St Raphael’s Catholic School Term 1, Week 7/A Newsletter 13 March 2017 who invest in making the parent / school partnership a strong and positive bond. Dear Parents Last week was Catholic Schools Week and we are grateful for the level of participation in the array of events presented. Ex- student, Miss Monica Langfield, addressed the CSW Assembly and threw down some serious challenges about what we do with the opportunities we’re offered. Mrs Jenny Allen, Executive Director of schools in the Diocese provided a broad view of the mission of Catholic Schools and how we, at St Raphs fit in that broader context. On Tuesday Sr Anne McGuire provided a bigger global picture to students about those millions of needy people we are obliged to attend to. The challenge she addressed of course, is how can a group of people in Cowra best attend to such an enormous task? Sporting events in the week were Diocesan Swimming Competitions at both primary and secondary levels where we were worthily represented. Rugby Union 7s was held Thursday, again being worthily represented. “Our Respect” was presented on Wednesday by a squad of NRL representatives. On Tuesday a delightful combination of people shared lunch and games – students K-12, parents, siblings, grandparents. I was lively to see the dynamic and simple sharing of relaxed time on the school lawns. School Tours were very well attended too on the Wednesday with even more families getting a feel for the tone of the school and its learning experiences.
This Newsletter is our first to go almost entirely by email. While this is a different medium and may take a little getting used to, I believe it will bring enormous benefits by enhancing lines of communication. Security gates around the school are closed after 9am to ensure that anyone entering the school does so only through the school office. At 3:15 the gates are reopened. Keeping the children safe is our very highest priority. A point about the new format of school fee accounts: many positive comments have been received regarding the full year of accounts being received “up front” – it seems to help with planning as hoped. The other aspect of this planning is that by including predictable costs like compulsory excursions and “Swimsafe” in Infants, there should be noticeably fewer calls on you for those extra payments that have been a pest until now. Next Monday (Mon 20) evening is the P&F Annual General Meeting. Please become active in this important element of the school and make it even more valuable. Michael Gallagher Principal
Second Sunday of Lent
Heritage Day is a time of gratitude to those who contributed in the past to our school and culture and it’s a time for every class to undertake an activity for the benefit of the most needy. Our Mass and Heritage Day Fair were features of Friday. Overall – a full but balanced week with opportunities for all. Parent / Teacher Discussions for parents of Primary and Infants aged children are being conducted tomorrow afternoon and evening. Thank you to all P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Lord, Your commandment of love is so simple and so challenging. Help me to let go of my pride, to be humble in my penance. Amen Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Welcome to the Electronic Newsletter: Over the past few months we have been working to collect email contacts for parents and carers, with a view to improving school - home communication.
Caritas Australia and their Lenten Project Compassion appeal. We give to Project Compassion through this time and the money raised helps to ‘retain the human dignity of those at greatest risk’.
Thank you to those who have supplied email address. We are now at the point where we can commence distribution of the weekly school newsletter via email, effective form today! We can look forward to seeing photos in true colour, (not black and gold), and on time delivery to your preferred device, (no more lost newsletters to the monster in our children's school bags!).
Altar Servers’ Roster th Sat 18 March: Isabelle Doorey and Kate Proctor. th Sun 19 March: Elizabeth Heilman and Orlando Perry. Gooloogong: Flynn Bennett.
Other advantages, (aside from financial and environmental), will be the ability to email relevant information to specific year groups eg Sport & Excursions.
School Computer Roster th Sat 18 March: Price Family. th Sun 19 March: Mrs M McMurtrie.
School Eucharistic Ministers for Weekend Parish Masses: th Sun 19 March: Mrs P Bischof.
Emails will be sent 'Blind Copy' from the front office (straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au). If you are one of the few remaining families yet to be linked to this system, then please email your name, child's name & class to d.lette@bth.catholic.edu.au
Monday 13 Happy birthday to Zac Healey, Will Thompson and Emma Wilkinson. Tuesday 14 Happy birthday to Harrison Carman, Clare Harris and Lachlan Shady. Study Centre @ S17 (Computer Lab 3) 3 8-8:45am. Secondary Diocesan Touch Football Gala day in Forbes. Wednesday 15 Study Centre @ S17 (Computer Lab 3) 3 8-8:45am. Thursday 16 Happy birthday to Tom Stephenson and Tom Thuaux. Study Centre @ S17 (Computer Lab 3) 3 8-8:45am. Secondary Diocesan Soccer trials in Bathurst. Friday 17 Happy birthday to Natalie Mallon, Lachlan Partridge and Inka Wilson. Primary Diocesan Winter Sport trials in Bathurst. Year 7-11 Spirit of Anzac Excursion. Happy birthday to Ashleigh Harding for the 18th and Molli Thompson, Olliver and Samuel Tydd and Adam Vardy for the 19th.
