Term 3, Week 1 - Monday 22nd July, 2024

What's On This Week

Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Today we welcomed back our wonderful students. They were super excited to see their friends and be back at school. 

This Term we are focused on attendance. Last Term we experienced many illnesses among students so this Term we are aiming to increase attendance from K-12. Whilst attendance slipped for almost all classes, both Year 3 and Year 11 were above 90% attendance. 

Jack Neville, Piper-Rose Atkinson, Yasmin Bruce, Laura Bennett, Erin Rutledge, and Deakin Horton, will each receive a very special award for having 100% attendance for Semester 1. This is a huge achievement for these students and we congratulate them for their outstanding commitment and dedication. 

We ask our parents to please consider travel or holiday leave planning, and where possible avoid taking holidays during school time. Student learning is our priority and whilst some leave cannot be avoided, it is a NESA requirement that students are at school for the duration of every Term. 

There was significant work occurring during the holidays such as new air conditioners placed in all secondary classrooms and an exciting new Senior Study room painted and fitted with air conditioning in the library. We are now waiting for final approval for our new front administration entrance (which should come through today). The new entrance will also have a new digital sign located at the school entrance. We are still waiting for the Multi Purpose plans to come through from CEDB (it won't happen overnight but it will happen!). 

We acknowledge that the infants playground needs a makeover and the primary playground needs to be redone. We are waiting for the quotes for the works. As a school we will do the infants playground makeover in stages as we can afford to do so, and the primary playground still remains the focus of the P&F. It will be great to have as many parents involved in supporting the P&F initiative as we can.

We look forward to a productive and smooth Term.

God Bless, 

Michelle Deschamps - Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Welcome back to all staff, students and the whole St Raphael's community. I hope everyone is feeling rested and ready for the next term. Term 3 is always an exciting term and sometimes an intimidating term for our students. It is exciting because students are in the full swing of the year and are taking full advantage of the wonderful learning and extracurricular opportunities we have on offer here at St Raphael's. It can be an intimidating term, especially for our senior students in years 11 and 12 because for our Year 12 students it is their last term here with us at St Raphael’s so for them it is a term of their lasts. The last first day of term, the last class, the last assembly the last day and it culminates in their last mass and farewell in Week 10. For Year 11 it is a term for them to prepare themselves for the rigors of their HSC year and make sure they have everything in place for their learning.

This term is a term of preparation with our Year 10 students in the first 3 weeks looking to pick their subjects for next year and an information evening on the 7th August and then interviews with the school leadership team. We finalise our kindergarten enrolments for next year this term and I invite all parents and carers to come in and experience our wonderful school and see what we have to offer. 

Last term the school has been focusing on the School Improvement Plan. The results of this will be seen over the next two terms as the staff continue to develop a culture that is focused on learning and implementing systems that will ensure that our school continues to be a first choice school.

Have a great term!

David Wickham - Assistant Principal

Faith, Mission & Learning

Term 3 always means two very important Feast Days for us at St Raphael's. Mary Mackillop Feast Day is on 8th August and we will celebrate with Mass at 9:30am.  

Mary MacKillop made significant contributions to Australia and Australian education, founding schools and championing the education of underprivileged children.This group called themselves the Sisters of the St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Today her Sisters of St Joseph continue her dream, living and ministering in areas right across Australia and abroad. We have a strong history drawing on Mary's inspiration and continue to work to help make God’s Dream of life for all a reality in our world today. We are a proud Brigidine school that celebrates her legacy. 

The Assumption of Mary is on the 15th August and will be celebrated with a Mass at 12:30pm.

The Assumption commemorates the belief that when Mary died, rather than going through the natural process of physical decay on Earth, both her soul and body were taken to Heaven, to be with her Son, Jesus.

According to Pope Benedict XVI: 'By contemplating Mary in heavenly glory, we understand that the earth is not the definitive homeland for us either, and that if we live with our gaze fixed on eternal goods we will one day share in this same glory and the earth will become more beautiful.

Consequently, we must not lose our serenity and peace even amid the thousands of daily difficulties. The luminous sign of Our Lady taken up into Heaven shines out even more brightly when sad shadows of suffering and violence seem to loom on the horizon.

We may be sure of it: from on high, Mary follows our footsteps with gentle concern, dispels the gloom in moments of darkness and distress, reassures us with her motherly hand.'

At St Raphael's, Mary inspires us to continue confidently on our Christian path. Ensuring all those in need are positively impacted through support and a 'motherly hand'. 

I Wonder... Therefore I Grow! 

I wonder... how I can create change and limit suffering in our local area.

I wonder if we could inspire other women to stand up in our 21st Century.

I wonder... what effect a strong and gentle presence would create for people in need.

