Week 10 Term 2 2020
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From Our Principal Mrs Janelle Heffernan
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From Our Assistant Principal Mrs Amanda Deeps
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From Our Assistant Principal - Mission Mr Danny Hatchman
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From Our Leader of Pedagogy Mrs Abbie Matthews
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From Our Leader of Sport Mr Brendan Tickle
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Mr Craig Condie - Indigenous Education Assistant
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Leaders Lounge
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Parish News
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General School News
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Noticeboard
Dear Families,
Well, we made it! We have come to the end of a very different but still extremely busy term.
As this will be our last Newsletter for this term, I would like to thank everyone who has supported our school during this very challenging time. It has been a term like no other I have ever experienced (and hope to never experience again!). Special thanks to staff for their co-operation and support, which ensured everything ran as smoothly as it could under the challenges that they were presented with. Special thanks to the children who are the life and spirit of our school - their resilience, their co-operation, their flexibility and their ability to adjust and to overcome hurdles has been nothing short of outstanding! It is their delight in learning and their constant care for each other that make this school a welcoming place in which to be each day. Finally, to our parents who stepped in and became teachers to your children and enabled them to continue learning and remain positive and for your continued support in so many ways –we say thank you.
I would like to share a prayer for parents.
A Parent’s Prayer
Help me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to answer all of their questions kindly.
Keep me from interrupting them, talking back to them and contradicting them.
Give me courage to confess my sins against them and to ask of them forgiveness, when I know I have done them wrong.
May I not vainly hurt the feelings of my children.
Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame and ridicule punishment.
So guide me, hour by hour, that I may demonstrate by all I say and do, that goodness produces happiness.
Reduce, I say, the meanness in me.
May I cease to nag, and when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.
Blind me to the little errors of my children and help me to see the good things they do.
Give me a ready word of praise for honest effort.
Help me to treat my children as those of their own age, but let me not exact of them the judgments and conventions of adults.
Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves, to think, to choose and to make decisions.
Forbid that I should ever punish them for my selfish satisfaction.
May I grant them all of their wishes which are reasonable, and have the courage always to withhold a privilege which I know will do them harm.
Make me so fair and just, so considerate and so compassionate to them, that they will have a genuine esteem for me.
Fit me to be loved and imitated by my children.
Amen.
Have a safe and happy holiday with your children.
Enrolling for Kindergarten 2021
Enrolment Packs for Kindergarten 2021 are now available from the school office. If you have a child beginning school next year, or know of anyone who does, would you please advise them of this. Where possible completed enrolment applications are asked to be lodged by Friday, 3rd July.
Parent Access to School
We are continuing to limit parent and other adult entry into school. We thank you for your understanding with this.
School Improvement Survey - DOLSIS
School Improvement is something that we are continually trying to work on to improve our school and build a stronger parent partnership. In order for this to happen we need to review what we are currently doing to see if they are still working and what we need to change to make our school and even better place for everyone. We need constructive feedback from all stakeholders and therefore, next term, we will be sending surveys to a random selection of our parents to participate in the Diocese of Lismore School Improvement Survey (DOLSIS) early next term. Students and staff will also complete the survey so that we obtain a balanced perspective from all stakeholders. Insight SRC is conducting this survey on behalf of our parish school and the Catholic Schools Office Lismore. It is designed to assist our school community in gaining an understanding of our parents' perception of their children’s experience of school. The results will benefit everyone within the school by providing valuable information about the ways in which the school can use staff, student and parent input to help improve the way we do things. We value feedback at St Carthage’s and we would appreciate taking the time to let us know your thoughts through the survey.
School Uniform
Thank you for the great job that you do in ensuring your children are dressed in the correct school uniform each day. Lately we are noticing however, that some students are choosing to wear the wrong uniform, particularly the wrong sports shoes and socks. As it is the end of term we have been a little lenient, however the expectation is that all students will return from the holidays in the correct uniform. Wearing our uniform correctly promotes a sense of belonging and pride in our school. If your child is not in the correct uniform I ask that parents/carers provide a note explaining why they are out of uniform.
