5th May 2025

Term 2 - Week 2

• Monday  5th May 2025
  • Pope Francis Reflection & Assembly @ 9am
• Tuesday 6th May 2025
  
  • Diocese Cross Country - Coolah (Select Students)
  • Mini Vinnies @ Recess 
• Wednesday 7th May 2025
  
  • Guitar Group @ 11.00-11.40am (Early recess in classroom at 10.50am)
  • Year 2 Ukulele Group @ 1.10pm
  • Voiceology @ 1.30pm
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1.40pm
    
  • House Meetings @ 2.30pm
    
• Thursday 8th May 2025
  • League Training @ 8:00am
  • Year 3 & 4 Mass @ 9:10am Cathedral Church (Family/Friends Welcome)
  • Senior Band @ 7.50-8.50am 
  • Junior Band @ 11.00-11.40am (Early recess in classroom at 10.50am)
    
• Friday 9th May 2025
  
  • Mother's Day Stall

Term 2 - Week 3

• Monday 12th May 2025
  

  • Mothers Day Breakfast @ 7.00-9.00am - (Family & Friends welcome)

  • Mothers Day Liturgy & Assembly led by Kindergarten @ 9.00am - (Family/ Friends welcome)

  • School Choir @ 8.35am in the Library
  • Agriculture Club @ Recess
    
• Tuesday 13th May 2025
  • Rugby League Gala (Select Students)
  •  Vinnies @ Recess
    
• Wednesday 14th May 2025
  
  • Guitar Group @ 11.00-11.40am (Early recess in classroom at 10.50am)
  • Year 2 Ukulele Group @ 1.10pm
  • Voiceology Group @ 1.30pm
  • Didgeridoo Group @ 1.40pm
  • P&F Meeting @ 5.30pm School Library
• Thursday 15th May 2025
  • Year 5 & 6 Mass @ 9:10am Cathedral Church (Family/Friends welcome)
  •  Junior Band @ 11.00-11.40am (Early recess in classroom at 10.50am)
    
• Friday 16th May 2025
  
  • Athletics Carnival K-6 @ 9.15am - 2.15pm  - MacKillop College (Family/Friends welcome)

Important Dates

From the Principal

As Easter people we are called to witness to the Risen Christ, to be to others the love that Christ gives freely to us. 

Although as parents we all work hard to shelter our children from unnecessary pain and worry, the current climate in our world makes this almost impossible. Often what is reported in the news is in stark contrast to the message of Christ’s love.  At this very time though, we are at an important point in our world’s history and what a privilege for us and our children to be witness to these historical events. 

Like the friends of Jesus were witnesses to His death and resurrection, through modern technology our children have the opportunity to witness the death of our Pope, to witness to the legacy of his life and to witness the election of his successor. To learn about the Papal tradition and  to understand the message of Pope Francis’ papacy … that we all belong to the same human family and that no one is saved alone.

Pope Francis’ consistent message of hope, love and mercy have been reported on the news all over the world and now our children can learn this as it is reported throughout the world;  the importance of the Conclave; the process and the purpose. The images of Catholics gathering in prayer, in celebration and gathered in hope are images that we should not shelter our children from. These are images that show the very thing that Pope Francis pointed to; that we all belong to the one human family.

So over the coming weeks, I urge you to speak with your children about the many historical events that have and continue to take place; the life of Pope Francis and the election of our new Pope.

Our Year 6 students presented to us the greatest story of all time, the witness of the Resurrection of our Lord and as we continue through the Easter season may we pray in thanksgiving for the example of Pope Francis, for his witness to the message of Christ’s love for all humanity and may we pray fervently that the successor to the Chair of St Peter will continue to lead God’s people to embrace all of humanity so that our world can rest in the true peace of Christ’s love for us. 

Family TV Viewing during the Conclave (Parental Guidance required)
The Two Popes 
The Good Pope 
Vatican News

Our Newsletter will be published fortnightly in 2025 and we encourage you to access the Google Cathedral Community Calendar so that you can stay current with school dates and celebrations. 

Camille Tavares   | Principal

Catholic Schools Week - 12-18th May 2025

This Catholic Schools Week we ask you to invite others to learn about the beauty of Catholic Education. School Tours will take place throughout next week for anyone considering Cathedral in the future. We also celebrate with a number of events throughout that represent the diversity, opportunity and community of Cathedral. 

