Term 2 Week 6 Newsletter 2024

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

Here we are just over the half way mark of Term 2 and it seems the Adelaide Hills winter has arrived! Great to have some much needed rain recently.  

Thank you to those families who were able to join our Term 2 Family Mass at St Matthew's Church in Bridgewater last  Sunday. It was wonderful to be able to gather as a parish and school community to acknowledge and support those students participating in this year's Sacramental Program. 

It has been an action packed term with lots of excursions and events taking place. The year 5 students spent two nights at Mylor Adventure camp last week and I was glad to be able to visit and spend some time with the students, seeing them challenging themselves with a range of individual and team building activities. We certainly saw students demonstrating the character strengths of courage, curiosity, teamwork, fairness and leadership throughout their time away. Thank you to Mr Butler, Miss O'Connell and Mrs Dawe for supporting the children during this camp experience. 

Our Reception to Year 2 students have been on an excursion to Monarto Zoo , giving them the chance to see up close a range of wild animals. The students had a great day exploring the zoo and learning about the various animals and their habitats. Thank you to the parents who were able to volunteer their time to help out on the day.  

Our debating teams participated in their second debate as part of the Debating SA competition held at Pulteney Grammar School this week. All debates were close this week, either winning or losing by a point or even half a point. The students are to be commended for the way they have worked together in their teams to create strong arguments and rebuttals and for presenting these articulately and with growing confidence in front of an audience.  

Enrolment for 2025 and 2026 

It has been a pleasure showing prospective families through our school over the past few weeks, showcasing our warm and nurturing learning environment. I am always very proud of how our students engage with their learning, and how they make any visitors feel very welcome. 

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 our Enrolment Officer, Cathy Fischle (cfischle@stcaths.catholic.edu.au) as soon as possible.  

Student Attendance 

There is significant research around school attendance and future life outcomes. Children and young people who do not attend school regularly miss out on planned learning experiences, sequences of instruction and class participation and the impact of this loss is compounded with each absence. Attending school every day improves a child’s future life outcomes and it supports their learning and wellbeing. Our reporting mechanisms on student attendance classify 5 - 9 days absent a term as 'Habitual' and 10 or more days a term as 'Chronic' absenteeism, which are indications that a child's learning progress is compromised. As always, we understand that children become unwell from time to time and ask that children that are unwell, do not attend school. Mindful, however of the impact several days away from school each term can have, I ask families to consider carefully ways to minimise absenteeism.  

Semester 1 Student Achievement Reports 

This year our Student Achievement Reports will be made available via the SEQTA Engage App which you would have received information about. Teachers will be finalising student assessments for Semester 1 over the coming weeks, allowing them to produce student reports which will be available via the APP in the last week of term. 

Monday Tuck and Friday Lunch  

We are so grateful to our dedicated P&F and parent volunteers who organise Monday Tuck and Friday Lunch each week. The students very much enjoy being able to purchase items such as cupcakes, muffins, biscuits or hot chocolates and we couldn't provide this service without the generous donations from our families - Thank you!  

I hope you enjoy a little break from the routine with the long weekend ahead! 

Warm regards, 

John 
Together in Faith, Learning and Community  

Reflection Day: A Journey of Growth and Leadership for our Year 6 Students 

This term, our Year 6 students embarked on a transformative journey during their Reflection Day. This special day was not only a chance for them to spend time in deep reflection but also an opportunity to delve into their roles as emerging leaders within our school community. The enthusiasm and dedication our students demonstrated were truly inspiring, as they embraced each activity with open hearts and minds. 

Our day began with a warm welcome from St. Matthew's Parish, where we shared in a beautiful Mass. Our students took the lead in prayers and readings, showcasing their maturity and spiritual growth. A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Fred for officiating the service and to the parishioners for their incredible hospitality. The sense of community and support we felt was much appreciated. 

One of the highlights of the day was the hands-on pizza-making session. Our students rolled up their sleeves to create their own pizza dough from scratch. The joy and camaraderie shared during this activity were palpable, and the delicious pizzas were a testament to their teamwork and culinary skills. 

