St Raphael’s Catholic School Term 4, Week 6/B Newsletter 10th November 2014 I congratulate and thank these people who either have or will step into these very demanding roles.
Dear Parents During the coming weeks at school the important task of staff recruitment is being undertaken. Careful selection of the best staff available goes a long way to determining the tone of a school which is a major reason behind our current strength. The structure and composition of the school executive is to further evolve in 2015 in preparation for the addition of Stage 6 in 2016. The roles of Principal and Assistant Principal will keep a “whole school” responsibility but will move to become more purely educational leadership. The ever present administrative duties will be the domain of a whole school Administration Coordinator.
Several teaching positions are subjects of recruitment at the moment, primarily because temporary appointments need to be either upgraded to permanent or renewed for the new year. Appointments will be publicised through the Newsletter as they are confirmed.
Michael Gallagher Principal
The role of Religious Education Coordinator will continue in its present very successful form with responsibilities in the Primary and Secondary departments separated. Coordination in the Primary Department will continue in the present format with two coordinators bearing responsibility the Infants and the Primary year groups. Coordination in the Secondary Department will also be under the guidance of two coordinators – one with responsibility for Learning & Curriculum, the other for Wellbeing. In 2016 and beyond, this leadership structure Is designed so it can be expanded with the need for specialisation, particularly in senior secondary requirements. Not all executive positions have been appointed. So far we know that: David Maher has been appointed as AP at The Assumption School, Bathurst, so recruitment is now underway here. David Lette has been appointed to the Administration Coordinator role K-10/12. Karla Slaven has been appointed REC Primary Helen Finlay will retire at the end of this year. Kylie McNamara has been appointed Coordinator of Infants Coordinator of Primary is yet to be appointed. Peta Bischof has been appointed REC Secondary Ben Thomson has been appointed Coordinator of Curriculum & Learning Sue Whiteley has been appointed Wellbeing Coordinator. P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
11 November
Monday 10 Happy birthday to Kate Cumming. Tuesday 11 Happy birthday to Christopher Gibb. Remembrance Day. Wednesday 12 Happy birthday to Matthew Terry and Ethan Thomson.
Thursday 13 Happy birthday to Cate Gallagher. 2015 Year 7 Orientation Day. Friday 14 Happy birthday to Kasey Burton. K-6 Annual Maths and English Awards Assembly. Happy birthday to Tom Cusack and Jessica Napoli for th the 15 . Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Altar Servers’ Roster th Sat 15 Nov: Hayden and Marcus Mullins and Ben and Rachel Myers. th Sun 16 Nov: Kate and Sophie Johnston. Gooloogong: Emily Beath Pearce and Flynn Bennett. School Readers for Weekend Parish Masses: th Sat 15 Nov: Mrs Healy. th Sun 16 Nov: Mrs Whiteley. School Computer Roster th Sat 15 Nov: Miss Slaven. th Sun 16 Nov: Mrs Bischof.
Primary Assembly th The next primary assembly will be on Friday, 14 November. At this assembly Maths and English Awards will be presented. These are special awards acknowledging students who have worked well in these subjects during the year. If your son / daughter is to receive a Maths or English award a note will be sent home early next week. Parents are always most welcome to attend any primary assembly. Student Leaders (2015) Elections At this time, Year 5 and 9 students are being offered the opportunity to represent the school as school leaders in 2015. The timetable is: PRIMARY Primary Leaders (speeches and elections) Monday th 10 November School Vice-Captains (speeches and elections) Friday, th 14 November Sports Carnival Captains (speeches and elections) st Friday, 21 November SECONDARY Secondary Leaders (speeches and elections) Monday th 10 November School Captains (speeches and elections) th Wednesday, 12 November Year 7 (2015) Orientation th Thursday, 13 November, 2014 Year 6 students will be involved in a Secondary School day of activities. This day is planned to allow the students to experience secondary homeroom and lessons. This orientation day takes place this Thursday.
