Term 3 Week 10 Newsletter 2024

Dear St Catherine’s Parents and Carers, Staff and Students,  

As I reflect upon my first term at St Cath’s, three things stand out in this excellent school.:

Care

The caring nature of our students begins with our parents, is fostered by the staff, and nurtured by our Catholic values. It makes this place special and creates a safe place for students to be themselves, to learn and develop confidence, self-awareness, and resilience for later life. Thanks to the staff for the care, they offer every day. It makes a difference.

Community

St Cath’s has as strong a sense of community and parent involvement as any school I have worked in. Thanks to the School Board for their contribution, thanks to the Parents and Friends for their support, and thanks to the parents and carers who join excursions, help with reading, and in the classroom. Thanks also to parents and carers for the way they seek a partnership with staff. We know that school and home working in partnership is the most likely way to ensure positive outcomes for their children.

Ecology

It is no surprise that a school set in the picturesque Adealide Hills, serving a predominantly hills community, values the natural environment as much as we do. Pope Francis has helped us to think about our obligation as a Catholic School to care for the environment and this message resonates for many of our students and our families. Pope Francis laudato-si

We are blessed to have our beautiful grounds but also our unique nature play spaces in the forest and the sandpit. It is important to continue to reflect as educators on how these spaces can be used to benefit the learning and wellbeing of our students. We were joined at our staff meeting last week by Emma Beare who has children at St Catherine's and is an Occupational Therapist with a particular interest and expertise in Nature Play Spaces. Emma shared her insights as a professional and the research that has been undertaken in this area. Thanks, Emma, for your guidance. As well as regularly maintaining these areas it is good for us to keep these spaces alive and interesting. Pinecones are a good addition, so if you have any pinecones in reasonable condition then please feel free to drop them off to us next term.

Staffing news

Assistant Principal: I previously sent a letter via Audiri regarding Krystina, but I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my thanks to her for her contribution to St Catherine’s and wish her well in her new role as Deputy Principal. The search for a replacement has commenced. I have prioritised this, and I am confident that we will have a high-quality replacement next term.

Jenna Coates: As previously mentioned, I am delighted to share that we have appointed Jenna Coates to the role of Junior Primary teacher at St Catherines next year. Jenna needs no introduction because she is well known to the staff, students and community having commenced at St Catherines at the beginning of this year. Jenna has had an outstanding start to her career as a teacher and we have been impressed with her vitality, authenticity, and professional approach. She cares for her students, maintains excellent relationships with parents and carers and has become a valued member of the community. Her willingness to reflect upon her practice and openness to learn augurs well for a bright future for her as a teacher.

Time to re-set

The structure of a school year and a break between terms provides an opportunity for students to rest but also to re-set. I invite you to engage with your children in a conversation during the break and you may like to use the three prompts below or use the recent learning conversations.

1. Acknowledge and celebrate one success and using an appreciative inquiry approach reflect on what contributed to this success.
2. One challenge or goal they have set themselves for next term.
3. What steps they are going to take to achieve this goal.

Maintenance works in the holidays.

Considerable works are scheduled to occur during the holiday break including:

• Tree trimming following the recent safety audit from the arborist.
• Refurbishing and making repairs to the nature play spaces.
• Repainting various sections in the school including safety line marking and the handball courts for the students

Recent Events

Congratulations to our students on their many achievements this term be they academic, as leaders, in sports, music or the Arts.

Catholic Schools Music Festival 

Congratulations to the year 5 and 6 choir students. Their performance at the Adelaide Festival Theatre this week was outstanding and I was fortunate to witness an incredible night of musical talent. 

Lightning Carnival 

During Week 8 our year 5 and 6 students participated in the Hills District Lightning Carnival held at St Francis de Sales College. I was proud of the way our students participated and supported each another. Thank you to Mr. D and our parent volunteers for their help in offering this opportunity. 

Maritime Museum

Thanks to the staff and parents who supported our Year 3 and 4 students on the excursion to the Maritime Museum earlier this week. It is important for us to learn about our history.

Woodhouse visit

The Year 5 and 6 students participated in a variety of activities and enjoyed the new equipment on their recent trip to Woodhouse.

