Term 1, Week 2 - Monday 5 February, 2024

What's On This Week

Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome to 2024!

We have had a wonderful start to the year, with students looking fabulous in their summer uniforms, and excited to be back to school. Our staff have welcomed their new classes, and learning has commenced with vigour.

Our bus shelter finally has additional concrete which will have secondary student seating over the next week. This means all students will be seated waiting for the bus, and under cover. 

Our new Wellbeing space, The Kildare Centre, has been completed over the holidays. Its name is derived from the place where St Brigid was born and means Church of Oak. Churches are sanctuaries and oak trees are strong. Therefore our wellbeing centre is a sanctuary of strength. It is a one stop shop for our Wellbeing Leaders. We look forward to seeing this space grow into a great place for all things wellbeing for all students. 

Last week, staff commenced the year with two huge staff development days. Included in the days:

• yearly mandatory training in the CEDB Code of Conduct
• workshops for the next steps for our work with renown inquiry expert, Michael McDowell
• Workshops for staff to know their learners (Learning Plans, strategies etc)
• Essential Assessment Platform (primary)
• New Curriculum Reform (Primary)
• HSC and Literacy Strategy Workshop (secondary)
• KLA Meetings
• SLSO training
• Admin Officers Training (Adobe and Google suite training)

This year we have commenced our HSC Improvement and Literacy Strategy. The aim is to focus on Years 7-12, with targeted strategies to enable every student to exceed their learning growth trajectory in their secondary education. It is important to note that the HSC does not start in Years 11 and 12, the HSC for students starts in Year 7. This important work will be led by our Leader of Teaching and Learning, Dominic Lenarduzzi, and our Leader of Literacy, Kathryn Keefe. 

Our new Year 7 and Kindergarten have started very well. All students have been excited and nervous on their first day, however have quickly relaxed and enjoying new and old friendships.

Attendance will be an important agenda item from Day 1 Term 1. Students who had attendance issues in 2023, will be required to attend an attendance plan meeting in the first few weeks of term. This will enable students to set goals moving forward. Please be reminded that attendance at school is a legal requirement.  If your child has 3 consecutive days absence from school, or concerns are raised regarding their attendance pattern, a phone call will be made to home, and followed up with correspondence via email, post and meetings where required.

As the year has commenced we are seeking to get a number of quotes to construct 2 basketball courts where the secondary court is located currently. The court would also be an all weather space. To see this project through in the near future, the P&F want to direct funds towards the project, and have CEDB and the school contribute. In this way we are all working towards a much needed all weather area, and also providing increased recreational space for our students. The all weather aspect will enable a space for whole school assemblies, and much needed wet weather space.  

Our P&F are conducting a welcome bbq for all families and students in athe coming weeks. More information will follow. We are encouraging all families to attend as this year we want to encourage all families to participate in our P&F goal, of achieving funds towards a project which will benefit every student at St Raphael’s. 

Our new staff, and staff in new roles, have hit the ground running and enjoying the start of an exciting year. We are looking forward to a fantastic year at St Raphael's. 

God Bless, 

Michelle Deschamps

Assistant Principal

First of all let me introduce myself  - my name is David Wickham and I am the new Assistant Principal for St Raphael’s Catholic School. I am extremely excited to be at a school that focuses on the growth and development of students from Kindergarten through to Year 12. This is an enormous responsibility for the staff of St Raphael's as we have the opportunity to foster and nurture the learning and wellbeing of your children for years to come. 

I have been an educator for the past 33 years and I still get excited at the start of each school year with the prospect of what is to come in each and every year. To be able to witness the wonder of new learnings and new experiences and to be a small part of the growth of young people whether they be six or sixteen is the gift of being an educator. 

Please feel free to come and introduce yourself to me and I look forward to working with the St Raphael’s community in building stronger relationships based around the holistic educational opportunities we offer and support at St Raph’s.

This is a good segue into what is happening in Week 4 Wednesday 21st February as on this day, the whole staff of St Raphael’s is attending a professional development opportunity in Orange to further our expertise and to improve the learning of our students. As you are hopefully aware, in talking to your children, the school has been working extremely hard on ensuring that each and every lesson we are increasing the student’s knowledge from a superficial or surface level to a deep and also transfer level. This means that they are able to apply knowledge to everyday situations that are relevant to them and to be able to have the depth of knowledge to successfully complete assessments and exams that will give them a greater chance of success and improvement. On the 21st February we are heading to James Sheahan in Orange with other schools across the diocese to take part in a seminar to increase our knowledge and to discuss with other schools what we have done and the impact it is having in our school.

