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- From the Principal - Mrs Katie Browne
- From the Assistant Principal - Mr Simon Farrugia
- From the REC - Ms Catherine du Bois
- From the School Office
- P&F News
- Awards
- Kindy Portraits on Display - BDAS Bowral Art Gallery
- Rememberance Day
- Student Leadership 2024
- SEL Focus - Week 7 & 8
- Year 5 & 6 Camp
- Pastoral Support
- Parish Morning Tea and Fundraiser
- St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal
- Canteen for Term 4
- Calendar Overview
- Community News
We must often feel weary and tired, yet God brings us through all these things.
Mary MacKillop
Dear Families,
Last week, Year 5 and 6 attended camp. On Thursday night I visited them for dinner and arrived to see excited children who were a little tired but loving the opportunity to be in the bush and trying new things. Camp is about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something that you might not have tried before. This week Year 3 - 6 will attend the Sandon Point Beach safety program where they will learn about our surf, how to find a rip and how to get back to shore safely if found in one. These experiences build resilience, courage and strength in our young people and provide them with a safe environment in which to challenge themselves.
As the year draws to a close at a rapid rate it is necessary that we remain calm and measured in how we handle the vast amount of pressures that are building in our lives. Christmas time can be stressful for families for many reasons. If any family is under pressure please come and speak with me confidentiality. Children are perceptive and often when we as adults are stressed they can tell. This can impact how they respond to situations and what they might tell you about their day. If at any time your child comes home and says something that is concerning you please contact their class teacher. Quite often we can share a different perspective that you may not have been aware of and together we can help solve the worry.
Go gently at this busy time of year.
Thank you and God Bless,
Year 5 leadership Preparation
This week Year 5 brought home their nomination forms for the executive leadership roles. All Year 5 students will be presented with a leadership badge at the End of Year Whole school Mass. The leadership process is an important opportunity to build life skills. Not all students wish to be nominated for these roles and not all students will be successful in achieving these titles. Leadership is not about the title on the badge it is about the work that each individual does. It comes from within and anyone can be a leader. Families are reminded that the critiquing of the elected candidates is not in keeping with the Parent - School Partnership framework and are encouraged to be mindful of the impact comments can have on the elected candidates and remain positive and supportive of the process.
Stage 2 Announcement
Last week we announced a new opportunity for stage 2 in 2024. We will be combining Year 3 and 4 to make two stage 2 classes. Year ¾ blue and Year ¾ White. This opportunity allows the school to make two even classes and enhance socialisation opportunities for the children. Parents of Stage 2 children are invited to a meeting on Thursday at 6pm. Please complete the google form if you wish to attend and put any questions you have that have not already been answered on the document into the form so we can keep the meeting running to time.
Screen Awareness Week
This is a reminder to check in with your children about their devices and what they have been viewing. Our children are being exposed to more and more inappropriate content. The current news images of the war in Gaza are graphic and quite disturbing for young people to process. It is necessary that you be aware of the viewing platforms your children are accessing when at home using your wifi. The eSafety commissioner can support you in putting settings in place to limit and restrict what your children can view.
Attendance
From 2024 students will only be granted an exemption for leave from school for the following reasons:
- exceptional domestic circumstances – this does not apply to family holidays
- other exceptional circumstances such as health of the student where sick leave or alternative enrolment is not appropriate
- employment in the entertainment industry or participation in elite sporting events for short periods of time i.e. for one or two days, and at short notice.
Therefore leave for family holidays in school time will not be approved. It is a legal requirement that parents send their children to school when instruction is offered. Please refer to the attachments that further explains compulsory school attendance and when an exemption is appropriate.
Cyclic Inquiry
Tomorrow I will be meeting with Mr Peter Hill - Director, Mr Tim Gilmour - Deputy Director, Mrs Margaret Helsin - Cyclic Inquiry Chair, and Mr Andrew Hefferen - Head of CCSI to sign the report and review the Cyclic Inquiry process. This is a wonderful step forward for our school as we will now be able to form our Strategic Plan for the next 4 years.
Christmas Assembly
On Thursday 30 November we will be holding our final afternoon assembly for the year. This assembly will begin at 1:40pm and each class will sing a Christmas carol. In between carols we will give out the fortnightly awards and call out the P&F raffle winners. Children are encouraged to wear a touch of Christmas on that day or dress according to the class's recommendation. Please keep a watch on compass for further details from class teachers.
PAT Assessment Professional Development
This week Mr Farruiga and Mrs Browne have participated in professional development in unpacking the PAT assessment data. This will guide us in supporting staff in unpacking data to inform our teaching.
Reports
Semester 2 reports will be available for families from the end of Week 9 Friday 8 December. They can be accessed via compass. If you need support to access Compass please see the office. Any family wishing to discuss the report with the classroom teacher can make an appointment through the office.