Pioneer Women’s trail walk

Well done to the Year 6 students who walked the Pioneer Women’s trail yesterday. I wonder how many of the Dominican Sisters who lived in what was the monastery next to us walked these steps in the 1940s.

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable break

Regards,

Mark

It is with a heart full of gratitude and fond memories that I write this message. As I prepare to say farewell for now, I want to take a moment to express my deepest thanks for the incredible support, kindness, and trust you have shown me during my time here. 

I feel so fortunate to have been part of a community that not only welcomed me but also embraced my passions, especially around ecology and caring for our Earth. Together, we’ve nurtured the minds and hearts of our students, inspiring them to become citizens for a future that they can truly be proud of. Thank you for allowing the space to bring these ideas to life and for your enthusiasm in making them a reality. 

One of the greatest joys in my time here has been the privilege of being part of your children's lives. Watching them grow, learn, and discover has been a gift I will always treasure. The conversations we’ve shared, the moments of laughter, and the joy of learning together are memories I hold dear. 

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when leaving a place that has felt like home. While it is difficult to step away, I am truly blessed to have something that makes saying farewell so hard. I leave with a full heart, knowing that the connections we’ve made will continue to impact me wherever I go. 

Thank you, once again, for everything. It has been an honour to walk this journey with you. 

Season of Creation 

This month, we joined the global Christian community in celebrating the Season of Creation—a special time for us to reflect on the beauty of God's creation and our responsibility to care for it. From September 1st to October 4th, people around the world come together to give thanks for the Earth, pray for its healing, and take action to protect the environment. Our students and staff have undertaken a range of activities which has coincided with this celebration.  

Our year 5 YELP students visited Unley Primary school to undertake their third environmental workshop. Throughout the year our students have been project planning and settled on a focus on habitats, particularly nesting boxes. Inspired by the work of Unley Primary School students returned ready to spark an interest in nesting boxes and how we can reinstate replacement nesting boxes around our school environment. Work on this will continue next term and if you are able to assist with the process of helping install nesting boxes, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Another initiative which is taking place is as part of our Students as Partners program. Year 5 students have established a recycling station which is set up near our school Library. This is a place where a range of recyclable items can be dropped off in order to reduce the amount of materials ending up in landfill. Once the tubs are filled they will be dropped off the correct recycling location. If you are happy to assist with the process of dropping things off, please let me know. We have also partnered with Direct Connect to help streamline our recycling of 10c refundable items. Proceed raised through this will go to a nominated Charity. Through this process we hope that students, staff and families can further grow their knowledge around what items can be recycled and how similar recycling processes can be implemented at home.  

ECO leaders took to the opportunity to plant sunflower seeds which they will nurture as they grow into giant sunflower. Students were fascinated to learn about the behaviour of these plants and how they continue to move throughout the day to follow the sun. We look forward to seeing these plants when they have grown. 

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A final celebration of our commitment to Ecology will be the Ecology Sunday Mass on Sunday 20th October. Families are invited to come along, as well as bring their pets for a blessing. 

A Term of Generosity and Fun! 

What an incredible term it has been, filled with exciting events and heartfelt generosity! We kicked off by continuing our support for Catholic Mission with a delicious Gelati sale on Italian Day, raising over $300 while enjoying a taste of Italy. 

Earlier in the term, we also warmed up with our ever-popular Soup Day, raising an amazing $525—all of which has been donated to Catholic Charities to continue supporting their important work. A big thank you to Hahndorf Fruit and Veg Market for their generous donation of ingredients that helped make our soups extra tasty! 

Then, to add a splash of colour and laughter to the final week of term, students and staff went all out for Crazy Hair Day! From wild wigs to creative hairstyles, the day was a huge hit, raising over $365 for Catholic Charities. The fun and joy were contagious, and it was all for a great cause! 

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make these events such a success. Together, we’re making a real difference!  

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

We are proud to share that our very own Miss Coates has been selected to play for the North Adelaide Football Club in this upcoming SANFLW season! This is an incredible achievement, and we are looking forward to supporting her on the field! She will begin games in February next year! 