School Reports
A reminder that out school reports will be sent home on Friday, 31st July.
Cyber Safety
Unfortunately, we have been made aware of some issues with our older students misusing social media. This happens outside of school but the issues inevitably are brought into school. Students are regularly reminded of their responsibility to keep themselves and others safe online and it is very disappointing when we hear of incidents where students are using inappropriate language, making inappropriate comments about other students and staff. This is a breach of our Digital User Agreement and cannot be tolerated. I ask that parents to their children about being safe online. We will include Safety Online articles in our Newsletters into the future for your information.
Digital Citizenship
As a school community we want to continue to work with our students so that we can teach them how to be responsible digital citizens who engage positively, know their online world and choose consciously. To do this well, we know that we need to include all members of our community in this conversation. Over the next few newsletters we will be sharing some information on digital citizenship, online safety and how you can support your child/ren in navigating the online world.
What is Digital Citizenship?
Digital citizenship is about confident and positive engagement with digital technology. A digital citizen is a person with the skills and knowledge to effectively use digital technologies to participate in society, communicate with others and create and consume digital content.
Should my child be on social media?
The following is some advice from the eSafety Commissioner.
You need to consider your child’s level of maturity and resilience as it can have an impact on their social media experiences.
When are they ready for social media accounts?
Both the physical age of your child and their level of maturity and resilience can affect their ability to have positive experiences on social media. Each social media site and app has its own criteria for minimum age requirements. Most require users to be at least 13 years of age before they can register, although some sites are created especially for children under 13.
Key questions to help determine your child’s readiness for social media.
We suggest considering these questions to determine whether your child is ready for social media.
- Is your child able to withstand negative online experiences?
If you think your child would be very upset by a negative experience online, you may need to guide them closely if you allow them to establish a social media account.
Look through online profiles and public feeds together, and talk about how some people behave differently online. Teach them how to filter abusive comments, block and report people.
- Does your child understand the importance of protecting their personal information?
Explaining to a child why privacy is important can be difficult. Start by describing what personal information is. Emphasise that it includes anything that can identify them, such as their mobile number, email address, photos, the name of their school, and any sporting clubs they belong to. Remind them that photos can contain information that could be used to identify them, such as a photo taken right outside your house or a photo of them in their school uniform.
Let them know that if they share personal information online, it could mean that others, including strangers could use it in ways they may not have thought about. Someone could even post bullying messages or inappropriate photos on social media while pretending to be them.
- Does your child understand how privacy settings for social media work?
Show your child how to view the privacy settings for each social media service you use and talk them through how you decided on which settings to use in your own accounts.
If you would like help with technology, including how to use social media services yourself go to https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/essentials/more-online-skills/socialising-online
- Does your child understand what is safe to share online?
If you are concerned your child may post personal information that allows people to identify and locate them — even after you have talked through the dangers — then they may need your help to use social media sites.
Talk about the risks of 'checking in', tagging people in photos, sharing nude or sexually suggestive pictures, meeting online friends in person, making offensive comments, and what is not acceptable.
- Does your child know how to report cyberbullying and other kinds of abusive content?
Although there are huge benefits to being connected through social media, your child may experience some form of online bullying or harassment. If this happens, it is important that they know what to do.
- Is your child willing to let you establish clear rules and supervise their social media activity?
It is a good idea to supervise your child’s online activity, at least initially and certainly with younger children. Be clear on things like when and where online devices can be used and when they need to be switched off. The way a preschooler or younger child begins to use connected devices will instil good online habits from the start and help them transition to using social media later on.
Talk with your child about which social media services they would like to use and come to an agreement you are both comfortable with about how they can use these services. You might discuss the following:
- Which types of content they can post — it is a good idea to look at examples together and discuss the pros and cons of different posts.
- How often they should post.
- How often you are comfortable with them checking social media.
