St Raphael’s Catholic School Term 1, Week 3/A Newsletter 12 February 2018 And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry. We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation. Dear Parents, The Swimming Carnival last week was characterised by very strong participation rates and strong leadership performances by our sports leaders. Parental support is crucial for successful carnivals – there is little mystery why your children are so highly involved when you give such excellent example. The hospitality personnel were kept busy providing drinks and refreshments for teachers and parent helpers. Balancing a K-12 Carnival appropriately is hugely demanding and we aim to provide challenge and excellence for gifted swimmers as well as fun and carnival for the whole school family – thank you and congratulations to organizer, Mr Luke O’Reilly. Tomorrow marks the tenth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation. We would do well to give time to reflecting on the significance of the apology reprinted below: “Today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history. We reflect on their past mistreatment. We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations - this blemished chapter in our nation's history. The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia's history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future. We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country. For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry. To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry. P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written. We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians. A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again. A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity. A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed. A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility. A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.”
Michael Gallagher Principal
Ash Wednesday Prayer Father in Heaven, May this season of repentance bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness and the gift of Your light. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. It is a time of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection.
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Why did my child come home and say that they had ‘maths intervention’ today? An essential part of being a PLC school is tracking our students to ensure all students are displaying a sound understanding of the specific outcome/s we are teaching. If throughout the course of teaching a specific skill/concept, students need support to grasp a concept, intervention will be provided.
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What does intervention entail? Maths intervention is provided to students who require additional time and revision in order to consolidate their understanding of a specific concept. Identified students are withdrawn from class up to 20 min x 4 times a week (Infants) or 3 x 35 mins (Primary) only for the duration of that concept.
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Is my child always at maths intervention? The simple answer is no. Students will only receive intervention for the concepts they struggle with. For example: Amy was withdrawn for intervention when learning Time. Though the next concept was Division and Amy displayed a sound knowledge of this and was not withdrawn. PLC Intervention groups are fluid as this practise acknowledges that not all students struggle or grasp all mathematical concepts equally.
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How do I know when my child is receiving this additional maths intervention support? A simple note will be sent home with your child explaining that they are receiving intervention. This note will identify the concept your child is receiving extra support for and we would love if this concept could also be reinforced at home.
The ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
Dates for the Calendar Wednesday 14th February - Ash Wednesday Mass 9.30am
Monday 12 Happy birthday to Mia Hudson, Maria Kollas and John Van Rheede Tuesday 13 National Apology Day Wednesday 14 Ash Wednesday Mass 9-30am Thursday 15 Happy birthday to Jebediah York Year 7 Welcome BBQ 6-7pm Friday 16 Happy birthday to Ava Broad, Connor Frazer, Brooke Lewis and Jarrod Stead
We hope this has helped answer some of your questions. We are proud to be a PLC school with an unwavering focus on student learning.
PLC Your child may have spoken to you about PLC. PLC is an acronym meaning Professional Learning Communities. We want to give you a little bit of information to help clarify some common questions and help keep our families well informed.
1. What is PLC? PLC is an approach to school improvement where groups of teachers work collaboratively at the school level to improve student outcomes. 2.
Why is St Raphael's a PLC school? Building a PLC is a proven way for schools to increase student learning by creating a culture that is: focussed on continuous improvement by linking the learning needs of students with the professional learning and practice of teachers committed to professionalism fuelled by collaborative expertise.
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
St Raphael’s Swimming Carnival 2018 On Thursday 8th February all staff and students of St Raphael’s made their way to the Cowra Aquatic Centre for what became an outstanding day of ‘wet and wild’ action! An amazing display of skill, finesse and style was showcased by all participates in and out of the pool! Congratulations to these talented individuals that took out the respective Age Champion Titles. Junior Girls (8-10 years) - Pyper Muddle Junior Boys (8-10 years) - Jack Miller 11 Year Old Girls - Laura Price 11 Year Old Boys - William Pearce Senior Girls (12-13 years) - Mia Hudson Senior Boys (12-13 years) Carter Langfield 12 years Girls (Secondary) - Tianna Azzopardi Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
12 years Boys (Secondary) - Jack Webb 13 years - Meg Jones 13 years Boys - Jarred Stead 14 years Girls - Emma Wilkinson 14 years Boys - Michael McNamara & Will Thompson 15 years Girls - Ruby Frazer 15 years Boys - Noah Keen 16 years Girls - Kate Price 16 years Boys - Jack Harper 17+ years Girls - Samantha MacCabe 17+ years Boys - Benjamin Price Highlight of the day had to be the ‘Senior Swim Team’ just edging out the ‘Year 6 Swim Team’ in the Annual Relay Event. Unfortunately for the ‘Staff Swim Team’ and the ‘Parent and Friends Swim Team’, more training in preparation for next years event is required. A massive thank you to all parents who volunteered their time throughout the day. Good luck to all competitors who will go on to compete at the Eastern Region Swimming carnival on Tuesday 20th (Primary).
Primary Age Champions
Polding Summer Sports Trials Five students travelled to Newcastle to participate in the annual Polding Summer Sports Trials. Lily Gee, Sophie McLennan and Madeleine Savage represented the Bathurst Diocese in Girls Cricket. There was some very tough competition this year, unfortunately none of our cricketing stars made it into the Polding team, though from all reports they represented our school beautifully. Well done ladies! Lucas McKenzie and Ky Garratt represented the Bathurst Diocese in Boys Tennis. Both boys played hard and with wonderful sportsmanship! A massive congratulations to Ky Garrat who was successful in being selected in the 2018 Polding Tennis team.
