Term 1, Week 3 - Monday 14 February 2022

Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

Last week, our students enjoyed a great week of learning, highlighted by the swimming carnival and water activities for Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2. Finally being able to participate in collaborative school events was a highlight for all students. The fun, support shown for each other in races, and time spent socialising with friends was a great start to 2022.  

Thank you to the wonderful parents who assisted our carnival and supported the students. We are looking forward to family events in the near future when we are permitted. 

I want to say a huge thank you to Creative School Portraits, Cowra, for donating their time this week in order to take photographs for our new school prospectus. Creative School Portraits, Cowra certainly highlighted our wonderful learning environment and great facilities. Some of the wonderful photos are included below. 

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Last week I appealed for assistance to support our Canteen which is understaffed. Could I please ask parents to reconsider, as the workload is far too great for the limited personnel catering for your sons and daughters. Obviously COVID has played a role in considering canteen support. However, please be assured safe COVID protocols are in place, and the availability of RATs can be arranged. Even the offer of an hour or two would be a significant help. Please help us!  You can indicate your availability to help by completing this Google Form.

In March 2020, Pope Francis announced that the theme for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 would be “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. The fundamental question that guides this consultation of the People of God is: A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” 

What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?

In reflecting on this question as a community of teachers, students and parents, how can each of us take steps in order to grow our faith as a St Raph’s family? 

Whilst COVID is still preventing our school from physical family activities, I invite all families to join us at our Parish Mass, and when we are permitted, we look forward to welcoming you to further events which bring us together at St Raph’s. 

The Importance of Collaborative Learning - sparking curiosity, problem solving, being a vital contributor, learning from others, peer assessment, interdependent learners, creativity, communication. 

God Bless,

Mrs Michelle Deschamps - Principal

Faith & Life

Lord, our God, help us to walk with you on the pathway of the beatitudes and to live out your mission in today’s world. Bring us together so we may bring the good news to all. Open our hearts to those in need of our love and care. May we radiate the Living Christ and transform our lives in the hope of the Resurrection.  Amen.  (Prayer Adapted from: https://slideplayer.com/slide/3555763/) 

Retreat/Reflection Days

Each day, staff at St Raphael’s nurture and develop young people academically, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Students are challenged to grow and learn, to care for others, to love God and to appreciate their own special talents. In addition to the everyday teaching and learning programs, our schools offers students the opportunity to participate in a retreat experience. Retreats are part of a school’s Religious Education program. They are generally held away from the distractions of the normal school environment to help students to better focus on themselves, their spirituality, their future and their relationships with each other and God. Retreats and reflection days include plenty of time for fun and games, team building, communal meals, group discussion, prayer and liturgies.

In the coming 2 weeks Year 11 and 12 will participate in their Retreat. Please keep these students in your prayers. 

Sacramental Dates

Confirmation- 30 July 2022

First Eucharist- 17/18 September 2022

Enrolment for both Confirmation and Eucharist are as follows  

• Enrolment -21 /22 May
• Parent Meeting- Wednesday 25 May

First Reconciliation- 23 November 2022

• Enrolment -15/16 October
• Parent Meeting-Wednesday 19 October

What's On This Week

Administration

Morning Drop-off Zone- No Parking Permitted
The safe morning delivery of children needs the consideration and co-operation of motorists.  Please drive to the front of the available drop-off zone to enable others to park and deliver their children. Once your child has exited your vehicle, please move away from the delivery zone carefully and promptly.  Between 8:30 and 9:30am the zone is “No Parking” so you cannot leave your car. If you want to come into the school, park outside the drop-off zone and walk.  Thankyou for your assistance in following the rules and keeping our children safe. 

2022 School Fees

Compass will generate and email School Fee Statements for Term 1 on 25 February. These will be due for payment on the 11 March, 2022, unless you have an existing payment plan in place.  If you have any questions please email straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au or call the School Office on 6342 2940.

Attendance Tips for Parents

Supporting your child’s attendance at school requires the development of good routines: Children NEED routine!