Finding the right balance about how much to supervise your child’s online activity will depend on your family’s culture and the individual needs of your child. Be prepared for your child to need more support from you at particular times, and to resist your support at other times. Eventually they will be ready to explore on their own — but keep the lines of communication open so they can come to you with any concerns they may have.
Source: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/are-they-old-enough#social-media
If you do decide your child is ready to be on social media. Encourage your child to think before they post or share anything!
Talk to your child about the consequences of posting offensive or inappropriate material of themselves or others online. Place a poster on your fridge to remind the whole family the importance of engaging positively online.
If you feel your child or others are posting or texting inappropriate or offensive things, the following guide may useful in helping you to navigate this with your child.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/cyberbullying
St Carthage's Anti-Bullying Policy
We have recently updated our Anti-Bullying Policy. We will be working with our students to get a clearer understanding of what bullying is and how it is never ok. Please see the video below that explains the term bullying and take the time to read our Anti-Bullying Policy that is attached.
The Seasons for Growth Program
At St Carthage's, this program is offered to students who may have experienced grief and or loss. The program does not provide counselling or therapy but provides an opportunity for students to see how change, loss and grief are a normal part of life. Trained adult 'Companions' facilitate small groups where students support and learn from each other. Further information about the program may be found here. If you feel your child would benefit from this program please nominate their names on the form here by this Friday.
Good Digital Habits start young
Although students are back at school, one of the outcomes of home-learning may be an increase in the adoption of technology platforms by schools. Families and schools need to make sure we work together to pay attention to the social and emotional learning needs of students. These site has worthwhile information related to supporting students when online.
Sacramental Programs 2020
Students are continuing to learn about the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and Holy Communion in their Religious Education classroom learning. However, the actual opportunities for students to make their first Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are at the moment on hold due to the restrictions as a result of Covid 19.
Sunday Mass With Bishop Greg Homeming on YouTube Live
You are invited to view Holy Mass from 8am live and on demand from your devices and at any time afterwards. You can access the live-stream on the Diocesan Website or by clicking on the following link - Sunday Mass with Bishop Greg Homeming
Monday 8am; Tuesday 8am; Wednesday 8am; Thursday 8am; Friday 12 Noon; Saturday 5:30pm**; Sunday 9am**; Sunday 11am**; There will be no Sunday evening Mass. **As there is a limit of 50 parishioners at one time,
bookings for the Cathedral weekend Masses should be made through the parish office on 6626 0200.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday
With over 120,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics in Australia, our First Nations people form an important part of the fabric of Church life. This Sunday is celebrated by the Church as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday and the theme for 2020 is “Together in the Spirit.” Our school and other schools in the Lismore Diocese will celebrate this important day later this year.
St Carthage’s Athletics Carnival
The St Carthage’s Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 24th July (Term 3, Week 1). After reviewing current restrictions and guidelines, we have decided to progress with our athletics carnival. This will be held on the St Carthage’s Ovals and adjacent St Mary’s Ovals. We understand that our carnival is usually a community event that parents and family members enjoy attending. Unfortunately, no spectators are permitted this year. This decision has been made in consultation with CSNSW and the Lismore Catholic Schools Office. We thank you for your understanding.
Students are required to:
- Wear suitable shoes and shorts to run in. Metal spikes are not permitted this year.
- Wear their colour house shirt to and from school.
- Bring their school hat and sunscreen.
- Bring a packed lunch and adequate water. There will be no canteen on the day.
We look forward to providing this fun opportunity for our students next term. It is a non-competitive carnival. The emphasis of the day is on fun and participation. All representative sport has been cancelled for 2020. Therefore, the students will not be able to progress for athletics.
ABORIGINAL ART & NAIDOC NEWS
Recently Tyler, Grace and Brandi from 2HR painted these boomerangs with me. They used the colours of the Aboriginal flag-red, yellow and black-to dot them. They loved designing and painting them.
