St Raphael’s Catholic School Term 3, Week 9/A Newsletter 8th September 2014
Dear Parents Kindy Start is a pivotal element in this school for introducing new parents and new kindy children to the St Raphael’s family. Kindy Start is an excellent forum for teachers and parents to discuss issues surrounding the transition between home / pre-school and “big” school. It also offers the opportunity to observe the responses of the children to the new tasks and new environment of St Raphael’s. This coming Thursday we commence the series school visits (1:30pm – 3pm). This week is the annual Cowra Show. In the pavilion, throngs of people will be visiting our school display. Staff members and students are helping to create a display that will be inspiring. Such skill and dedication at such a busy time of term speaks volumes about the dedication and loyalty of members of our school family. Quinn Cup is being held at St Joseph’s, Oberon on Thursday and Friday. The squad of forty students compete in seventeen competitions across the two days against teams from St Matthews at Mudgee, St Mary’s at Wellington and St Joseph’s at Oberon. We wish our representative students and supervising staff safe travel. Congratulations to Steve and Liza Thomas on the safe arrival of Felicity. Archikidz is a design and building project for groups of students. This week representative students from a number of local schools are gathering to work together in Stage groups. Archikidz has been the privilege of metropolitan students until this year when it was brought to the western side of the Divide. Discussion of learning progress between the adults in a child’s life is very significant business that we value highly. Reporting to parents about their child’s learning is a central role of the school. We provide two verbal reports and two written reports each year. Parent – Teacher Discussions are planning opportunities that maximise the effectiveness of the home – school partnership. P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
In week 1 on the new term Parent – Teacher Discussions are being held for Primary on Wednesday, th October 8 and for Secondary on, Thursday, October th 9 . To make an appointment please go to the School Website on Thursday and you’ll see a button for Parent/Teacher Discussions. The codes are Primary (3DP4P9) and Secondary (RRZR4).
Michael Gallagher Principal
Matthew 18:15-20 In many ways, we are keepers of our sisters and brothers. We have social responsibility in family and in neighbourhood. Jesus is saying something like that in Sunday’s Gospel. We have a responsibility for each other, for the common good.
Monday 8 Secondary Netball vs Cowra High School. Tuesday 9 Happy birthday to Mia Ashton and Adam Dhrygck. Cowra Show. Wednesday 10 Happy birthday to Harry Waters. Cowra Show. Archikidz - Year 3 and 4. Thursday 11 Archikidz - Year 5 and 6 Kindy Start #1. Quinn Cup in Oberon. Friday 12 Happy birthday to Sienna Emseis. Archikidz – Secondary. Quinn Cup in Oberon. CCC Athletics. Happy birthday to Bridie Braddon and Zoe Simunic for th Saturday 13 Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
sit quietly to listen to the native lyre birds and other such creatures. The students were amazed at what they could hear, feel and smell during this exercise. The Bishop has asked that you consider donating to the appeal for supporting the Retired Priests of the diocese. These men have given their life for the wellbeing of parishioners and establishment of services and schools like St Raphael’s, their modest needs should now be addressed with dignity, generosity and respect. We have 13 currently retired priests and three to join their ranks in the next few years. A sealable brochure is being circulated with this Newsletter for you to complete and post. Thank you in anticipation of your generosity. Altar Servers’ Roster th Sat 13 : Michelle Grech, Samantha MacCabe, Emma Wilkinson, Lucy Proctor. th Sun 14 : Katherine Johnston, Sophie Johnston. School Readers for Weekend Parish Masses: th Sun 14 : Mr David Maher. School Computer Roster th Sat 13 : Joe Waters.
