Term 1 Week 11 Newsletter 2024

Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of St Catherine’s,  

It is always a joy to be able to celebrate with our students the story of the resurrection of Jesus as they return to school following the Easter long weekend. I trust that you enjoyed a safe and happy break and that the Spirit of Easter filled your hearts with hope and joy.  

Term 1 seems to have flown by! Throughout the term we have continued to maintain a strong focus on supporting the wellbeing of all students through regular check ins, adjusting learning programs or scaffolding social interactions for those children that require a little extra support in these areas. Research tells us that the practice of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness can go a long way in supporting our own wellbeing and developing these practices in our young people is critical. These practices help move us from an egocentric (concern for self) to an allocentric (concern for other) perspective which is vital for healthy community participation. Parents are encouraged to regularly talk with their child/ren about their time at school and can support by asking scaffolded questions that are open ended such as:  

• What went well for you today? 
• Tell me about a time that you were able to help someone today? 
• What was a struggle for you today that you were able to work through? 

These type of questions provide children with the chance to explore future possibilities rather than experience a feeling of 'being stuck', dwelling on things they can't change. 

Sports Day 

St Catherine's sports day is always a wonderful day bringing our community together for fun, games and friendly competition. We were blessed again with perfect weather and it was great to see the students demonstrating courage, persistence, resilience and team work throughout the day. Thank you to all those parents and relatives who were able to join us.  A special thanks to our P&F and parent volunteers who made sure the bake sale and BBQ lunch ran smoothly and well done to our year 6 leaders who very capably led each of our house teams with their chants and health hustles.  

Congratulations to the 2024 shield winners: 

• House Shield - Veritas (Green) 
• Spirit Shield - Catherine (Blue) 

Year 5 Beach Safety and Year 6 Aquatics Day 

In week 9, the year 5 students enjoyed a day of activities at Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club and in week 7, the year 6 students spent a day at West Lakes Aquatic Centre. As part of our Water Safety Program, these days enabled students the opportunity to gain knowledge, confidence and experience in a variety of aquatic activities, including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing and snorkelling. The students did a fantastic job participating and encouraging each other in each of the activities. 

St Cath's Parent Sunset Sips Evening 

Thank you to Sally and the parent organising group who coordinated this year's parent evening, 'Sunset Sips' held on Friday 22nd March at Barrel in Stirling was a great opportunity for existing and new St Cath's parents to spend time catching up in a beautiful, cosy setting.   

Nature PLAYtopia holiday event 

We are looking forward to hosting our second holiday Nature Play morning this coming holidays. ‘Nature PLAYtopia' is aimed at welcoming children aged 3-7 years old to experience our wonderful outdoor learning environment with their parents, friends or relatives. The event has proved to be very popular as it has sold out! 

Term 2 Extra Curricular Clubs 

Next term we are pleased to be able to offer the following extra curricular clubs available for interested students. 

• Mondays:  
  • R-2 Basketball 3.15-4.00 
• Wednesdays:  
  • Family Gardening Group 8.00-8.30am 
  • Yr 3-6 Sewing Club 1.00-1.30pm (lunchtime) 
  • Yr 4-6 Art Club 3.15-4.15pm 

Information about the after school clubs has been shared via Audiri and further information about our sewing club will be shared early next term with students who have expressed interest. 

Parent Teacher Learning Conversations 

At the start of next term, Monday 6th - Friday 10th May, we will be holding Parent Teacher Learning Conversations. These meetings are an important part of your child's learning journey at St Catherine's and information about meeting times and how to book will be made available on the first day of next term.  

Enrolment for 2025 and 2026 

We are currently accepting enrolments for 2025 and 2026. If you have a child that is due to start school next year or the year after and are yet to enroll them, please contact Cathy Fischle (cfischle@stcaths.catholic.edu.au) as soon as possible.  

Finally, thank you to all our staff, students and families, for your ongoing contribution to the life and community of our school throughout Term 1. It is through this partnership that we truly are a 'small school with a big heart.' 

