Classrooms at 10:50am)
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1:40pm
  • Year 6 Farewell Fundraising Committee meeting @ 5:00pm
  • P&F Meeting @ 5:30pm

• Thursday 5th September 2024

  • Senior Band @ 7:50am - 8:50am

  • Stage 2 Mass (Years 3 & 4) @ 9:10am - Cathedral Church

  • Junior Band @ 11:00am - 11:40am (Recess in Classrooms at 10:50am)
    
    

• Friday 6th September 2024

  • Christmas Art Storytelling Competition Exhibition & Launch @ 11:00am

  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess

Term 3 - Week 8

• Monday 9th September 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  • Assembly led by 1JV @ 9:00am 
  • Mini Vinnies with Mrs Avinash @ Recess
    
    
• Tuesday 10th September 2024
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @ 8:35am - 8:55am (Library)
    
  • SRC Committee Meeting @ Recess
    
    
• Wednesday 11th September 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @ 11:00am - 11:40am (Recess in Classrooms at 10:50am)
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1:40pm
    
    
• Thursday 12th September 2024

  • Senior Band @ 7:50am - 8:50am

  • Stage Mass (Years K, 1 & 2) @ 9:10am - Cathedral Church
  • Junior Band @ 11:00am - 11:40am (Recess in Classrooms at 10:50am)
    
    
• Friday 13th September 2024
  • Agriculture Club with Mrs Angelucci @ Recess
  • P&F Disco

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

National Child Protection Week
This week, we celebrate National Child Protection Week with the theme for this year, Every Conversation Matters. A lovely aspect of Cathedral school is the presence of many parents and parental figures around our school (parents, carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles). Each day we witness parents conversing with their children and at a time when some suggest that the art of conversation has died, we see it alive and well in the interactions of our students and their families. So this week we acknowledge that our time is spent wisely conversing with our children and by listening to them and them knowing that they can come to us, we are not only demonstrating that we care for them but we are adding an extra layer of safety as we model and use respectful relationships.

Below is an excerpt from the NAPCAN Website.

PARENTS PLAY THEIR PART TO PROTECT AND CARE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITY BY SHOWING HOW TO HAVE RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS.

• Being a parent can be challenging. Accept offers of help (especially the ones where cooked meals are involved!)
• Link in with services that support you – New Parent Groups and Playgroups can be fantastic.
• Parenting isn’t always easy. Share your experiences and skills with other parents – it can help you realise that you are not alone!
• It’s ok to reach out and ask for support, from family, friends, services, health professionals and so on.
• Discover what helps reduce your stress and assists you to best care for your children. Listen to your children and involve them in planning things as a family.
• Play with your children. It can be as simple as a game of “peek-a-boo” or reading to them. Playing with children helps build a positive relationship and connection and most of all it is fun!
• Take time out when you feel stressed or upset – look after yourself. Parenting can be positive – notice the good times too.
  Make plans for enjoyable “family time” – this can help build close relationships.
• Talk about safety with your children. Talk about what being unsafe might look and feel like at home, in their community, online or at school. Make plans about what to do if they feel unsafe.
• Parenting courses can help you be the best you can be.
• Celebrate your children, their achievements, values and interests and support them when times are tough. This will build a strong family that is loving and safe.
• Get involved in your community. Joining groups such as for sporting activities will help you and your children to have fun and meet people.
  

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Religious Education & Catholic Life

Christmas Art Storytelling Competition
Congratulations to the ten students who were announced as our school representatives for the Christmas Art Storytelling Competition. Their artworks will feature in the Diocesan Exhibition & Launch this Friday at 11:00am, proudly hosted in the Cathedral School Hall. Compass notifications were sent last week to our representatives and their families.

Our Captains and Vice Captains will also support the event from a hospitality perspective. A reminder that all above students need to wear their full winter uniform as part of their attendance at the Exhibition and Awards Ceremony.

Fathers’ Day Celebrations
Thank you to Year One Staff & Students for their reverent and meaningful liturgy last Friday. Thank you also to the P&F and Staff members who were involved in our special breakfast beforehand.

Stage Mass
Stage 3 came together last week for a wonderful Mass together.  Please join us this Thursday from 9:10am in the Cathedral Church where Years 3 & 4 will come together to celebrate Mass.

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
Registrations for all Sacraments (First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation conclude soon. Please contact the Parish Office this week if possible if you wish for your child to receive one of the above mentioned Sacraments.  

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

Teaching and Learning

Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week
During this week we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible teacher assistants, whose dedication and hard work make a significant impact on our students across K-6. We are privileged to have such a committed group of professionals who provide invaluable support, helping to create a nurturing and productive learning environment. Their contributions, both big and small, are essential to the success of our students, and we are deeply grateful for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our school community.

Catherine O'Neill   | Assistant Principal

Awards

Library

I had a wonderful time accompanying Year 3 on their excursion to the Bathurst City Library last week. The amazing staff at the Library told us about all the books, games, DVDs and other services we can access at the Library like Lego club on a Thursday afternoon. The children listened to stories, did a craft/writing activity and even got to go on a scavenger hunt! I encourage you to join the Library and take your children to visit this wonderful facility.

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

Class In Focus - 5C

This term, Year 5C have been learning about 3D shapes in Mathematics- We had lots of fun exploring 3D shapes by building different shapes with blocks and then classifying their properties- prisms, pyramids, cones, cylinders and spheres.

In Science, Year 5 enjoyed the sunshine this week with the early Spring weather. We made use of the sun shining to go outside for our Science lesson. Each student chose an animal toy. Then with paper and a pencil, we went outside in the sun to draw shadow figures. This demonstrated how shadows work-when an object blocks the sun it casts a shadow. 5C learnt that the position of the sun throughout the day will determine the length of the shadow, whether it casts a long or short shadow. 

And of course 5C, there’s always time for a brain break to do a Just dance! 

We are all looking forward to our Christian Living Camp in a few weeks.

Anna Clayton   | 5C

SPB4L

 SPB4L Committee

Wellbeing

We need volunteers to help with our Breakfast Club every morning from 8.20-8.40am.
Please contact Alana on 0417 044 116 or just show up to the canteen in the morning. Even ten minutes would be a huge help!
A big thank you to the businesses and school families who have provided support for the Breakfast Club.

Merryn Sadler   | Wellbeing Coordinator

Sports

Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to all our students for their efforts at the Diocesan Athletics carnival in Dubbo.  We wish Porsha, Grace, Liam and Max, who have progressed to the Polding Athletics Carnival, to be held in Newcastle on Friday, September 13th, the very best of luck.

Parents please ensure you register by Tuesday, September 3rd, using the handout given with your child's ribbon on Friday. This is for students who placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in any track or field event.

NSWPSSA Softball Boys Championships
Congratulations Carter!
Carter was part of the Polding team at the NSWPSSA Softball Boys Championships tournament held last week in Penrith.
The Polding team placed 8th in a very tight competition.
Carter is our first Cathedral School Softball representative.  Well done Carter!

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!
https://bthcatholic.zoom.us/j62675200979?pwd=duYyV3M2MvdoTVVjclRKZE5jdnlMdzo9
ID:62675200979@zmau.us
Password: 106688

Father’s Day Breakfast and Stall
P & F would like to thank all the volunteers that help on Friday morning

School Disco - 13th September
Time: Infant 5.30-6.15pm Primary 6.30-7.30pm
Cost: $5 (Correct cash would be appreciated)
BYO labelled water bottle
Children must be collected from the hall by an adult, they will not be allowed to leave unattended

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

All band children have received lots of new music, please remind them to practise their new pieces.

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.

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