Newsletter-Term 3-Week 8-Friday 9th September 2022

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

We welcomed our Kinder 2023 students to our school for their first orientation session on Tuesday this week. It was so nice to see the children again after their initial interviews and great to see them engaging with their new classmates in our Kindergarten rooms. Special thanks to our Year 6 student leaders who supported the new Kinders during their first session, Juliette, Helena, Zali, Lennox, Tanika and Indigo. 

This week saw our school connect with our broader community in a number of ways with our Year 4 and Year 5 children engaging in excursions around our local area. On bike and foot, our children left their classrooms to enhance their Geography and Science units. Well done to our Year 4 and 5 teachers for your creative innovations and to all our students who represented our school so proudly in the public arena. A big thank you too to our parent helpers – your commitment to our children brings a real strength to our community.

I have already received a number of videos from grandparents sending wishes to the grandchildren and our community for Grandparents Day (October 28^th). If you would like to surprise your children with a message from their grandparents who live too far away to attend our celebration, please have them record a message and email it directly to me to be added to the compilation – daniel.gubby@lism.catholic.edu.au .

Today I had the great pleasure of competing against our Year 3 children in their 100 seconds times tables challenge. We will be holding a competition between staff, students and parents on Tuesday 18^th October to see who can achieve the highest average of correct randomised times tables in 100 seconds. If you would like to register as a member of the parent team, please email me your interest and I will count you in. Hopefully we will have 6 super-fast parents to form the parent team. You might wish to download this link to print off some practice sheets. 100 Second Times Tables

Thank you to those who completed the recent Tell Them From Me survey. Your feedback is appreciated as it will guide future decisions as we make improvements in various areas of our school culture. Thank you also to those who attended our information session on Improving Student Writing and to the staff who prepared and presented on the night.

As we come towards the end of the term, we have seen a number of children not adhering to our school uniform expectations. We appreciate that at times correct uniform items might not be available due to damage, wetness, loss or growth-spurts. In these cases, certain time will be allowed for these items to be procured. In these cases, a dated letter should be provided to advise of the reason. Deliberately wearing incorrect uniform, however, shows a lack of pride in our school community and may result in a child missing lunch play or (depending on the extremity) being sent home. Being unaware of the school’s uniform expectations, including hairstyles and jewellery is no excuse. If you're struggling financially to provide your child with correct uniform items, please contact me confidentially for support. Growing up with four older siblings, and consequently wearing many a hand-me-down, I can assure you, I will cast no judgement on anyone struggling to provide new clothing for their child.

Peace in Christ

Dan Gubby

School Calendar-Term 3 & 4

Term 3

Term 4

Assistant Principal Mission...

Term 3 Sacramental Program (Students in Year 4 and above)

The Sacramental program for First Holy Communion is underway with our first family session being held Tuesday evening. The second family session is this coming Tuesday at 5.00 pm in the library. We keep all of these students in our prayers as they move toward their First Holy Communion Sacrament on Sunday the 18th of September at 11.00am in the St Francis Xavier Church.

Sacramental Dates

• 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 11.00am (End of Week 9) followed by a bbq lunch at the school hall.

Term 3 School Mass

On Thursday we celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a whole school mass. Special feast days usually mark the date of the death of a Saint or holy person but this feast day marks the birth of Mary. This shows how important Mary is to Catholics as the only other person who has a special day marking their birth is Christmas Day for Mary’s son Jesus.

Walkathon

On Friday, 23rd September (last day of term3) we will be holding a Walkathon. Money raised will go to our local St Vincent De Paul Society. Our SRC is organising the event and they are continuing with the theme of "Step up for the Homeless."

The students will be divided into stages and each stage will walk at different times through out the day. Each lap is 300m long, students receive a stamp after each lap is completed. 

• Kinder to Year 2: Will walk 20 mins
• Years 3 & 4: Will walk 30 mins
• Years 5 & 6: Will walk 40 mins

Sponsorship for the walkathon can either be an amount per lap or a fixed amount of the sponsors choice. A pledge form was handed to each student this week. 

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.

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

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

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

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

Learning & Teaching News...