End of Year Events
Wednesday 29 November: 2024 Kindergarten Orientation Day 9:30 am
Thursday 30 November: Final Afternoon Christmas Assembly from 1:40 pm
Tuesday 12 December: Final P&F Meeting for the year, 7pm on zoom
Wednesday 13 December: Year 6 Mass and Supper 6 pm.
Thursday 14 December: Whole School End of Year Assembly 9:30 am
Thursday 14 December: Whole School End of Year Mass 12 noon.
Friday 15 December: Last day for students. Year 6 Clap out at 2:30pm
CDF Sports Awards
The CDF sports awards are an annual event recognising the sporting achievements of students in our systemic primary and secondary schools. The athletes need to meet certain criteria within the school sports pathways before being awarded a Sports Council Medallion. Achievements outside of the school pathways are not taken into consideration for these awards.
On Friday November 10, Matthew Holmes was recognised for his selection in the Diocesan Swimming and Cross Country teams when he was presented a Sports Council Medallion. To make this achievement even more special, Matthew found himself as the “face” of the event as his photo was used on banners, presentations and booklets. Well done Matthew!
Camp
Our Year 6 and Year students attended their overnight camp at Tallong last week. Year 6 spent three days adventuring while Year 5 spent two. This was a time for them to reflect on the year that has been as well as time for Year 6 to enjoy each others company as their time at primary school comes to an end.
The students challenged themselves during activities and relied on the support of others to push past any fear or comfort barriers. The main activities that the students participated in were High Wires, Mountain biking, low wires and of course The Giant Zipline.
The students were definitely well fed at the camp and had the comforts of cabin style accommodation. They were entertained with games in the evening and toasting marshmallows over a campfire.
Thank you to Miss du Bois, Mrs Adams and Mr Cipolla who gave up time with their families to be with our students for this experience.
We hope that this experience and development of teamwork skills will support them in their transition to school leadership and high school next year!
Thank you,
Advent
Advent is the period leading up to Christmas, beginning on Sunday 3rd December this year. The word 'advent' means 'coming'. It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent is the time in which we prepare for Christmas, the memorial of Jesus Christ being born into the world. Preparations are practical, like decorating a tree or stringing lights, but they’re also intended to be spiritual.
During Advent, we’re invited to enter more frequently into silence, into prayer and reflection, into Scripture, and into the sacramental life of the Church, all to prepare for celebrating Christmas. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the goal of Advent is to make present for ourselves and our families the “ancient expectancy of the Messiah...by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour's first coming.”
End of Year Assembly and Thanksgiving Mass
On Thursday 14th December, we will hold our End of Year Assembly in the school hall, commencing at 9:30. This will be an opportunity to hand out many special awards, give some farewells and announce the Year 6 captains for 2024. After the assembly there will be a short break, followed by our Thanksgiving Mass at 12:00. The new student leaders will receive their badges and recite their leadership pledge in front of the school community. There will also be a special photo presentation shown, celebrating the many achievements and experiences of 2023.
Year 6 Farewell Mass and Supper
The Year 6 Farewell Mass and Supper will take place on Wednesday 13th December. This is an important event for our Year 6 students and our staff as we bid them farewell. Mass will commence at 6:00 pm followed by supper, speeches and a presentation in the school hall. Year 6 students are required to wear their summer/winter school uniform.
We look forward to seeing you there at each of these events.
Thank you
Catherine du Bois
Religious Education Coordinator
Withdrawal
If you intend to withdraw your child from the school, the withdrawal form is available from the office. We currently have a waitlist, so advance notification would be appreciated.
- Valhalla travel $250 voucher
- Southern highlands entertainment centre - Family Pass
- Ascent footwear
- Harper Collins books
- Nest and burrow Hamper
- The Post Office Cafe
- Nenny's Playhouse
- Leonessa Botanicals x 2 Christmas wreaths
- Mrs Old Bucks
- Berrima Pottery
- Hand knitted bear donated by Mc Andrew Family
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal's Award in Week 6
| Kindergarten | Benedict | Raz |
| Year 1 | Jacob | Stevens |
| Year 2 | Blayze | Parmenter |
| Year 2 | Ida | Thompson |
| Year 2 | Edison | Warburton |
| Year 3 | Hannah | Allison |
| Year 4 | Scout | Eccleston |
| Year 5 | At Camp | |
| Year 6 | At Camp |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Merit Award in Week 6
| Kindergarten | Nicholas | Wray |
| Year 1 | Anika | Singh |
| Year 2 | Evan | Pertout |
| Year 2 | Leon | Perera |
| Year 3 | Ziggy | Parmenter |
| Year 4 | Lily | Woods |
| Year 5 | At Camp | |
| Year 6 | At Camp |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Mission Star Award in Week 6
| Kindergarten | Syon | Parajuli |
| Year 1 | Declan | Webb |
| Year 2 | Henry | Pertout |
| Year 3 | Sazal | Gurung |
| Year 4 | Jackson | Regan |
| Year 5 | At Camp | |
| Year 6 | At Camp |
Our Kindergartens Portraits will be on display at the Bowral Art Gallery.