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Swimsafe The Infants Swimsafe Program will be commencing on th Monday 17 November. Please ensure money and permission notes are returned as soon as possible. A note will be sent home early this week informing you of which swimming groups your child/children are in. Volunteer walkers are also encouraged to attend whenever possible. If your name does not appear on the walking roster you are more than welcome to walk any day. Thank you. Primary Physical Education Lessons: Wednesdays th This Wednesday, 12 November students in Years 2, 5 and 6 will need to wear their sports uniforms. Next th Wednesday, 19 November students in Years 1, 3 and 4 will need their sports uniform. Sporting Events Primary Nov 18 Summer Sports Trials (Dubbo)
Outward Bound What an amazing experience!! Our 18 Outward Bounders have returned tired and bruised, but they have been transformed and renewed! "It was an experience of a lifetime. We learnt and experienced many challenges. Before Outward Bound we took many things for granted and tended to live ordinary lives staying within our comfort zone. During the week we discovered our capabilities and how we could really push ourselves." Riley Barron and Katie Brown. "It is a very challenging experience- physically, mentally and emotionally. It pushed us above our limits and tested our physical strength." Jack Thurtell and Anna McNamara "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are so privileged to be part of it. It has tested our limits and we have gained knowledge of our capabilities and strengths." Michelle Grech, Olivia Edwards, Max Duff and Axton Farrel-Gray "This has been a great time to learn more self-respect for yourself and others." Mitchell Beer and Lara Rust ""Although it has been challenging we pushed through and survived the bugs, the animals and Matt. " Bryson Sciberras and Richard Scott "It has helped us understand ourselves and other people and how groups interact." Jack Clements and Griffin Keys "Yes, there were a few hiccups- blood, sweat and tears – but these minor trials were irreplaceable lessons on teamwork, cooperation and negotiation." Brandon Melon and Darcee Nixon "We came to Outward Bound expecting a prolonged camping expedition…we received a shock to find that it tested our fitness, navigational skills, cooperation Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
and our ability to work in a team." Tom Statham and Cassie Toohey Many thanks to all who made it possible! Congratulations to all 18 students – you showed physical strength and tenacity. I was immensely proud of how you navigated group dynamics and physical exhaustion – you have all returned stronger with a deeper understanding of yourselves and your peer group. Well Done! "When the going gets tough – the tough get going!" Mrs Inel Date - Outward Bound 2014
RISING STARS’ CONCERT IN THE JAPANESE GARDEN Last Thursday our school was filled with the new sounds of music. From two o’clock until four thirty a variety of operatic and stage music was amplifying the walls of the school. Lucky members of the secondary choir had the privilege to work with seven artists from Sydney who are involved either with Sydney Conservatorium, Opera Australia or Oz Opera. All the singers were recently touring Central West. Firstly choir students had a workshop filled with fun which enhanced their vocal skills. Later in the afternoon in St Brigid Hall, our three ‘rising stars’: Zoe Budge, Isabella Hines and Celine Langlands had their rehearsal with the group. Beautiful sounds were heard throughout the school, even some teachers who tried to do some marking could not resist coming and watching the singers working with our trio. It was an absolute delight to see the big smile on Mrs White’s face as she listened and enjoyed her short break from school work. After the workshop, we all met at the Cowra Japanese Garden for our evening performance. The program included ‘hits’ from Broadway, Opera, Operetta and Cabaret. Pieces from ‘The Mikado’, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Carmen’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘La Traviata’, just to mention a few, were performed to perfection. The meaningful song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was a big finale as members of the Secondary Choir joined the artists. As the sun disappeared our choristers started to feel cold. Mrs MacCabe rushed home and brought blankets and jumpers so the children could be kept warm. Thank you Cherie. Students who performed in the choir on the night were: Caitlin Jenkins, Brooke Lewis, Samantha MacCabe, Madeline Cooper, Charlotte Cooper, Samantha Gibb, P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Anna Johnston, Maisie Thompson, Brittany Kiss, Jessie Irvine, Brittany Irvine, Matthew Mood, David Mood, Richmond Bush, Patrick Heilman and Jack Ranger. In conclusion, I would like to express a big thank you to everyone for being great performers and sharing your talents. Yours musically, Grazyna Swansborough
Save the Date A date for the diary - Kinder, Year One and Year Two will be having their Christmas parties and dance Monday 15th December. Children can wear Christmas colours to school that day. Further information from the teachers will follow. Book Club Book Club orders need to be at the school by this th Friday, 14 November. This is the last book club order for the year. Thank you so much for your support over the year, we have once again managed to get many new resources for the classroom and the library. Many thanks to Christine Webb for once again tirelessly organising the Book Club for our students this year. School Magazine Orders – The CROCUS If the old adage of "a picture is worth a thousand words" is true then this year's THE CROCUS school magazine would have in excess of 900,000 words or would be over 4,500 pages in size. Invest in your child's history. Order a copy of this year's magazine by week 7 of this term. Please complete the order form at the end of the newsletter with your numbers wanted. If 100 copies are ordered the cost will be $34.50 per copy If 200 copies are ordered then the per copy cost drops to only $23.50 Orders to date ONLY
