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Welcome back to the final Term of the 2023 school year. It has been lovely seeing the children enjoying the beautiful weather during playtimes and hearing about their Spring holidays. Traditionally Term 4 provides the opportunity for a formal report to be written for each child and therefore students will complete a variety of assessments over the coming weeks. These assessments include PAT Maths, Reading and Vocabulary to name a few.
ICAS Congratulations
We have received the results for the Writing, Spelling and Mathematics assessments. The certificates were handed out at our school assembly. Congratulations to all the students involved! A special mention to Matthew K in Year 3 for receiving a High Distinction (top 1% of those who took the assessment) in the Spelling Bee!
Writing ICAS
Participation – Jackson W, Amity B
Merit – Luka C, Ruby P
Credit – Miles W, Ruby W, Azalee E, Tom G
Distinction – Electra G
Spelling Bee CAS
Participation – Oliver F, Jack B, Annabelle K, Ruby P, Ruby W
Merit – Electra G
Credit – Josh T, Miles W, Amity B
High Distinction – Matthew K
Mathematics CAS
Participation – Jack C, Beau C, Leo D, Josh T, Jackson W, Leo W, Jaxson K, Lily T, Riley D, Ruby P, Ruby W, Azalee E, Harrison K
Merit – Jack B, Grace T, Tom G
Credit – Oliver F, Thomas L, Maisie E, April H
Distinction – Matthew K, Miles W, Xavier C
2024 Classes and Staff
Each year staff work collaboratively to create classes for students and consider several factors when doing so. I ask for your patience and understanding with this process.
After two interview processes, I congratulate Mrs Madeleine Ireson on gaining the fulltime permanent classroom teacher position. Congratulations also goes to Mrs Renee Taylor and Miss Renee Pettet who were both successful in obtaining fulltime temporary classroom positions. There are still a few roles to be filled in the up-and-coming weeks. We will keep you updated.
Contacting Teachers
A reminder to all families that should you need to contact your child’s teacher please email admin or call the school office. The office staff will then forward any emails to the relevant staff member.
Yr 5 Leadership Day
In Week 4, Year 5 students will participate in a Leadership Day. On this day the students will learn about ‘servant’ leadership and the qualities of a good leader. Already this week, the Year 5 students have displayed wonderful leadership attributes when they met their 2024 Kindergarten buddy. I was so impressed by the maturity and care the students showed to the newest members of our school community.
Thank you!
A very big thank you to the Staff, students and the whole school community for the support over the past 9 weeks as I stepped up as Acting Principal. It was my pleasure to lead this beautiful school.
Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends.
Mrs Debra Petersen
Acting Principal
This week’s Gospel is from Matthew 20:1-16
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”
What is your answer, Lord? This is a question that was often asked of Jesus. You hungered and thirsted for justice and heard the cry of the poor. In all your preaching you championed the cause of the destitute. But you sought change by peaceful means, even turning the other cheek. What does that mean for us today? Christ is reminding us that, to whatever extent possible, we need to live out our lives responsibly. So, how can we do that?Mission Prayer
As October is Misson month, I would like to share this Mission Prayer with you.
Prayer for World Mission Sunday - Let's Pray - YouTube
Sacramental Program 2024
All saints Blackbutt Parish, under the guidance of Father Joseph, have recently completed a review into the current sacramental program and in particular the scheduling of sacraments throughout the year. It has been decided that the sacramental program which begins with Reconciliation will run from February to September, encompassing the 3 sacraments: Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist, in one calendar year. This means that our current Year 3 students will not be making their Reconciliation this year.
Father Joseph will be sending out a pastoral letter soon to clarify the timeline and process for students who are enrolling in the 2024 Sacramental Programme (i.e. children in Year 4 and above who are ready to make these sacraments). Any further information will be sent to you through Compass and in newsletters as it becomes available.
Loud Shirt Day
Patricia Miller
Religious Coordinator
Don't Miss Out on Our Cyber Safety Presentation!
