Newsletter-Term 3-Week 5-Friday 19th August 2022

Principal's News...

The events of Book Week highlighted the energy and enthusiasm that we all have for sharing in our
learning together. To see our children really embrace the various activities throughout the week
with the support of our parents and grandparents was truly inspiring. As always our Book Character Parade showcased the elite artistic and haberdashery skills of our community. The fierce
competition for the title of best-costume sparked some amazing creativity and made for some
challenging judging.

You may have noticed two of the Carmelite Missionary nuns from Lismore, Sr Di and Sr Evelyn at our Book Character Parade on Tuesday morning. A few children did wonder if they were also dressed up for the day, but discovered that the traditional habit is still worn by this particular order of nuns. It was lovely to meet with the sisters who will hopefully be able to spend some more time in our community supporting the children (and adults) in better understanding how we can enact the mission of Christ in today’s world.

I congratulate everyone for amazing participation all week, and especially all of our winners, from
the Book Character Parade and Spelling Bee to our Year 6 students competing in their Gala Day
events today. I’m sure the winning will continue tonight with some outstanding dance moves at our school Disco – I hope to see some old-school moonwalking.

Our Kindergarten Parent Community night was a great success with over 100 participants sharing in a number of fun activities to celebrate 100 days of “big school”. I thank our Kindergarten team and Mrs Leanne Robbins from the Catholic Schools Office for organising such a great night. I look forward to our Year 1 Parent Community Night next Tuesday at 5:30pm.

Thank you to all our parents and grandparents who have been able to support our school this week.
It gives us strength and creates a real sense of pride for our children that they all have a very special place in our parish school community.

Peace in Christ
Dan Gubby.

School Calendar-Term 3...

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven is the bodily taking up of Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. We celebrated this special feast day on Monday afternoon with a whole school mass. Thank you to our choir for the wonderful music ministry they provided and a big thank you to our school leaders for reading.

Term 3 Sacramental Program

The Sacramental Program notes for Reconciliation and for First Holy Communion were handed out to students this week. To register for the program you will need to attend the first family session in the library on Tuesday, 23rd August.

Sacramental Dates

• Reconciliation Family Session 1- Tuesday, 23rd August at 5:00 pm (Week 6) 
• Parish Welcoming Mass for Candidates- Weekend of 27th and 28th August
• Sacrament of Reconciliation- Tuesday, 30th August at 5:00 pm (Week 7)
• First Holy Communion Family Session 1- Tuesday, 6th September at 5:00 pm (Week 8)
• First Holy Communion Family Session 2- Tuesday, 13th September at 5:00 pm  (Week 9)
• Student Reflection Day- Thursday, 15th September (Week 9 at Holy Family)
• Sacrament of First Holy Communion- Sunday, 18th September at 11.00 am (End of Week 9) followed by a bbq lunch at the school hall.

Term 3 School Masses

All families are welcome to attend our whole school masses during Term 3.

• Tuesday, 6th September at 2.30 pm (Celebration of the beginning of the Season of Creation)

Xavier Instrument Tuition Program                                            

Not only has learning an instrument been proven to enhance learning, but it can also be a fun way to meet new like-minded people and play together with other musicians. It can be the beginning of a lifelong skill that can bring joy to you and others throughout your life!

At Xavier Catholic College, Holy Family and St Francis Xavier students have a great opportunity to have professional tuition during the school day on a range of instruments and voice. The Band has also re-started on Tuesday mornings at 8:10am at Xavier Catholic College.

This term we welcome a new Flute Tutor, Kate Gabarelli, and welcome back Peter Jaggle, Drum Tutor (SFX and HF).

Application forms for the Instrument Tuition Program can be accessed using the QR Code below:

Further information can also be obtained from kathleen.mclennan@lism.catholic.edu.au (Instrumental Program Coordinator)

Matthew Ritchie

Assistant Principal Mission

Parish News...

Revised NSW Government Restrictions for Places of Worship

• Hand sanitiser is provided at entrances to our Churches
• Masks are not mandatory, personal choice can be made if you prefer to wear a mask
• Receival of Holy Communion in the hand only
• Singing is allowed
• Social distancing not mandatory, but encouraged
• Density limits are not mandatory
• If unwell please stay home until you feel well again

Parish Mass Times

Sports News...

Diocesan Athletics Carnival

As mentioned in last week's newsletter, the Diocesan Athletics Carnival was held in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday, 10th August at the impressive Coffs Stadium. Congratulations to Luke Dogan who progressed to the Polding Athletics Carnival at Glendale in Newcastle next month. Luke came third in the Junior Boys 1500m. Well done Luke and best of luck at Newcastle.

Richmond Zone Gala Day-Year 6

The Richmond Zone Gala Day was held today at various venues around Lismore.

The Paul Wilson Memorial Football Challenge, Netball Challenge and Multi-Sports are played with the other eight Richmond Zone Catholic Primary Schools. The day is a fantastic opportunity to bring our school communities together and allow students to mix with other schools in the area and hopefully forge new friendships. We are looking forward to hearing how the day went.

Paddy Wilde

Sports Coordinator

Canteen News...