Cooper (6BT) and Dane (4JD) painted the Aboriginal flag with their hand-prints in the middle. The flag is important to us because it symbolises pride, strength and survival of culture.
NICE WORK JARJUMS!!!
Usually, this week we would have been attending the NAIDOC Celebrations at Lismore Showground. Nationally, NAIDOC Week has been postponed to November and many places will highlight the celebrations at times that best suit them. We will have our NAIDOC celebrations next term, but it may look a little different to other years. These changes are due to the recent events we have all experienced.
-Mr Condie
Indigenous Education Assistant
Hi everyone, welcome back to our fortnightly segment. For this week's segment we are so excited to ask our Colour House Captains some questions about our upcoming Athletics Carnival. Let’s see what they have to say.
Thomas House Captains-
I am very excited about making up chants for the Athletics Carnival! We’re also very excited to participate in all the races and events.
GO THOMAS!!
Doyle House Captains-
We are so excited because we can finally experience being a Colour House Captain and cheering on all fellow teammates.
Nagle House Captains-
We are all so pumped for the athletics carnival as there haven't been many sporting opportunities. We are all looking forward to being able to cheer and watch.
Carthage House Captains-
We love supporting our peers and our house mates in all our school events and finally we are able to experience being a Colour House Captain here at St Carthage's.
Go Carthage!
D’arcy House Captains-
We are extremely excited for the coming Athletics Carnival because we love our chants with our Colour House peers and having the best day ever. We can’t wait to have a blast with our school. “GO DARCY!”
Jerome House Captains
We are pumped for the athletics carnival because it is a great chance for the whole house to come together as one for the day. We are also excited because we get to encourage everyone with our chants. GO JEROME! We hope everyone enjoys the Athletics Carnival.
St Carthage’s Cathedral Mass Times
Weekdays
Tuesday 8am
Wednesday 8am
Thursday 8am
Friday 12noon
Weekends
Saturday 5:30pm *
Sunday 9am *
Sunday 11am *
NO SUNDAY EVENING MASS
* Bookings for weekend Masses at the Cathedral should be made through the parish office on 66260200. Contact details will need to be recorded and on arrival at the church you will need to be checked in, sanitise your hands and observe social distancing.
The Bishop, realising that not all parishioners can be accommodated with the 50 person limit, has continued the dispensation from the Sunday obligation.
Cathedral - Confession Times - No Face to Face
Saturday 4.45pm – 5.15pm
Sunday 10.15am – 10.45pm
Carmelite Mass Times
Weekday Masses 7:00am **
Saturday Mass 8:00am **
NO SUNDAY MASS AT THE MONASTERY AS LIVE STREAMING WILL CONTINUE.
** As the Carmelite monastery can only have 20 Parishioners you must book for all Masses by ringing the Monastery on 66241240.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy Birthday to all the Staff and Students that have a birthday at this time.
Mia O'Reilly, Chiara Doherty, Hannah Newbold, Miley Brown, Archie Matthews, Brydie Beston, Ava King, Maddison Sloane, Hayden Ellem, Joel Tulk, Nate Collins, Eden Flood, Holly Ellem, Clancy Healy, Jack Collins-Bray, Ruby Edmonds, Rose Mills, Kaitlin O'Brien, Tyler Kyle, Maude Webster, Ruby Allen, Lachlan Allen, Layla MacFarlane, Lucia Nilon, Molly Cronin, Marissa Ho, Cooper Bennett, Connor Roberston, Isabel Schilling, Benjamin Wicks, Madison Gale, Albert Meyer, Elissa Hills, Callum Yates, Mimi Bolam, Veiko Lovell, Ellie McKay, Sidney Donnelly, Stella Jones, Taj Vantaggiato, Oliver Kelly, Eden Kelly, Callie Leu, Lilly Sibthorpe, Ciara McNall, Hayden Pigott, Kathryn Ireland, Adele Nelson, Abbie Matthews, Maree Morrissey, Janelle Heffernan, Haley Rogusz and Brendan Matthews.