Therefore Wednesday 21st February is a PUPIL FREE DAY. There will be more information coming in a letter from the school through Compass later this week.

To finish off let me reiterate what a Year 12 student said to me on his first day this week as it already typifies what I think of St Raph’s, “Welcome to our school Mr Wickham, we hope you enjoy your time here as we are a pretty good bunch of students.” I agree!

David Wickham - Assistant Principal

Faith, Mission & Learning

Welcome to 2024. A new year brings new beginnings and we are excited for them. This year our theme is I wonder…Therefore I grow.  This theme allows us to dig deeper into all aspects of our life and learning and to wonder about them.  This theme will permeate throughout our whole school. 

St Brigid’s Day

Last week, on our first day with students, it was St Brigid’s Feast Day. We began with a liturgy to celebrate this important day in our school community.

St Brigid lived in Ireland and as a child she heard St Patrick preach. She never forgot what he said and it was also St Patrick who heard her final vows to enter the Convent.

She founded a Monastery in Kildare and an Art School and many Convents all over Ireland. She is the founder of the Brigidine sisters. The Brigidine Sisters ran our school for many years and it is the legacy and charism of which our school is based.

St Brigid was known for her extraordinary spirituality, compassion and charity for those in need are still legendary today.   

Brigid, you were a woman of peace,

You brought harmony where there was conflict.

You brought light to the darkness.

You brought hope to the downcast.

May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious,

And may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.

I wonder

I wonder how I can bring harmony?

I wonder how I can bring light?

I wonder how I can bring hope?

I wonder how I can be a peacemaker?

Opening School Mass

Tomorrow we will come together to celebrate and bless our school year. During Mass our Primary Leaders and Secondary House Captains will be inducted. Our Year Six students will also receive a Bible to commemorate their final year of Primary School. All welcome, Mass will begin at 9:30am followed by Morning Tea in the Convent Courtyard.  

Ash Wednesday

Next Wednesday, 14th February is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins our season of Lent. Our school will join together for Mass at 9:30am.  All welcome.  A reminder to all students and families that full school uniform is expected of our students for whole school masses.

Nicole Twohill-Scott - Leader of Faith, Mission and Learning

Learning Engagement

We hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after a restful break. On behalf of the Wellbeing Team, we extend a warm welcome back to both you and your child as we embark on an exciting new school year together.

As we enter this academic term, our team is committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment to promote the overall well-being of each student. We believe a positive and holistic approach to education not only contributes to academic success but also enhances the overall quality of life for our students.

Throughout the year, our Wellbeing Team will be working collaboratively to provide resources, guidance, support to ensure the emotional, social, and mental well-being of every student. We understand each child is unique, and we are dedicated to tailoring our efforts to meet the diverse needs of our school community.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any concerns, questions, or if you simply want to discuss ways in which we can partner to create the best possible experience for your child. Communication is key, we value your input in making our school a safe and enriching space for all.

We are excited about the opportunities and challenges the new school year will bring, we look forward to working closely with you to make it a successful and fulfilling journey for your child.

Wishing you and your family a fantastic start to the school year!

Warm regards,

Craig Jeffries - Leader of Learning Engagement K-12 

Wellbeing

As a Matter of Safety

Staff and students have been focusing on road and bus rules to ensure the safety of all.

Parents are asked to support the efforts of the staff to also follow our safety procedures whilst collecting children at home time.

For parents who are collecting children from the front of the school, we ask that you do so from the eastern gateway near the Kindergarten rooms as this is our collection point. The remainder of the area leading all the way to the front office path, should be congestion free as careful supervision of students boarding the buses is our priority.

Walking children across the road, between buses is extremely dangerous. Please refrain from doing this.

The children have been taught that standing on the guttering waiting for a bus is not safe.  Parents, please support us in our safe teachings and keep yourselves and your children away from the gutters in the bus zones.