We Need Volunteers for our School Canteen

Tammy is looking for volunteers for the canteen. If you are able to spare a couple of hours, between 9am and 11:30, once a month please contact the school office on 66863370 or contact Tammy in the canteen and let her know what day suits you.  

Canteen Roster-Term 3-Week 6

Monday, 22nd August to Friday, 26th August

Wednesday Specials Term 3

All Wednesday Specials orders to be placed via the QKR App by 8:30am Tuesday morning prior to the Wednesday Special Day. Our preferred method of ordering and payment is through our Qkr App, however cash is still accepted at the Canteen.

Pasta Day

Wednesday, 24th August

Cost: $5.00

Homemade Spaghetti Bolognaise

It's Pasta Day on Wednesday, 24th August. Please order via the QKR App by Tuesday, 23rd August  at 8:30am

Please note Canteen will not be open for any other food on Wednesday, 24^th August. 

NO LATE ORDERS ACCEPTED

Sushi Special Day

All Sushi Orders need to be placed via the QKR App by 8:30am Monday morning prior to Sushi Day

Week 7	Tuesday, 30th August
Week 9	Tuesday, 13th September

Happy Birthday...

Friday, 19th August to Thursday, 25th August

Wishing all of our students a very happy birthday!

Fathers' Day Information...

Fathers’ Day Stall

Wednesday, 31^st August 2022

&

Thursday, 1^st September 2022

(only if not sold on Wednesday)

There will be a Fathers’ Day Stall, in front of the Canteen starting at 8:30am until 8:55am, for the children to purchase gifts.

A variety of gifts will be available for sale, prices range from $2.00 to $6.00.

Fathers' Day Breakfast

Friday, 2nd September 2022

7:30am to 8:30am

We will be holding a Fathers’ Day Breakfast on Friday, 2^nd September 2022 from 7:30am – 8.30am.  All dads, father figures and grandfathers are welcome to come along with your family and enjoy a bacon and egg roll and a cuppa.

All dads, father figures and grandfathers will receive 1 free bacon and egg roll.  All other family members are requested to pre pay $4.00 per bacon and egg roll. 

If you wish to attend, please order via the QKR App, no later than Monday, 29^th August for catering purposes.

Parent Reminders...

• Attendance - Text Message Responses

When you are entering an explanation for an absence for your child on the Compass App, please make sure you click on the link within the text message and that you are inputting a written reason in the Details/Comment section to explain the absence further. To submit the text back, please click on the Add Attendence Note button.  If you use the Travel option in the drop down box, this will be overwritten by our administration staff to the Unjustified option.

• Office Hours

A reminder for parents that our school office hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday.

• Late Arrivals

If your child arrives after the school bell in the morning, you MUST bring your child to the front office to be signed in.  Your child will then get a late slip to hand to their class teacher. Parents are reminded that ALL VISITORS MUST sign into the school grounds via the school office.

• Change of Details

It is extremely important that you notify the school of any change of address, telephone contact numbers, email addresses, family status and/or residential arrangements. Please email these changes to balp@lism.catholic.edu.au

• Notification of Extended Leave

Travel outside of the school holiday period is counted as an absence for statistical purposes.  If your child/ren are absent for 10 to 100 days, please ensure that you complete a Form A4 Notification Extended Leave Travel (available at the School Office or click on the link Extended Leave Form).  An absence in this case will be recorded using the Code ‘A’ (Unjustified Leave).

In exceptional circumstances parents may complete a Form A1 Application for Extended Leave-Travel for consideration, explaining why an absence for extended leave is in the best educational interest of the student.  The Principal may accept or decline this application. 

Please note relevant travel documentation such as an e ticket or itinerary (in the case of non-flight bound travel within Australia only) must be attached to these applications.

Please note, a return text message notification will NOT be accepted for Extended Leave. 

• Compass Events-School Excursions

The Compass Event Module will be where you will receive all the information about an excursion. It will also be where you are required to give consent and make payment. 

The Event Module is replacing the hard copy note that would normally be sent home.  If you receive an event notification or email, this means your child/ren are required to participate in the event. Please do not disregard the notification or email. If you have any questions about an event, please contact the class teacher or the school office.

Parents are required to action the Excursion Event in Compass prior to the due by date that is stated in the event, unfortunately if you miss the due date your child/ren may miss out on attending. Event notifications will come via email and Compass notification on your Compass App. 

A kindly reminder that this is a new process for everyone, parents, teachers and administration staff, we are all learning together.

School Fees...

Please note that Term 3 School fees for all families not on an official payment arrangement, are now due.   

If there is a genuine financial difficulty in meeting this request it is imperative that an appointment is made with the Principal in order to discuss a suitable payment arrangement.

It is an expectation that payment arrangements are strictly adhered to at all times.  If payment instalments are in arrears it is also imperative to contact the school immediately to discuss the issue with the Principal.  

You can access and pay your school fee account through the Compass App or at the School Office. 

Please note that Direct Payments into our school bank account is not a valid method of payment. 

Please use Bpay, Compass Pay (online options) or EFT & Cash (school office options)

Community News...