4 November 2024

Term 4-Week 4

• Monday 4th November 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  • Assembly led by 1M @ 9:00am 
  • 3rd Kindergarten Orientation 9.15am -10.45am -Library
  • U12 Girls League Tag Gala
  • Yr 5 Leadership Workshop
• Tuesday 5th November 2024
  • Crazy Hat Day (Gold Coin Donation)
  • SRC Committee Meeting @ Recess
  • Choir with Mrs Sadler @8.35am
    
• Wednesday 6th November 2024
  
  • P&F Meeting @ 5.30pm in Library
  • Junior Band @1.30pm (this week only)
• Thursday 7th November 2024

  • 'Voices of Grace' Liturgical Music Day

  • Senior Band @7.50am-8.50am
    
  • Didgeridoon Group @ 11am (this week only)
  • School Chaplain Visit @10am- Yr 5
• Friday 8th November 2024
  • Cathedral Twilight Fete 5pm-8pm - ALL WELCOME- Enter via the George Street Entrance
  • Stage 3 Gymnastics - Weeks 1-4

Term 4-Week 5

• Monday 11th November 2024
  
  • Cuppa before Assembly from 8:30am in the Hall
  • Remembrance Day Liturgy & Assembly led by Mr Boylan and the Student Leaders @ 9:00am 
  • 4rd Kindergarten Orientation 9.15am -10.45am -Library
    
• Tuesday 12th November 2024
  
  • PR Committee Meeting @ Recess
  • Yr 6 Police Talk - Transition to High School-2pm
• Wednesday 13th November 2024
  
  • Guitar Group @11.00am
  • Didgeridoo Group @140pm
• Thursday 14th November 2024

  • Senior Band @7.50am

  • Junior Band @11.00am
  • Diocesan Summer Sport Trials for school representatives @ Dubbo - Cricket, Touch Football, Softball
  • School Chaplain Visit-Year 4 @10am
• Friday 15th November 2024
  • Diocesan Summer Sport Trials for school representatives @ Dubbo - Tennis, Basketball
  • Quinn Day shared picnic recess @11-11.40am Parents/Families welcome to join us
  • Quinn Day Mass @ 12pm in Parents/Families welcome to join us 
    

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

I have had the privilege of working with a group of dedicated Year 6 students who have been taking the message of respect to our Primary students. This is an important message for all of our children and I am extremely proud of these young people for calling out some behaviours that do not align with our Catholic values and certainly do not support our mission to bring the love of Jesus to others. 

Our students covered many aspects of respect including our school, national and world history which has included many instances of humanity failing to show the most basic respect to others. Our students identified the way that our First Nations people were treated at and after European Invasion, how women have been treated throughout history, how minority groups, immigrants and refugees have been treated in Australia and  how many of our casual teachers and new students have at times been made to feel unwelcome. 

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his or her race, colour, descent, national origin or ethnic origin, or immigrant status. Our Year 6 students taught their peers that at school they can support our community by ensuring that their  words and actions support the inclusion of all students and that all language at school is appropriate and that it does not include any derogatory statements including those based on a person’s race or culture. 

Our Year 6 students also covered the topic of bullying. Reminding students that bullying behaviours are those that are intentional, unwanted and repeated. They taught students that although rudeness is not kind, a student who is unkind once is not necessarily displaying bullying behaviours but should be course corrected. The traits of an upstander were identified and students were reminded of how to support someone being bullied and how they can seek help if they are being bullied. 

These issues and challenges are not unique to Cathedral and with such a strong community of families, I do believe that we at Cathedral are placed in a strong position to provide the learning and the environment that will promote respect in our school and in our community. As a school we will continue to provide learning for our students throughout the school on the topic of respect. This should also be supported in the home by way of conversation and by limiting access to  inappropriate content.  Here are a few ways that you can support your child in the home. 

• Ensuring that your child  is not regularly exposed to content that uses inappropriate language including the unsupervised use of Youtube and the participation of violent gaming and gaming with chat features. A common question for us to ask a student who has used inappropriate language is, “Where did you learn this?” The most common response is, “Youtube” or “Someone said it to me when I was gaming with them online”. 
• Ensuring that your child is not accessing social media sites. No Primary aged student should be using social media. At the moment the age to access these sites is 13 with many petitioning for the age to be raised to 16. Our children do not have the ability to manage complex relationships online and they should not be placed in the situation where they have to. They require the support of their parents to make sure that they can not access these sites. We can show love to our children by putting in place  boundaries and at times saying ‘no’ to their requests.
• Supporting the school if your child is found to be using inappropriate language or actions that do not show respect. Students who participate in these behaviours will be supported with further learning and may face consequences. Our children will make mistakes and we certainly do not want them hung, drawn and quartered; instead we want to  teach our children while  providing an environment that does not encourage this behaviour.
• Encourage your child to talk to their classroom teacher if they are experiencing bullying or if they believe that another student is. 

The students of Cathedral are intelligent, loving and courageous and our Primary students have responded well to this initiative with many children calling out the behaviour of their friends by walking away and reporting. 

