Term 3, Week 6, Issue #22 2024

Dear Families and Friends,

We are officially over halfway through Term 3 already, and we trust you have enjoyed the change of weather as we near the months of spring. Since our last Newsletter we have had many enjoyable events fill up our calendar; The Ned Show, Australian Mathematics Competition, Science Week, and Book Week to name a few. We would like to acknowledge and thank our Years 3-6 students who participated in this year’s Australian Mathematics Competition. These students participated with determination, dedication, and enthusiasm. We anticipate the results and acknowledgements to arrive before the end of the term.

Science Week
Our students experienced an extremely exciting National Science Week this year. With the theme being ‘Species Survival: More than just sustainability’, our students learnt about species survival through two lenses: how animals have adapted to survive, and how we can help animals to survive extinction. Our learning included native flora and fauna, wild jams, powerful pollinators, suspecting and unsuspecting predators, camouflaging companions, and prickly species for protection! Our office was also home to four spotted marsh frogs and many stick and leaf insects that were shared between classes for information sessions. We are certain our students have gained rich, valuable knowledge on the species that inhabit our Earth, and how we can protect them.

NAPLAN Results:
This year we have received some pleasing NAPLAN results with an improvement in many areas – with Year 5s highlighted as a significant improvement. Our Year 3s and 5s have achieved a positive result in the Northern region, particularly in Writing and Numeracy. Teaching staff use this NAPLAN data to further improve our practices and teaching across the school, highlighting key areas for improvement and celebration. We are incredibly proud of our students and their efforts this year. We acknowledge the hard work and preparation of the students and staff in anticipation for NAPLAN, in particular the anxiety and uncertainty we know some children may experience during these assessments. Well done, Year 3s and 5s!

3 Way Conversations:
During Week 9 of this term, we are holding 3-Way Conversations as an opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress and learning with their class teacher. These conversations are essential as we strive for a strong partnership between school and home in their learning and progress. Please connect with your child’s class teacher to arrange a suitable time to meet via online here. Keeping you in touch with your child’s learning progress is important to us and these conversations are one of the many ways available to you to discuss your child’s individual progress and achievements.

Mrs Colonico will be taking extended leave commencing Term 4, 2024 until the end of 2025 to support her family. Once an Acting Depity Principal has been appointed, further information will be shared with the community. We ask that you keep Mrs Colonico, and her family, in your thoughts and prayers.

Finally, we would like to remind our community about School Photo Day – Tuesday 3rd September. Photos will begin with our Year 6s and Receptions and are expected to be finished by 1pm. Students who are absent on this day have an opportunity to have their photo taken on Thursday 5th September instead.

Yours in Faith, Growth, and Unity,

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

Blessings All, 

I hope you and your families have managed to make it through the Winter and all the cold viruses associated with the cold and wet weather. The start of the new season, Spring is refreshing and hopeful. Spring signifies new life, new beginnings and a fresh start. As many households complete a Spring Clean in their homes, it is also a time for us to go through a Soul Spring Clean. What do we want to keep, what do we want or need to change? What new beginnings await us? Spring is a powerful season; it provides the perfect opportunity to go through some soul searching and self-reflection. The Catherine McAuley Staff and Staff from our neighbouring Mercy Schools, St Thomas More School and St Mary Magdalene School went through self-reflection during our Reflection Day on ‘Our Strong Foundations in Mercy.’ 

Mercy Schools Reflection Day
Friday the 23rd of August, Catherine McAuley School, St Thomas More School and St Mary Magdalene School celebrated their Reflection Day at the welcoming Hewett Centre in Gawler. The theme of the day was reflecting and building on our strong foundations in Mercy. We were so fortunate to be able to listen to 6 inspiring speakers who all had strong foundations in Mercy. Sr Claudette Cusack, Sr Joan Haren (this name you may recognise), Sr Denise Hallion, Sr Carmel Guerin, Sr Mary-Anne Duigan and Gabby Kinsman. All determined and passionate women, who had and still have a vision of providing an education for all which was begun by Catherine McAuley, rich in the Mercy Values of Compassion, Respect, Justice, Courage, Service, and Hospitality. Staff then reflected on these mercy values with an activity based on praying with colour. The day ended with a Liturgy, celebrating the work of the Sisters of Mercy; Sr Catherine McAuley, Sr Ursula Frayne and Mother Mary Evangelista Fitzpatrick.