2024 Confirmation Program

Weekend Masses

Week 1-22/23 June

Week 2- 29/30 June

Week 3- 27/28 July( Prayer Card Weekend)

Week 4- 3/4 August

Week 5- 10/11 August (Robing Weekend)

Retreat Wednesday 14th August

Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Saturday 17th August during the 6pm Parish Mass

Gabrielle Bruin - Leader of Faith, Mission & Learning

Learning Engagement & Wellbeing

Adherence to Uniform Code

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support of the St Raphael's Uniform Policy.  Please be aware that school ties are back in stock at Mr Embroidery and are now available for immediate purchase.   As such, all students are expected to now present to school in full school uniform, including school ties.  Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Craig Jeffries - Leader of Learning Engagement
c.jeffries@bth.catholic.edu.au

Attendance Matters

Students are expected to have above a 95% school attendance rate because days missed can add up to years lost. That’s why making sure your child comes to school every single day (unless genuinely sick) is important.

Maintaining a high school attendance rate, ideally above 95%, is crucial for a student’s academic success and overall development. Here are several reasons why consistent school attendance is important:

• Continuous Learning. Regular attendance ensures that students are consistently exposed to new information and lessons. This continuity is essential for effective learning, as concepts build upon each other over time.
• Development of Learning Skills. School attendance is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing essential learning skills. These skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, are honed through active participation in the learning process.
• Establishment of Routine. Consistent attendance helps students establish a routine, promoting organisational skills and time management. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life and contribute to overall success.

Primary Learning & Enrichment

Bronze and Level 7 Award Recipients

Congratulations to the following Primary students who have reached Bronze and Level 7 on the Behaviour Management Plan.

Bronze

Billy Simms * Charlie Sims * Sash Germanoski * Mitchell Holmes * Joshua Randell * Lane Thompson * Noah Campbell * Tilly Gundersen * Lexie Kennedy * Charlee Larkin * Joshua Launders * Henry Rowlands * Edan Carman * Olive Hodder * Charlize Skelton * Louis Thomas * Rowdy Causton * Tyler Harris * Lachlan Hong * Angus Robson * James Beath- Pearce * Melanie Bryant * William Buik * Simon Hakiza * Beau Tremble

LEVEL 7

Samuel Lazanski * Penelope McColl * Ally Pye * William Biega * Harrison Chalker * Hazel Mullins * Benjamin Overman * Charlie Sims * Logan Thompson * Vivienne Graham * Grace Langfield * Sarah Langfield * Phoebe Porter * Archie Stanford * Levi Thompson * Hamish Carman * Digby Delaney * Azkhuu Ereegen * Hank Hubber * Aiva Poole * Olivia Finn * Ben Pearce 

Parent Access to School Grounds

Dear Parents,

As we strive to maintain a safe and secure environment for our students and staff, we would like to remind you to please access the school via the front office before entering the school premises. This helps us monitor who is on site and ensures everyone's safety.

Could parents please ensure that they are saying their goodbyes to their children at the top of the driveway of a morning, and not accessing the playground via the driveway. While we understand that as parents you may have a need to visit, especially for parent reading, it is school protocol that visitors sign in at the office.

If you need to speak to teachers or staff, please reach out via phone, email, or schedule a meeting.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Library News

Learning Logistics & Pathways

Careers Corner

Students, parents & carers are encouraged to check out the latest updates on our school's career pathways website: https://straphaelscowra.careertools.com.au/

Any questions, please contact Mr Lette, thank you.

David Lette - Leader of Learning Logistics and Pathways

Primary Sport

Netball Schools Cup

On Tuesday, 2nd July, St. Raphael's Catholic School entered five teams in the NSW Netball Schools Cup. We had two non-competitive teams for both Stages Two and Three, as well as a Stage Three competitive team. A great day was had with lots of laughter and good play witnessed throughout the day. Our competitive team suffered only the one loss all day, resulting in them making it through to the next level, being held in Orange later this term. Well done to all students who participated in the netball day.

Soccer Fun Day

Whilst many were over at the Netball on that Tuesday of the last week of term, the rest of the Primary students had elected to attend a Soccer Fun Day, played alongside the Netball courts. Great weather and good sportsmanship saw around 100 boys and girls compete in four x 25 minute games throughout the day. Lots of skill was on display from both boys and girls on the day. Well done to everyone from across the Primary school for such an enjoyable day.

Rugby Union - Polding Trials

On Monday, 1st July, Sam from Year 6, and Will from Year 5, played in the Bathurst Diocese Rugby Union team over at Forbes, attempting to be selected in the Polding team. The boys were successful throughout their day, with our Diocese quite strong across the field. Sam had sadly suffered an injury in the week prior to the trial, but still pushed through the pain, giving it his all. Will was going well until a tackle 'gone wrong' saw him picked up and dropped onto his shoulder, dislocating his collarbone. Both boys should feel proud of themselves for making it this far. Sam also has Central West Rugby commitments to look forward to, with Will also about to go to Wollongong for a week of Touch Footy if the collarbone heals in time. Best wishes, boys.