Monday 12th May 
Mothers’ Day Breakfast (from 7:30am)
Mothers’ Day Liturgy led by Kindergarten (from 9am) 

Tuesday 13th May
Cathedral School Tours
Together for Humanity Workshops (Years 3-6)
Rugby League Gala Day 

Wednesday 14th May
Voices of Grace Workshop 
(Choir & Liturgy & Worship Committee)

Thursday 15th May
Cathedral School Tours 

Friday 16th May
Cathedral Athletics Carnival @ MacKillop College

Sunday 18th May 
Catholic Schools Week Mass - 10am @ The Cathedral

Alpha

This Thursday, our Parish begins another season of Alpha. Alpha is a wonderful space to discuss faith, to ask questions and to share a beautiful meal. All are very welcome. 

To register, use the QR code or use this link. If you are a little unsure or would like to find out more please reach out to Anna Clayton (5C) or Camille Tavares. 

Annual School Improvement Survey

Our school will be asking all parents, students and staff to complete the Annual School Improvement Survey. The Surveys will be distributed to all staff, parents and Yr 5-12 students on Thursday 8th May (Wk 2, Term2).

These surveys enable all members of the school community to have a voice. We do take note of all comments written as they are valuable insights from key stakeholders of the school. The comments and data provides information about how well the school is operating, highlighting areas of strengths and those that may need revision. Overall, the data collected from the surveys provide highly valuable information that directs the school's future planning for continual improvement.

ANZAC March

We thank our many students, staff and families for joining our school and other community groups for the ANZAC March. We were incredibly proud of our students and so grateful for this commitment.

Awards

Teaching and Learning

Public Speaking

Following our Cathedral Public Speaking Competition held at the end of last term, we acknowledge and congratulate the winners who will go on to represent Cathedral School at the CWA Public Speaking Competition in Orange in the last week of May. The venue will be the CWA Rooms in Robertson Park, Byong Street Orange.

Cathedral Representatives are detailed below:

The list of entrants and their speaking times in each Grade Competition will be forwarded to schools after all entries have been received and at least 7 days before the 27th May 2024. Each Grade  will be broken into smaller groups and allocated a time for their section with the first group commencing at 9am. All contestants are asked to be at the venue at least 30 minutes before their nominated time. 

Spelling Bee Champions off to Diocesan Compeition   

We congratulate Paige P (3MO) and Kiki (3MO), along with Hunter and Kyle (6B) for their success at the Cathedral Spelling Bee Stage Finals last week. These students will now represent Cathedral School at the Diocesan Spelling Bee at St Mary’s Wellington on Wednesday 28th May. The Stage 2 Spelling Bee will commence at 9 am and the Stage 3 Spelling Bee will commence at 11.45 am. Information about this event will be communicated to parents and students during the week.

National Walk Safely to School Day – Friday 16 May 2025

Every year, Walk Safely to School Day reminds us to get moving, stay healthy and support our kids in learning how to be safe on our roads. It’s a great opportunity for families to walk together, enjoy some fresh air, and do something positive – for our health, our community, and our environment.

Walking to school helps children build healthy habits, learn important road safety skills, and arrive energised and ready to learn. It’s also a timely reminder that children under 10 should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road.

As a community, we all have the responsibility to make sure our children are active and healthy. We encourage families to join this initiative on May 16.

Catholic Schools Week – Cathedral Celebrates Our Community

At the end of next week we begin to celebrate Catholic Schools Week with the theme Guided by Faith, Inspired by Hope, Committed to Learning. It’s a special time to recognise everything that makes our school community so strong – from the dedication of our teachers to the curiosity and kindness of our students.

At Cathedral, we nurture hearts and minds through faith, we look to the future with hope, and we learn together every day. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just discovering our school, we invite you to share in this week of celebration and connection. 

Mrs Catherine O'Neill   | Assistant Principal

Winter Uniform - Term 2

Our students return to school in their full winter uniform. This includes the wearing of the school tie. 

Please make sure that your child is correctly dressed including: tie, correct shoes and socks. If you are experiencing financial hardship and require support with the purchase of uniforms we ask that you please contact the office. 