 
Father’s Day
Catherine McAuley School celebrated Father's Day this week with a delicious breakfast on Friday for all the Fathers, Grandfathers and the Special men in our lives. The celebrations continued with a beautiful sacred Father’s Day Liturgy hosted by Miss Timmins and the students in 6M. It was a lovely way to acknowledge all the love, support, and guidance provided by the special men in our lives.

Of course, we cannot celebrate Father’s Day without celebrating and acknowledging our greatest Father of all, God our Father. God is our Father, he is our creator, our source of life. The first and greatest Father for all. We turn to our Father when we are in doubt, torn, seeking comfort, guidance and support. We know our Father is always there for us.
                                               

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.

Amen.

Fundraising – Colour Run and Centacare
We continue to support Centacare through fundraising from our classes. 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 for your continual support.

Also, this term we will be raising funds for the ‘Do it for Dolly’ campaign. Dolly was targeted by bullies and as a result, her parents have started a Do It for Dolly – stop bullying campaign. Students are raising an awareness and support for the Do it for Dolly campaign through supporting our Funrun which will be held in the last week of the term, Thursday the 26th of September. Stop the Bullying is a passionate goal for all of us.
Thank you in advance for your gracious support.

Sacrament Celebrations  
This term in September we will be celebrating our Sacrament of Confirmation on the evening of the 12th of September, followed by the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the 14th or 15th of September. Two of our students, Leila and Ayla will be participating in the ceremonies. Please come along and join in their sacramental journey in the Catholic Church.

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 6th of September we will continue our Class Visits to St Ann Parish Church. 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 7 – 6th September = Yr. 4R
Week 8 – 13th September = Yr. 2M

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

I would like to conclude with a prayer celebrating all the special Fathers, Grandfathers and men in our lives. 

Father’s Day Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of fathers and all the special men in our lives.
Thank you for their love, guidance, and strength.
 
Bless them with wisdom, patience, and joy as they lead their families and friends. 
May they feel the presence of our greatest Father, You our God, and your support in all they do. 

Grant them health, happiness, and the grace to reflect Your love,

Amen.

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

The Year 5 Unit has had an incredible Term 3 filled with exciting activities and celebrations. We kicked off with Science Week, dove into the joys of Book Week, and honored the special men in our lives in anticipation of Father’s Day. Book Week was a standout highlight, especially our fun-filled dress-up day on Wednesday, where everyone came dressed to impress. It was truly a sight to see!

There's been some changes here for our Mini Macs Early Learning Programs.

Firstly, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Jo, who had been a cherished part of Mini Macs for the past 14 or so years. Her dedication and warmth will be greatly missed.

We are thrilled to introduce Lisa as Jo’s replacement. Lisa brings a wealth of experience in early education and a fresh perspective to our team, and we are confident she will continue to provide the exceptional support and care you have come to expect.

We are also excited to welcome Emma. In addition to assisting Lisa, she will run fortnightly pop-up events. Emma’s enthusiasm and creativity are sure to add a new dynamic to our sessions. Stay tuned for more information on that!

All sessions will now be free of charge, though bookings are still essential. You can book your spot by filling out the online form here: Mini Macs Booking Form 

Our updated schedule is as follows:

• Bop: Mondays 9am-9:45am, as usual
• Playgroup: Tuesdays 9am-10:45am
• ELY: Wednesdays 9am-10:45am as usual

For any enquiries, please email us at minimacs@cms.catholic.edu.au or call 0427 996 352.