Southern Region Athletics 

Our next level of Athletics comes up on Friday of Week 2. This day will see nine schools from around our area converge on Canowindra for a fun day of track and field events. We have invited 61 students to attend. We still have 30 students who have not yet registered their intentions on attending, with that Compass event closing today. Even if parents are choosing for their child to not attend on the day, you still need to go on and 'decline' please.

Todd Woodbridge Tennis Cup - Stage Two

On Monday 29th July, 10 Stage Two students have been selected to attend the Todd Woodbridge Cup Tennis day being held at the Cowra Tennis Club. Mrs. Hickman will be accompanying them on the day. Good luck future Australian Open players!

Staff Sport Representatives

It is always great to read about our students heading off to represent our school in many sports, but it should also be noted that we have Primary staff who have been selected by the Bathurst Diocese to either convene sports, manage a team or coach a team. Recently, Mrs. O'Reilly was asked to be the Bathurst Diocesan Secondary Girls Netball Convenor and to help with their selection trials. Mr. O'Reilly had also, last term, been asked by the Bathurst Diocese to be the Rugby Union Coach/Manager for our Diocese at the Polding Trials. These positions are awarded to very few teachers from across our Diocese. For our school to have two teachers seen as displaying excellence in their chosen sporting field as leaders is pretty special for our little school. Well done Mr. and Mrs. O'Reilly. 

Grahame Statham - Primary Sports Coordinator

Secondary Sport

Secondary Diocesan Netball Gala Day

Our Stage 4, 5 & 6 netball teams participated in the Diocesan Netball Gala Day in Orange on Friday 28th June. The girls had a great day playing against some very tough opposition from St John’s Catholic School (Dubbo), St Matthews Catholic School (Mudgee), James Sheahan Catholic School (Orange), Red Bend Catholic College (Forbes), La Salle Academy (Lithgow), MacKillop College (Bathurst). Thank you to Mrs Deenita White, Mrs Gaye Tremble and Mrs Rebecca Phelan for your assistance with coaching and to Emma Haslam, Emma Tremble, Milla O’Reilly, Lucy Tydd and Laura Price for umpiring. Miss Ellison and Mr Phelan.

Netball NSW School Cup Netball

Our Stage 4 & 5 netball teams participated in the Netball NSW Schools Cup in Cowra on Tuesday 2nd July. Both teams played extremely well against Forbes High School, The Henry Lawson High School (Grenfell) and Cowra High School. The Stage 4 team finished the day with 4 wins from 4 games and the Stage 5 team had 3 wins from 4 games. Both teams now progress to the Region Final in Orange on Thursday 5th September. Thank you to Mrs Rebecca Phelan and Miss Maddison Tremble for your assistance with coaching and to Lucy Tydd and Chelsee White for umpiring our games. Miss Ellison and Mr Phelan.

Upcoming dates 

Diocesan Rugby Gala Day (Mudgee) - Wednesday 14th August 

Diocesan Basketball Gala Day (Bathurst) - Monday 19th August 

Diocesan Athletics Carnival (Dubbo) - Thursday 22nd August 

Netball NSW Region Final - Stage 4 & 5 (Orange) - Thursday 5th September

Andrew Phelan - Secondary Sports Coordinator

Duke of Edinburgh

Conimbla National Park

On Sunday 23rd June our Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award participants spent their day bushwalking in Conimbla National Park along Wallaby Walking Track and Ironbark Walking Track, stopping at Cherry Creek Lookout to cook lunch. A great day was had by all.

Mrs Bennett and Mr Phelan

Administration

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 5 of Scholastic Book Club has gone home with infants and primary students this week, with orders due online, or dropped to School Administration by Friday 2nd August.

Attendance Notifications to Parents

Most families would already be familiar with the Automated Attendance SMS Notification System, which sends a text to the  primary parent, in the primary household, if your child is marked as absent at school (without prior explanation) by 9:30am.  Parents can communicate their child's absences to the school in advance (and therefore avoid the SMS notification), either via the Compass App, or by contacting School Administration. 

A change to this process, effective Term 3 will now see this Attendance SMS sent to the primary parent in all households, which will have particular relevance to those students living in dual household/multiple residential addresses.

Should you have any questions about this system, please contact Administration on 6342 2940.

Canteen

Coming Soon - Online Ordering at the Canteen!

Exciting news for all families! By mid Term 3 St Raph's will be rolling out an online Canteen ordering/payment system.  Further information will be distributed next term, but this option is likely to be a great solution for those families that don't always carry cash and prefer to pay online. Please note that cash payments will also remain available, and the current system of placing cash in the lunch bag for payment and ordering to Mrs Stokes will remain an option for those that prefer it.  Stay tuned for more information on this great online alternative!

Term 3 Canteen Menu:

Please note the attached canteen menu for Term 3, with some minor changes made from last Term.

Community Connections