Term 3, Week 3, Issue #21 2024

Dear CMS Families and Friends,

Welcome to Term 3! We hope that all our students and their families had a great holiday break and come back refreshed for another term filled with lots of learning opportunities.

In Term 3 we welcome 40 new reception students to our school and warmly welcome them into the Catherine McAuley family. It has been great to see so many new smiling faces in the yard as they start their education journey with a high level of excitement and joy. Alongside our newest little people to the school, we welcome their teachers to the school. Welcome to Tracey Ward and Estelle Brandt!

Our school is made brighter by our students and in Term 2, our beginning of year Reception students celebrated 100 days of schooling by dressing bright and celebrating their first 100 days of their learning journeys. 100 days into their bright future and 100 days of learning. This is quite exciting when you stop to think about how much can happen in this period of time and the progress our students have made. We are all very proud of them!

We also welcome Timothy Smith to our teaching team. Timothy will be teaching in 3R as be backfills a long service leave position.

Living, Learning, Leading

Information and an invitation to participate in the annual ‘Living, Learning and Leading’ survey should have been received by families. This information was sent out via Szapp. This survey is conducted each year in every Catholic School. The objective of this survey is to support the ongoing excellence in Catholic schools and aims to enhance the vision, values and missions of Catholic Education in South Australia. It highlights the essence of a Catholic Education in which integrates faith, life, learning and culture.

We thank you in advance for your time and support in completing this survey to aid in the ongoing vision and direction of Catherine McAuley School.

School Community Update

You would have noticed multiple new buildings on the school grounds. This marks the continuation of our preparation for the Stage 1 building works. Work continues behind the scenes to finalise the planning stages and ongoing planning process. We are excited to see the journey of Stage 1 continue towards the end of 2024 and into 2025.

These new buildings will enable us to prepare for 2025 and as for the end of 2024, they will support extra space for student learning and service provisions. This will include break out spaces for Digital Technologies and other learning areas. We acknowledge that these buildings detract from play space, and we are actively working to create additional play spaces to support the space that has been utilised by the new buildings.

Term 3 is set to be a big term with many things filling the calendar. With Science Week, Book Week, Father’s Day and Colour Run making the term fun filled and jam packed alongside the continuation of strong and engaging learning programs.

Science Week will celebrate all things Science related and during this time, we will welcome some visitors into the front office. We will be welcoming stick insects and a frog to Catherine McAuley. These will be visiting classes and will also be housed in the front office for visitors to see and children to view when coming into the front office.

Already during Term 3 there has been lots to celebrate. We had many students complete the National Mathematics competition in week 3, ‘The ‘NED Show’ also came to our school in week 3 and took our students on an interactive educational journey filled with storytelling, illusions, yo-yo tricks and humour. NED’s message inspired students, promoted academic achievement, and supported our school goals.

We also welcome the Dental Service to our school as they work to support children and their families to take care of their teeth and dental hygiene. Children have been very excited to receive their new toothbrush after their visit.

In week 2, our reception students went on an outer space journey as they entered the Space Dome. There were lots of excited children as they learnt about all things space and stars.

Safety Reminder

Just a friendly reminder about road safety. It is important that families and parents are good role models for their children and use safe and appropriate ways to cross the road. We encourage families to speak with their children about road safety to ensure ongoing awareness around road safety.

‘The great thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.’
- B.B King

Yours in Faith, Growth and Unity

The Leadership Team
Marc, Eleni, Maria, Breanna and Rebecca 

Blessings All

I hope your children and you have all had a restful break and a great start to Term 3. I cannot believe we are in the second half of the year; it is amazing how quickly time passes and so it’s so important to treasure each day and thank God for another day.

We have a busy term as always, lots of sacred events celebrated and activities continuing, one activity is our Fundraising.  

Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop

On Thursday we celebrated the feast day of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, who is our first South Australian Saint.

St Mary of the Cross Mackillop was the co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The Religious Sisters established schools and welfare institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand with a focus on education for the rural poor. Mary MacKillop took the religious name “Mary of the Cross” and pioneered a new form of religious life to [provide education for children in isolated area.

Our wonderful Year 4 Students from Miss Allen prepared a sacred celebration honouring the life and achievements of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

Fundraising

First, I would like to share a beautiful letter addressed to Catherine McAuley School from by Caritas Project Compassion. They were so grateful for the generosity of the families for your support with the Project Compassion fundraising events held in the first term. Recently, a thank you letter, and flyer was sent to the school.

This term we are continuing our fundraising to Centacare. Each class will have had or will have the opportunity to donate items to Centacare. Catholic Family Services supports over 20,000 South Australians every year through client-centred community services.

Thank you to our staff, students, and their families.

Sacraments

Sacrament of Reconciliation
On Friday the 2^nd of August, in the evening we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Ann’s Church. It was a beautiful sacred ceremony and over 30 students across the Parish and from St Thomas More Primary, St Mary Magdalene’s, St Columba and of course Catherine McAuley School, participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is instituted by Jesus Christ in his love and mercy to offer us forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God.