Tournament of Minds

STEM

Our Tournament of Minds STEM team was given the challenge to display a 300g golden nugget on a spinning platform from a variety of angles. The challenge was called Gold Rush. We were to use a list of items that were acceptable for the device. We used magnets that retracted from each other to create the moving platform, which was connected to a wooden structure with fishing line. The nugget was made out of 300gs worth of split peas and multiple pantyhoses. The group struggled with teamwork but in the end we put together ideas and created our platform. On the day we presented our platform and ideas in a play that was restricted with a maximum limit of 10 mins. Our presentation and spinning device was successful and the gold was seen by a set of judges from a variety of angles.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Our challenge was called Circles of Time. It required us to make a discovery about the remains of a circle of time. Our criteria required us to describe the features of this circle such as, the structural features, who was involved, how it impacted the world and why it should be preserved. We decided to choose an already existing organisation, the Suffragettes, and look at the circle in a metaphorical perspective. In this case, the circle was made of the women among it and how they voiced their beliefs. We presented our project in a news report and used made up diary entries for evidence. We performed our project in a small theatrical performance that we hoped would show people the importance and true meaning of the Suffragettes.

Year 6 Class News

In Science this week, Year 6 Students were asked to use their knowledge learnt throughout the unit “Changing and combining materials” and predict which substance made ice melt the fastest. Each learning team was provided with 4 ice cubes. Foil was wrapped around one ice cube. A teaspoon of salt was placed on one ice cube. A teaspoon of sugar was placed on another ice cube and the fourth ice cube was left alone. During the experiment children were able to record their findings and check their predictions. After the experiment, groups provided scientific reasoning behind why salt melted the ice fastest.

The Year 6 Team

Sports News...

SFX Swimming Carnival

The annual Swimming Carnival is this year on Friday, 25th November. We have traditionally held our Carnival in the first couple of weeks of the new school year which can be problematic with regards to weather and the short turn around to the Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival which is generally at the beginning of Week 3.

Intensive Swimming Program

The new swimming carniavl date works perfectly with the completion of the Intensive Swimming Program - students can put new swimming skills into practice.  A big thank you to Francis Quinn who has been, once again, extremely accommodating for us.

More information regarding the Intensive Swimming Program will come closer to the date.

Kinder to Year 2 (8 sessions)

• Monday, 14th November - Friday, 18th November (5 days) 
• Monday, 21st November - Wednesday, 23rd November (3 days) 

Times the students will be attending:

• Kindergarten: 12:00pm-1:00pm 
• Stage 1 (Years 1&2): 1:00pm - 2:00pm 

Years 3 to 6 (6 sessions)

• Monday, 14th November - Friday, 18th November 
• Monday, 21st November

Times the students will be attending:

• Stage 3 (Year 5 & 6): 9:30am -10:30am 
• Stage 2 (Year 3 & 4): 10:30am -11:30am 

Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials

The Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials will be held at various locations around Lismore next Term on Thursday, 27th October (Back up Date: Tuesday, 1st November).

Students who are in Years 4 and 5 and are of a representative standard may nominate. If necessary, a trial will be held at school if nomination numbers exceed seven.

Students can nominate for the following sports:

• Cricket (Boys & Girls)
• Touch Football (Boys & Girls)
• Tennis (Boys & Girls)
• Basketball (Boys & Girls)
• Softball (Boys & Girls)

Students selected at the Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials will then compete at the Diocesan Summer Sports Trials on Friday, 25th November in Lismore.

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 9 

Monday, 12th September- Friday, 16 September

Week 10

Monday, 19th September- Friday, 23rd  September

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.

Stir Fry Chicken Noodles

Wednesday, 14th September

Cost: $5.50

Stir Fry Chicken Noodles Day - Wednesday, 14th September. Please order via the QKR App by Tuesday, 13th September  at 8:30am

Please note Canteen will not be open for any other food on Wednesday, 14th September. 

NO LATE ORDERS ACCEPTED

Sausage Sizzle Day

Wednesday, 21st September

Cost: $4.00

Sausage Sizzle Day - Wednesday, 21st September. Please order via the QKR App by Tuesday, 20th September  at 8:30am

Please note Canteen will not be open for any other food on Wednesday, 21st September. 

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 9

Tuesday, 13th September

Student Awards...

Congratulations to all of our award recipents this week. 

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all our students a wonderful birthday!

Friday, 2nd September to Thursday, 22nd September

Parent Assembly News...

Community News...

Active Kids News...

Parent Information...

Newsletter Update

We will now be publishing our School Newsletter on a fortnightly basis. The newsletter will be published in Week Two, Four, Six, Eight and Ten of each Term. All important notices and events will be communicated via Compass on a regular basis. Our school Facebook page will be updated regulary with exciting events that have happened at school.

School Assembly Update

School Assemblies are now on a fortnightly basis. 

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 has replaced 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.