Lent During Lent we fast, pray, prepare and give. As a school community we place a focus on the work of
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Year 12 English Students from the Year 12 English class (Standard) will be walking to the Cowra Art Gallery to view the 2016 Archibald Exhibition. They will be accompanied by Ms Date and Ms Tidyman-Crawley. School Choir: Save the date for the Festival of International Understanding th 24 March, Friday: Peace Bell at 5:45pm th 25 March, Saturday – After the Parade at River Park, approximately 12:30pm Year 11 Retreat Last week Year 11 travelled with Mr Gallagher and Ms Spora to the Christian Brothers retreat centre at Mulgoa. Among the highlights of our visit were the three days of torrential rain alternating with sunshine – we had almost forgotten what rain looks like! Our time in groups was spent reflecting on the gifts of the spirit and how they can enrich our lives, while our time out of groups was spent on gladiatorial levels of combat over the ping pong tables. Our accommodation was lovely, and it was nice to relax away from school and to be able to shift our focus for a few days. On the way back we had to ditch the bushwalk (torrential rain) in favour of a tour of the refurbished Hydro-Majestic at Medlow Bath. It was magnificent, and as we relaxed into the velvet, we sipped our hot chocolates and gazed out over the valley. Sleep came fairly easily on Friday night, and we are now rejuvenated and ready to leap back into study.
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Many thanks to Mrs Bischof for all of her organisation – it was seamless. Thanks to Fr Laurie for making the trip up through the rain to have Thursday night with us and enabling us to have both reconciliation and Mass as a small group. It was very special. Thanks to Mr Gallagher for all his driving through the wet Blue Mountains, and for the hot chocolates! And thanks to Year 11 – you are a delightful group. Ms Spora Festival of International Understanding: Our school representatives for this year's Ambassador Program are Grace Gallagher and Ben Price. This year's charity is Ronald McDonald House, which has a strong history of supporting families from our school community undergoing medical treatments in Sydney hospitals. To support Grace and Ben's fundraising efforts, we will be holding a mufti day K-12 on Wednesday 29th March, for a gold coin donation. Mufti must be appropriate for school. If parents wish to donate more and require a receipt for taxation purposes, please do so via the 'Go Fund Me' link: http://gofundme.com/st-raphaels-youthambassadors We congratulate Grace and Ben on their nominations as Festival Ambassadors and wish them well in their various official activities over the festival. PASTORAL CARE AND STUDENT WELLBEING Catholic Schools Week Secondary students embraced the events of Catholic Schools Week with gusto last week. Guest speaker and ex-student Monica Langfield challenged students to make the most of every opportunity which is presented while making choices which are positive and productive for a good life. The joint lunchtime picnic with the whole school had many happy moments where the older students played with and cared for our younger people. The involvement of senior students in the Heritage Day Mass was impressive and respectful, giving the liturgy depth and grace through their leadership. The Heritage Day Fete was abuzz with fun. Again secondary students stepped up to organise and run activities showing great responsibility and generosity. Well done everyone. Uniform Compliance The school uniform policy is well publicised and understood by all students. A number of students are not complying with correct uniform wearing. This includes the wearing of sport uniform when there is no sport timetabled, incorrect sock colours, non-uniform jewellery. Parents are requested to check these P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
details. There are consequences for non-compliance which students are aware of. Bullying Day Of Action The school is participating in this national initiative on Friday 17 March where aspects of bullying in all its manifestations are explored and strategies outlined. This is obviously an on-going concern in Australian life today. Students are always encouraged to be aware of others and to make good choices around social relationships. Teen Talk Moving beyond “How was school today?” with your adolescent By Michael Grose 1. One of the best ways to get a window into the world of your young person’s school-life is through robust conversations about school, education and life in general. How to get conversations started with young people: Get moving together. One way to get a conversational clam to open up is to do something together. A walk, a game or shared activity can sometimes loosen a young person’s tongue. 2. Make the most of mealtimes. Shared mealtimes should be non-negotiable for everyone in a family. Turn all digital devices off and start talking about stuff. If mealtimes are just a pit stop then it may be time to slow down and get some conversation going. 3. Create a talking space. It’s useful to have at least one place you know that you can have a chat with your young person. Whether it’s a favourite chair, a particular part of the house or just in the peace and quiet of their bedroom. Work out the best place for personal conversation with your young person and get in the habit of spending some time with your young person there. 4. When all else fails, drive! The humble automobile can make a great conversational space for parents and teens, particularly when you sit shoulder to shoulder. Keep the radio off and buds out of ears and you’ll increase the likelihood of some idle chatter. Centenary Of Anzac Exhibition Years 7-11: The excursion departs for Orange at 9.15 a.m. on Friday 17 March and buses will return in time for the end of school. Please note: correct summer uniform is to be worn (not sport); non-compliance will mean non-attendance on the excursion. All food and drink for the day must be provided as there is no food available at the exhibition site. Students should bring a small day pack which will remain on the bus while the exhibition is viewed. All permission notes for this excursion should have been returned by today. In accordance with the new billing and permission arrangements in the Diocese of Bathurst, no special payment is required. The excursion has been billed as part of those new arrangements. It is compulsory for all students to hand in their permission note. If this is not Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
done, the student cannot attend the excursion. There are no exceptions to this. Go to this link for more information about the exhibition http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/events/spirit-anzaccentenary-experience
Our Senior Boys Relay consisting of Eoghan Killick, Carter Langfield, Ben Smith and Rory Sullivan came 4th. Many thanks to all the parents who accompanied and encouraged all the children on the day.
