Dear Parents,

Catholic Education Week

Last week was Catholic Education Week, which provided an opportunity for us to reflect upon the wonderful role that Catholic Schools play in Australian society, in particular for the us, the Diocese of Sale.

This year’s theme was, Catholic Schools - Places of Encounter. ‘Let the Words You Speak Always Be Full of Grace’ based on Colossians 4:6.

Our Director, Mr Paul Velten, provided the following quote about this year’s Catholic Education Week; “It is a message that reflects our commitment to promoting kindness, respect, and compassion in our schools and communities. Catholic schools are more than just buildings where students come to learn. They are Places of Encounter where students can grow academically, spiritually and personally.”

“The ‘Speak with Grace‘ theme aims to encourage students and school communities to use their words to build up others, to speak out against injustice, and to spread love and hope in the world.

“The theme also reflects the core purpose of Catholic education which is to nurture the potential of each child, to inspire faith and a love of learning and develop their knowledge and skills to become compassionate and contributing members of society.

I hope that staff, students, families and parishes enjoy this special time and that our schools continue to be places where children can encounter Christ and develop their full potential.”

Attendance
Attendance at school is crucial to your child achieving the best results they can. The start of the day is a most important time, being only ten minutes late means that your child can miss explicit teaching time. Ten minutes per day adds up to 50 minutes per week of lost learning.
It is much harder on your child to have to come in late to the class rather than settle in and commence the day with all of the other students. The school gates open at 8.30am and classes begin at 8.50am. We ask that all parents please make a concerted effort to have your children at school on time.

Playground Fundraiser – Friday 2 June
Our SACE Leaders are raising money to put towards our new playground this Friday. All students can wear casual clothes this Friday 2 June, if they bring a gold coin donation. Please ensure your child wears appropriate footwear and clothing.

Changes to Morning Routine
Classroom doors will now be open from 8.30am, and as of next week, when children arrive at school they will be instructed to head straight into their classrooms. Lessons will commence at 8.50am.
This will keep children out of the wet and cold and also allow us to supervise the children within the classrooms each morning.

Camps
Our Grade 5 students had a wonderful camp at Lady Northcote Camp and Sovereign Hill last week. They need to be commended on their attitude and behaviour. I sincerely thank Rian Prestwich, Jessica Ornsby, Jisha George, Samantha Smith, Vanessa Keenan, Assumptha Gozmao, Amanda Ebbage, Georgia Kapotis, Claire Culpitt and Gavin Balzary for their willingness to attend the camp. It is a huge effort them to leave their own families to afford this opportunity to the students. A big thanks also to the staff back at school who pick up extra responsibilities at school to cover those that are on the camp.
This camp concluded our camping program for 2023. We are currently booking our 2024 camps and will let parents know as soon as they are finalised.

Carpark
Carpark rules are in place purely and simply to make it as safe as we possibly can for our children. I ask that parents please respect the rules, following the signs and ensuring that pedestrians cross at the allocated areas so they are predictable to the traffic.

Staffing
It is with pleasure that we can officially welcome Mr Anthony Preston onto the staff this week. Anthony is an experienced teacher who is very much enjoying teaching 6LA7. I am sure that he will be made to feel welcome by all.

We will be welcoming Mrs Kathleen Dullabh as the new teacher of Grade 5LA3 on 13  June. Kathleen is an experienced teacher who is looking forward to joining our school. Kathleen is very excited about her new position and enjoyed a visit last week to become familiar. I am sure she will be made to feel welcome by all.

Jess Ornsby will be on personal leave from tomorrow until the end of the term. For issues that you would normally contact Jess about please see your child’s teacher, Anna Viney or myself.

2024 Enrolments
We are currently taking 2024 Enrolments. If you are an existing family please get your forms in asap to guarantee you a spot. If you know of anyone considering St Catherine’s for their child please ask them to contact the Office for a tour.

School Gate Opening Time 2023
As mentioned in the last newsletter to allow us to cater for the new EBA that Catholic teachers in the Diocese of Sale have entered into for 2023 we will be opening the school gates at 8.30am this year.

Children arriving before 8.30am must be enrolled in before school care.

Bike Shed
The bike shed has been relocated next to the northern portables. We are awaiting a fencing company to install this as a permanent fixture.

Playground
Planning for the new playground is underway. We will hope to have this installed as soon as possible this year. Thanks to the Parents and Friends for contributing money towards this exciting project.

COVID Advice
Please see the latest COVID advice regarding students who are unwell;

It is strongly recommended that students:

• Who test positive to COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five (5) days;
• Should not attend school after five (5) days if still symptomatic;

• Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school until their symptoms resolve;

• Parents, guardians or carers advise the school of the COVID-19 positive test result.

SCHOOL FEES

School fee statements were emailed to families on Monday 15 May.  Please check your statement.  If you have any queries, concerns or did not receive a statement please contact the school office on 97021466 or email Margaret Lonergan. accounts@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au.

Families who hold an eligible Health Care Concession Card, may be eligible for CSEF (Camp, Sports and Excursion Funding).  If eligible, this would also entitle families to make an application for a fee remission, which effectively would see a significant reduction of fees to be paid for the year.  For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Margaret Lonergan in the Office.

Kind Regards

Simon Dell'Oro

Term Dates, School Closure Days and School events 

Welcome to 2023
and the new school term 2

In Term 2 all students will be looking at “The Sacramental Church Strand" and in RE lessons through different lenses.
Our whole school inquiry question is “Belonging Matters”. This will incorporate many
views and be drawing on student experiences from all perspectives, cultures and
backgrounds.

The Church constantly draws life from Christ at work in its midst. The Church was born from the mission of Jesus Christ and entrusted to the apostles in his death and
resurrection. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the early Christian
community was empowered to continue the saving mission of Christ in the world.
Enlivened by the Holy Spirit, the community of disciples continues to make Jesus Christ visible in the world today.

As we work through the term , we will integrate the important days and celebrations into these lessons.

• During the school holidays – NAIDOC Week-this will be looked at during this term.

Important
Sacramental dates for Term 2

RECONCILIATION AND COMMUNION

Reconciliation and Communion Enrolments - St Michael's Parish Support Centre - 121-123 High Street Berwick

Commitment Masses

Reconciliation and Communion Workshops                           

• A parent & child required to attend one Workshop

Ceremonies                          

Reconciliation: During last 3 weeks of Term 3, dates and times to be confirmed. Communion: During October, weekends, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22 & 28/29

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation Workshops

Blessing Masses

Confirmation Ceremonies

Kindest regards,

Anna Viney
Deputy Principal
Leader of Learning and Teaching, RE and School Operations.

Division Cross Country

SPECIALIST TERM 2 OVERVIEWS

Performing Arts

Japanese

Physical Education

Visual Arts

STEM

Prep-Year 1 Art

Our Canteen runs from Tuesday - Friday. To register please follow the following link Quickcliq registeration,  then once registered you can login to Quickcliq.  When registering if your child is in Prep you will need to click foundation.  Your UID (student ID) number can be found on the home page of your Simon App. For further information please see the attached flyer.  Ordering cut off times will be the day before at 8pm, to receive your child's order the very Our next day, any orders placed after 8pm will automatically be placed with orders placed the following day, this allows for time to purchase any extra items needed on the day.  For those children with dietary requirements there will be a folder placed in the school office outlining ingredients of certain items. Please see the attached Menu, which will also be available when ordering through Quickcliq.