Whilst the after school pick up time is a great opportunity to socialise with other parents, gathering in the bus zone is not ideal. Perhaps it would be best to make arrangements to collect your child from the back gate where there is a far safer area for you to mingle.

Regarding drop offs, we encourage parents to see their child off at the Liverpool Street driveway school gates. Your child can then safely make their way to their designated play area.  

Kindy and new students may need a little encouragement, therefore they may need to be accompanied down the driveway by their parents for the first 2 weeks of school.  Year Six Guardian Angels and staff will be available to accompany the children from the Liverpool Street gateway.

Thank you for supporting us in the safe keeping of our precious children.

Breakfast Club

We are very excited to announce that breakfast club will be operating five days a week and will start from Term One Week 3.

This year breakfast will be served from the canteen.  Only fruit and cereal will be offered for breakfast. Gluten and dairy free options will also be available.

Swimming Carnival

St Raphael’s School Swimming Carnival (Years 3-12) 

The 2024 St Raphael’s School Swimming Carnival (Years 3-12) will be held at Cowra Aquatic Centre on Friday 9th February, 2024. This is a compulsory school day and any student that is unable to attend will be required to provide a note or medical certificate explaining the absence. The carnival is a fun day with lots of water and land based activities for students that are not competitive swimmers. 

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 will not be attending the swimming carnival, but will be participating in water activities at school during the day. They will still be able to wear their school sports uniform or house colours to school for the day.  Please note that the school canteen will be closed on the day of the Swimming Carnival, so there will be no canteen purchases for K-2 on Friday 9th February.

Primary students (Years 3-6) will attend school as normal and walk to the pool with their teachers at school start time. 

Secondary students are required to arrive at the pool by 8:50am. In the morning Secondary Students are permitted to get off the bus at Cowra Public School where a staff member will meet them and walk with them to the pool. Secondary students doing this will need to show their bus driver a signed note from their parent or guardian saying that it is ok to do so.  

Primary and Secondary students competing in the 200IM and the 50m Butterfly events need to be at the pool to start these events at 8.30am sharp. Warm-up lanes will be open by 8.15am. 

Marshaling for the 50m Freestyle will commence at 9.00am. and the final event will finish at approximately 2:45pm and all students will return to school to be dismissed at the regular time. 

Nominations - All students will be nominating for their events at school during Week 1. Please speak to Mr Phelan (Secondary) or Mr Statham (Primary) by Tuesday 6th February if there are any changes. If your child cannot competently swim 50m of the pool please ensure they do not enter in the competitive events.

Year 2 - Year 2 students that are turning 8 years old and confidently compete in 50m events with Cowra Swim Club are eligible to compete in the carnival. Please contact Grahame Statham g.statham@bth.catholic.edu.au  to discuss the nomination of your child. 

Cost - Pool entry is $2 per child. Primary students must pay this to their classroom teacher by Wednesday 7th February. Secondary students are required to pay when entering the Aquatic Centre. Students with a Cowra Aquatic Centre Season Pass are not required to pay the $2.  It is $2.50 for spectator entry. 

Canteen - Students will need to bring a nutritious recess and lunch to the carnival. Lunch orders are available from the pool kiosk but must be pre ordered. The order form and correct money must be returned to the School by Tuesday 6th February 2024. Please see order form attached. Drinks, lollies and icecreams may be purchased throughout the day and do not need to be pre-ordered.

Uniform - Students must wear either their school sports uniform or their house colours. Big hats and pre-applied coloured zinc are a sure winner for a hot day, however the pool has asked that students not bring zinc or crepe paper to the pool. If it is seen it will be confiscated. Please check that your child has sunscreen and a hat and remind them to ensure they are sun safe ALL day long. 

A reminder that house colours are as follows: Raphael - Red, Kilbreda - Blue, Xavier - Yellow 

Primary Southern Region Carnival - If your child is successful in winning a place in our St Raphael’s swim team they will represent the school at the Southern Regional Carnival on Tuesday 27th February in Cowra.     

Secondary Diocesan Carnival - If your child is successful in winning a place in our St Raphael’s swim team they will represent the school at the Diocesan carnival on Tuesday 5th March in Dubbo. 