We were invited by Moss Vale RSL Sub-branch to attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony at Moss Vale Services Club on 11th November. Thank you to our Leaders Liam and Shannon for representing our school with Mrs Browne at this event.
Giving Compliments
Relationship Skills
- Look at the person.
- Speak with a clear and friendly voice.
- Praise the other person’s quality, activity, or project specifically by telling him or her exactly what you like about it.
- Use words such as, “That was great,” “Wonderful,” or “That was awesome.”
- Give the other person time to respond to your compliment.
"Year 6 and Year 5 went to Tallong Camp. Year 6 went on the 15th-17th of November. When we arrived we were greeted by our camp instructors Jackie, and the camp coordinator, Steve. We went into our cabins and got settled. We did an activity called ‘Seesaw’. Which was to balance the seesaw with all of us on for 10 seconds. We were able to complete the activity with a time of 11 seconds. The reward was brownies made by one of the staff members in the kitchen. We all enjoyed it and it was very rich. Most of the activities were about teamwork and communication. We did lots of games, bike riding, zip lining and low ropes, which again made us wait for everyone and use teamwork. Cheffry, our chef, made delicious foods for us, he fed us well with foods that gave us enough energy for the day. Everytime we had food, it was a free choice and we could go back for seconds and thirds whenever we wanted. During our time there all of us have built new skills that will definitely help us in the future".
More photos will be added to Facebook in the coming days.
The Seasons for Growth program has concluded for this year and the students enjoyed a celebration session with their invitees. The students enjoyed meeting new friends, sharing stories, having fun, while learning how to understand that life is like the seasons and that change means growth. The students also enjoyed having fun, learning what to do when experiencing big changes in life. Well done, students, it has been a pleasure to support you on your journey.
The Gardening Club enjoyed cutting it's first produce of spinach, which was shared with the Perera family in appreciation for providing morning tea this term. Thank you to Liz and Beau for transporting the spinach.
St Paul's SEL Star is colourfully gleaming as we venture toward the end of 2023, which shows how the students are helping one another and actively practicing St Dominic's value of kindness.
Warm regards,
Bernadette Taylor
Pastoral Support Worker
Sunday 26th November - after 10am Mass
To help boost dwindling Parish funds, Fr Marek and the Pastoral Parish Council have decided to hold a Morning Tea and Fundraiser on the 26 November in the covered area of the school hall after 10am Mass.
We we have a company called Lunch Bunch Canteens who will be fulfilling our lunch orders each Tuesday and Thursday.
Please find the menu below and how to order details.
Please see below the calendar overview for Term 4 2023:
| Week 7 |
Wednesday 22 November - Year 3 & 4 Surf Awareness Excursion to Bulli Wednesday 22 November - 1:45pm - 2:45pm Kindergarten 2024 Playgroup Thursday 23 November - Year 5 & 6 Surf Awareness Excursion to Standon Point Friday 24 November - 1:45pm - 2:45pm Kindergarten 2024 Playgroup |
| Week 8 |
Wednesday 29 November - Kindergarten 2024 Orientation Day 9:30am to 11am Thursday 30 November - Final Fortnightly Assembly 2:00pm Friday 1 December - Vinnies Christmas Appeal Mufti Day - Christmas Dress Up |
| Week 9 |
Monday 4 December to Thursday 7 December - K to 2 Learn to Swim at Moss Vale Pool |
| Week 10 |
Wednesday 13 December - Year 6 Mass & Supper Thursday 14 December - End of Year Assembly 9:30am to 10:30am followed by End of Year Mass 12pm to 1pm Friday 15 December - Year 6 Pool Fun Day at Bundanoon & Clap out Friday 15th December - Last Day of School |
Southern Highlands Children's Choir
Commencing Term 1 next year
Mittagong RSL Junior Disco
Special guest appearance Santa’s Helper
Date : Saturday 25th October
Times : 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
Cost : $5
Ages : 0-14
Please note: This is a CASH ONLY event.
Alcohol free event.
If you are looking to have a birthday party , please contact the wonderful team at the RSL for help 4872 6700 – they can organise catering for your special occasion while the children have a great time dancing and catching up with their friends!
We have several gift vouchers to win on the night.
All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.