In 2025 we are committed to developing a process for better supporting students who arrive to us from other schools, towns or countries and to continue developing the empathy and kindness that is required by our children to welcome and include others. 

Jesus called us to love one another. We do this by treating each other with kindness and respect and we thank you for supporting us in this mission.

Camille da Silva Tavares   | Principal

Baby News!

A huge congratulations to Mrs Vickers and her family on the birth of baby Brodie. We wish the Vickers family much love and blessings during this very special time.

Teaching and Learning

Student Assessment 

As teachers continue to prepare Semester 2 Reports, a reminder that grades reflect a combination of many components, not just written assessments. These include participation in class discussions, group work, projects, and various learning activities, all contributing to a comprehensive evaluation of each student's progress.

In line with the A-E grading system established by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA), teachers assess students based on clearly defined criteria that encompass a wide range of skills and understandings. This approach provides parents with a clear picture of their child's performance and areas for growth.

While exercise books remain important for recording learning, we also utilise a variety of tools and resources to enhance student engagement. These resources support a dynamic learning environment, ensuring that students can demonstrate their understanding through multiple avenues. Thank you for your ongoing support in your child's education.

Professional Learning

This week, our teaching and administrative staff will be participating in Webinar Week, an engaging series of professional development workshops provided by the CEDB. These sessions are designed to enhance educators' skills and knowledge, equipping them with innovative strategies and resources that directly benefit student learning and engagement.

By participating in these webinars, our staff will have the opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and explore new approaches that can be implemented in the classroom. This professional development not only fosters a culture of continuous improvement among our educators but also ensures that students receive the highest quality of education tailored to their needs.

Mathematics

Ashley Boylan   | Acting Assistant Principal

Religious Education & Catholic Life

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart” Mark 12:30

NOVEMBER - The month of remembrance 

Especially during the month of November each year, the Catholic Church has a beautiful tradition of praying for those who have departed this world.  Significantly, 1 November is the Solemnity of All Saints (All Saints Day) and 2 November is The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day).  

As a wonderful tradition at Cathedral Catholic Primary School in November, we have our own Book of Remembrance containing the names of people we want to remember and pray for. Each class has its own special book and they have a prominent place in our class prayer spaces.

As a members of our Cathedral School community, you are invited to help your child/ren write down the names of any special people that you would like included in the class Books of Remembrance. Your child’s teacher will then help them write these names into the books.

RECONCILIATION & CHAPLAIN VISITS

Over the next 5 weeks, our School Chaplain Fr Karl will be spending time on Thursday mornings with different grades of our students. These visits will be an opportunity for Fr Karl to invite our students of the Catholic faith tradition to live out their faith through the Sacrament of Penance and the gift of forgiveness. These services will be optional and I ask you to please speak with your child to encourage them to participate in this special opportunity. 

“Voices of Grace” LITURGICAL MUSIC DAY ||

Mr Paul Hughes CEDB Religious Education and Faith Formation Education Officer will be hosting a special liturgical music day this Thursday. A number of our Choir members have been invited to attend this day. We wish the students all the best and hope that this is also an opportunity to grow in their faith and relationship with God.

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: School Events

SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS 

It is such a joyful time for the students, and their families, when they receive a sacrament and take another step in their faith journey. Congratulations to these beautiful students!

Julia Baird  | Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Awards

Library

It was my pleasure to accompany Kindergarten last week to BMEC. We saw the wonderful story Frozen, brought to life by the Carillon Junior Theatrical Society. Well done to all the talented Cathedral School students who were in this production!

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

SPB4L - School Wide Positive Behaviours for Learning

‘We are respectful and inclusive during play’

During Week 4 we will continue with our current focus which concentrates on respectful and inclusive interactions during play. The playground is a space where small misunderstandings or conflicts can arise as children navigate these times more independently. Over the next three weeks, we’ll work on developing essential social skills, encouraging students to handle these situations respectfully, responsibly, and kindly.

Week 4 Lessons will include: 

Lesson 4: “Hands and Feet to Myself” - Reinforce safe play by reminding students to respect personal space.

Lesson 5: “Listening to Friends” - Emphasize that listening to others' ideas is a key part of being respectful and inclusive.

Lesson 6: “Handling Disagreements” - Teach students peaceful ways to resolve conflicts during play.

Students are reminded that multiple staff members are always on playground duty to support them, and they are encouraged to seek help whenever needed.

Parents can reinforce this school-wide focus by discussing topics such as turn-taking, sharing equipment, including others in games, letting others choose activities, speaking positively, using assertive (but respectful) language, seeking help, walking away from situations they find uncomfortable, and being an “upstander.”

Julia Baird  | SPB4L Committee

Wellbeing

The Resilience Project - Emotional Literacy

As part of our health lessons with The Resilience Project, we are learning about gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional literacy.

