Dear Parents,

Last Wednesday evening, a momentous event took place at the Sacred Heart Cathedral as a group of our Year 4 and Year 5 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Led by Bishop Michael, these young individuals made a personal commitment to embrace and deepen their faith. It was a privilege for our school community to witness and be a part of this significant ceremony.

Confirmation is a sacrament in which individuals affirm their faith and become full members of the Catholic Church. For our Year 4 and Year 5 students, it marked an important milestone in their spiritual journey. By choosing to take on the faith for themselves, they demonstrated a willingness to grow in their relationship with God and live out their beliefs in their daily lives.

The evening was filled with reverence and joy as families, teachers, and fellow students gathered to support and celebrate the confirmands. The Sacred Heart Cathedral provided a beautiful setting for this sacred occasion. Bishop Michael's presence and guidance added a special touch to the ceremony, as he imparted his blessings and encouraged the students on their faith-filled journey.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. May this experience strengthen their connection to God, deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, and inspire them to be compassionate and virtuous individuals.

Music Soirée

The creative talents of our students were on full display at the recent Music Soirée held at our school. From the youngest performers in Kinder to the accomplished musicians in Year 6, the afternoon was a showcase of incredible talent and dedication.

The event featured a diverse range of performances, including solo acts, ensembles, and vocalists. The students captivated the audience with their musical prowess, leaving everyone in awe of their skills and passion. It was truly a delightful experience for all who attended.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mrs Butler for her exceptional organisational skills in bringing this event to life. Her tireless efforts and commitment ensured that the Music Soirée was a resounding success. We would also like to acknowledge our dedicated tutors who have played a vital role in nurturing and guiding our students' musical talents. Their expertise and encouragement have been instrumental in helping our students shine.

Furthermore, we want to extend our appreciation to the entire school community for their enthusiastic support of the creative arts. Your presence and encouragement undoubtedly contributed to the students' confidence and enthusiasm during their performances. Your commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts culture within our school is truly commendable.

As we celebrate the achievements of our talented musicians and singers, let us continue to encourage and support all forms of creative expression within our school community. Together, we can nurture and inspire the next generation of artists, musicians, and performers.

Congratulations

We are so proud of our very own Mr Michael Nolan. Recently he was awarded Champion Music Tuition at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. What a great honour this is for him and what a great honour it is for us to have such a talented tutor in our very own community.

Kindergarten Interviews

We have begun to meet with each of our prospective 2024 Kinder families. It’s always an exciting time getting to know our next lot of recruits and their families. If you have not yet submitted an enrolment form for your child for next year we ask you do so in the near future and also if you know of any family with a 2024 school age child to encourage them to come for a tour and collect an enrolment pack.

Acknowledgements

We had a sensational range of prizes for our Mother’s Day raffle this year. Thank you to the following businesses and people, in our local community, who donated so generously. We encourage you to support these businesses when you are able, just as they support us.

Thank you for the support you and your children have extended to Poppy, Daisy, Sophie and Peter’s family. It has been very much appreciated. There is strength and comfort in coming together and this past week, our community, has been testament to this.

Hug your loved ones that bit more deeply and offer a prayer for all those in your families and networks who are in need.

Karen McGinlay

Semester 1 Reports

Teachers have begun working on the Semester One reports. These reports for students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 will look a bit different this year for English and Mathematics as new curriculum documents have been implemented across the state. This is what our Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 teachers will report on in English and Maths:

English:

• Reading Fluency, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Understanding and Responding to Literature, Phonic Knowledge, Oral Language and Communication, Spelling, Handwriting and Creating Written Texts. Kindergarten teachers will report on those aspects as well as Print Conventions and Phonological Awareness.