Have a safe and restful holiday break. We look forward to seeing students back at school for the start of Term 2 on Monday 29th April. 

Warm regards, 

John 
Together in Faith, Learning and Community 

Project Compassion - from the School Captains 

On Wednesday the 10th of April we had a Project Compassion fundraiser. The R-6 students wore odd shoes and casual clothes to recognise that not all people are fortunate enough to get matching pairs of shoes or even just shoes. We learnt that there are a lot of third-world countries that are not as lucky as us, and we recognise their struggles.  We are grateful for everything we have. We raised a lot of money, and everyone had fun. 

School Captains – Jack, Sylvie, Zara and  Xavier 

Thank you to our school captains for their efforts in educating our community about the valuable work of Project Compassion and for helping raise these funds. As a school we managed to raise over $560 through this initiative. Our total fundraising for Project Compassion is still to be finalised with the total to be confirmed next term. Thank you also to the P & F for organising a 'Guess the number in the jar' event which also raised $100. 

Stations of the Cross 

As we prepared for the coming of Jesus on Easter Sunday, our Year 5 and 6 students re-enacted the Stations of the Cross. This tableau told the events leading up to and including Jesus’ death and resurrection. Great reverence and respect was shown during this solemn and sacred time with our whole school coming together during this time of reflection. Each year this provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of Lent in our faith tradition. Thank you to our students for their thoughtful preparations and to the members of our community who came along to this reflection. 

                         . 

Sacramental Program 

Congratulations to those students who undertook their Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing. It is an encounter with the mercy of God, who forgives our sins and restores us to a state of grace. For these children, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important step in their spiritual growth. It helps them to understand the difference between right and wrong, to take responsibility for their actions, and to experience the joy of God’s forgiveness. 

This is the first of three sacraments which will be undertaken through the program. The next part of their journey includes preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Families are also invited to attend the Ritual of Choosing on Sunday June 2nd as a way of supporting these students throughout their journey.  

Kitchen Garden Update 

We had a wonderful term kicking off the Kitchen Garden Program. There was a lot of learning which took place and students had a wonderful time engaging in a variety of experiences including: 

• weeding so that plants have enough space to grow 
• mulching to help retain moisture in the gardens 
• composting through the use of a worm farm 
• planting veggies and greenery for the chickens 
• watering our wide variety of garden beds 
• cooking apple pie, pizza, ANZAC biscuits and orange cake 

While it is sad that the time with R/1B has come to an end, next term 2/3F and 5/6O will have their turn in the kitchen. 

Blessing of Memorial and Prayer Garden 

On Sunday 17 March 2024, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan accepted Fr Fred’s invitation to visit Our Lady of the Rosary (OLOR) in Stirling, to bless the beautiful new Memorial & Prayer Garden. 

Before the blessing of the garden, His Excellency lead  Mass and the celebration of Holy Communion. It was a real privilege for Joseph (Year 5 student) to serve His Excellency during Mass and it was a joy to watch Joseph do so, with great reverence. 

How special that Archbishop Patrick O’Regan’s celebration and blessing at OLOR was on the Feast Day of St Patrick.  

Help wanted – Nesting Boxes Installation 

We have some nesting boxes and are seeking assistance to install them. These are for a variety of different animals and will make a great addition to our outdoor spaces, providing a safe environment for these creatures. If you are able to assist and are comfortable climbing up ladders, please let Krystina Dawe know to make the appropriate arrangements. 