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Lost property If you are missing any jumpers or jackets etc – please come and check the lost property tub in the front office, There are numerous unnamed and unclaimed items. Thank you. Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Drop and Go Zone Please be aware that “hovering and waiting” for a drop off spot to become available can still result in a fine. Apparently you need to move on if there are no spaces available. Please also be considerate in this area. Please move up if there are spaces available and try to move on quickly from the area so others may also drop and go. This is a no parking area until 9:30am. Thank you. School Buses Cowra Bus Service have advised us that scooters, skateboards, bicycles and unicycles will no longer be permitted onto any school bus. This is due to the fact that these items have caused unnecessary wear and tear on the interior of the vehicles and, more importantly, the items may also act as dangerous missiles in an accident or if the bus uses emergency braking. Should you require any additional information, please contact Cowra Bus on 6342 1021. Canteen Update This week’s roster is as follows: Tues 11 Nicky Savage
Wed 12 CLOSED
Melody Pepper
Thurs 13 Sam Doorey
Fri 14 Kirsty Langfield
Mon 17 Natalie Goard
Lisa Robertson
Cindy Langfield
Karen Campbell
WELL DONE Congratulations to the following students who have achieved the next level on the Behaviour Management Programme. Level 5 Coralea Tapp K2 Level 6 Ethan Millar 3S Emily Beath-Pearce 4J Justin Thomas 4J Jayden Millar 5O Jack Harper 6C Sarah Clark K1 Level 7 Kasey Burton 3M Emma Hines 3M Benjamin Smith 3S Philippa Austin 4D Hollie Orford 4D Emma Wilkinson 4D Sophie Johnston 4J Chloe Robertson 4J Ruby Fraser 5G Kelsey Pollard 5G Mitchell Beer R2 Daisy Heilman R1 Ella Gruessing K2
Nicholas Brown Cameron Melton Harry Thuaux Brock Carman Jessie Irvine
4D 4J 4J 6C R2
Daniel Gorham 3M Natalie Mallon 3S Inka Wilson 3S Josephine Gundersen 4D Annaleise Prescott 4D Aidan Bugeja 4J Lillian Lawler 4J Mollie Thompson 4J Zara Mackenzie 5G Mackenzie Bone 5O Richard Scott R1 Jessica McLeish X2 Lauren Thomas X2
Your Teachers are very Proud of You!
P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Tel: 6342.2940
Only 2 weeks to go until the Christmas Fair! CHRISTMAS HAMPER RAFFLE This week’s theme for the Christmas Raffle is “Something for Christmas”. The theme next week will be: “Your Choice”. Items can be edible or non-edible. Raffle ticket booklets went home last week. Please send in completed booklets as soon as possible. If you need extra tickets please collect them from the front office. House points are earned for each item brought in for the hamper. JAZZY JARS Please send in your Jazzy Jars for the Christmas Fair. You can use clean glass or plastic jars of any size with a secure lid. Use your imagination to fill your jars with new items. Stationary bits and pieces, wrapped lollies, party supplies, hair accessories, art, craft and sewing supplies, small hardware items and small toys are always popular. We will have 2 JAZZY JAR PIZZA LUNCH PRIZES this year! One for the class that brings in the MOST Jazzy Jars and one for the class that brings in the nd BEST QUALITY Jazzy Jars. Jars with 2 hand items and Halloween or unwrapped lollies won’t be counted. THE BOOK STALL Please send in donations of Young Adult books and Fiction and Non Fiction books for Adults. If students give them to their homeroom teachers or leave them at the front office, they will be collected each week. STALL-HOLDERS Call out to parents, local businesses and stall-holders! Stalls are 3m x 3m and a 10 foot table is included. Fees: Stallholders with insurance: $35 Parents of the school: by donation Contact Ona on 6345 1789, 0409 608 118, or onalawrence@gmail.com
Please contact Ona Lawrence for more information and if you are able to volunteer some time and help before or during the fair – all help will be much appreciated. Phone 6345 1789 or 0409 608 118, or email onalawrence@gmail.com Email: straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au
Thank you A big thank you from the P&F to all those who helped at the bar at the Cowra Picnic Races – a big fundraiser for our P&F. All your assistance was greatly appreciated.
2014 Schools Aquathon Challenge The 2014 Schools Aquathon Challenge will be held Friday November 14th at the Orange Aquatic Centre. First wave will start at 4.30pm and entry fee is $10 including pool entry. Year 6 - 700m run | 200m swim | 1.4km run Year 7 & 8- 1km run | 300m swim | 2km run Years 9, 10 & 11- 2km run | 400m swim | 2km run Go to: https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg to register online. Race day entries will also be available. All event related enquiries can be directed to Mel AshtonGarard via ashton.garard@gmail.com or 0413 597 301. Please get behind this event supported by the Western Region Academy of Sport and Triathlon NSW.
Catholic Diocese of Bathurst
Youth Festival 2014 November 22-23 @Ridgecrest Convention Centre For youth in Years 6-9.
School Magazine Order Form Name: _____________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________ Child: ______________________________________ Class: _____________________________________ Number ordered: _____________________________
For more information please go to www.bathurst.catholic.org.au Please note – the parish are arranging a bus from Cowra for the transport of the students to and from BLAST.
Cowra Singing Studio Annual Concert All are invited to the annual singing concert for Cowra Singing Studio. th Date: Saturday 15 November Time: 7:30pm Venue: Cowra Services Club Cost: Gold coin donation going towards “Driving Miss Jacy” 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