Term 2, Week 9, Issue #20 2024

Dear CMS Families and Friends,

It is hard to believe that it’s the end of Term 2. It has been a rich and memorable term full of wonderful experiences and opportunities. We wish to thank you for your connection to our school and for the commitment and hard work you show every day in supporting your children to be ready for learning.

As we reflect on the Term 2, we note that we have spent approximately 300 hours with your children this term! That is a lot of learning, relationship building, working and playing. We remember all that has happened and give thanks for the many people who made these events possible. In particular: Class Masses, Liturgies, Class Excursions, Sports Carnivals, National Reconciliation Week, Walk Safely to Schools Day, Small Mercies and 100 Days in Reception to just name a few.

MID YEAR REPORTS
Our teachers have been busily writing Mid-Year Reports, which will go home next week. The general comments will highlight strengths and possible areas of growth for next semester. We trust that parents will see these reports as a true indication of where your child is as a learner at this time of the year. When you speak with your child, we encourage you to reflect not only on the academic grade but the approach to learning as well
 
We remind families that you will have an opportunity to speak to your child’s class teacher, following your perusal of your child’s report in Term 3 interviews, these interviews are based on Semester 1 Reports.
 

NAIDOC WEEK
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

We have a small number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Catherine McAuley, and we are proud of their achievements, and their heritage and we continue to commit to increasing our understanding of their vibrant and rich culture.
 
PULSE CHECK-IN 
All children undertook this term’s Wellbeing survey in Week 6. Students are asked seven questions to check on how they are going in areas, such as learning, belonging, safety and support. The results allow teachers to monitor the emotional wellbeing and engagement in learning of their students. Any serious concerns that may arise will always be communicated with parents.

CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY
Children who are part of Children’s University are encouraged to visit the CU Portal to continue trying new activities in their own time to build up their hours to graduate. As holidays are coming up shortly, there are also many activities and venues children can visit and these also can be found on the portal. Children need at least 30 hours to graduate.

CHILD SAFETY
With the school holidays fast approaching we remind children about adopting safe behaviours. Children and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied by an adult. If children are approached they should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.

 
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
A very big thank you to all the volunteers who have helped in various ways from assisting with our recent Quiz Night, we are very privileged to have your support during Semester 1. Your input and efforts are always much appreciated. We look forward to working with you again in Semester 2!

As we embark on school holidays, we encourage families to take time to relax, enjoy the relief from the hustle and bustle of being governed by time and school schedules. As one parent recently described; “I love holidays as we can stay in our PJs as long as we want”. So, we trust students will enjoy the break and if you are travelling, please drive safely and take care. We look forward to our coming together to commence Term 3. 

Yours in Faith, Growth and Unity​

Leadership Team

Blessings All 

It is amazing how time passes; we are already approaching the final week of Term 2.

So many events have happened bringing our community closer together. Events filled with joy and happiness, Monday Morning Prayers, Assemblies, Various Year level Excursions and Quiz Night. On the other hand, we have also had sombre events bringing us close together through the loss of family and friends amongst Staff and our Families within the Community. With all these events, the common element is we are never alone, Our Lord is always walking alongside of us. This brings me to remember a beautiful poem, which is by far my favourite, and I have recounted this poem many times. The Poem is ‘Footprints in the Sand’, I would like to share it with you all now.

Footprints in the sand.

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
"I don’t understand why, when I need You most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you,
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

Class mass continuation into Term 3 and 4.
Dear families, if you can join us at the St Ann Parish Church on scheduled Fridays, please do so. Our Class Mass visits will continue, and the students are always so happy when their families are present. The remaining Mass Visits are below.

Mass schedule Term 3
Week 2 – 2^nd August = Yr. 4E
Week 4 – 16^th August = Yr. 3E
Week 6 – 30^th August = Yr. 4R
Week 8 – 13^th September = Yr. 2M

Mass schedule Term 4
Week 2 – 25^th October = Yr. 3R
Week 4 – 8^th November = Yr. 2R

The Sacramental Program is well on its way and all the workshops are now completed. We are approaching the final stages of preparations, the practices and then the Sacramental Celebration Ceremonies. We have our first Ceremony, Sacrament of Reconciliation on Friday the 2^nd of August. Two students from Catherine McAuley are involved in the Sacramental Program this year, Leila Catania and Ayla Paterson. I asked both girls how they are feeling towards their Reconciliation celebration, and this is what they mentioned,

 Leila is feeling excited about receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Ayla is feeling happy and excited and can’t wait for the Reconciliation ceremony. 

