Term 1, Week 10B - Monday 7th April, 2025

What's On This Week

Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers, 

In two weeks we will celebrate Easter, our most holy day as Christians. Whilst Easter eggs and gifts have become a significant tradition, it is important that our Catholic School students understand that Easter is most importantly when Jesus rises from the dead. Whilst for most of our students that is a huge act to get their head around, it is important that our students understand the enormous sacrifice Jesus made in dying on the cross for us, and Jesus’ resurrection symbolises ‘hope’. 

Hope is extremely important for our students, and each of us has a role to play in ensuring our students are hope filled. Hope will ensure our students can harness resilience, learn from mistakes, problem solve and be brave enough to think critically. 

Last weekend we celebrated the 55th Seikei Exchange Anniversary. We also welcomed the commencement of the Seikei Student Exchange at St Raph’s by the arrival of our Japanese student Saya. Saya has enjoyed her first week in our beautiful school. She is particularly focused on practising writing English and aced her mathematics examination by achieving 100%. 

Emma Haslam is also enjoying her time at Seikei in Japan. Three months have flown by and Emma has made loads of friends. Her ability to speak Japanese has increased as has her ability to write in Japanese. Emma is absolutely loving her experience. 

Last week our secondary boys and girls were engaged in either the boys workshop - Man Cave or the girls workshop - SEED. In each program the students have given wonderful feedback, and enjoyed exploring issues, concerns and questions about their gender within an ever changing world. The senior boys have already asked to do the Level 2 and 3 workshops. We hope to be able to access programs like this into the future. 

Next Term, our school will be asking all parents, students and staff to complete the Annual School Improvement Survey. The Surveys will be distributed to all staff, parents and Yr 5 - 12 students on Thursday 8th May (Wk 2, Term 2).  These surveys enable all members of the school community to have a voice. We do take note of all comments written as they are valuable insights from key stakeholders of the school. The comments and data provides information about how well the school is operating, highlighting areas of strengths and those that may need revision. Overall, the data collected from the surveys provide highly valuable information that directs the school's future planning for continual improvement.  Further information will be sent as we near the Survey date.

This Term has been exceptionally busy. It is indicative of the many and varied opportunities our students have at St Raphael’s. Our students deserve a good rest over the Easter break. We hope and pray that our families have a wonderful holiday and look forward to our students returning to school revived!

God Bless, 

Michelle Deschamps - Principal

A message from Christina Trimble - Executive Director of Schools

Catholic Education Benefits All Australians - Catholic schools are Australia’s largest non-government education provider, delivering choice, affordability, and value for all.

With the election coming up, parents might be interested in finding out more information by going to https://ncec.catholic.edu.au/2025-federal-election/. There is a great short video explaining how school funding works.

From the Desk of the Assistant Principal

Welcome everyone to the last week of Term 1 2025.  I know staff and students and some parents are looking forward to the holidays and spending precious time with their families. As always the last weeks of term are incredibly busy and this term is no different.

Year 12 will receive their Half Yearly Report this week as well as progress reports for other year groups. The purpose of these reports is for students to receive feedback on where they are and to reflect on their learning so that they can improve. There has been a focus from staff this term reinforcing with students the importance of reflecting on their own learning and seeking constructive and effective feedback so they can improve their results. Studies have shown that this is extremely effective to achieve substantial growth and one we are actively teaching and implementing. I strongly recommend that parents and carers look at these reports as the basis for discussion with not only your child but also for Secondary Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews which are scheduled for Tuesday of Week 2.

Primary and Infants had their Parent/Teacher Interviews in Week 8 and I would like to thank those parents who came along and discussed their child’s education with their teachers. Parent/Teacher information evenings are a great opportunity for parents to not only learn about the child’s progress but also develop a close relationship with the teacher and at the same time socialise with the whole school community. St Raphael’s is striving to build these community bonds and relationships and the parent/teacher information evenings is but one more way we are doing this. 

At the recent Primary Assembly I spoke to the students about the importance of being curious because this leads to understanding and through understanding each other we become more compassionate and empathetic which is a core belief of our school. This has been supported over the past week with a number of different wellbeing programs across the school all of which is leading to a greater understanding of ourselves and each other. At St Raphael’s we continue to provide opportunities for all our students that will help them grow and develop into strong and courageous young men and women.

I wish everyone a Happy Easter! 

David Wickham - Assistant Principal

Faith, Mission & Learning

Walking with Christ: The Importance of Holy Week and the Stations of the Cross

As we enter the sacred time of Holy Week, we are invited to journey with Jesus through His Passion, death and resurrection. This is the holiest time in the Church’s calendar, a time to reflect on Christ’s immense love and sacrifice for us.

One of the most powerful ways we engage with this journey is through the Stations of the Cross. Each station invites us to walk step by step with Jesus, from his condemnation to his burial, pausing to reflect on his suffering, His courage and his love for all humanity. Through this prayerful experience, we are reminded of the deep meaning of sacrifice, mercy and redemption.