To show our support, we are inviting local businesses to consider sponsoring her through a player sponsorship. Providing a player sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while supporting the North Adelaide Football Club. In return for your sponsorship, your business will gain exposure through North Adelaide Football Club’s marketing channels, game-day promotions, and team publications. It’s a great way to show your community spirit and connect with a wider audience.

If your business is interested in learning more about the sponsorship benefits and requirements, please contact Miss Coates directly for further details. All inquiries can be directed to: jcoates@stcaths.catholic.edu.au

Let’s come together to support Miss Coates as she represents both North Adelaide and our school!

Poppy from 3/4W has had one of her painted (acrylic pouring) skateboard decks selected for exhibition in the upcoming Walkerville Art Show. Her Dad Stuart also has four photographic pieces which have been selected for exhibit.

The Walkerville Art Show is being held at St Andrew's School (Church Terrace, Walkerville) and features selected works from local and regional artists. It is open daily during the school holidays from Saturday 5th October through to Saturday 12th October - see their website for opening times etc. www.walkervilleartshow.com.au

Well done Poppy (and Stuart)!

Book Fair - Save the Date 

We are excited to be hosting our 2024 Book Fair in week 2 of next term. Classes will each visit the Book Fair on Monday and complete their 'wish list' forms which they can then take home to share with you. Families will then have the opportunity to purchase from the range of items throughout the week at the allocated times. While purchases can be made with cash, or preference is to have purchases made via electronic payment at the time of purchase. While there are only a limited number of books available for immediate purchase through the fair, additional orders can be placed, and will be delivered directly to school for your child. 

Looking for something to do these school holidays? 

Herding Caterpillars Virtual Reality Experience 

10 October, Victor Harbor Library, multiple session times 

A school holiday virtual reality experience with Butterfly Conservation SA. 

Butterflies are not only beautiful but they are important for our environment!  

Join us for a 2024 Nature Festival event as we host Rosina, an independent artist, and Gerry from Butterfly Conservation South Australia with a virtual reality (VR) experience! 

Learn about attracting butterflies to your garden, how important they, and all insects, are in our environment. 

These sessions are suited for ages 5 years old as Virtual Reality headsets will be used during the session. 

Kind Regards,  

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

Hello Families! 

As many of you may know, I have stepped into the Leader of Learning: Inclusion and Wellbeing role while Gen is on maternity leave. This role has been a professional goal of mine and I am excited to begin the journey of supporting our families and students in the inclusion and wellbeing space. I look forward to working in this role to support the whole child using a collaborative approach where everyone is working in partnership to ensure all children flourish.  

R U OK? Day 

This Term in Week 8 we celebrated R U Ok? Day at St Catherine's. This is an important day which inspires and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the  people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life. 

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.  

The children participated in activities throughout the day in their classrooms to encourage them to listen to their peers in times of need. 

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask. Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life: 

• Ask R U OK? 
• Listen 
• Encourage action 
• Check in 

PBIS- Positive Behaviour Intervention Support 

This year, St Catherine’s has adopted the PBIS (Positive Behaviour Intervention Support) approach to explicitly teach students positive behaviours at school. As a school, we have had a focus on the Kiss and Drop space where teachers have been engaging students in explicit lessons around how to arrive and leave school in a safe and positive way. Please find below the procedure which outlines the shared expectations of St Catherine’s Kiss and Drop. We appreciate your support in modelling and following the Kiss and Drop procedure! 

Mid-Year Reception and Bambini Speech Screenings - Term 4 

St Catherine’s School is providing a complimentary Speech and Language Screening procedure for Mid-Year Reception students and Bambini children. The screening will be conducted by an experienced Speech and Language Therapist, Ashleigh Howie. 

The speech and language screening will provide an insight into your child’s speech and language development that may assist us with the programming of your child’s ongoing education. It may also determine if there is a need for a full speech and language assessment. If your child meets the above criteria, you will receive a permission form via the Audiri app.  

We hope you will make use of this special service organised by the school for your child’s benefit. Please complete the Audiri permission form regarding this screening before Monday 14th October 2024. 

Bianca Foote
Leader of Learning – Wellbeing and Inclusion