Warm regards, 

Krystina Dawe, 
Assistant Principal, Religious Identity and Mission 
kdawe@stcaths.catholic.edu.au

Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival 2024

Congratulations to the 8 students that participated in the Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 3rd April at SA Aquatics Centre, Marion. Students participated in variety events including Freestyle, Backstroke, Breastroke and Butterfly. It was great to see some many students filling in for extra races in the year level above their own. A special mention to Charlie, Kiyan, Max and Alex for filling in several extra races. Also, a special mention to Mitchell who finished 1st in all his 25m races. Some commendable results included:

• Max              2nd - 50m Feestyle, 3rd - 50m Backstroke,
• Mitchell         1st - 25m Freestyle, 1st  - 5m Backstroke, 1st - 25m Breastroke
• Kiyan            1st - 25m Freestyle, 2nd - 25m Backstroke,
• Alex              3rd - 50m Freestyle, 3rd  - 50m Breastroke
• Toni-Marie    3rd - 25m Backstroke, 3rd  - 25m Breastroke
• Charlie          5th - 25m Backstroke

Relay results:

• Year 4 Relay Team – 2nd Ted, Mitchell, Max and Toni-Marie
• Year 5 Relay Team – 2nd Alex, Charlie, Kiyan and Max
• Year 6 Relay Team – 5th Alex, Charlie, Kiyan and Xavier

Thank you to Mrs Wheeler and Mr Butler for their assistance on the day and Mrs Alison Dermody for officiating at the Carnival.

SAPSASA Athletics Carnival 2024

Congratulations to the 21 students that participated in the SAPSASA Hills Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 3rd April at Cornerstone College, Mt Barker. Students participated in a variety of events including 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, High Jump, Shot Put, Discus and Long Jump. Special mention to Rahpi, Harper, Seb, Aston, Jack and Van who made it to the FINAL of their races. Some commendable results included:

• Raphi          1st - 100m FINAL
• Harper         3rd -  High Jump, 2nd 100m FINAL, 2nd 200m FINAL
• Jack             3rd - 200m FINAL
• Van               2nd - 100m Final ,2nd High Jump, 2nd  6th – 200m FINAL
• Zara              2nd - Shot Put
• Aston            5th - 200m Final, Baton Relay FINAL
• Seb               4th - 100m FINAL
• Lachlan         3rd - High Jump

Relay Team Results

• Under 10 Boys - 1st Seb, Leo, Will, Van
• Under 10 Girls - 2nd Harper, Raphi, Lina, Olivia
• Under 11 Boys - 7th Lachlan, Aston, Archer, Oliver
• Under 11 Girls - 4th Mia, Vea, Matisse, Harper
• Under 12 Girls - 4th Xanthe, Sylvie, Zara, Olivia
• Under 12 Boys - 2nd Tom, Jack, Lachlan, Archer

A big thank you to Mrs Lesley Day and Mrs Kay Burton for their help officiating on the day and Mrs Davis and Mrs Kirby for their help on the day.

Mr De Giovanniello

This term we have absolutely loved our Artworks we have created. It was amazing to see how creative we all are in RB.

We have finished off the term with hosting out first Liturgy. We were all very brave and confident in our readings.

This term, the Year 5/6 students have enjoyed a range of fun activities as well as extending their learning in all subject areas. Our Year 6 students have been building their leadership skills as captains, SRC & Eco reps. They have also conducted Community Prayer, begun Peer Mediation to support students in the yard, and organised the Project Compassion Odd Shoes Day to raise money for Caritas. The Year 5 and 6 students worked together to re-enact Stations of the Cross.

Earlier in the term, the Year 6 students travelled to Kangaroo Island. We explored the island, learning about its environment, sustainability, and produce. The students raced down the sand dunes on sandboards and toboggans, climbed the rocks at Remarkable Rocks, and watched the seals at Seal Bay.

The Year 6 students enhanced their knowledge and understanding of safety and skills around the water at West Lakes Aquatics. They surfed, sailed, snorkelled, and kayaked, and had a wonderful time. Similarly, the Year 5 students had a great day out at Glenelg, learning to surf and be safe at the beach.