Mathematics:

• Number and Algebra: Representing Whole Numbers, Combining and Separating Quantities and Forming Groups
• Measurement and Space: Geometric Measure (length, position), 2D Spatial Structure (2D shapes and area), 3D Spatial Structure (3D objects and volume) and Non-spatial measure (time, mass)
• Chance (Year 1 and 2) and Data (Kinder and Year 1 and 2)

Other important points to note when reading these reports include:

• The strands of English: Reading & Viewing, Writing & Representing and Speaking & Listening, will be broken down to specific skills in these three areas
• The comments for Religion, English and Mathematics will be in two sections:
  • Areas of Strength
  • Areas for Development

• Commitment to Learning for each key learning area has a 3-point scale: high, developing & emerging
• Personal & Social Development and Learning Dispositions have a 5-point scale: consistently, usually, often, developing or requires support

As mentioned above the comments for Religion, English and Mathematics will be in two sections: Areas of Strength and Areas for Development. Specifically identifying strengths and areas for development are essential in the learning process. Together we can build on the strengths of your children whilst addressing areas of development which support us to identify learning goals for your children within the classroom.

Reports will be made available to parents Week 9 on Friday 23^rd June (Week 9). There will be opportunities for learning conferences (interviews) with your child’s teacher/s in Week 10. Further information regarding the format and booking procedures for these interviews will be shared via Compass in the coming weeks. When reading your child’s report, celebrate their achievements with them, look closely at their commitment to learning and the ‘Learner Profile’. Talk to them about their learning goals and how they are working towards achieving them. Continue to encourage your children to be curious about learning, to develop creative thinking skills and be resilient in their learning.

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

Congratulations to the Green Sports Colour House for achieving the most tokens in the first half of this term! Students in this sports house will enjoy an out of uniform day next Monday 5^th June.

Our PBL focus this fortnight is Care for All - Care for belongings and equipment. This is a big focus area as we currently have our lost property bins filled with belongings such as hats, jackets, ties, lunch boxes and drink bottles. In class students are learning strategies that will help them take responsibility for their belongings. This includes making sure their names are on items and that they develop a routine to check they have all their belongings with them. If you have an opportunity, please discuss these concepts with your children. Be sure to clearly label all your child's belongings and encourage them to collect any of their lost items from the lost property boxes.

Nicole Charnock
Assistant Principal

What is Religious Literacy?

Religious literacy plays a crucial role in promoting cultural understanding and fostering inclusive societies. In schools, religious literacy enables students to develop a comprehensive understanding of different beliefs, values, and practices, enhancing their ability to engage respectfully with diverse communities. By teaching about various religions, schools can nurture empathy, tolerance, and critical thinking skills, empowering students to challenge stereotypes and combat prejudice. Moreover, religious literacy equips young individuals with the knowledge to navigate an increasingly globalised world, facilitating meaningful dialogue and cooperation across religious and cultural boundaries. By integrating religious literacy into educational curriculum, schools contribute to creating a more harmonious and interconnected society that values diversity and mutual respect.

As for all key learning areas, including English, Maths and Science, we need to be literate to understand the core teachings of each subject. We need to be literate in Religious Education as it is one of the distinguishing features of a Catholic School therefore the Diocese has put a spotlight on this as part of the diocesan wide strategic plan. In subsequent newsletters I will provide information about the core teachings the students are learning in Religious Education and some practical ways that you could support you child in this area.

Confirmation

Congratulations to the 17 candidates who received their Confirmation on Wednesday, 24th May! This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in your child’s spiritual journey, symbolising their commitment and deepening faith. May this sacrament empower your child with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, guiding them on a path of righteousness, wisdom, and love. Their dedication and devotion have led them to this point, and it is a testament to your strength, support and perseverance. Embrace this newfound spiritual maturity with humility and gratitude, and let it inspire them to make a positive impact in our community. May God's blessings be with them always as they continue to grow in faith and serve as a beacon of light to others.

Ms Donna Morgan 
REC

Step 1: Plan for Success

The program begins by teaching students how to plan their writing effectively. By encouraging them to brainstorm ideas, create mind maps, and outline their thoughts, they develop a solid foundation for their written pieces.

Step 2: Sizzling Starts

In this step, students learn the art of captivating their readers from the very beginning. They discover exciting ways to start their stories, essays, or persuasive pieces, engaging readers and making them eager to read on.

Step 3: Tightening Tension

Tension is the key to keeping readers hooked. Through this step, your child will master the techniques of building suspense and creating a sense of excitement and anticipation in their writing.