Habits around consistent routines form a solid foundation to help kids throughout their school life and into the future; 

• Get uniforms, school bag and all school things organised the night before 
• Go to bed at the SAME reasonable time each night 
• Get up at the SAME time each morning 
• Have breakfast at the SAME time each morning 
• Leave for school at the SAME time each day (be on time!) 

Be positive: Talk about school in a positive way in front of your child. If you have any concerns, talk to the school about the issue rather than create a negative image about school for your child. You will create problems for yourself and your child if you teach them to be negative about school. 

Build your child’s problem solving skills: Rather than solving all their problems for them, help your child solve problems by asking them what they think is the best thing to do, or what do other kids do if this happens. Discuss ideas together rather than just giving them the answer or criticising the school. You are a role model for your child. 

Be firm: You are the parent and kids need to feel secure in knowing that you always mean what you say. Don’t say things if you can’t or won’t do it. Kids have plenty of friends, but they only have one mum/dad. Being a parent is more important, more special and much harder than trying to be their friend. 

Develop incentive programs: Encourage and reward the behaviour you want to see. Everyone likes to be rewarded for trying hard and doing their best. Kids respond to small rewards, praise and little treats. Nothing big or expensive, maybe just some time with you kicking a ball, a bike ride or fish and chips! You could also use a chart and put a sticker up for each time the child gets ready for school on time – at the end of the week you could agree on a reward for their efforts. Being positive makes everyone happy.

Kids need to understand about consequences: If your child does not do what you agree to, or they break the rules, then they need to know that there will be consequences for their actions e.g., no computer or TV, no pocket money or maybe even ask them how they will “make up” for their behaviour. Follow through with the consequence! 

Don’t get into arguments: with your child. Kids know how to push your buttons, so instead of ongoing arguments, just say what you need to say and walk away. Tell your child you have made your decision and that it is final. Your child will soon learn that you mean what you say and that arguing will not work. Teenagers are expert arguers! 

Don’t take things personally: Kids will often use ‘words as weapons’ especially when they are feeling frustrated. Name calling, muttering under their breath or saying “I don’t love you anymore!” can be very common. 

Be consistent: You will only confuse your child and create anxiety if you constantly change the messages you give them. If you tell your child they have to be at school every day and then let them stay home because it is convenient or give in to their demands, then the child learns that you will cave in under pressure and that you don’t mean what you say

Canteen

Please find attached our Summer Canteen Menu for 2022. This menu will be effective for Term 1.

A Canteen Request from our Principal

Could I please ask parents to consider any time you could contribute during school hours to support our Canteen. At present Donna Stokes works a very long day each day (canteen closed Wednesday), at times by herself to prepare, serve and clean up for our students. 

Personally, I have not witnessed the great quality food provided in our canteen in any Sydney school, where prices are also reasonable. This is a significant reason why we need your help. In particular, we are a community which consists most importantly of families, students and staff. 

Please contact the office if you are able to support us or click  here to complete the online form.  Remember to indicate the day(s) you could be available so Donna can organise the roster. Thank you in anticipation.

Primary Curriculum

Water Fun Day

While students from Year 3 to 12 were participating in our annual swimming carnival, Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 had the school to ourselves. And didn’t we have fun!  After recess we hit the secondary grassy area and had a wow of a time. Excitement was overflowing while the sprinklers showered us with a cool spray.  Special thanks to Mrs Stephenson, Olivia McNamara and Mrs Malcom for setting up the stations.

Mrs Kylie McNamara - Primary Curriculum Coordinator

Bus Safety

Last week, students from Kindergarten to Year 5 participated in Bus Safety talks.  We would like to thank Mr Steve Kurtz who spent each morning sharing many safety tips with the students. We thank him for his patience and Bus Safety wisdom. Here are some of things we were reminded about during our visit:

1.  Children should hold an adult’s hand while crossing the road.
2.  Never walk between buses to cross the road.
3.  When crossing the road with an adult STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, THINK!
4.  Wait for the bus to stop and the door to open before walking towards the bus to get on.
5.  Talk softly and be calm on the bus so the bus driver can drive without distraction.