Laura O'Connell 

Children's University 

This week students who are new to Children's University, should have received their learning passports and instructions on how to use the parent portal. In week 1 of next term I will arrange to meet with the students involved to also show them how to access the portal as well as answer any questions they may have. As you navigate recording hours over the school holidays, you may find it helpful to encourage your child to write down any questions they may have about logging their hours. Parents are also most welcome to come along to this session. It will be held on Thursday 2nd May at 9.00am and is expected to only go for 20 minutes. This session will be held in the Treehouse.  

There are a wide variety of activities to  undertake over the upcoming school holidays. By logging into the parent portal you are able to search through a variety of learning destinations and online learning activities to find something of interest. If you are heading away for the break, you may like to check out what is available in the area that you are visiting. Don’t forget there are opportunities to engage with Children's University outside of South Australia so remember to take your Children's University passport with you so that it can be stamped at participating locations. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Krystina Dawe for assistance.  

Literacy Pro - Use with students in Years 3-6 

Our students across the upper years have undertaken placement tests in Scholastics Literacy Pro Program. This assessment takes students through a series of multiple choice reading questions and generate a lexile number which indicates a suitable reading range for the student. Many of our books in the school library are assigned a lexile number and therefore students are then able to select an appropriate text based on their own lexile number. Within the Literacy Pro platform, students can nominate themes which are of interest to them and  a list of recommended texts will be shared with them, taking into consideration their interests, lexile score and texts available in our school library. Students are also able to access this platform at home to help them select appropriate tests from other places such as the local public library. Once a text has been read, students then have the option of taking the associated quiz through the Literacy Pro platform which will then build their 'words read' total and help gauge their comprehension of the texts. Currently our school has a total of 196, 966 words read and we are looking forward to continuing to build this number across the year through student engagement in Literacy Pro. 

The use of Literacy Pro provides teachers with valuable information about their students reading and comprehension. This targeted approach supports our students to thrive as readers and feel confident that they are able to succeed in their literacy tasks. To access the Literacy Pro platform at home follow the link below. Teachers are able to provide you with your child's log in details should you require them 

https://slz04.scholasticlearningzone.com/resources/dp-int/dist/#/login3/student/AUSC2HJ 

NAPLAN 

We would like to congratulate our year 3 and year 5 students on their efforts this term, undertaking NAPLAN. It was pleasing to see the way in which they engaged during this time and ensured they were prepared each day. Thank you also to families who supported their child through the testing period. We look forward to seeing the results when they are distributed later this year. 

Debating SA 

Our year 5 and 6 students will continue to be competitive in the SA Debating Competitions. This year we will have 5 teams competing with competitions held at Pulteney Grammar School. We wish our teams all the best as they participate in this engaging and exciting competition.  

SEQTA Engage/ Student Reports 

This year we will be no longer printing and sending reports home at the end of each semester. Instead families will receive the student reports electronically via the app SEQTA Engage. This is the platform that teachers use to grade assessment tasks, and the student reports are formulated within.   

Early in Term 2 you will receive an email to register for SEQTA Engage. More information will be send home next term regarding this process.  

Kind Regards,  

Narelle Brine and Krystina Dawe 
Leaders of Learning – Curriculum and Assessment

Saturday 4th May 2024

Speaker: John Neate, Chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools

Presentation Topic: “Catholic Schools Today”

Brief Bio: John has spent his whole life inside Catholic Schools. First as a student, a teacher, a Principal and now as the Chair of the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools. His presentation will reflect his long involvement and passion for our Catholic Schools and their place in our Church and world today.

Time: 7.30am Registration tea/coffee
          8am Breakfast, Presentation and Questions
          9am Meeting Close

Attendance Cost: $10 fathers and sons no charge

Venue: Our Lady of the Adelaide Hills Parish Hall, 1 Wembley Avenue, Bridgewater

RSVP by Wednesday 1st May 2024
Dan De Fazio
Mobile: 0418 838 057
Email: dan_defazio@bigpond.com 
or
Paul Somers
Mobile: 0421 527 363
Email: paulsomers24@gmail.com