For our girls wearing the maroon winter dress,  navy stockings should be worn or white socks with the maroon trousers. Boys should wear grey socks. All students wear black leather shoes (not joggers except on sport day).

A reminder that hair below the shoulders should be tied up and only basic hair accessories in school colours should be worn.   Nail polish is not to be worn to school and only one pair of small plain stud earrings are suitable to be worn to school. 

Project Compassion Thank you

Together, we can help those in need — one small step at a time.

The Wellbeing & Hospitality Committee would just like to say a huge thank you to our school community for all the support you gave to people in need through Project Compassion.
Thank you for the cash donations to Project Compassion and for generously donating prizes for the Easter Egg raffle. We had a total of 99 prizes to share across the school!

We would like to give a special congratulations to Kindergarten for donating the highest amount of money (through their class box, individual boxes, and Easter raffle), which came to a total of $510.55!!!

As a school, we raised well over our combined School-Wide target of $1,600, which meant we got to enjoy watching Mr Boylan and poor Mrs Baird get their hair dyed for the day! OMG! What a fun morning that was.

We hope the Year 5 students are already thinking of ideas for 2026 when they lead the committee. 
As a school community, we raised a HUGE amount of money—our total was $3,257.90!

Thank you so much for all your contributions to Project Compassion! Thank you for your generosity and for living out our school values of compassion and love.
Thank you. 

Matilda & Maya on behalf of Year 6 Hospitality and Wellbeing Committee 
(Matilda, Lara, Camella, Maya, Gurleen, Lily, Kyle, Genevieve & Musab with the support of Mrs Baird)

Class in Focus 6B

 🌟 What’s Happening in Year 6? So Much to Celebrate! 🌟

Term One was a whirlwind of learning, leadership, and laughter for our amazing Year 6 students! They’ve hit the ground running in 2025 - growing in confidence, leading with pride, and showing just how brightly they can shine.

🎭 A Musical Moment to Remember
Just before the holidays, Year 6 had the joy of attending the Combined Colleges Musical "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown." We were blown away by the talent on stage - especially from our very own past students! Many of us left feeling inspired to tread the boards ourselves when we head to Stannies and MacKillop next year.

✝️ Bringing Holy Week to Life
In a deeply meaningful way, Year 6 led the school community in reflecting on Holy Week, and now Easter too. Through moving dramatic presentations, they helped all of us experience the story of Jesus with fresh eyes and open hearts. Their reverence and creativity were truly something special.

🇦🇺 Honouring Service at the ANZAC Day March
Many Year 6 proudly represented our school at the ANZAC Day community march, walking in honour of those who served and sacrificed. With respect and maturity, they stood as leaders and role models, showing our school's commitment to remembering our history and valuing those who have protected our freedoms.

🖤💛❤️ Celebrating Culture with Aunty Karen
During our Wiradjuri Culture and Language lessons with Aunty Karen, we've been learning the names of animals in Wiradjuri. Did you know some English animal names come from Wiradjuri words? yabbi (yabby), dyumbag (sheep), wambad (wombat), gugaa (goanna), wambuwuny (kangaroo), barrandhang (koala), budyabudya (butterfly), gurruganbalang (cow), and gadi (snake) are just a few! Our competitive spirits have been out in full force during our memory games - language learning has never been this fun!

💫 Looking Ahead
With Term Two underway, Year 6 is ready to keep the momentum going—embracing challenges, trying new things, and being leaders in learning, faith, and friendship.

This term, we’ll build on our Three-Way Conference goals, exploring rich literature and refining our writing as young authors. In Mathematics, we’ll broaden our strategies and apply them confidently, while in Geography, we’ll focus on mapping, weather, global connections, and understanding First Nations Australians’ perspectives. Science and Technology will centre on Energy on the Move, and in Art, we’ll explore expression and meaning through the Christmas Story for the Christmas Art Storytelling Competition.

Religious Education will continue to be a key focus, with many students enrolling at the Parish Office for the Sacrament of Confirmation, growing as young Christian adults. We’ll also participate in parish life and community events, including Catholic Schools’ Week, as we celebrate our shared faith and values.

Year 6 is embracing deep thinking, making connections, and applying learning in meaningful ways. We can’t wait to see all they’ll achieve this term!