Step 4: Dynamic Dialogue

Dialogue breathes life into stories, making them vibrant and realistic. The program focuses on teaching students how to write authentic and engaging conversations that reveal the personalities and motivations of their characters.

Step 5: Show, Don't Tell

This step empowers students to paint vivid pictures with their words. By encouraging them to use descriptive language, sensory details, and figurative language, their writing becomes more evocative, allowing readers to experience the story in their minds.

Step 6: Ban the Boring

Nobody likes dull writing! This step helps students identify and eliminate common pitfalls that can make their writing monotonous. They learn to vary sentence structures, choose precise vocabulary, and create engaging paragraphs.

Step 7: Exciting Endings

Endings are just as important as beginnings. In this final step, students discover strategies to wrap up their writing in a satisfying and memorable way, leaving a lasting impact on their readers.

Aspects of the writing program are utilised in different ways depending on student need and the developmental writing process.

Here is an example of a before and after using the strategies from The Seven Steps to Writing Success to create a ‘Sizzling Start’:

Leanne Skinner
Primary Coordinator and Pedagogical Mentor

Central Regional Athletics Carnival

Date: Friday 9 June
Venue: Fearnley Dawes Track

Mrs Anne-Maree Mantach will be the team manager on the day. Students are to arrive at 8:45 am and meet Mrs Mantach in the grandstand (the far end). The carnival is expected to conclude at approximately 1:30 pm. The carnival will go ahead regardless of the weather on the day.

The cost for the day is $10 per student. Please place $10 in an envelope with your child’s name clearly labelled, along with the event (Regional Athletics Carnival) to the office.

The track’s car park will be roped off as a designated spectator area for parents. Parents/spectators are asked to bring their own seating or rug. Spectators may assemble along the fence beside the long jump pits.  Parents are not to sit with children in the team area. Children are to remain with their team manager in the grandstand for their safety.

Mrs Mantach had a meeting with all athletes this past Tuesday and has handed out the relevant information note. Warm clothing is advised as it gets extremely cold in the grandstand. A list of students and their events had been placed on the notice board outside of the library, along with a PDF of the results sent via compass to parents.

We wish all athletes much success on the day. Go get em’!

Cross Country 

Date: Tuesday 13 June 
Venue: Sydney Equestrian Centre 

Ava K has been successful in making it to the next stage of her long-distance running journey, progressing to the Polding Cross Country. Ava K will run 2km at the Sydney Equestrian Centre. In the past, Ava has shown immense determination and skill at this level, and we are excited to cheer her on (from afar) once again.  

Good luck, Ava! 

Rugby League U12’s 

Date: Tuesday 20 June – Friday 23 June 
Venue: Wagga Wagga 

Sidney M will be playing for the Polding Team in the NSWPSSA Rugby League Championships which will be held in Week 9 of Term 2. Sidney has exceptional skills in Rugby League and has impressed selectors at each step of the competition. Have the best time, Sidney, and we wish you the very best in these finals.  

AFL Paul Kelly Cup Regional  

Date: Wednesday 21 June 
Venue: Feign oval, Warners Bay 

Students in Year 5 and Year 6 participated in the local round of the Paul Kelly Cup Competition earlier this term. We had some challenging games, but as this team always does, they worked as a team and came through with the goods! 

These boys have now made it to the Regional Carnival to compete for the opportunity to play for state at the Giants Stadium in Sydney.  We wish them all the very best. 

Jacob F, Callum V, Harry H, Sidney M, Toby B, Max L, Gus M, James S, Byron S, Darcy W, Ollie H, Jai B, Evan B, Max O, Archie D and Louis B. 

Rugby Knights 9’s (U 12’s) 

Date: Wednesday 28 June (Week 10) 
Venue: Hunter Barnett Fields, Windale (South Street, Windale) 

Due to bad weather, the Rugby Knights 9’s (under 12’s) competition was canceled in March this year. However, they will re-run the gala day in Week 10 of Term 2. The boys were very disappointed at the time, so I am so happy they have another opportunity to bond together as mates and show off their skills in Rugby League.  

Yr 6 Team: Louis B, Calllum V, Sidney M, Max L, Gus M, Ollie H, Harry H, Jacob F and Harrison Scott (OLV). 