We were also honoured to have Jordan Moulding, a proud alumna of St. Catherine's, join us to share her experiences of leadership. Her reflections on her time at St. Catherine's were both inspiring and insightful. Jordan's journey highlighted how her years as a student here set her up for success in life. Our Year 6 students eagerly engaged with her, asking thoughtful questions and gaining valuable insights into the triumphs and challenges she faced. Jordan's stories of perseverance and learning were a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that come from our St. Catherine's community. 

Reflection Day was a meaningful experience for our Year 6 students, helping them to grow both personally and as leaders. We are immensely proud of their commitment and the way they embodied the values of our school. As they continue their journey, we look forward to seeing them flourish and lead with confidence and compassion. 

Celebrating Our Sacramental Program Participants 

We are thrilled to celebrate four of our wonderful students—Mary, Orlando, Antonio, and Jack—who are participating in the sacramental program through St Matthew's Church. This is a significant step in their spiritual journey, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication and commitment. 

It wont be long and they will share in the sacrament of confirmation, supported by family and friends who have been supporting them through their preparations. Through Confirmation, individuals receive the Holy Spirit in a profound way, which strengthens their faith and equips them to live out their Christian mission with greater conviction. It is a moment of deep spiritual growth and empowerment, marking the transition into a more mature and active participation in the Church. 

For Mary, Orlando, Antonio, and Jack, this journey has been filled with learning, reflection, and a deepening of their relationship with God. They have participated in various preparatory sessions, learning about the significance of Confirmation, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and how they can embody these gifts in their daily lives. These sessions have provided them with the knowledge and spiritual foundation needed to embrace this sacrament fully. 

As they prepare to receive Confirmation, they are not only affirming their faith but also committing to living as true witnesses of Christ. This is a time of joy and celebration for our entire school community, as we support them in their spiritual growth and rejoice in their achievements. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mary, Orlando, Antonio, and Jack. We are inspired by your dedication and faith, and we look forward to witnessing the many ways you will continue to shine your light in our community and beyond. 

Let us keep these young people in our prayers as they take this significant step in their faith journey. 

Celebrating World Environment Day: Nurturing Nature and Our Young Environmentalists 

World Environment Day at our school was a day filled with enthusiasm, learning, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. There was so much to do that some classes turned it into a focus for the week! Our students eagerly participated in various activities that not only highlighted the importance of caring for our environment but also allowed them to connect with nature in meaningful ways. 

One of the activities was planting seeds to then take home and nurture. Students had the opportunity to get their hands dirty and plant seeds, learning about the importance of nurturing them. This hands-on experience fostered a sense of responsibility and excitement as students anticipated watching their plants grow over the coming weeks and months. Students also enjoyed seeing the unusual names of many of the plants and the way in which all their seeds looked so different.  

In addition to planting seeds, our students embarked on a nature hunt around the school grounds. Equipped with curiosity, they explored different areas of the gardens, identifying natural items for each letter of the alphabet. This activity not only enhanced their observational skills but also deepened their appreciation for biodiversity and the intricate web of life within our school environment. 

Throughout the week, students engaged in discussions about environmental conservation, the impact of human activities on the planet, and the small but significant steps they can take to contribute to a healthier Earth. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the environment were truly inspiring, and we are proud of the budding environmentalists they are becoming. As we continue to integrate sustainability into our school culture, we look forward to many more days of learning and growing together in harmony with nature. 

Exciting Adventures in Our Kitchen Garden! 

Our Year 2/3 and Year 5/6 classes have been buzzing with activity, turning our gardens and kitchen into hubs of learning and delicious fun! The students have been immersing themselves in the joys of growing and cooking their own produce, making every day a new adventure. 