Article submitted by Maya and Matilda 6B on behalf of Year 6 Hospitality and Wellbeing Committee 

Mrs Baird   | 6B Teacher

Class In Focus KA

Kindergarten have settled back into learning so beautifully this week and have enjoyed sharing in the whole school Easter Season celebrations. A particular highlight was creating the Easter Hats with our 5A buddies and taking part in the Hat Parade. This week we have also learnt about ANZAC Day and created some special artworks to commemorate this special day in our Australian History. In Mathematics, we have discovered the meaning of hefting and have been busy sequencing classroom items from lightest to heaviest. It has been a wonderful start to Term 2 and we look forward to celebrating Mother’s Day and attending the Athletics carnival in the weeks ahead.

Mrs Avinash   | KA Teacher

Religious Education & Catholic Life

Pope Francis
On Monday in Week 2, we will gather for a special assembly at 9am in the School Hall to celebrate the life of Pope Francis, who recently passed away. We are inspired by Pope Francis’ example of living out Jesus’ teachings through humility, love, and service to others. He reminded us to care for those in need, protect God’s creation, and live as people of faith, hope, and compassion. We invite everyone to join us as we reflect on his life and give thanks for his leadership and legacy.

Holy Week & Resurrection Encounter 
An extended thank you to everyone who was able to be a part of the Holy Week and Resurrection Encounters. 

These significant events provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, while strengthening our faith and sense of community.

A special acknowledgment goes to our Year 6 volunteers, whose creativity and dedication brought these encounters to life. Their efforts inspired others in our school and deepened our collective understanding of these sacred moments. We are especially grateful for the extra time and effort the Year 6 students gave during Recess and Lunch at the end of term to ensure the success of these events. Your commitment is truly appreciated, and you have set a wonderful example for the school.  

Thank you for making this year’s Holy Week and Resurrection Encounters such a meaningful and memorable experience. Please see our school Facebook page for snapshots of the encounters and share a comment about the experiences of the days.

Easter Celebrations
We are so grateful for the involvement of our students, families, and staff last Wednesday. Another thank you to our Year 6 student volunteers for leading the morning reflection in the hall. Your thoughtfulness and leadership set the tone for a meaningful morning of celebrations.  The Easter Hat Making activity with buddy classes was a creative and fun way to come together and  gave us the opportunity to see so many imaginative and colourful designs on display. Thank you to all the families who attended and joined us. Your presence and participation made this event truly special for our community.

Project Compassion
We are excited to share that we not only met but exceeded the Year 6 Wellbeing & Hospitality Committee’s class fundraising goal for Project Compassion, raising an incredible $3600 so far!

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed—whether through donations, time or prayer. As promised, I fulfilled my commitment to sport new hair colours after students met the challenge set by the Wellbeing & Hospitality Committee. After much coaxing and convincing, it was only fair that Mrs Baird joined in, also sporting vibrant new hair colours. This fun challenge was a wonderful way to support such a meaningful cause.

It’s not too late to donate—can we reach the $4000 mark? This massive effort is making a huge impact towards Project Compassion, and every contribution counts. Bring in your last donations or donate online following the QR code below. Thank you for your incredible generosity and support!  ​​

Easter Raffle  
Our Easter Egg Raffle was a wonderful celebration of generosity and community spirit, made possible by your thoughtful donations and ticket purchases. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!  A big thank you to the Wellbeing & Hospitality Committee and Mrs Baird for leading this initiative in Term 1 and making it such a success.

Sacramental Program
Students in Year 3 finalised their school-based preparations for First Eucharist last term, and Year 2 have now completed corresponding preparations for First Reconciliation.  Families of the above students can now approach the Parish Office to enrol and coordinate the receiving of these sacraments. Year 2 and Year 3 classroom teachers and I are more than happy to provide any support with this process, so please reach out to us.