Yr 5 Team: Jack J, Max O, Dominic R, Toby B, Sterling P, Joe C, Gabe F, Felix P, Archie D and Evan B 

Basketball 

Byron S recently played in the NSW PSSA Basketball Championships playing for Polding in Tamworth. Byron was up early for the opening ceremony followed by the official team photos then the games began! Polding’s first game was unreal, beating Western by 60 points! Their second game was a little tougher, but they still walked away with a win, beating Hunter Region by 5 points. They had 4 wins under their belt before unfortunately losing to Sydney South West by 12 points.  

Rugby Union 

Date: Saturday 24 June – Monday 26 June 
Venue: Forbes 

Max L and Sidney M have both been successful in making it to the Polding selections for the NSWCPS Championships which will be held in Forbes in the last week of term. Max will play outside center and Sidney will play fullback. We hope you enjoy this experience boys, especially as it is your last year in primary school. Good luck! 

NSW Schools MTB Cross Country 

Max L recently competed in the NSW Schools MTB XCO (Cross Country) Championships last Thursday, 25 May. As an unranked rider, he started at the back of the pack and made his way through to come 1st in the Catholic division and 33rd overall in the Male Under 13’s. This is a wonderful achievement for Max and nice to see him explore so many different sports. It is also lovely to be able to celebrate students' sporting successes which are not necessarily connected to our school. Good on you, Max. We are very proud.  

Performing Arts  

Music

We have come to the end of our Black Belt Recorder Program for 2023. There have been so many students successfully earn a belt this year (perhaps even two or three). I have been so proud of student growth and understanding of music notation and their development of self-control and technique while playing an instrument.  

This term we have used our new understanding of music notation to compose and represent our own melodies for the recorder. Students in years 4, 5 and 6 were able to learn how to use Noteflight to publish their song digitally online and record themselves to hear it played back. Students in years 1-3 have been able to arrange music notes in different patterns and play back the resulting melody. It has been a very engaging, hands on experience for all students.  

The Black Belt Recorder Program will return next year in 2024 and students can continue from where they reached this year, once again work towards levelling up on our St Joey’s Wall of Fame and celebrate in the progress they make! Congratulations to the students below who were Belt recipients for 2023.

Dance

This term students across St Joseph’s have begun to learn about contemporary dance. We have explored the 5 different dance elements and how to create our own sequence of creative movements to perform a dance that conveys an emotion, feeling or story.

Students in 4 Blue and 6 Blue have already completed their dance performances where they worked to maintain a composed facial expression and used body language and creative movement to express their particular emotion. These included anger, sadness, happiness, excitement, and embarrassment. Students then performed for their class and we video recorded their dance.

The next week their dance videos were compiled in a short compilation movie they could watch and share with their class teacher and family. This has enabled students to reflect on their use of the dance elements and how successfully they created mood and conveyed emotion through their choice of creative movements.

Emily Butler
Performing Arts Teacher

Reconcilication Week

In classrooms this week, students participated in a variety of activities to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week. During Reconciliation Week, we have the chance to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ways in which we can more respectfully share in their stories and care for the land as they did.  

I had the pleasure of joining many classes and sharing in their learning. Some classes heard the story of Tiddalick the Greedy Frog and how the Hunter River was formed. Tiddalick can still be seen in stone near the township of Wollombi. Other classes shared stories and researched prominent Indigenous figures in Australia’s history, places of cultural significance and Indigenous technologies such as weapons and bush medicine.  

Through the week, I was able to share the picture book, Finding Our Heart, by Thomas Mayor with many classes. The book shares the story of how the Uluru Statement of the Heart was written in child-friendly, easy to understand language. Classes engaged beautifully in thoughtful and respectful discussion.  

As Reconciliation Week draws to a close today on the anniversary of the Mabo Decision, we acknowledge the custodians of the land on which we work, play and learn, the Awabakal people of the Awabakal Nation. We pay respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging and recognise their continued connection to the land and waters of this beautiful place we call home. 

Catholics Schools Week Celebrations

Liturgy

Family Picnic

Tabloids