In the gardens, our young horticulturists have been busy mapping out the different areas to better understand the layout and diversity of our school gardens. They’ve also put their problem-solving skills to the test, devising clever strategies to keep the rabbits from nibbling on our precious veggie plants. Watching their plans come to life and seeing the gardens thrive has been incredibly rewarding. We are excited to now have zucchinis, celery, corn, lettuce, cauliflower, onion, garlic, lemons and snow peas growing with some almost ready to pick. 

The excitement didn’t stop there! In the kitchen, the students transformed their garden harvest into mouthwatering treats. They whipped up zucchini bread, sultana scones, and lemon and rhubarb muffins, filling the air with delightful aromas. These culinary creations have been a massive hit, with students eagerly trying and enjoying new flavours. It’s been wonderful to see their faces light up with pride and satisfaction as they taste the fruits of their labour. 

Our Kitchen Garden program continues to be a phenomenal success, enriching our school community with hands-on learning experiences and delicious food. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated parent volunteers who play an essential role in making this program thrive. Your support and enthusiasm are truly invaluable. We look forward to many more exciting adventures in our gardens and kitchen, nurturing a love for nature and healthy eating in our students! 

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

Cross Country SAPSASA Hills/Barker Carnival

Congratulations to the 23 students that competed in the SAPSASA Cross Country Carnival at Woodside on Tuesday 21st May. All competitors trained for 3 weeks, twice a week at lunch time to help prepare for the carnival running around our school grounds.

Some commendable results included Harper Hayden finishing 6th overall. The final results were:

10 Year old girls – 73 runners competed

• Harper Year 4 – 6th
• Holly Year 4 – 13th

10 Year Boys – 115 runners competed

• Mitchell Year 4 – 54th
• Max Year 5 – 72nd
• Anton Year 5 – 74th
• Flynn Year 4 – 80th
• Toby Year 5  – 84th
• Abel Year 4 – 98th

11 Year old Girls – 72 runners competed

• Aliyah Year 5 – 63rd

11 Year Old Boys – 114 runners competed

• Joseph Year 5 – 33rd
• Kiyan Year 5 – 54th
• Aston Year 5 – 62nd
• Max Year 5 – 72nd
• Archer Year 5 – 82nd
• Jack Year 5 – 83rd
• Charlie Year 5 – 90th
• Lachlan Year 6 – 107th
• James Year 5 – 109th

12 Year Old Girls – 50 runners competed

• Sylvie Year 6 – 14th

12 Year Old Boys – 80 runners competed

• Xavier Year 6 – 25th
• Tom Year 6 – 26th

Special thank you to Mrs Lesley and Mrs Karina sharp for braving the cold conditions to officiate for our school. Also special thanks to Mrs Lucia Clements and Miss O’Connell for their help on the day.

Catholic schools Netball Carnival yrs 3-6– July 2nd (week 10)

The Catholic Schools Netball registrations are still open for any year 3-6 students. The Carnival is a fun non competitive day with teams participating in at least 6 modified games on the day at SA Netball Stadium Mile End against various catholic schools across the state.  Please register on QKR to participate. Registrations close Friday 7th June.

Mr De Giovanniello (Physical Education Teacher/Sports Coordinator)

National Simultaneous Storytime 

On Wednesday 29th of May we joined together as a school community to read the story Bowerbird Blues which was enjoyed simultaneously in schools, libraries and early learning centres across the nation. The beautiful story reflected our schools core values of sustainability as we discussed the impact that single use rubbish has on our bird life. Students were involved in gathering blue items for a birds nest like the bird in the story.  

SEQTA Engage 

Thank you to the families who have connected to our new reporting platform SEQTA Engage. You will receive a notification when the 2024 Semester 1 school reports have been sent via the App. If you are still to connect, please ensure that you do before the end of the term to receive your child's report.  

Reconciliation Week Activities 

During Reconciliation Week, we are reminded of the importance of fostering unity, respect, and understanding among all members of our community. From May 27th to June 3rd, we had the opportunity to reflect on our shared journey towards reconciliation with Australia's First Nations peoples. 