Scenic World Blue Mountains Stage 1 Excursion 2014 A wonderful day had by all at our Stage 1 Excursion to the Blue Mountains. Our tour started with the death-defying thrill of a 52 degree incline, riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway. Many screams were met with equally as many bouts of laughter during this journey. Miss Pratt said, “I did not realise it was going to be so steep!” Next, we ventured the tranquillity of an ancient rainforest as we strolled along a 2.4 kilometre Scenic Walkway. The elevated boardwalk immersed us in a Jurassic rainforest on the Jamison Valley floor. Along the way, we explored elements of the site’s coal mining history including the mine entrance, a replica miner’s hut and scale bronze sculpture of a miner and his pit pony. Students experienced exhilarating scenery and memorable moments spent in a temperate rainforest located in the Jamison Valley. David, our tour guide taught, us about the local flora. In a sheltered area of the rainforest, we were asked to P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
The last part of our journey was to experience the panoramic views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains from the Scenic Cableway, which is the steepest and largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. From the Jamison Valley, the 545 metre journey gently ascended to the top of the escarpment. The Cableway’s fully enclosed cabin provided a unique vantage point for viewing the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls. Stage 1 teachers would like to thank Mr Will Bennett, Mrs Kristen Sturgiss, Mrs Jen Shady & Mrs Emma Thompson for their wonderful assistance and care for the students during our excursion. Many thanks to all parents and carers who offered to assist us to make this a successful day. Thank you Stage 1 Teachers Primary Assembly th The next primary assembly will be next Friday, 19 September. It will be led by Ms Gannon’s class, Year 5G. If your son / daughter is to receive a class award a note will be sent home early next week. Parents are always most welcome to attend any primary assembly. Parent / Teacher Discussions Primary and Secondary Parent / Teacher Discussions are being organised in the first week of Term 4. Bookings are made through the school website and will open on Thursday morning (September 11). Booking Codes are: Primary (3D4P9), Secondary (RRZR4) A note with further information will be sent home Wednesday or Thursday this week. Primary Discussions are to be held on Wednesday, th 8 October. Mr Statham, Mr O’Reilly and Ms Gannon are unavailable on the above day and will hold their parent/teacher discussions on Wednesday, nd 22 October. Note: All primary bookings are made through the one code. Note: These primary interviews are Homeroom Discussions. Secondary Discussions to be held the following night, th Thursday 9 October. Tips on Parent - Teacher Discussions Reflect: Think about the discussion in advance and set a goal for what you want to achieve. Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Prepare: Talk to your child. Identify questions to ask, such as “Is my child achieving at the appropriate level? What do you see as his or her strengths?” Be Proactive: Ask how work is assessed / graded. Ask what you can do at home to help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge and support your child when he or she needs it. Share: Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child. Share with the teacher what you think your child is good at. Explain what he or she needs more help with. Make an Action Plan: Agree on a plan with the teacher. Write it down – noting especially what you will do to support the teacher / school at home. Schedule a follow up meeting if necessary. Follow up with your child: Talk with your child about how the meeting went. Discuss with your child what you learned. Show him or her how you will help with learning at home. LIBRARY NEWS Return Book Draw: Last Friday the following students received their book prizes. Jyedon Goard 2W , Jayden Millar 5O, Alex Duff 6S. A reminder to return overdue books as we approach the end of term. The Premier Reading Challenge has been completed and student’s entries have been validated for 2014. Remember to keep a log of your reading at home so books may be entered in the 2015 challenge. Kerri Skinner - Librarian
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Stage 4 Netball NSW State Championships This year our school entered Stage 3 and 4 netball teams into a state-wide competition. Stage 3 won through to the regional finals while the Stage 4 team th won the regional final. Next Tuesday, 16 September the Stage 4 netball team will be competing against all the regional winners across the state in Lidcombe (in Sydney). Ms Gannon will be supervising and coaching the team. Wishing all the very best for this event! May it be rewarding on many levels! Sporting Events Secondary Sep 11-12 Fri, Sep 12 Tue, Sep 16 Primary Tue, Sep 16
Quinn Cup (Oberon) CCC Athletics Stage 4 Netball (State Championships) Milo 8-a-side Cricket Day (in Cowra)
SECONDARY SNIFFLES NSW Secondary Athletics Championships th Venue: Homebush Date: Friday, 12 September This week four students from St Raphael’s will be representing CCC (Combined Catholic Colleges) at Homebush. They are competing in the NSW Athletics Carnival, which is an outstanding effort. These students are John Terry, Michelle Grech, Darcee Nixon and Mackenzie Thompson. Wishing these students all the best for their efforts and may they enjoy the experiences this day will bring. Primary Physical Education Lessons Wednesdays th This Wednesday, 10 September students in Years 2, 5 and 6 will need to wear their sports uniforms. Next th week, 17 September Years 1, 3 and 4 will be wearing their sports uniforms. Polding Athletics th Venue: Newcastle Date: Friday, 5 September Last week four students from St Raphaels, representing the Diocese of Bathurst, competed at the Polding Athletics Carnival in Newcastle. These students and their results are: P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
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Mikelli Garratt: Shot Put (5 ) 6.53m & Discus (2 ) 21m th Luke Banks: Discus (6 ) PB – 22.7m, th Hayden Mullin: High Jump (6 ) PB – 1.40m th Riley Langfield: Shot put (9 ) PB – 11.84 m These students have performed admirably. Mikelli Garratt has thrown her way into the Polding squad and will compete at the NSW State Athletics Carnival at Homebush early next term.
