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PRINCIPAL NEWS
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to Term Two! I hope that all families have enjoyed a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to the term ahead. As a staff we are again focussed on working together with all families this term.
Feast of St Catherine’s
Last Friday we celebrated the Feast of St Catherine’s with Kilometres for Compassion and activities related to St Catherine. A big thanks to Nerida Byrden and all of the staff for their organisation and facilitation of the day.
Camps
The Grade 4 students have just enjoyed a wonderful camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort enjoying activities such as canoeing, raft building, ropes courses, flying fox and many other adventure activities. Grade 5 students will head off to Sovereign Hill on the 16-18. It is wonderful that we can again offer these opportunities to the students and it is an expectation that they attend as it is a part of our curriculum. Parents with any questions about camps should contact their child’s teacher. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the staff for attending the camps, it is a huge commitment to take time away from their own families to take the children away.
Easter Raffle / Bunnings BBQ
Thanks to all families who donated eggs for the Easter Raffle, as a school we raised $4,475.05 – a brilliant effort. A special thanks to all of the parents who assisted the Parents and Friends at the Bunnings BBQ last Saturday, almost $1000 was raised for St Catherine’s. I have been very impressed by the work of the Parents and Friends Committee since I have been at St Catherine’s and I thank them for their efforts. Currently we are deciding what the fundraising will be put towards this year and we will inform all families after our next meeting.
Mother’s Day Stall – Friday 6 May
The Parents and Friends will be running a Mother’s Day Stall for the students this Friday 6 May. There’s gifts and Mother’s Day cards for every Mum and/or Nan and prices start from $1 - cash only and please send a plastic bag with your child (so gifts can be well hidden!) Any queries please contact Jo Riley on 0438316842
Lunchtime Clubs
This term we have organised lunchtime clubs for the children to participate in if they choose. A huge thanks to all of the staff who have taken on extra responsibilities to run these clubs and to Jess Ornsby for her organisation. Jess has provided further details of the clubs within this newsletter.
Enrolments
We are now taking new enrolments for 2023. We have already been experiencing a demand for spots. If you are an existing family and have not yet completed your 2023 enrolment form please do so asap in order to confirm a place. Enrolments are now open to all. If you know of anyone wanting to enrol at St Catherine’s please encourage them to contact the Office and book a tour.
Important 2023 Prep Enrolment Dates for Your Diary,
Parent Information Evening |
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3 Prep Orientation Sessions |
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Drop Off / Pick Up
A reminder that classes commence at 8.50am. Gates will be locked at 8.50am and children arriving after this time will need to come through the Office to be signed in.
Parents need to ensure that they have appropriate arrangements organised for their children at the end of the day, particularly students that are waiting for siblings from SFX.
Staffing News
Congratulations to Jasmine Bentley on the birth of her child Ayla. We wish Jasmine and her family all the very best in this most special time in their lives.
Year 6 Camp update and fee refunds
As you may be aware, we have been fortunate enough to secure an alternative camp to Canberra that is in line with current DOSCEL and COVID requirements. We are currently finalising itinerary and bus arrangements. Once this has been confirmed Grade 6 families will be advised of school fee refund arrangements.
Uniform & Hats
As per our uniform policy, hats are no longer required. Winter uniform is to be worn in second and third term. There is a changeover period of 2 weeks at the beginning of second term when summer or winter uniform may be worn. By beginning of week 3, all students should be in full winter uniform.
Sports Team Jersey’s
At St Catherine’s we have a school tradition where students can wear their jerseys’ for winning sports team on Monday’s following the weekend games.
Child Safety
Child Safety is a core priority at St Catherine’s and at the forefront of all decisions.
Photographing students
Some students at St Catherine’s do not have permission to be photographed, and this closely monitored by school staff. Because of this we ask parents to please refrain from photographing or videoing any students while onsite.
Dogs & Pets onsite
Pets are not permitted on school grounds, inclusive of the rebound wall. We ask that parents please wait outside the school gates if you have a pet with you.
COVID Procedures
Listed below are the most recent procedures;
- Camps and Excursions - Camps and Excursions are now able to proceed. Information will be forwarded to parents as the dates become closer. Please note that it will be only school staff that attend the camps.
- Student Drop Off – Parents are welcome to walk their children into the school; however, we ask that you drop your child off at the door and please do not enter the buildings.
- Carline Pick-up – This remains the same as has been in place. Parents collecting children in cars need to enter the driveway and follow around through the basketball courts. The line will then split into an A-k line and an L-Z line that you enter according to your surname. The children will be waiting for you.
- School Office – The Office is open, however, if it is not essential to come onsite then please email office@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au or phone 9702-1466. All adults coming indoors must wear a mask.