Ensuring the safety and security of our children in the digital age is of utmost importance. We are excited to announce a special presentation on Cyber Safety and the Prevention of Child Exploitation, led by ThinkUKnow in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police.
Date: Monday, October 30th, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: School Library
This invaluable event will equip you with essential knowledge and practical tools to keep your children safe online. Learn how to navigate the digital landscape, recognize potential risks, and protect your child from online threats.
If you’d like to attend, use the link below:
I highly recommend this opportunity to become more informed and proactive in safeguarding your child's online experience. We look forward to seeing you there!
Student Safety on Dismissal
I would like to express my gratitude for all your support and cooperation with minor changes to dismissal pick up areas and parking this term. With our kids safety in mind, a reminder to:
- Meet the teacher at the dismissal point so we can safely hand over our duty of care. It’s important that teachers can observe who the children are going home with in the afternoon.
- There was a minor accident in the church car park last week. With that in mind, please keep close watch and have your child close by so you can mitigate any risk in this busy area.
- There are newly installed rails for the elderly outside the church entry. The parish would be grateful if the children could stay off these.
Mr Joseph Hamilton
Acting Assistant Principal
Polding Athletics
On Friday 13th of November, the Polding Athletics Carnival was held at Sydney Olympic Park. Congratulations to Charles D, Harlow P, Isla H, Matilda C, Evie M & Zoe D who competed on the day. A very impressive achievement to be performing at such a high level.
Regional Basketball Trials
The first of the 2024 Summer Sporting trials kicked off today with the regional basketball. St James was represented by Emerson D, Xavier K, Genevieve L & Evie M. Good luck to all of our basketballers. We look forward to hearing the results next week.
K-2 Motiv8 Sports
We were successful in obtaining a sporting schools grant for Term 4. Our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students will be enjoying a 6 week program with Motiv8Sports. The program covers a variety of modified sports including hockey, lacrosse, soccer, dodge ball, netball and football. The activities are designed to develop team-work, tactical movement skills, physical fitness and exposure to new activities. The Program will take place on Tuesdays from Week 2 to Week 7.
St James’ Swimming Carnival
St James’ Swimming Carnival will be holding their annual 2024 School Swimming Carnival for students who will be in Years 2 – 6 NEXT YEAR 2024 on Friday 8th December 2023. Therefore, we will be taking all students currently in Years 1-5. Kindergarten and Year 6 will remain at school.
Carnival details are as follows:
Date: Friday 8th December 2023
Venue: The Forum Swim Centre, Newcastle University
Time: Children should meet at school by 8.45am. Buses will leave at 9.00am sharp and arrive back at school by 2.30pm
Uniform: Children need to wear their school sport uniform over the top of their appropriate swimwear to the carnival. Girls are to wear a full piece swimsuit (Regional and Diocesan requirement).
Please Access the compass link below to select your child’s events and give permission for them to attend.
To view the details of upcoming events please click here:https://kotarasouth-nsw.compass.education/Organise/Activities/Events/
Students are to pre-select the events they will swim in through Compass. Please discuss with your child which events they are capable of entering. If your child is unable to swim butterfly or breaststroke using the correct technique, please do not enter this particular event.
The 25 metre and kickboard races are non-competitive events to provide an opportunity for the less serious swimmers to participate in the carnival. If your child elects to compete in either of these events, they CAN NOT compete in other races on the day. This is due to time restrictions and ensuring the carnival runs on time.
Additional event details:
Important things to note:
- Children should bring a packed lunch with a variety of nutritious treats and water. There will be no canteen available on the day. There is a café at the Forum for parents.
- A $3.00 spectator's fee will apply to all visitors, exclusive of teachers and carnival volunteers. This fee must be paid to Reception staff by visitors on arrival.
- Written permission must be provided for students travelling home with alternate carers.
- Parking and Transport- All parking is controlled by the University of Newcastle, not NUsport. University parking regulations apply to all vehicles between the hours of 8:00am to 5:30pm weekdays throughout the year, even during University holidays. All NUsport car parks have a two-hour parking restriction; Free all day parking is available in car parks P14 and P16 only (check signage). All vehicles must display a parking ticket, which can be purchased from ticket machines at the entry to all car parks. All vehicles must be parked in designated parking bays. Parking infringements will be issued by the University of Newcastle.