For our students, Holy Week is an opportunity to witness the heart of our faith, not just as a story from long ago, but as a living reality that calls us to love, forgive and serve others. When we reflect on Jesus carrying his cross, we can also ask:

• How do we carry our own challenges with faith?
• How do we help others who are struggling?
• How do we live out Jesus' example of selfless love in our daily lives?
  

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, may we take time as families to pray, reflect and walk in Christ’s footsteps. May this Holy Week be a time of grace, renewal and deeper faith for us all.

Gabrielle Bruin - Leader of Faith, Mission & Learning

Jubilee prayer: 

Praying this together as a community is a way to reflect on what it means to be pilgrims of hope: 

Father in heaven, 

may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, 

and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, 

reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. 

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. 

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, 

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, 

your glory will shine eternally. 

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, 

Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. 

May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. 

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. 

Amen.

Project Compassion

In alignment with the Lenten call to almsgiving, Caritas Australia has launched Project Compassion 2025 with the theme “Unite Against Poverty.” Students are taking cash donations in class, and an alternative option to donate is available online and via the QR code provided. Every dollar we raise will help to create real and lasting change for vulnerable communities around the world! Thank you for standing with St Raph's, as we Unite Against Poverty through Project Compassion this Lent https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-raphaels-catholic-school-cowra

Key School Notices

Attendance & Wellbeing

Primary Sport

Primary Athletics Carnival

Don't forget that our Primary Athletics Carnival is on this Wednesday.

Please come down to the Athletics track if you are able to at any point throughout the day. Events for most children will kick off at 9:30am, once they have walked down from school in the morning with their Homeroom class. The exception to this will be those students who have nominated for the 800m race. They will need to be dropped to the track by 8:40am please.

Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two will walk down after recess to participate in some novelty events and a run on the big track. A reminder to our Infants parents that there will be no canteen on the Wednesday or Thursday due to Mrs. Stokes and her helpers assisting down at the two days of carnivals.  Hope to see you down there.

Carnivals like this require lots of help from our parents. We ask that if any parent or guardian could spare some time, we would love to have them there as a timer, place judge, etc. The teachers will be running the field events, but we will need parents to help with the track events. If you are able to help, could you please leave your name at the school office and Mr. Statham will be in contact.

Primary Cross Country

Last Thursday, all of Years 3 to 6 competed in our school Cross Country Trial for Sport. Two laps of River Park saw our children run, jog and walk their way around the course. We had competitive runners, the 'jog-a-bit' - 'walk a bit' athletes and the straight up 'Sunday strollers!' Our 8, 9 and 10 year olds were aiming to make it onto the team that travels to Coolah to contest the 2km run, whilst our 11, 12 and 13s go over the slightly longer journey of 3km in Coolah.

We are able to send four runners for each age group and gender, however, with it being a long distance to travel, we culled if the gap between runners was too great. In some age groups we are sending three competitors, whilst in others, only our first place getter.  Coolah will host the Diocesan Cross Country again this year on the second Tuesday of Term 2 - 6th May.

Congratulations to the 17 selected to represent St. Raphael's Catholic School at this event. Train hard between now and then boys and girls!

Mr Graham Statham - Primary Sport Coordinator

Isaah Yeo Rugby League

On Thursday 27th March, ten Stage 3 boys donned the St Raphael's green and gold jumpers to play in the annual Rugby League Gala Day against other local schools. A great bunch of boys put their hand up to be involved in this team, with three games to be played throughout the day.

Our first game was against Mulyan P.S. We had them worried at half-time when we went in leading, but a change in personnel in the second half saw us go down four tries to three. If you took a close look at their salary cap, they really should have beaten us by ten!

Next up was Cowra P.S. The boys were hungry for this match after going down narrowly in the first. Seven tries to three was the final result, with the mighty St Raphael boys getting the win.  Last game was against Grenfell P.S. Was it fatigue? Did we eat too much in our extended break? Did the ref cost us the win? Or were the opposition just too good? Going down by one try, seven tries to six, I think it would be safe to say that it was probably a mix of them all. But we were unlucky in that one.

Overall, an enjoyable day played in good spirit. It was great to see the boys mixing so well with all students. Will 'Sterling' O'Reilly scored nine tries on the day and steered the play well for us. Harrison 'Bugden' Chalker crossed for three tries of his own with barnstorming runs. Charlie 'Cronin' Sims finished with two tries, displaying good speed with his runs. Rory 'Edge' Rue and Eli 'Price' Hodder tackled brilliantly all day, each picking up a try. Gus 'Sharp' Osborne, James 'Wynn' Beath-Pearce and Jack 'Leabeater' Barac all tried hard with determined running. Maurice 'Ella' Prideaux and Jack 'Taylor' Smith were also elusive with their runs.  Well done boys. A great day's play. Thanks also to our supporters who came down to cheer us on. 