Congratulations to the students listed below on representing the Playford SAPSASA District at various state carnivals. Catherine McAuley School is an active participant in SAPSASA events and promotes opportunities for students to excel at their chosen sport. We have been extremely well represented in District Teams in 2024 which is fantastic to see.

State SAPSASA Soccer Carnival
Congratulations to Matilda Varelias, Indy Bromilow, Summah Zammit, Alessio Barilla and Willian Virgara who were selected to represent the Playford SAPSASA District at the State Soccer Championships last week. The teams played multiple games in the 3-day carnival at Service FM Stadium against other SAPSASA Districts. Outstanding effort and well done!

State Golf Tournament
On the 22^nd of August Jaxson Durdin trialed for the South Australian 12 and under State Golf Event. Jaxson was extremely successful finishing equal first and qualified for the state final on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th of September at West Beach Parks Golf Course. Good luck and Well done, Jaxson!

Congratulations to all on your outstanding achievements!

Yours in Faith, Growth and Unity

Fabian Chevalier
Physical Education Teacher/Coordinator

We understand that Parent/Caregiver engagement goes hand in hand with student wellbeing and success and productive communication with Parents/Caregivers is an essential feature of a positive school culture. Digital technologies have greatly assisted in this regard and the use of Parent/Caregiver information apps, social media (for general school information), school website, SEQTA and the use of email communication directly with staff is now routine. We appreciate that Parent/Caregiver expectations as to staff accessibility have evolved in the context of enhanced digital communication practices. While representing efficient modes of communication, the breadth of digital communication options can create ‘availability creep’ where school employees become more accessible in locations and at times of the day, weekends and during periods of leave when they should be able to disconnect from work. Indeed, recent laws have taken effect which provide school employees a right to disconnect.

More information about the new Right to Disconnect legislation can be found at https://www.dewr.gov.au/closing-loopholes/resources/right-disconnect

In the interests of respecting the rights of our staff and recognising the importance of facilitating and promoting healthy communication, we are introducing the following as standard protocol during term time: 

• Noting our staff spend a significant amount of their workday focusing on teaching or other activities applicable to their roles, staff will endeavour to respond to Parent/Caregiver communications requesting a response within 48 hours, noting staff will discern whether an urgent matter requires a shorter response timeframe; and
• Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to contact the school Front Office in the first instance for general information. We ask that parents and caregivers be mindful and supportive of the above.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate the implementation of the new Right to Disconnect legislation.

We're excited to announce this year's Catholic Fundraiser:
Silly Sock September!

For just $5, you can purchase a pair of delightful silly socks to wear to school.

We'll have some exclusive patterns available at the Front Desk, all throughout September or until sold out. 

Proceeds will go to Catholic Mission. Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international Mission agency in Australia. An international organisation that partners with communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and spiritual care. Their network of religious and lay missionaries operates in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Americas.

Thank you for supporting our fundraiser. Together, we can make this Silly Sock September a wonderful success!

Just a friendly reminder to enrol your younger children for 2025 or 2026 as soon as possible. We’ve already scheduled our Small Mercies transition sessions for Term 1, 2025, and they’ll be here before we know it! Also if you haven't yet signed the Acceptance of Offer form and paid the $80, please do so ASAP. This fee secures your child's spot and the essentially comes off of your school fees, but is non-refundable if you change your mind.

If you have friends or family interested in enrolling, please let them know there are still a few spots available. Enrolling now helps us get a head start on planning and ensures a smooth transition for all our new students. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!

To enrol, we have a couple of options:

1. Grab an Enrolment Form from the Front Office. Fill out and return with the $25 fee.

2. Download the Enrolment editable form here, fill out and email back to enrolments@cms.catholic.edu.au Then you can either pay the $25 Application fee over the phone at 8259 4700 or pop in to the Front Desk.

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