Volunteers - If you are able to assist at the St Raphael’s Catholic School Swimming Carnival please contact Mr Andrew Phelan a.phelan@bth.catholic.edu.au or Mr Grahame Statham g.statham@bth.catholic.edu.au via email or by phoning the school. All volunteers will receive lunch and refreshments. 

Please direct all enquiries to the school, or to Mr Phelan or Mr Statham at the emails above.  

Learning Logistics and Pathways

Careers

All secondary students have access to Job Jump (a fantastic resource to help you with all things careers). Parents / carers may also access the site to help them. Please refer to the handy flyer (attached) for login details. There is also a 2 minute video to show you how to register and Login (link below).

https://jobjump.com.au/helpVideo?video=register  

I would encourage parents and carers to explore this site’s valuable resources and discuss options and ideas with your child.

Students and parents / carers are welcome to contact Mr Lette for advice and assistance relating to careers / tertiary study at any time.

Students: Please email me or see me at recess or lunch to arrange a time to discuss your future. Please note, all senior students will have numerous one to one career planning meetings with me over Year 12. I will arrange these on a rotational basis, during lunchtimes and study periods.

Parents: Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment: (02) 63 422 940

David Lette - Leader of Learning Logistics & Pathways

Administration

Pupil Free Day

Wednesday 21st February is a Pupil Free Day for all students K-12, due to whole staff professional development scheduled for this day. There will be no supervision at school for students on Wednesday 21st February, and the School Office will be closed.

2024 School Fees

The 2024 School Fee Schedule is provided here. Please note that this years School Fee Statements will be issued to families on 1st March 2024, with the first instalment due 15th March 2024. Those families with existing direct debits in place will be contacted in Week 3 to discuss any required adjustments to their regular deductions. Those families wishing to set up a new Direct Debit for 2024 are encouraged to contact the school office for the required paperwork. Those families who have already indicated their intent to pay by Direct Debit will be contacted in Week 3 to authorise deductions.  

As is always the the case, please do not hesitate to contact the school with any queries or concerns regarding school fees. 6342 2940 straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au 

School Bell Times

Click here for the School Bell Times for 2024. Please note a change to school start and finish times for Secondary (8:58am – 3:10pm), a change to infants and primary recess and lunch routines and a change to class/period durations.  Supervision of the playground commences from 8.20am. No student is to be onsite before this time. 

Morning Arrival of Children

Safe morning delivery of children needs the consideration and co-operation of motorists. Go to the front of the available drop-off zone to enable others to park and deliver their children as well. Please deliver the children and 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 then park outside the zone and walk. Please remember that no parking is allowed in Poignand Avenue due to it restricting residential access. 

A reminder to all our parents that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families. School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all the days the school is open, even pupil-free days. School zones for our school commence Day 1 of each school Term and conclude on the last day of a school Term. 

Work Health and Safety (WHS)

St Raphael's Catholic School is committed to:

• The provision of a safe, inclusive and professional learning environment
• Just and right relationships that recognise and respect the dignity of each individual
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and evaluation of

The Work Health and Safety Policy  serves to clarify the agreed practices at Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) in relation to Work, Health and Safety. It provides a framework:

• to assist in the provision of a safe, healthy and secure working environments for all employees, students, parents, contractors and visitors to the school or workplace
• that ensures schools are compliant with Work Health and Safety

It is expected that all staff, community and students at CEDB and in CEDB schools will adhere to the scope and procedures outlined in Work Health and Safety Policy as these are the agreed practices of CEDB.  It is expected that all personnel to whom this policy applies will:

• take reasonable care to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, students, and any other person at work
• comply with any reasonable WHS instruction or direction by a Principal, supervisor or other designated person
• contribute to the workplace meeting its WHS strategic plan and performance levels
• report and record all incidents, or hazards, that may cause injury or illness, and any damage or maintenance requirements affecting the workplace, or plant used at work
• attend and participate in any WHS training or in-service seminars when required
• engage openly with the employer in any consultation on WHS issues, or information, brought to their attention, to assist the employer meet their obligations under the Act.

Please report any concerns regarding WHS to the school.

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 1 of 2024 Scholastic Book Club is going home with Infants and Primary Students this week. Orders may be placed online, or dropped into the school office with correct payment by Friday 17th February. 

Canteen

Please note that there is no toasting of sandwiches, rolls or wraps in Terms 1

Community Connections