This term has been pretty awful for our students with lots of sickness, especially colds, coughs and sneezes as most parents will already know. Lots of students need lots of tissues during the day and don’t always have enough to get by. As a result our supply of tissues is almost at an end – erk! At the beginning of the year each student’s school requirements included a large box of tissues which was to be given to the Homeroom teacher. If you have not already provided one, we are asking that you now do so. Please help us to keep our classrooms hygienic and healthy. The 10,000 steps September Challenge: During September Mrs Gallagher and Jessica Napoli are completing the 10,000 steps challenge to raise funds and awareness in support of Cerebral Palsy research. A cake stall will be held at school on Wednesday 17th September (Week 10) to raise funds. You may also donate directly to Jessica and /or Mrs Gallagher. Cerebral Palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture.
Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move. It is a permanent life-long condition, but generally does not worsen over time. It is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways and can affect body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. Did you know, Cerebral Palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood? Thank you for your support.
Canteen Update This week’s roster is as follows:
School Vegetable Garden Old, Unused Water Tanks Through the inspiration of the parents the school is commencing work on establishing vegetable gardens within the school. The P & F Association is leading the work in this area, with the topic being discussed at next week’s meeting on September 15 (7pm). Included in this work is a grant application and approaches to local businesses. The ‘vegetable garden project’, while in its infancy, is taking some shape and we thank Mr Brian Marsh for the donation of some unused water tanks taken from his property. This note is written to request for some old, unused water tanks that may be in yards or on farms that the school may be able to use. If you think you may be able to assist please contact the school office on 6342 2940.
St. Raphael's P&F Association is seeking someone to assist with the taking of Minutes at our monthly meetings. A parent or friend with some experience in minute taking and the appropriate computer skills is required for our meetings held at 7pm in the teachers’ lounge of the school. Meetings are usually the third Monday of each month. Anyone interested please contact us via the website for further details. We are asking for volunteers to assist in the running of the bar at the Cowra Picnic Races this year. The races are held on Saturday 8th November 2014. We are seeking helpers interested in obtaining a Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate. A course will be run over the coming weeks and will be provided free of charge to all P&F helpers who assist with the bar on the day of the races. We are also after parents interested in selling tickets at this event. Anyone interested please contact us via the website.
Fathers’ Day Liturgy – 5 September Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two celebrated Fathers' Day with a lovely liturgy on Friday. There was singing, prayers, poetry and a special blessing. Following the liturgy morning tea was shared together and then the children enjoyed some fun and games with their dads, grandpas and families. "My dad can skip." "I liked the singing." "Mr Wisemantel's poem was good." "I liked watching the beautiful pictures." "It was fun at recess."
Website: www.straphaelspnf.wordpress.com
Tues 9 Sally Bruncher Nikki Savage
Wed 10 CLOSED
Thurs 11 Kristen Sturgiss
Fri 12 Jacinta Hines
Mon 15 Jacqui Cusack
Tracey Gunnyon
Raelene Nelligan
Three days left to hand over your pre-loved books! St Raph’s P and F will be holding our “GOT BOOKS” fundraiser during lunch time on 18th September in the last week of term 3. We would be grateful for any donations of pre-loved children’s and young adult’s books by 10th September for collection in homerooms. Books need to be in good condition for resale. Please note we do not need preschool books but picture books, early readers, chapter books and in particular books for high school kids. Please go to your kids’ bookcases, spend ten minutes cleaning them out and send in a few books to school today!