Ms Sue Whiteley - Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing
Secondary Diocesan Swimming Carnival 2017 th On Tuesday 7 of March, a group of 14 Secondary students travelled to Dubbo to compete in the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to Charli Hubber, Will Thompson, Ethan Tindall, Mikey McNamara, Kate Cumming, Maddy Webb, Ruby Frazer, Tilly Proctor, Ky Johnson, Will Cain, Kate Price, Samuel Frazer, Chantell Rhodes & Ben Price who all swam fantastically! All students should be commended on their sportsmanship, support of team members and manners on the day. It was a pleasure to take away such a great group of students. The Diocesan carnival is very tough to progress from, having to place first in your event to qualify for CCC. We were very close, with Tilly Proctor finishing second in two events and Ben Price finishing a very close second in one event. The rest of our team had many other successes in the pool on the day, from winning our heats to personal bests. A special thankyou to the parents who made the 5 hour round trip to Dubbo for the day, it is very much appreciated.
Primary Diocesan swimming On Wednesday 8th March, 8 of our Primary students travelled to Dubbo to compete at the annual Diocesan Carnival. Many of our swimmers gained personal bests times on the day. They did extremely well. Their individual results are as follows: Lecksi Killick: 11th in Breaststroke Eoghan Killick 7th in Backstroke, 10th in Breaststroke and 11th in Butterfly. Phoebe Smith: 12th in Freestyle Laura Price: 12th in Freestyle and 12th in Breaststroke Carter Langfield: 5th in Breaststroke, 7th in Freestyle and 10th Backstroke. Rory Sullivan: 12th in Freestyle. Mia Hudson: 9th in Freestyle.
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Stage Two Rugby Union Last Thursday, ten Year 3 and 4 boys headed over to the Rugby fields in West Cowra for a gala day. Three schools were in our draw, with Canowindra, Grenfell and the mighty St. Raphael's kids battling it out in the warm conditions. Canowindra were our first opponents in a game of tackle rugby. For many of these players, it was their first time playing rugby, so the referees enforced a safe play code, closely monitoring what was happening on the field, talking the players through what to do next. All our boys wanted to do was 'rip and tear' of course. Tries to Drew x2 and Mac had us in contention, but we ended up going down 4 to 3. Next was Grenfell who were opting for 'viva' rugby which is basically touch footy. Our boys response to this was as expected! Hugh crossed for 3 tries whilst Drew scored another 2 in a 5 to 1 demolition. Game Three saw us again take on the force of Canowindra in a re-match, with the boys busting to get out there and seek revenge from their narrow defeat earlier in the morning. We started off well and were in front with just a minute to go after tries to Trent and Drew, before fatigue set in when their speedster out sprinted our outside backs. Two tries a piece when the whistle blew. Fourth and final match of the day was again a 'viva' match against Grenfell. A 5 try drubbing saw Drew and Hugh score another 2 tries each, with Flynn scoring his first try. 2 wins, a draw and a loss was not a bad hit-out for the boys really. Most boys were able to play with good sportsmanship, displaying improved skills as the day progressed. Special thanks to our many supporters who were present throughout the day to cheer on our St. Raphael's team. It was greatly appreciated. The mighty ten were: Drew Langfield, Hugh Williams, Kosta Kujundzic, Toby Keen, Flynn Hindmarsh, Cooper Doyle, Trent Beath-Pearce, Mack Thompson, Oscar Whitby and Luke Britten. Well done boys. Winter Sports Trials This Friday, 19 Year 5 and 6 children will be trialling in Bathurst, attempting to gain selection in the Diocese team to play early next term. These children will be competing in the sports of Rugby League, Soccer, Netball, Rugby Union and Hockey. We wish them all the best.