At St Catherine's School we are committed to promoting reconciliation through our RAP, education, awareness, and action. Throughout last week, our students participated in various activities and discussions centered around the themes of reconciliation, Indigenous culture, and the significance of acknowledging Australia's history. 

Classes created acknowledgments of Country for their classroom, listened to stories from the Dreaming, learnt some Kaurna words, created artwork and worked collaboratively with their buddy class to discuss how they can work towards this years theme,  "More Than a Word, Reconciliation Takes Action".  

ICAS 

ICAS registrations for our school are now open for students in years 2-6. We know our students are amazing, so we’re giving them the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools). 

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here. 
2. Read the Privacy Collection Statement.  
3. Read the terms and conditions here.
4. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here.
5. Enter our school’s access code – JFZ647  
6. Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment. Please note the cut-off date for you to register your child is July 24, 2024  

This year we will be offering academic competitions in the following subjects:  

• English (Years 2 – 6) 
• Maths (Years 2 – 6) 
• Science (Years 2 – 6) 
• Digital Technology (Years 2-6) 
• Spelling Bee – (Years 2-6) 
• Writing (Years 3 – 6) 

 After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records. 

We look forward to another successful year of ICAS. 

Students in Partnership - Call to Action 

Students representatives from Year 5 were fortunate to attend a Students in Partnership workshop at Nazareth College, alongside students from McAuley Community School, St Mary's College, St Michael's College, and Nazareth Catholic College. Summer Howarth from Eventful Learning Co and Alice Dunlop from CESA ran the workshop, inspiring the students to be agents of change for a sustainable future. 

Throughout the day, students were asked to take a stand and share their ideas around whether they felt their ideas were valued and acted upon. They were also asked to share why they were motivated to contribute to a healthier planet and more just society. Common responses included that they felt they had lots of opportunities in school to make a difference, and that they were motivated by their peers, animals, and climate change.  

The students also brainstormed a variety of ideas to make a difference, including bringing Nude Food every day, conducting clothing swaps and tree-planting days, installing solar panels on every building, removing landfill bins altogether, and edible packaging for snacks.   

We were very proud of the way in which our students represented St Catherine's School at this event and look forward to seeing their journey through the Students in Partnership initiative continue. 

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

Positive Parenting Workshop – Ben Congedi, Registered Psychologist 

I am thrilled to share the success of our recent Positive Parenting Workshop, where our community explored the transformative Circle of Security approach. This program focuses on fostering secure parent-child relationships by emphasising the roles of parents as both a secure base and a safe haven. 

Participants delved into how children seek comfort and explore the world, learning the importance of being a reliable foundation (secure base) and a refuge for comfort (safe haven). Practical strategies were provided to help parents ensure their children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow while knowing they can return for support. 

Parents gained deeper insights into their children's emotional needs, practical tools to strengthen relationships, and techniques to balance comfort and independence. 

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation in building a stronger, more secure foundation for our children's future. 

Keep your eyes peeled for next term's Positive Parenting workshop run by our on-site OT Briony Lucas. 

PBIS – Kiss and Drop 

For the next few weeks, teachers and their classes will be focusing on reiterating our positive behaviour expectations around Kiss and Drop. During our initial observation week, the PBIS Leadership team of Bianca, Hailey, Andrea and I collected some data around the behaviours we observed during kiss and drop time.  

• 33.3% of students were playing in the Kiss and Drop area after school. 
• 15.1% of students were walking across the staff carpark to their family.  
• 9% of students were not listening for their family and required 2 or more reminders from staff on duty.  

We also found that: 

• 3 children were using their school devices outside 
• Parents were asking for their children to cross the car park to walk down the car park exit  
• 5 cars stopped at the first crossing near the pedestrian gate to collect their children, rather than moving to the second crossing to allow more cars behind them. 

We want to improve this data for the future to ensure all children know how to behave in the Kiss and Drop and to ensure everyone remains safe. 

The staff will be focusing on the following behaviours, we hope you can reiterate these at home too! 

Genevieve Jong 
Leader of Learning – Wellbeing and Inclusion