St Raphael’s Catholic School Term 3, Week 8/B Newsletter 4 September 2017
Hope Dear Parents As parents we do all in our power to protect our children and keep them safe. Sometimes that asks tough questions of us and requires tough conversations to be had and tough actions to be taken. Children growing through their teen years face immense numbers of choices and opportunities that can make life quite complicated for them. Technology and social media both liberate and complicate. Students in Year 8 and 9 spent time with the local Police Liaison Officer, Jane Heffernan, helping them to navigate these challenges safely. Jane’s work doesn’t let us parents off the hook – we have to be actively engaged in monitoring and talk with our children. Please be vigilant. Pupil Free Day – October 9: To enable detailed analysis of NAPLAN data the school is conducting a professional leaning day for teachers on October 9, the first day of Term 4. That will be a pupil free day, therefore arrangements for you child’s care will be needed. During tomorrow and Wednesday students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be participating in a state-wide exercise to test whether computer systems in schools and government can effectively operate NAPLAN testing online with everyone at once. The School Readiness Testing (SRT) is a system test, not a learning test.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart, that we might see how great is the hope to which we are called. Eph 1:17-18
Monday 4 SES Cadets and Dinner
A gathering of parents of Kindy Start students is being held on Tuesday from 6:30pm. Clarity around the structure and function of Kindy Start is an important element in the transition to school. This week we work with parents and next week we begin our work with the children who are the 2030 HSC cohort.
Tuesday 5 CSU Parent Talk Kinder Start Parent Meeting 6.30pm
Interestingly, at the same time as Kindy Start preparations are happening for those beginning their school life, so too are preparations for the Year 12 st Graduation being conducted on September 21 . At that stage courses formally finish and individual preparations for the HSC exams commence. The exams run from October 16 until November 10. HSC Art works are already in lock down and HSC Music performance is assessed on September 13.
Thursday 7 Happy birthday to Matthew Casey Kindergarten Visit to MRF and Farm visit in Woodstock
St Raphs: “Kindy to Career”.
Wednesday 6 Happy birthday to Laura Casey
Friday 8 HSC Business Studies Excursion VET Construction Brick and Block Primary Assembly. Happy birthday to th Adam Dhrygck and Logan Haslam for the 9
Michael Gallagher Principal P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Altar Servers’ Roster th Sat 9 Sept: Grace and Philippa Richmond and Ashley Langfield th Sun 10 Sept: Lizzie Heilman and Clarissa Azzopardi School Readers for Weekend Parish Masses: th Sat 9 Sept: Benjie Healey School Eucharistic Ministers for Weekend Parish Masses: th Sat 9 Sept: Andrew Casey th Sun 10 Sept: Michael Gallagher School Computer Roster th Sat 9 Sept: Renae Downes th Sun 10 Sept: Tom Heilman Robe Sunday Reminder A reminder this coming weekend is Robe Sunday for our First Eucharist Candidates. Students are asked to collect their robes prior to either the Saturday night or Sunday morning Mass from the room at the front of the Church.
PASTORAL CARE AND STUDENT WELLBEING Providing learning experiences of varied kinds is part of 21st century education. Equipping our young people with relevant information about life issues is something we take seriously at St Raphael’s. The ever-present complexities of life in the digital age need to be addressed and information about how to manage digital devices safely should be regularly visited. Police Liaison Officer Senior Constable Jane Heffernan was a welcome guest to speak to students in Years 8 and 9 on the topic of “Image sharing on mobile devices”. She reminded us of responsibilities in using mobile phones as well as the risks attached to sharing information online. One important rule to follow is the “grandmother rule” - would you like your grandmother to see this? Jane also encouraged the students to check the privacy settings on their devices as a way of avoiding unwanted messages or requests for information. It’s vital that we all know who we are talking to or messaging. As the adults in students’ lives we should all be vigilant in our own use of digital devices and also encourage the use of safe filters on communication devices. Recommended: “Youtube Kids” as an online filter. https://www.esafety.gov.au/ for tips on safe digital use https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-tobuild/wellbeing/technology-and-teenagers P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
St Raphael’s Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing policies are underpinned by the National Safe Schools Framework. Digital awareness and safety is a key aspect of Child Protection Week. S. Whiteley Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing LIBRARY NEWS WEEK 8 TERM 3
I have received a set of Possum Magic collect and keep coin folders. To help celebrate Book week 2017 the Royal Australian Mint has partnered with Woolworths supermarkets to release three coloured $2 coins that depict iconic moments from Possum Magic, as Hush goes from invisible to visible again. If students have collected the three coloured coins you may get a folder from the library. Many of the coins are likely to enter general circulation, so you may find it in your change in weeks, months or even years to follow! This could give students a taste of coin collecting, one of the oldest and most popular hobbies in the world. Book Fair 2017: Early Notice that our annual Book Fair will take place in WEEK 2 TERM 4. During this week from Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to view and purchase books from Ashton Scholastic. Viewing times will be arranged and purchasing will take place during breaks and lessons when possible. More information to come. Happy Reading K.Skinner
Secondary Athletics Team at Diocesan Carnival This term St Raphael's secondary athletics team travelled to Dubbo to compete in the Diocesan Athletics carnival. All students competed with enthusiasm, pride and respect for their school. Students positively encouraged their peers whilst they competed in track and field events. Madyson Webb (shot put) and Kate Price (discus and javelin) performed exceptionally and won their events. They have both qualified to compete against the best athletes from across the state for the CCC carnival in Homebush. Thank you to all parents that supported students and helped get them to the carnival.
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Athletics Carnival This Friday, Ky Garratt is off to Newcastle on the next leg of his Athletics journey as he competes against half the state. The records have been tumbling for Ky lately. Good luck 'Muscles.'
Child Protection Week (4th-9th September) Information for Parents
NAPCAN has produced a series of excellent brochures for parents/guardians: 1. NAPCAN Brochure - Keeping Children Safe from Sexual Abuse 2. NAPCAN Brochure - Listening to Children 3. NAPCAN Brochure - Listening to Young People 4. NAPCAN Brochure - 30 Ways to Boost a Child's Confidence 5. ACMA Brochure - Parents Guide to Online Safety Mr Colemane WellBeing Coordinator
Canteen Update This week’s roster is as follows: Tues 5 Karen Campbell
Wed 6 CLOSED
Thurs 7 Lisa Mallon
Fri 8 Robyn McAlister
Dianne Franks
Kylie Kollas
Mon 11 Cathy Acret
Soup of the week: Zucchini, pea and bacon.
WELL DONE Congratulations to the following students who have achieved the next level on the Behaviour Management Programme Level 6 Toby Keen Izac healey Zoe Simunic Destiny Pepper William Cain
3 Green 5 Gold 5 Gold 6 Green 9 Green
Lachlan Partridge Orlando Perry Yoi Yap Aidan Bugeja
3 Green 5 Gold 5 Gold 7 Gold
Your Teachers are very Proud of You!
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