Book Club Please note that Book Club is due back this Friday, th 17 March. Please make sure your child’s name and class are clearly marked on the order. Thank you. Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Crunch and Sip Crunch and Sip is an important part of the morning routine for our Primary Department. It encourages children to eat vegetables or fruit and drink plenty of water. This helps students ‘refuel’ on fruit and vegetables and ‘rehydrate’ on water before our learning begins. Students who are not hungry and are well hydrated: Perform better in the classroom Show increased concentration Are less likely to be irritable and disruptive It helps gives the children the best start in life It helps create good eating habits It helps increase vegetable consumption amongst children It helps protect against a number of diseases and the likelihood of becoming overweight or obese Please help us enhance your child’s health and learning by packing fruit or vegetables and water for your child each morning. www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/campaignsprograms/crun ch-sip.aspx Primary enjoyed watermelon from our Productive Food Garden last Friday. Next Friday is infants turn to enjoy the gardeners hard work!
Canteen Update This week’s roster is as follows: Tues 14 Cathy Acret
Wed 15 CLOSED
Skye Muddle
Thurs 16 Melanie Clarke
Fri 17 Cindy Langfield
Mon 20 Sian Tangye
Charlene Williams
Mary Campbell
Karen Clarke
Carmen Haran
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Annual General Meeting th Monday 20 March Parents and Friends Annual General meeting 7pm in St Raphael’s Catholic School Staffroom. All executive positions will be declared vacant. Calling for nominations for office bearers.. All welcome!
WELL DONE Congratulations to the following students who have achieved the next level on the Behaviour Management Programme. Level 5 Trent Beath-Pearce 3 Green Zoe Doorey 3 Green Layla Healey 3 Green Deakin Horton 3 Green Mia Lewis 3 Green Imogen McCormick 3 Green Lachlan Partridge 3 Green Jasmine Whitty 3 Green Cassandra Zarb 3 Green Joseph Broad 4 Gold Lucas Bryant 4 Gold Mackinlee Charnock 4 Gold Cooper Doyle 4 Gold Aurinia Emseis 4 Gold Clare Harris 4 Gold Flynn Hindmarsh 4 Gold Darby Hubber 4 Green Emanuel Kollas 4 Gold Ashley Langfield 4 Green Evie Louttit 4 Green Seamus McCormick 4 Gold Maddison O’Reilly 4 Gold Imogen Ousby 4 Green Laura Price 4 Gold Kate Proctor 4 Gold Cooper Pullen 4 Gold Phillipa Richmond 4 Gold Sarah Shady 4 Gold Madison Anthony 5 Gold Alisha Azzopardi 5 Green Caitlin Brodbeck 5 Gold Adam Dhrygck 5 Green Isabelle Doorey 5 Gold Kai Fitzgerald 5 Gold Lily Gee 5 Gold Charlie Graham 5 Green Mia Hudson 5 Green Lecksi Killick 5 Green George Kollas 5 Gold Carter Langfield 5 Green Shantelle Lavender 5 Gold Lucas McKenzie 5 Green Kaitlyn Rutlege 5 Green Natasha Smaluck 5 Green Phoebe Smith 5 Green Poppy Starr 5 Green Rory Sullivan 5 Green Ellie Thompson 5 Gold Rory Thompson 5 Gold Maddison Tremble 5 Green Yoi Yapp 5 Gold Monique Change 6 Green Elizabeth Heilman 6 Green Meg Jones 6 Green Natalie Mallon 6 Green Destiny Pepper 6 Green Stanley Rush 6 Green Jarred Stead 6 Gold Chelsee White 6 Green Aidan Bugeja 7 Gold Cameron Forsyth 7 Green Sophie Johnston 7 Green Jock Stephenson 7 Gold Samuel Lynch-Edwards 7 Green Mitchell Amos 8 Green Alexie Buchtmann 8 Green Leonardo Casella 8 Green Brendan Stendell 8 Green Ethan Thomson 8 Green Bernadette Zarb 8 Green Logan Leatherland 9 Green Duncan Muir 9 Gold Kyle O’Brien 9 Gold Hayley amos 10 Green Maguire Sciberras 10 Gold Samantha MacCabe 10 Gold Jaida Smith 10 Gold Your Teachers are very Proud of You!
Kids Wanted for Cowra AFL Auskick AFL Auskick is recommencing Friday 17 March. AFL Auskick has been designed to build the foundation skills for playing Australian Football, and all kids aged 10 and under are most welcome. With Womens AFL and women’s sport generally taking off currently, it’s also a great chance for girls to get involved.
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Get down to AFL Auskick and have a kick and find out more about the local program. The session will start at 4:30pm and will involve a bit of a kick, a couple of skill drills, and a bit of a game. It’s all fairly casual with the emphasis on fun. There is no cost, but it would be good if players register if they plan to play regularly. Friday 17 March 4:30pm at Mulyan Oval, Bourke Street (finishes just on about 5:30pm).
Some of the fun had at our Heritage day on 10th March
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au