WELL DONE Congratulations to the following students who have achieved the next level on the Behaviour Management Programme. Level 5 William Harris 4D Level 6 Louis Johnson 3M Nicholas Brown 4D Samuel Kelly 4D Riley Langfield 4D Matthew Mallon 4D Lucy Proctor 4D Rory Nixon 5G Hugo Skene 5G Adam Vardy 5G Bernadette Zarb 5G Alexie Buchtmann 5O Catherine Gallagher 5O Madelyn Stead 5O Julian Bognar R2 Charlotte Cooper R2 Jaidyn Fitzgerald R1 Level 7 Chelsee White 3M Madeleine Cain K1 Jessica Savage R1 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
Little Athletics Registration Registrations will be held at the Twigg Oval canteen on: Saturday 13/9/14 at 10am-12 noon Saturday 20/9/14 at 10am-12noon Thursday 9/10/14 at 4pm-6pm Or online at laansw.com.au Fees are $85 per athlete from U'6-U-17 $80 for 3rd and subsequent athlete $75 for Tiny Tots group (child must be born before October 1, 2011) The season will begin on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 5pm. Athletes are to gather near the Little A's shed. Registrations will also be taken on the day. If an athlete has an IGA badge on their shirt from last season, the badge is to be removed. Spikes are only to be used by athletes in the U'10 to U'17 groups. Shorts must be plain black (no white material or brand name). Jackeroo Ranch Horse Riding Jackeroo Ranch is once again running the popular horse riding camps in the Winter Holidays. st th th 1 Week: Sat 20 Sept - Sat 27 Sept nd th th 2 Week: Sat 27 Sept – Sun 5 Oct These camps are for “horse-mad” children aged 6-16 years. Five to six hours per day are devoted to horse activities including a one hour lesson and three hours trail riding in the beautiful Turon Valley. Previous experience is not necessary as beginners to advanced riders are catered for. We specialise in teaching nervous riders and developing their confidence. This is “not just a camp” – it is a wonderful farm experience your child will treasure forever. Enquiries: Mrs. Pattie Hudson. Ph 6337 7173 (nights are best).
Mob: 0407139164 Ph: 63428447 rd th DATE: Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 April VENUE: Cowra Tennis Club TIME: 9.30am – 4.30pm (Early drop off and later pick up available if required) PROGRAM 9.30am -12pm: Skills, technique, fitness and various tennis activities. 12 – 1pm: Lunch break (children to bring own lunches, snacks and drinks) 1 – 4.30 pm: Match play and ball machine. Racquets are available if you don’t have one. COST Morning session 9.30am -12pm: $30 per student per day Afternoon session 1-4.30 pm: $30 per student per day Both sessions: $50 per day per student 2 full days: $90 per student BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED PLAYERS CATERED FOR PRIZES TO BE WON ENROLMENTS ARE TO BE MADE TO HELEN GARRATT BY PHONE OR EMAIL Crafty Kids Workshop FREE Art and Craft school holiday activity for children 9 years and older Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th September, 10am-3pm Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre, Family Support Building, 5 Vaux St Cowra Light lunch and refreshments provided Bookings essential by phoning 63 401100
Gavin Grant 10 years Memorial Golf Day Fundraiser th Date: 26 October Venue: Cowra Golf Club Cost: 4 to a team at $12 a head - $8 per team will be donated to the fundraiser. Teams can register on the day or earlier at the Golf Club. Funds are being raised to be split evenly amongst the local schools to fund counsellors for our youth. Plenty of fantastic prizes and trophies to be won. There will also be raffles and a sausage sizzle on the day. Free Graduated Licensing Scheme Workshop for Parents of Learner Drivers Young drivers are three times more likely to be involved in casualty crashes. That's why the RTA has introduced a new licensing scheme, with more supervised driving practice for learner drivers. To help parents in supervising learner drivers, the RTA has set up a FREE 2 hour workshop for parents that offers practical advice on how to help learner drivers become a safer drivers. A FREE RTA parents' workshop will be hosted by David Riches on Wednesday October 22nd Services Club from 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm. Early bookings are essential, so phone 0434 964764 now to reserve your place, or Email: saferlearnerdrivers@gmail.com SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS CLINIC Helen Garratt Tennis Coaching Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach Email: handlgarratt@bigpond.com
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