For your information, the practices and Sacrament Ceremonies are provided below. 

Centacare
I would also like to take the time to thank you also for the many donations brought into the school weekly. On Fridays I deliver your generous donations to Centacare, and they are so overwhelmed and thank full for your contributions, I sincerely thank you!

I would like to conclude with a prayer to keep us safe during the Term break which is fast approaching.

Dear Lord, 

At the end of this school term, we pray.
That you keep us safe and give us rest.
So we start again renewed and refreshed.
Full of health, full of fun
Ready to come and learn again.

Amen, 

Blessings, 
Maria Girolamo-Corbo
Assistant Principal in Religious Identity and Mission

In Year 4, we're excited to share the incredible learning journey unfolding in our classrooms! 📚 This term has been jam-packed with enriching experiences across all subjects:

🔬 Science: We've been exploring the fascinating world of forces! From gravity to friction, our budding scientists have been hands-on and curious, conducting experiments and uncovering how these forces shape our daily lives.

📝 Literacy: In Literacy, our focus has been on persuasive texts. The students have been crafting compelling arguments and refining their skills in persuasive writing. It's been wonderful to witness their creativity and persuasive abilities flourish!

🌏 HASS: Delving into history, we've been diving deep into the First Fleet and its profound impact on Australia. Through engaging activities and discussions, our students have gained a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

➕➖ Mathematics: Meanwhile, in Mathematics, we've been mastering addition, subtraction, multiplication and division strategies, exploring 3D shapes, delving into angles and symmetry and investigating chance and data. The students have been actively problem-solving and exploring geometric concepts, fostering a strong foundation in mathematical thinking.

As we approach the end of this term, we are buzzing with excitement about the learning opportunities ahead. Next term promises even more adventures and chances for growth. Stay tuned as we continue to explore, discover, and learn together! 

Our Year 3-6 Defence Family students enjoyed their 'Power to Thrive' Excursion today, run by Port Adelaide Football Club! The students had a fabulous day learning about mindfulness and resilience, had lots of fun on the blow up Ninja Course and met many Port Power players. Thanks to Jacqui Langstreth our Defence School Mentor for organising this!

On Friday 7th June, Catherine McAuley participated in the Catholic Schools North-Eastern Basketball Carnival at The Lights. The round-robin competition was divided up into boys and girls.

All students showed enthusiasm, discipline, teamwork and tried their best. This was evident throughout the day as both teams showed excellent gameplay and achieved great results.

The girls team displayed excellent teamwork and shared the ball around extremely well displaying great skills and energy. Overall, the girls team finished 3rd.

The boys’ team was extremely competitive, finishing 5th overall. They started strongly and showed great improvement throughout the day, especially in defence. The team did extremely well to move the ball quickly when they had possession to score some great points.

Congratulations to Summah Zammit on winning the Three-point shootout. Summah started the competition with a magnificent swish which proved to be a competition winning shot.

All the boys and girls enjoyed the day and are to be congratulated on their fine sportspersonship during all matches. Thank you to Katrina Timmins and Mitchell Wood for assisting with supervision and coaching on the day.

PE Teacher/Coordinator
Fabian Chevalier

Can you please make sure your students' belonging are labelled. We've had an influx of jumpers in lost property without names on the tags.

Lost Keys
These keys were found on school property. If they're yours, please see the Front Desk.

Stronger Families: A Positive Parenting Conference
31 August 2024 9:30am - 31 August 2024
3:00pm Adelaide Zoo, The Sanctuary, 1 Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide, South Australia 5000

A Positive Parenting Conference Presented by Catholic School Parents South Australia This one-day event is tailored for parents and professionals involved with youth, offering a platform where prominent parenting experts from Australia come together to share invaluable insights on modern-day challenges affecting children and teenagers.

Get your tickets here

Get your tickets here

The latest edition of The Southern Cross can be found here.