- Walking Pick-up – Parents walking to pick up their children are asked to remain at the rebound wall area and the students will come up to you for the safety of all. I remind parents to cross the road and collect your child, please do not call them across from the other side.
- Meetings with Teachers – Remain by appointment only and parents will need to sign in at the Office with proof of vaccination.
Families remain encouraged to test their children twice weekly with the RA tests provided. If your child tests positive please inform the school and they must isolate for seven days. Alerts will be sent to families via email if there is a positive case within the school. If your child is a household close contact they are welcome to attend school, however, the school must be informed, your child must test daily and wear a mask when indoors throughout the stipulated close contact period. Work is available for those children that are isolating and can be accessed via your child’s teacher. I remind families that this is work that they can complete at home but it is not a remote learning program.
School Fees
Families who hold an eligible Health Care Concession Card, may be eligible for CSEF (Camp, Sports and Excursion Funding). If eligible, this would also entitle families to make an application for a fee remission, which effectively would see a significant reduction of fees to be paid for the year. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Margaret Lonergan in the Office.
For any queries, either ring Margaret Lonergan on 9702 1466 or email accounts@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
Contact Address
If you have changed your address recently, could you please contact the school office on 97021466 or alternatively info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
School Closure Dates
Listed below are the 2022 School Closure Dates for your diary;
Friday 24 June
Friday 24 June |
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Monday 3 October |
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Monday 31 October |
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Monday 19 December |
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Tuesday 20 December |
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Kind Regards,
Simon
Hello Everyone
Welcome back to another busy and exciting term. We began the week with an ANZAC Prayer Service to pray for and honour all the people who have fought in wars. On Friday we celebrated the Feast of St Catherine of Siena. We gathered together to pray as a school community and learn about this amazing woman whom our school is named after. The staff and students participated in a liturgy dedicated to St Catherine of Siena and reflected on her qualities and how we can use these in our own lives. The students also completed ‘Kilometres for Compassion’ which is a Caritas initiative, where the gold coin donations will be used to help others through social justice programs.
This week we begin our Confirmation Workshops for our Year 6 students who are making their Confirmation this year. Please note that we will be running these workshops at St. Catherine’s and not at the St. Michael’s Parish Centre. These workshops will be located in the Siena Building where we will gather together to learn more about the Sacrament of Confirmation. Dates are as follows: Wednesday 4th May at 7.00pm, Tuesday 10th May at 7.00pm, Wednesday 11th May at 7.00pm and Tuesday 17th May at 7.00pm.
Please remember that you need to have enrolled your child in the Sacramental Program via St. Michael’s Parish Centre.
Blessing Masses for the Sacrament of Confirmation begin this weekend 4th and 5th June at any of the regular masses at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours in Faith
Nerida Byrden
Catholic Identity and Religious Education Leader
FEAST OF ST CATHERINE
St Vincent De Paul Society
St Vincent De Paul Society has released a Federal Election Statement “A Fairer Australia”. There are 5 policy recommendations that call on the elected Australian Government to lift people out of poverty, provide them with safe and secure housing options, respect our nation’s First Peoples, welcome people seeking asylum and protect worker’s rights and their security. For more details and to download a copy of “A Fairer Australia” summary brochure or booklet go to www.vinnies.org.au.
KEEP ON SHINING!
SHINE
Term 2 Week 2
Hello Everyone! We are your SHINE leaders Siennah, Ariana, Kevin and Tino,
we would like to start by congratulating our last term SHINE winners,
Shannon 6la5 and Alex 2m8 for having respect.
If you are not aware of our SHINE values it stands for:
Stay safe
Have respect
Interact appropriately
Notice and own your actions
Engage in learning
This week's focus is to interact appropriately and next week will be notice and own your actions. If you any questions you can find us at school.
We hope you all have an awesome week and remember to KEEP ON SHINING!
TERM OVERVIEWS
In week 3 and 4 of Term 2, our year 3 and year 5 students will undertake NAPLAN testing. This is a national testing scheme, designed to provide information to the school, the state and the whole nation on students’ progress and growth. A pamphlet from the NAPLAN authority will come home with information for parents but we would also like to add a few points that we feel are important for families to know.
Firstly, NAPLAN testing, while valuable, provides a snapshot of a child’s abilities on a single day. It is not a comprehensive assessment of all the incredible, unique and special strengths and abilities that all of our students have. Secondly, its value is most powerful in large cohorts, rather than when looking at individual results.
Finally, there is no need to overly prepare for NAPLAN, it is best simply undertaken on the day. Since all the tests are now online (with the exception of Year 3 writing) we do ask parents to ensure students have headphones and to charge the iPad the night before the tests.
If your child is feeling anxious, please reassure them that the test is simply to provide information and we only expect them to do what they can.
Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.