Working on our emotional literacy gives us opportunities to develop our ability to understand and express different emotions. When we improve our emotional literacy, we can work towards recognising our own feelings and our ability to manage them. This allows us to cope with different life situations, such as managing conflict, making friends, coping in difficult situations, and being resilient when dealing with change.

Family Habit Builder:

Around the dinner table, ask everyone to share a feeling they felt during that day. Discuss how they dealt with that feeling and then discuss and share strategies you could use when faced with particular feelings.

HATS

There are still many children that do not have a school hat to wear. Parents, could you please help your child find their hat or purchase them a new one. If there are any issues in this area, please just reach out and we can assist. 

Merryn Sadler   | Wellbeing Coordinator

Sports

Summer Sport Trials

All students attending the Summer Sports Trials in Dubbo, please register on the website according to the note received via Compass.

ALL students must be registered by Wednesday 6th November 2024 in order to attend.

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

Louise Condon   | Sports Coordinator

School Student Travel

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Further information can be found at transportnsw.info/school-travel
Enquiries can be submitted at transportnsw.info/passes-concessions-feedback

Uniform

Our students have been reminded of the correct socks and shoes that should be worn to school. The colour of socks  are listed below. Please support your child by ensuring that they have the correct socks on before leaving home each morning and assisting them to organise their correct school uniform the night before each school day (including socks). 

A reminder that students should be wearing all black leather shoes to school each day except on their designated sport day. For safety, boots with hard, reinforced toes should not be worn as these are not appropriate for participating in sports at lunch time.  

If you are experiencing financial hardship and need support in purchasing the correct uniform then please reach out to our office who will be able to provide assistance. 

Cathedral School Fleecy Sports Tops

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

Parents and Friends

 Cathedral School Parents & Friends 

Next P&F Meeting: Wednesday 6th November 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

School Fete 8th November 5pm- 8pm

If you would like to be part of the Fete Committee please reach out to 

Courtney- 0404 378 971 or Jodie 0417 656 452 

Keep an eye out for the Fete newsletter on a Thursday via compass to see how you can help

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

OSHC

Cathedral OSHC is looking forward to a busy term with several community projects. This term, the children will be organising our annual Christmas Food Drive for The Little Pantry Bathurst. Please support their efforts with non-perishable, and/or long dated food item donations to assist families in need this Christmas season. 

Cathedral OSHC will be accepting donations in the OSHC room during December until 19/12/24 (and we won't turn away early birds!). Our children are also holding a design competition to decorate a giant "gingerbread" house as part of O'Connell Public's Competition. You'll be able to view their work, and hopefully hundreds of others, lining the streets of O'Connell Avenue with Christmas cheer later this year. 

If you'd like to express your interest for a 2025 enrolment, or have a sibling to enrol, please contact our Coordinator at cathedraloshc@centacarebathurst.com.au. 

Music

Instrument Testing Day 

Last Thursday Year 2 and a number of  Year 3-6 children had the fantastic opportunity to try out all of the band and guitar group instruments.

It was great to see them all have so much fun!

We want to thank senior mentors from our Instrumental Music Program for demonstrating their instruments and for showing our Year 2 children great leadership. 

We also thank the Bathurst Academy of Music and Chris Dove Music for giving up their time and music tutors to ensure the day ran smoothly. 

All information has now been sent home with your children. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the Band Director Mr Chris Dove email- chris_dove_trumpet@hotmail.com

Bands & Ensembles School Fete

Our annual Cathedral Fete will be held on Friday 8th of November. Fete rides and activities begin at 5pm. 

We invite you to join our school bands and ensembles for the opening ceremony at 4:45pm in the Mother Ignatius Croke Hall. 

The following students will be required to arrive at the school hall at 4.15pm with their instruments for a rehearsal before the performance. 

-Students in the Didgeridoo group

-Students in the Guitar group

-Students in the Junior Band

-Students in the Concert Band

As students will want to participate in the fete after the performance, we ask that they wear appropriate casual clothes for the performance. Students may leave their instruments in the hall at the conclusion of the opening ceremony. 

All students in our Instrumental Music Program are invited to perform either individually or as a duo throughout the Fete. We ask that students please give their name to Mrs Baird if they would like to be included in the ‘busking’ roster for the evening.

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

Canteen

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.

Volunteer for the Fete

As you know, fundraisers are not a success without volunteers. And here is where you come into help us on the night !!! We have several stalls that require volunteers from our community to help. It’s not all night (unless you want to) but we do have time slots to suit everyone.Grab your friends, Click on this link or use this QR code and volunteer for a time slot that suits you. All stalls are easy to run and come with everything you need.https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/5610932860105/false#/invitation

Cathedral School Fete 2024SignUp.com makes it easy to coordinate school events & classroom activities, fundraisers, snack schedules, potlucks & more!signup.com

Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT

Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT

What works for your child and your family around wellbeing and learning?

Do you have a few minutes to share what works for your child around wellbeing and learning? A positive school experience shared is something we would like to hear. CSPA is listening so go ahead and tell us.

Scan the QR code or click on the survey link: https://bit.ly/3MQTXM4

Thank you from CSPA!

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