What you will need to do:
Please respond to the questions to give your child permission to attend the carnival. You will also need to nominate which events your child would like to compete in. Please indicate whether or not you would like to volunteer as a parent helper on the day (volunteer clearance essential.)
TROUBLESHOOTING: If you have difficulty responding to the questions on Compass, try opening the compass event in a browser (not on your phone.)
Nominations and permission must be entered no later than FRIDAY 24th of November (week 7). This will allow time for entering the whole school data in order to run a successful event.
We are looking forward to this opportunity to come together as a school community. What a fabulous way to end the school year!
Age Champion
Tegan Fry
Sports Organiser
Issue 7 of Book Club went home last week. The due date for orders is Sunday 22nd October. All orders must be placed through LOOP online; no orders are to be sent into the school. Below is a link explaining how to use LOOP.
- Value Books in Issue 7:
- #011 Where’s Santa’s Elf? $3
- #201 Laugh O'clock Christmas Stocking Stuffer $3
- #304 The 12 Screams of Christmas $3
- #401 A Christmas Carol $3
If anyone has questions or concerns about the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact me: sueanne.churches@mn.catholic.edu.au.
Sue-Anne Churches
Library Assistant and Book Club Co-ordinator
School Fees
A reminder that school fees are due to be finalised by 30 November 2023 unless there is an alternate fee arrangement in place.
If you are paying by instalments, can you please check your balance to ensure your payments will finalise your account by this date.
Year 6 parents are reminded to check their fees are up to date to ensure a fee clearance for their new high school.
Please contact the office if you wish to discuss.
Attendance
Late Arrival
Students that arrive at school after 8:50am (official school start time) must be signed in at the office through the Compass Kiosk. If they are unaccompanied by an adult, the office will sign students into school as unexplained.
Early Departure
If you are collecting your child early, can you please buzz at the gate and proceed to the office to sign out through the Compass Kiosk. The office will call the classroom for your child to come to the office to meet you. As per precovid procedures, you are not required to email or telephone ahead.
Whole Day
For students that are absent for the whole day, please add the absence note through your Compass app. Whole day absences can be explained through the Compass app for 7 days.
Unexplained
For all unexplained absences an attendance note will be sent home every fortnight with dates and times of the late arrival(s) and/or unexplained whole day absence. Can this note please be signed and returned to school.
Extended Leave
A Travel Exemption form is required to be completed by a parent/caregiver for leave of 10 or more days for the purpose of travel within Australia and/or overseas. Please contact the office for the form.
Kind regards
Carolyn Hanley
Tuesday 24th October | Motiv8 Sports K-2 |
Tuesday 31st October | Motiv8 Sports K-2 |
Wednesday 1st November | Year 5 Leadership Day |
Friday 3rd November |
Year 4 Parish Mass 9:15am Kindergarten 2024 Transition 2 |
Tuesday 7th November | Motiv8 Sports K-2 |
Friday 10th November | Year 3 Parish Mass 9:15am |
Tuesday 14th November | Motiv8 Sports K-2 |
Wednesday 15th November | Kindergarten 2024 Transition 3 |
Tuesday 21st November | Motiv8Sports K-2 |
Friday 24th November | Diocesan Summer Sport Trials - Tennis & Basketball |
Friday 1st December | Kindergarten Parish Mass 9:15am |
Friday 8th December |
School Swimming Carnival Motiv8 Sports - Year 6 |
Wednesday 13th December |
End of Year Whole School Celebration |
Friday 15th December |
Last Day for Students |
Surf and Turf Musical at St Pius
Canteen News
Birthday Zooper Dooper Buckets
When ordering a birthday bucket for your child, please know that the ice blocks are given to the students in the same class as the child having the birthday. If siblings take an ice block, then a student in the class will miss out. Thank you, families, for your understanding.