Term 3, Week 10 - Monday 13 September 2021

Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

A new boss is a phrase we haven’t heard at St Raphs for a while. The announcement on Friday that Mrs Michelle Deschamps will be taking up the principalship from the start of the new year provides some certainty for the way ahead. Throughout Term 4 we will ensure that there are opportunities for Mrs Deschamps to visit the school and start to meet the school family.

The graduation of our fifth HSC cohort will happen in this coming term and I’m certain that neither they nor we ever imagined that their twelfth and thirteenth years of schooling could be so turbulent. That they have held firm under such sustained and unprecedented pressure is an absolute credit to their strength of character. 

Kindy Start has begun remotely and the 2035 HSC cohort begin their “big school” journey. Several more carefully planned sessions in Term 4 will enable teachers to observe and assess the skills of these lovely young people. These observations assist enormously in tailoring learning experiences that address individual learning needs.

Thank you for your understanding about suspending remote learning today. The suddenness of the return to school announcement left us with no other planning option. Full attendance for the remainder of the week can now proceed in an orderly fashion.

I want to acknowledge the excellence of the work by all of the school staff in adapting so quickly and so well to the massive changes of the last four weeks. I also acknowledge the huge impact on families that Level 4 restrictions impose. The day to day challenges have been significant and sustained. Good on you. Let's be mindful of all those still locked down, particularly those poor families in Sydney who have endured it for almost three months. We have a number of our families who are still locked down and we need to reach out with that very relevant RUOK? message.

As this is the last Newsletter of the term I wish you all happy, safe and refreshing holidays. School resumes for all students on Tuesday, October 5th when we will wear summer uniforms – including school hats. Congratulations and thank you for a great, if challenging term. Rest well in preparation for the challenging term ahead.

Michael Gallagher 

Principal

Faith & Life

‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.’ 

(Matthew 16: 24 )

What's On This Week

Focus on Families

#Being Mary MacKillop Today

Upon our return to school tomorrow, I would love it if any of the completed hearts from this project could be brought back to school for display.

Take a Few For You:

This Friday will see the final Take A Few For Your video be posted. We will then have a break for the school holidays and recommence next term.

Diocesan Youth Activities:

Our Diocesan Youth team are currently running two events each week via Zoom. For students in Yrs 5 & 6 they are running a Kahoot session and for students in Yrs7-12, they are running an online Games night. Full details are on the posters attached.

Helpful Prayer and Mass Resources:

There are lots of great online resources out at the moment for you to view and use. Here are just a few:

connect@home- This is a daily prayer resource based on the scripture readings of the day. It is produced by our own Diocese and written by our priests and deacons. Simply just go to the Bathurst Diocese website and register your interest to receive the daily email. https://www.bathurst.catholic.org.au

Live Stream Sunday Mass: Our St Raphael’s Parish is still live streaming Mass even though Cowra LGA parishioners can now attend Mass. The Mass will be live streamed at 8am. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/straphaelscowra2014/

Live Stream Angelus: Each day the Parish of St Mary’s, Mudgee live streams the Angelus at 12:00noon. Just head to their Facebook page and you will be able to view and pray along.

Live Stream Mass: Each day the Parish of St Mary and St Joseph’s, Orange live streams daily Mass at 7pm. Head to their Facebook page to view.

Diocesan Word and Faith Groups: The Diocese is also running Word and Faith Groups. These will be held via Zoom at the following dates and times:

• Tuesday 31st August @ 7:30pm
• Thursday, 2nd September @ Midday
• Friday, 3rd September @ 9:00am

Use the link below to join these meetings.

https://bthcatholic.zoom.us/j/4582615130

Parish Word and Faith Groups: Two of our Parishes are also offering Word and Faith Groups. These are also held via Zoom at the following days and times.

• Blayney Parish, Sundays @ 9:00am
• Mudgee Parish, Sundays @ 5:00pm

Please go onto their Facebook page or Parish Bulletin for Zoom login details.

If you would like anything else to help out at home during this difficult time, please contact me via email (n.twohill-scott@bth.catholic.edu.au)

Mrs Nicole Twohill-Scott

Canteen

Please enjoy the last week of our Winter Canteen Menu. The Summer menu will be distributed next term and will be effective for Term 4 2021.   As always, we would love to see some new faces in the canteen so please put your hand up and consider joining our volunteer team for Term 4.  Your children love to see you in the canteen, it is a way of connecting with your school community and lunch and tea/coffee are provided. Please contact the school on 6342 2940 to indicate your availability.

Mrs Donna Stokes - Canteen Manager

Curriculum News

Year Two Green and Gold have been focusing on God's Creation. Whilst thinking of ways to be Planet Superheroes, they have been learning how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Whilst appreciating the many plants in their surroundings, our very creative artist used nature to produce some fantastic artworks. Congratulations, Year Two.

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A Day in the Life of Home Learning

This Week's Birthdays

Community Connections

Vacation Care at PCYC Cowra - New Times of 8am to 6pm

We understand it has been a challenging time for everyone, especially the kids being cooped up with home learning so send them to us these holidays to join in on our program from sporting comps and challenges, gymnastics, laser tag and SO MUCH MORE!

Enrol now: https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/.../aXlyJpGeesFErNA2NvJ0gA

Cowra Regional Art Gallery

The Cowra Regional Art Gallery will reopen on Tuesday 14 September. However, temporary arrangements are now in place regarding the Gallery open hours:
Monday: closed
Tuesday: 10am-4pm
Wednesday: 10am-4pm
Thursday: 10am-4pm
Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed 
The current exhibition Weapons for the soldier: protecting country, culture and family has also been extended to 13 October 2021. If you are allowed to visit the Gallery then this ground-breaking exhibition is not to be missed! For those unable to travel we will continue to share insights into the work on the Gallery website and social media channels.