Coming Up
Please always reference the School Community Calendar for the latest event details and changes:

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
Please always reference the School Community Calendar for the latest event details and changes:

Ashley Boylan | Religious Education Coordinator

SPB4L-School Wide Positive Behaviours for Learning

Mr Ashley Boylan   | On behalf of the SPB4L Committee

Sports

On Monday 31st March, the K-2 children enjoyed their mini Cross Country fun run at school. We would like to thank all the families who came to support their children and cheer them on. All students should be very proud of their wonderful attitude and effort during the event. Congratulations to our winners listed below:

Kindergarten Boys: 1st - Henry Stacpoole, 2nd - Charlie English, 3rd - Harry Buckley, 4th - Oliver Hanckel.
Kindergarten Girls: 1st - Isabella Fox, 2nd - Belle Connolly, 3rd - Penny Costello, 4th - Zoe Corby.
Year 1 Boys: 1st - Hamish Hanrahan, 2nd - Ruben Eves, 3rd - Alfred Ball, 4th - Tahkye Windsor.
Year 1 Girls: 1st - Claire McMahon, 2nd - Frankie Cutler, 3rd - Juliana Brizuela, 4th - Harper Noyen.
Year 2 Boys: 1st - Archie Barnes, 2nd - Vinayak Goit, 3rd - Riley Kilby, 4th - Cooper English.
Year 2 Girls: 1st - Piper Tebbenhoff, 2nd - Millie Paul, 3rd - Rionna Enrile, 4th - Imogen Buckley.

Diocesan Winter Trials

A big congratulations to Solomon from 4W who was selected into the Under 11’s Polding Rugby League Team last Friday. Solomon will now participate in the NSWPSSA Carnival to be held in Sydney from the 2nd-4th June. Good luck Solomon

Athletics Carnival
Our school athletics carnival will be held next Friday 16th May. A note about this went onto Compass today.

Cassie Toole   | Sports Coordinator

Library

Merryn Sadler   | Teacher Librarian

Did you know the Bathurst City Library have a Lego Club?

Wellbeing

Merryn Sadler   | Wellbeing Coordinator

Mini Vinnies

Congratulations to all the Mini Vinnies Club members who made and sold Easter crosses and baskets for those in need last term. These wonderful students managed to reach their target goal and raised just over $100 to give to the local Vinnies Food Van. Thank you to all Mini Vinnies members for your hard work and to all members of the school community who supported this cause by buying these lovely crosses and baskets. The Mini Vinnies Club meets each Tuesday at Recess in the KA classroom. Please see Mrs Avinash if you would like to join the club.

Genevieve Avinash | Mini Vinnies Coordinator

Parents and Friends

Next P&F Meeting: Wednesday 14th May 5:30pm - School Library
Everyone is invited to attend our monthly P&F meetings, which are usually held on the first Wednesday of each school month at 5:30pm in the Library (Except this Month). 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

THANK YOU
We would like to thank everyone that put in an order for the Bulb fundraiser. 

MOTHER’S DAY 
Friday 9th May - Gift Stall
Ordering for Mother’s Day Gifts will be available on Flexischools under the “Event” section.

Monday 12th May 7.30am-9am- Mother’s day Breakfast
Please come and enjoy breakfast with your child from 7.30am.

Volunteers
If your available to help with the Mother’s Day stall or the breakfast please email cathedralpandf@gmail.com Any help would be greatly appreciated

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

SCHOOL BACKPACKS

The school backpacks can be ordered on FlexiSchools for $65 – click on shop, then your child’s name, then uniform shop. The back pack will be delivered to your child’s classroom along with the lunch orders so you can select a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday for delivery, then select backpack and finalise your order. 

THE BACKPACK CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED AT THE FRONT OFFICE.

We have attached the flyer about the backpack here for your reference.

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

Canteen

Canteen Roster Term 2 2025

CAN YOU HELP?

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.

School Calendar Handy Hints

Google Calendar is an easy way to keep up to date with the school events.  This can be found on our school website under the Parents and Families tab. Below 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

Community Notices

Good Shepherd Sunday – 11th May 2025

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, a special day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood.

We are invited to pray that more will hear and respond generously to the call of the Lord to serve the Church.
At the end of Mass today, there will be a leaving collection to support the Education of Priests, which assists in the formation and support of those preparing for priesthood and ministry within our Diocese.

Please take a prayer card or flyer home with you and continue to pray for vocations throughout the year.

To give electronically please use the QR code. 

"The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37–38)

Thank you for your prayers and support.

https://bathurst.catholic.org.au/good-shepherd/

Deacon Josh Clayton