Victoria Donlan and Rebecca Cox
Curriculum/ICT Leaders
LUNCH TIME CLUBS
Welcome back to Term 2! It has been great to catch up with our students and hear all about their school holiday break.
This term at St Catherine’s we have commenced Lunch Time Clubs. Lunch time clubs are being offered to students to cater for a range of interests while also supporting students to make new friendships, work in teams and build connections with their peers.
This week was our ‘soft launch’ of the clubs. We hope to add to the types of club’s as the term progresses. We will continue to update and review the timetable supported by student and teacher feedback.
PAL (Peer Activity Leader) will be offered to our Prep, Year 1 and 2 students twice a week and will be run by some of our Year 6 students, with teacher support. There will be a different activity run each session, and our Year 6 students will visit classrooms to advertise and help students sign up.
Senior clubs require students to sign up in advance, teachers will also support students with this.
I have attached a copy of the timetable for your reference.
We hope our students enjoy the clubs!
Jess Ornsby
Learning Adjustment Leader & Students Support
On Monday the year 4s went on camp to Phillip Island. We hope they had an amazing time!
District Cross Country is being held on Thursday the 5 at Hampton Park. Good Luck to all our runners and Go St Cath’s!
St Catherine’s Day was on Friday the 29. We had a gold coin donation for kilometres for compassion! Every year level did 10 laps around the oval, basketball court or the courtyard. We also had the ANZAC day appeal products last Tuesday and Wednesday. Thank you to anyone who purchased an ANZAC day, badge, wristband or keychain. We raised a lot of money and it went to ANZAC’s and their families.
Thank you for the great first few weeks back!
Thank you from your year 6 leaders,
Alicia, Aidan, Sienna, Mia, Luke, and Oscar.
Year 4 Camp - Phillip Island Adventure Resort
BOOKCLUB ISSUE 3 IS OPEN FOR ORDERSPlease ensure your order is placed by Thursday 12th May 5pm 2022
Orders will be distributed to the school within 14 days for distribution to the students.
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EASTER RAFFLE
We would like to thank the school community for their generous support in donating eggs and purchasing raffle tickets last term.
We raised an amazing $4475.35 and we had 369 prizes for the children.
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PAYTON | YEAR 6 |
TANYA | YEAR 5 |
KESHMERE | YEAR 2 |
EMERSON | YEAR 6 |
MYRA | PREP |
DEYANA | YEAR 3 |
ERIN | YEAR 5 |
JASON | PREP |
FINN | YEAR 1 |
DOMENIC | YEAR 3 |
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
A big THANK YOU to the volunteers on Saturday and the school community that came to support our first Bunnings Sausage Sizzle. The fundraiser was a great success with nearly $1000 raised and we had such a great time that we’ve signed up for more. We’ll put a call out closer to the time for volunteers so please sign up if you can help - they will be 2 hour shifts on a Saturday or Sunday. If you’d like any details prior please email us on (Parents and friends email address) or contact Jacki Manser on 0438 770 124. |
Mother’s Day Stall
Japjeet B | Jenson D | Amelia L |
Iyla T | Dave S | Buvindu J |
Onelly N | Caitlin G | Olivia L |
Aiden M | Aaliyah A | Chad P |
Melchior A | Sophia M | Eryn M |
Jett P | Archer B | Kareem G |
Matthew J | Mia L | Aatish S |
Avnoor K | Ryder H | Jenna F |
Samuel P | Georgia C | Gaurev D |
Ruby R | Samuel C | Fallon P |
Jayden J | Doa K | Mika S |
Faith B | Isaac B |
Our school Canteen operates Thursday's ONLY.
- Orders are online only.
- Orders are via CDFPay.
- Orders must be complete by 8:45am on the day.
- Orders can be placed in advance.
Please see the link below. Create a CDFPay account and then simply place your order.
Cancelling Orders
If your child is sick or will not be attending school and you have placed your order you need to:
- Contact the School Office to advise that you wish to cancel the order.
- Your CDFPay account will be credited.
- No refunds are possible.
Uniform shop open hours
PLEASE NOTE TERM 2 HOURS MONDAY AND FRIDAY HAVE CHANGED
Monday | 8.30am to 9.30am |
Tuesday | 8.30am to 9.00am |
Wednesday | 8.30am to 9.00am |
Thursday | 8.30am to 9.00am |
Friday | 8.30am to 9.30am |
There is new and second hand uniform available.
Ordering can also be done anytime online using QKR.
Qkr orders are delivered directly to the students classroom. Stock allowing, delivery is usually within 24 hours from order.
Phone enquiries on 0448 060 100, however please note I am unable to take a call whilst serving. Phone enquiries welcome school weekdays up to 4pm.
Email Jan-k@bigpond.com