Secondary Age Champions (Absent Will Thompson)
Sport Uniform: Mon A
Tues A
Wed A
Thurs A
7PDH1
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8PDH2
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9PDH1 X
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10PDH1
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PASS1 (Miss Atkinson)
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PASS2 (Mr Carroll)
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SLR
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9PDH2
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Fri A
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Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Sport Uniform: Mon B
Tues B
Wed B
7PDH1 7PDH2
Thurs B
Fri B
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8PDH2
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PASS1 (Miss Atkinson)
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Hats off to you and thank you!
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PASS2 (Mr Carroll)
A very big thankyou to David Partridge, Will Ousby, Stephen Rutledge and Matt Frazer for their time Saturday morning in preparing for the next stage of playground renovation. These men gave up their Saturday morning and pruned a pepper tree and removed two precarious leaning gums. In addition to their time they also provided a their own truck and telehandler to remove the green waste and provided an area on their property for disposal.
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Year 7 2018 Sausage Sizzle. This Thursday evening all Year 7 parents (and siblings) are invited to join us for a brief evening catch up at school. The aim being to connect names to faces for year 7 students, parents and teachers. Please come along with your son or daughter and enjoy a sausage sandwich. We’d love to see you. This is a chance to meet the home room team plus a few of the class room teachers. th Date: 15 February. Time: 6-7pm. Venue: St Raphael’s Courtyard. There is a return note in Diaries to indicate numbers for catering.
Parents, carers and teachers be prepared for a call to arms in the coming weeks as we approach the deadline for K-2 playground resurfacing. There are some preliminary works that must be completed prior to the deadline. These stages of the renovation involve a greater amount of funds, so if we can stretch our hard earned fundraising dollars further with some of our own skills and muscle we will. Watch this space!
Morning Arrival of Children Safe morning delivery of children needs the consideration and co-operation of motorists. Go to the front of the available drop-off zone to enable others to park and deliver their children as well. Please deliver the children and move away from the delivery zone carefully and promptly. Between 8:30 and 9:30am the zone is “No Parking” so you cannot leave your car. If you want to come into the school then park outside the zone and walk. Canteen Update This week’s roster is as follows: Tues 13
Wed
Kristy White
CLOSED
Jessica Newcombe
Thurs 15
Fri 16
Mon 19
Fiona Kerin
Robyn McAlister
Mistie Hodder
Dianne Franks
Anna Thirkell
Thank you to all my helpers on Thursday at the swimming Carnival it wouldn't have ran so smoothly without you, it is very much appreciated. Starting this Friday for lent their will be NO SLUSHIES ON FRIDAYS ONLY UNTIL THE END OF TERM.
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Centacare Bathurst - OCAFSS – COWRA PROGRAM OF EVENTS February - May 2018 Enquiries/Bookings for any of these events: Jan Chivers 0418 366 855 Event Playtime in the Park Activities & free BBQ lunch
Date 5 February 11am 1st Monday each month X 2 hours
Keeping Children Safe
Tuesday, 6 February 1-3pm 3 weeks X 2 hours
Fussy Eaters Workshop
Monday, 12 February 10 am 1 session x 2 hours
Marang Dhali Cooking Group
Wednesday, 21 February 10 am 4 weeks x 2 hours
Anger Management
Tuesday 6 March 6 weeks x 2 hours
Children and Sleep Workshop
Monday, 19 March 1 session – 2 hours
Children and Play Importance of Play Alternatives to screen time Triple P Parenting Group
Monday, 9 April 1 session – 2 hours
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Tuesday, 8 may 8 weeks -2 hours
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Venue Prescott Park Jindalee Circuit Cowra Erambie Outreach Centre Behind Yalbillinga Boori Legh Street, Cowra Cowra Early Childhood Intervention Service Berowra Street, Cowra Cowra Uniting Church
Erambie Outreach Centre (Behind Yalbillinga DCC) Cowra Cowra Early Childhood Intervention Service , Berowra Street, Cowra Cowra Early Childhood Intervention Service, Berowra Street, Cowra Live better centre Kendal Street, Cowra
Facilitated by Centacare Bathurst Homestart LiveBetter Goodstart Early Learning PCYC Jan Chivers Centacare Bathurst
Centacare Jan Chivers Homestart Kirstin Stevenson
Health (AMIHS) Anne Jessett
Jan Chivers Centacare Bathurst
Centacare Jan Chivers Homestart Kirstin Stephenson Centacare Jan Chivers Homestart Kirstin Stevenson
Centacare Jan Chivers Livebetter Kaya palmer
Open to Free to any parent/carer who would like to attend with their children
Free to parents and carers Certificate of attendance issued
Free to parents/carers who may have concerns about their child’s eating habits
Aboriginal parents/carers Free course
Parents/carers who have concerns about their anger free course Certificate of attendance issued Free to parents/carers who have concerns about their children’s sleep patterns
Free to parents/carers who are interested in learning about importance of play/sharing ideas
Free to parents/carers Who would like to learn some effective Parenting techniques
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au