Stage 3 Rugby League

A big congratulations to the Year 3 and 4 boys for participating in the Rugby League Day on Thursday of Week 8. The team, coached by Miss Lynch, had 10 boys, only a few of which play league on the weekends. If you saw the games you would have believed everyone had played for years.

The boys smashed it as a team, with some strong passes from Charlie and Izaiah. Kymon was quick with the ball and quick on his toes scoring a number of tries. Jack led the team on multiple occasions as first receiver, always providing unreal on-field direction. Toby was always close by ensuring all plays were quick and solid! Some strong hard hits from Jesse and Jacob, a force to be reckoned with! Adding speed and downright dedication to the game was Ryder never giving up. The gold and green team held strong and showed real St Raphael's pride! Keep going boys!

Paul Kelly Cup / AFL Gala

A huge congratulations to the Stage 3 students who participated in the Paul Kelly Cup AFL gala day down at River Park on Monday last week. Considering that the team had not played before they absolutely smashed it out of the park! With the field split into three sections it was clear to see the students thrive. Archie held the back line strong with some great tackles. Rory always popped through the midfield creating a streamline play to the forwards. Harry and Jack were a dream team creating great pressure to the opposition teams. The girls in the team added attention to detail with smooth passes and clear kicks. Will was hot on the ball in the forwards kicking goals left, right and center. The day was great and lots of fun was had! Great effort Stage 3! Keep it up! 

Miss Josette Lynch

Winter Sports Trials

On Friday, 28th March, our school sent 13 students down to Bathurst to trial for the Diocesan teams in the sports of Soccer, Netball and Rugby League. A very successful day was held and we got the day in before the rain hit! Winning! We sent seven students to Soccer: Melanie, Grace, Vivienne, Vallie, Josh R, Josh L. and Beau. Vallie was successful in gaining selection into the Bathurst team. Two headed to Netball where 80 girls from across the Diocese were trying to fill eight positions! Talk about tough! Phoebe and Charlee played well in all of their games by all reports.

We had two boys at the Under 11s Rugby League and two more at the Opens Rugby League. Jack and Charlie were at the 11s, whilst we had both boys, Will and Harrison from the Opens, make it into the Diocesan team. Overall, a great achievement for our school.

The three progressing will all play again early next term, aiming to gain selection in the Polding team, which is the top half of the state for Catholic Schools. Good luck Vallie, Will and Harry.

On a side note..... Mrs. Moodie returned to the scene of her Netball schooling prowess, 30 years on! She was in Bathurst as a selector for the first time on Friday, realising that 30 years earlier, she was the one on the court chasing the netball around as a young St Raphael's student! We are also very lucky at our school to have skilled teachers such as Mrs. Moodie putting their hand up to pass on her knowledge and skills to the students coming through. 

Secondary Sport

Secondary Athletics Carnival

The St Raphael's Secondary Athletics Canival is to be held on Thursday 10th April 2025. All students are to arrive at River Park by 8:50am for roll call. The carnival will commence at 9am. At the end of the carnival all students and staff will walk back to school in time for the normal school bus service. Students will not be allowed to leave the carnival at any time unless a parent is physically present and informs their homeroom teacher. School sports uniform or house colours must be worn.

Events to be held on the day are 100m, 200m, 800m, Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Long Jump & High Jump. Students must nominate for these events in homeroom by Friday 28th March. If your child wishes to participate in the 400m they must arrive at River Park prior to the commencement of the carnival for an 8:30am start.

If you are available to assist with timing races, measuring throws or jumps or even raking the long jump pits on the day  please contact Mr Andrew Phelan a.phelan@bth.catholic.edu.au.

At the end of the carnival a team of students will be selected to represent St Raphael's Catholic School at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Dubbo on Thursday 21st August 2025.  A number of factors will be considered when selecting the team to represent St Raph's including places in each event as well as qualifying times and distances. 

Mr Andrew Phelan - Secondary Sports Coordinator and Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator 

Administration

Lost Property

Thirsty, anyone?  A collection of student drink bottles has made their way to the school office and would love to be reunited with their owners! If you recognise any of these items as belonging to your child, please ask them to come to the office to collect their lost (and found) property. 

2025 School Fees  - Instalment #1 Now Overdue

Instalment #1 School Fees are now overdue (unless you have a payment plan or direct debit in place). Payment options are listed on your statements. 

For your convenience, we offer the option of paying via direct debit. This is a handy set and forget option to ensure your school fees are paid off in full by the conclusion of the school year. If you wish to set this up, forms are available at the school office.

Additionally, account holders who hold a Concession or Health Care Card may be eligible for a discount on their account. Please contact the school to discuss this option further.

Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au

Canteen

School Canteen Closed for Primary and Secondary Athletics Carnivals

Please note that Canteen will be CLOSED at school on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th April to accomodate the Primary and Secondary Athletics Carnivals.    

Community Connections