St Raphael’s Catholic School Term 3, Week 1/A Newsletter 18th July 2017
Dear Parents Daniel Delaney was an Irish Bishop with a particular dedication to Saint Brigid. So serious was he about his dedication that he established the order of religious sisters we know as the Brigidines as well as the order of religious brothers known as the Patricians. On July 9, the anniversary of his death, we remembered Daniel Delaney with particular gratitude in Cowra. Work continued at the school throughout the winter holiday – Massive painting has been completed in the upstairs section of the primary department. Bag hooks have been installed. Carpeting has been completed in P8. Carpet cleaning has been completed. The tree safety review involved the removal of two trees on the primary bank as well as heavy trimming of one in the secondary grounds. The front office area has been reshaped to accommodate a third workspace enabling better specialisation (Finance, Administration, Reception / First Aid). Window cleaning in the Convent Building has been completed. Some staffing changes became necessary for second semester: Steve Thomas is taking leave for the semester and Ben Cooley has been engaged to pick up Steve's teaching load and support for Sue Whiteley in the area of Wellbeing while the recruitment process is undertaken. Extra Learning Support in Infant's classes during Wks 1-4 will be taken up by Mr Brad Colemane has been approved to work with the Learning Enrichment team. Sonia Turner resigned at the close of last term and recruitment is underway. Until that appointment is made Mrs Julie McLennan will take her role. An additional reception position is advertised and an appointment will be made in the early weeks of this term. Looking ahead, Term 3 looks to be a rich learning time for children, parents and staff members. Kindy Start will commence, Year 11 Preliminary Courses will finish, Year 7 (2018) orientation will be held, Year 8 & 9 will select Elective courses for next year, P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Year 10 will have their Year 11 courses finalised and tomorrow, Year 5 head off on their two day excursion to Parkes. The main challenge seems to be to remain open to grasping all the enriching opportunities that are being made available, so let’s make the very best term we’ve had. Michael Gallagher Principal
Matthew 13: 1-23
Loving Father open our minds and hearts to your Word being sown in us. We ask for the grace to be able to listen to the Sower in our lives. We pray for the grace to know what is needed in our lives so that we may recognised the good soil in our lives that will help us grow and be nurtured in the Word of God. Let us not be afraid to stand up for what is good and therefore yield a harvest that is good not only in our own lives but in the lives of others. You sent your Son to plant in our hearts the seeds of imperishable life. May we labour to sow his word and reap a harvest of joy. Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Monday 18 Tuesday 19 Study Centre @ S17 8-8:45am.
Wednesday 20 Happy birthday to Phoebe Simunic and Maddy White. Study Centre @ S17 8-8:45am. Thursday 21 Study Centre @ S17 8-8:45am.
Todd Woodbridge Tennis Competition. Year 5 Excursion. Friday 22 Year 5 Excursion. Happy birthday to Ryan Hudson and Charlie and Digby rd Williams for the 23 .
Dates for the Calendar Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July - Eucharist Enrolment sheets given to parents at both Weekend Masses. Tuesday 1st August - Eucharist Enrolment meetings with parents 3.30pm and 7pm in St Brigid’s Hall. Altar Servers’ Roster nd Sat 22 July: Ky Garratt. rd Sun 23 July: Natalie Mallon, Darby Hubber, Maddison O’Reilly. School Eucharistic Ministers for Weekend Parish Masses: rd Sun 23 July: Mrs S Whiteley. School Computer Roster nd Sat 22 July: rd Sun 23 July:
Goodstart and Nurture One Preschool Visit On Thursday, Goodstart and Nurture One Preschools came to visit St Raphael’s to get a feel of what big school would be like. The children met Molly our Kindergarten puppet, shared some fruit for morning tea, had a drink from the bubblers, visited the library with Mrs Skinner and learnt the 's' sound and song in the classrooms with Mrs Colemane and Mrs McNamara. They also had fun playing on our funnel web play equipment. This was very exciting for our Kindergarten students who took very good care of our visitors. We hope to see them all again at Kindy Start.
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
All Schools Netball Carnival - Secondary At the end of last term St Raphael’s sent three teams of students to compete at the All Schools Netball Carnival in Bathurst. We sent two girls teams and for the first time, we sent Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
a team of boys. Both girls teams had a great day, only losing one match each. They have both qualified for the next level of competition in Orange during week 4. The boys team excelled in all areas they just missed out on qualifying for the next level by three goals!! Every student displayed a keen sense of sportsmanship and were excellent ambassadors for St Raphael’s School. Well done to everyone and thank you to parents for the ongoing support in getting students both to competitions and to school in time for buses.
Friends & Families of St Raphael’s Catholic School Are you beginning to think about next year’s winter getaway? Perhaps this is your golden opportunity.... This year our Christmas Fair raffle is CHANGING! In an effort to reduce the requests for donations from families and local businesses we are spreading our wings and taking you to a DESTINATION ANYWHERE! th The raffle opened online on 17 July so that we can reach out further into our community. Tickets are available online in four states NSW, QLD, TAS and NT and in Term 4 paper tickets will go on sale. Help us promote our raffle by sharing with your Facebook friends, and remember to get one or two for yourself! Buy tickets at https://www.rafflelink.com.au/straphs2794
NSW Dressage Youth State Championships Congratulations to Sarah Clark who competed in the first weekend of the holidays at the NSW Dressage Youth State Championships at Sydney International Equestrian centre. She did extremely well, on her own pony in the nd Advanced she came 2 in the Pony Section and th 9 overall in the state competing against riders 25 years and under. She was the youngest in this event by 4 years. She then rode her sister’s stallion in the Novice rd th Section and Preliminary coming 3 and 6 in in the st rd Novice. In the Preliminary she came 1 and 3 winning the championship overall. Fantastic results Sarah!
Thank you to the P&F Work undertaken by the P&F Association during the holidays continues to enhance the playground for the children. The new garden bed, the landscaping, seats and outdoor musical station now make a feature of an area that beforehand was a lost space. The work, the loyalty, the inspiration is very much appreciated. Thank you.
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au