Secondary Curriculum

Shiroishi City Exchange

In late Term 4 2021, our Year 8 students engaged with their Shiroishi City peers to share some fun facts about school life and the places where we live.  Our students were divided into four groups and given the responsibility of creating and presenting a short slide presentation to students from one each of the four junior high schools in the Shiroishi City council district. Each 45 minute zoom session was full of concentration as we did our best to understand each other and lively smiling and laughter as we recognised the similarities of being a secondary school student wherever you live in the world! A snapshot from Shiroishi City of their Zoom catch ups is attached.

Mrs Cassie Bennett - LOTE

Secondary Wellbeing

2022 has started and we are already into Week 3! Students have had their time to settle in and all subjects have started and are well into their content. What can you do to help your child reach their full potential at school? 

1. Actively involve yourself in their world. Ask questions about their subjects and offer to help them edit their assessments and or homework. This is something that is often met with a very blunt no but it does show signs that you care and are wanting to support them.
   
2. Set a routine. This routine should be agreed and not just slapped on them by surprise. Maybe after dinner one night or during a drive (this is the best time because they can’t walk away) have a conversation around what the routine is. Ask for their input and ideas and be willing to compromise. Set times for homework and times that are agreed for screens. Set limits on screens and agreed times for sleeping. Eg. you may allow gaming 2 times a week during the school week with a 2hour limit. All devices to be handed in by 9pm and lights out at 9.30pm! 
3. With a routine night time routine comes a routine morning routine. What works for your family? Whether it’s a 6.00am, 6.30 or 7am out of bed time it must allow for what needs to be done without rush or fuss. The morning routine should enable everyone to get themselves ready and arrive at their place of work and school on time! 
4. Packing school bags, getting uniform ready and even sorting breakfast the night before can help with the morning and eliminate the rush to find a uniform on the teenage floordrobe!!! 
5. Contact the homeroom teacher either via Compass email or phone if there is an issue or if you are aware that your child may be away from school for consecutive days. If both the school and home can work together and are on the same page it will only further help your child reach their potential. 

Ultimately, the teenager can be a difficult person and challenging to raise. Tough conversations and stern words are needed when they are needed as well as love, attention and empathy. Success comes with hard work and a fair amount of grit. Lets roll up our sleeves and push our kids to their potential. 

Mr Steve Carroll - Secondary Wellbeing Coordinator

Sport

Annual Swimming Carnival

On Thursday 10 February, St Raphael’s held their annual Swimming carnival . It was a great success with a variety of opportunities for all students. A massive thank you goes out to all parents who helped with setting up/packing away, timekeeping and food preparation at our carnival. It wouldn’t have been the same without you! 

Congratulations and good luck to all the Primary students who have made it into the St Raphael’s Swim Team that will participate in the Southern Region Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 22 February in Orange. Notes will be sent home this week. 

The Secondary team will go straight to the Diocesan Carnival in Dubbo on Tuesday 8 March 2022.

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 had a splendid day splashing in water activities at school. The teachers congratulated all students for their participation and willingness to have fun. 

The winning house for the 2022 Swimming Carnival is .... XAVIER!!

NSWCCC Sport Trials

St Raphael's is excited to announce a range of sporting opportunities for primary and secondary students in 2022. Please refer to the following calendar for the pathways available to primary and secondary sporting achievers.  

Students will need to attend a school trial to attend. If your child is selected to attend a letter will be sent home. If your child receives a letter, you will then need to go onto the NSWCCC website and complete the registration and payment there. The website also has other useful information about trials etc. the website is https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc

If you or your child have any question, don’t hesitate to contact me at l.gallard@bth.catholic.edu.au

Upcoming Trials:

NSWCCC BOYS 19 years & under CRICKET selections - 22 & 23 February 

NSWCCC Girls 19 years & under CRICKET selections - 15 & 16 March

Diocesan Secondary TOUCH FOOTBALL selections - 16 February

Mrs Larissa Gallard - K-12 Sport Coordinator

Community Connections