Two of our students, Leila and Ayla participated in the ceremony, in preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist which will be celebrated later this term.

If you are thinking about enrolling your child in the 2025 Sacramental Program, please contact me for further information. Children who wish to partake in the sacraments need to be Baptised in the Catholic/Christian church and preferably are in year 4 or higher.

Class mass continuation this term

On Friday the 2nd of August we continued our Class Visits to St Ann Parish Church, Mr. Hill’s year 4 class participated in the daily Mass at the Church. Each class will travel to St Ann’s Church and partake in a Parish Mass Service. We would love for you to attend if you are able too. For reference to the remaining visits, please see below the day your child/children will be attending.

Mass schedule Term 3
Week 3 – 9^th August = Yr. 3E
Week 7 – 6^th September = 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

I would like to conclude with a prayer celebrating the Feast Day of St Mary of The Cross Mackillop.

Ever generous God,
You inspired Mary MacKillop
to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and constant in bringing hope and encouragement 
to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession
of Mary MacKillop we ask that you grant our request.
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit
so that we too, like Mary MacKillop,
may live with courage, trust and openness.

Amen.

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

Our Mid-Year Reception students have been immersed in books throughout their past few weeks at school. Weekly visits to the library include story time, learning about authors and book features, as well as browsing and borrowing a book to take home. Students have enjoyed the opportunity to visit the library and are developing a love of books and reading. 

Welcome back to Term 3! It is that time of the year when postings are being released. If this affects you and your family, please reach out so I can assist your child during their transition to their new school. Together we research all about their new school, make some buddies prior to their arrival in the new locality and sometimes even chat to their new teacher.

Thank you,
Jacqui Langstreth
Defence School Mentor
jlangstreth@cms.catholic.edu.au

On Wednesday 7^th August Catherine McAuley School participated in the Catholic Schools Cross Country carnival at PAC Oval in Adelaide. After many weeks of training, a team of thirty-eight Years 3-6 students participated in the challenging two-kilometre course.

On a beautiful Winter’s Day, students were able to complete the challenging 2km course successfully. Runners were able to achieve some great times with each race containing more than 100 competitors. The students showed great enthusiasm, competed to the best of their ability, and work through pain barriers to complete the gruelling 2km course.

I was extremely proud of all the runners and their efforts to persist to complete the long-distance course. The majority of students finished between 20^th and 70th which was an exceptional effort. We had a few students finish in the top 20, congratulations to Riley Clayson (5th), Ayat Tahir (7^th), Tyson York and Destinee Banguura who both finished 17^th.

Congratulations to all competitors on completing the 2km course and representing the school proudly.

Thank you to Adrian Zoccali, Victoria Bach, Vanessa Sheppard, Mitchell Wood, and the many parents that attended for their assistance and support on the day!

Well done everyone on a great performance!

Fabian Chevalier
PE Teacher/Coordinator

Save the date for Parent/Teacher Interviews!

9-11th September for 1E - Fitzgerald's class
16-18th September for everyone else

You will receive an email/SZapp notification once bookings are open.

Click here to read what our Northern Suburbs children has to say about our community, back in 2022.

Just a friendly reminder to order your school photos prior to the day! Some families have reported issues with paying on Advanced Life's website. These issues are related to lack of web browser memory. We have found that using a desktop computer and/or clearing your cache will fix this issue, rather than using your mobile phone. 

Date of Photoshoot: 3/9/2024
Attire: Please wear your full winter uniform.

Order Online: Click here and enter the code B9R 43P 9XR. Payment can be conveniently made using Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal. 

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

It’s Catholic Schools Open Week from August 19-25.

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that a parent makes.

This Catholic Schools Open Week, we are hosting a couple of tours and a Come & Try session. These are opportunities for all interested families to come and see our community in action.

Please feel free to invite friends or family members who might be interested in learning how a Catholic education can set their child up for life. Details are below:

- Come & Try - an under 5's event: 9:30am Tuesday 20th August. Register here

- School Tour 4pm Wednesday 21st August. Register here

- School Tour 10am Thursday 22nd August. Register here

A big thank you to our students Alexi and Muku for being our lovely CMS faces during Open Week!

https://playfordtennis.com.au/

Click here to register

Join Misty on a magical journey as she stumbles upon a very special book. As Misty begins to read, the stories come to life through theatrical performances, mind-boggling magic tricks, music and comedy. With plenty of opportunities for the audience to participate, this unforgettable journey will encourage kids to rediscover the magic of reading!

Tickets are $5 per child and accompanying adults are free.
More information here

• Tours of the new $20M building for students in Years 7–12 and Year 7 enrolment information
• Discover our academic programs and how we can help your child fulfil their potential
• Scholarship information
• Learn more about Student Life - our student clubs, sports and performing arts opportunities
• Live performing arts and classroom demonstrations
• Free coffee van available

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