Newsletter Term 2 - 27th June 2024

Parents & Carers - Important information for your calendars:

St Marys Primary School will be closed to students -  

Term 3, Monday 12th August 2024  for a Staff Spirituality training day. 

School Reports

Reporting provides feedback to students, parents and other teachers about student progress. In a standards-referenced framework, teachers make professional judgements about student achievement. This is done at key points in the learning cycle.

The A–E grading scale or equivalent provides a common language for reporting. Teachers use the grading scale to report student levels of achievement. This applies to Stages 1 to 3 (Year 1-6).

A to E grades are not required for reporting on student achievement in Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten). Reports may describe student progress and achievement through teacher comments. Teachers should refer to a variety of information about student progress and achievement in relation to the outcomes assessed and the content taught up to the relevant point in time.  

St Mary's Semester One reports will be available to parents on the afternoon of Wednesday 3rd July, Week 10. These will be available on Compass. Parent teacher interviews are not compulsory this semester, however, if parents wish to discuss their child's report they may do so by phoning the school office to make an appointment with their child's teacher. 

About the Common Grade Scale

The A to E grade scale summarises the standard (or quality) of achievement associated with each grade. The scale describes:

• the depth of knowledge and understanding and
• the range of skills that students working at that standard typically show.

Grades are given for individual achievement. Students will get the grade that best matches the standard of their achievement. Teachers should consider all evidence gathered and should not be limited to a set  number of children allocated to each grade within their class or school.

Parents may notice a few changes to the school reports this semester, which is due to the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst aligning all K-6 school reports in our diocese. A few of the indicators/headings are new in the Behaviours For Learning. Here is a snapshot of what will be included in the reports.

Behaviours for Learning 

• Takes pride in appearance
• Shows care and respect for others
• Displays good organisational skills
• Participates meaningfully in class tasks
• Presents and organises work with care
• Seeks and embraces challenges
• Displays persistence in the completion of tasks
• Uses feedback to improve learning
• Engages in library lessons, displaying a love of literature (Library teacher Mrs Fredericksen awards this grade)
• Completes additional set activities at home
• Upholds the values of our school

For each of the above Behaviours For Learning, students are awarded one of the following grades: Consistently, Developing or Needs Improvement.

Effort and Application

In each Key Learning Area (subject) students are awarded one of the four grades for their Effort and Application. 

• Outstanding
• Commendable
• Satisfactory
• Inconsistent

Overall Achievement

Students are awarded one of the five grades below for their overall achievement in each Key Learning Area or subject. These grades of overall achievement correlate with the Common Grade Scale A-E described in the above table.

• Outstanding
• High
• Sound
• Basic
• Limited

As we reach the halfway point of the year before we embark on our second semester and school holidays, I am delighted to share the wonderful progress and activities that have been taking place in our Religious Education program across the school.

Sacraments

A total of 33 students recently made their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Later in the year, more students will receive this beautiful sacrament. Thank you to the dedication of our teachers, students and parents. 

Confirmation 

Students who are in Year 6 and have received the sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will receive the sacrament of Confirmation next term. Confirmation will take place over three weekends: the 17th and 18th of August, the 24th and 25th of August, the 31st of August and 1st of September. 

There will be a parent information meeting hosted by the parish on Thursday the 25th of July at 5:30pm at St Mary's Church. 

Curriculum Highlights 

Last week, Year 6 completed the Diocesan Religious Education test. The test consisted of 40 multiple choice questions that assesses students in the areas of the RE curriculum and their knowledge of the Catholic faith. 

The school achieved an average score of 31 which is above the diocesan average of 28. This equated to 8 High Distinctions, 15 Distinctions, 28 Credits and 2 Participation certificates in the test.

Well done to Year 6, Mrs Frew and Mrs Wilson! 

Term 3 Liturgical Celebrations 

Week 1- Friday the 26th of July, 12:30pm in the hall 

Grandparents Day Liturgy, organised by our Year 6 leaders. 

Week 3- Thursday the 8th of August, 12pm St Mary’s Church 

Feast of Mary MacKillop, Mass organised by Year 4. 

Week 4- Thursday the 15th of August, 10am Mercy Hall at James Sheahan 

Combined Mass for the Feast of the Assumption. Year 3 to 6 students attending.

Week 6- Friday the 30th of August, 12:30pm in the hall

Father’s Day Liturgy, organised by Year 2. 

Thank you for your support and prayers as we nurture the faith and growth of our students. Enjoy the upcoming school holidays!

Sheahan Musical Showcase 

Congratulations to our vocal group students and musicians who took part in the Sheahan Musical Showcase last night that was hosted by James Sheahan Catholic High School. It was a wonderful night that was enjoyed by all. 

RISE (Year 6) 

Students in Year 6 are invited to embark on an inspiring journey filled with faith, friendship, and fun. RISE is our Diocesan Catholic youth event tailored specifically for Youth in the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst.

RISE isn't just another event; it's an opportunity to connect with peers, deepen your relationship with God, and discover the joy of being part of a vibrant Catholic community. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mt Panorama, RISE promises two days packed with engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, and moments of spiritual growth.

Here is what happens at RISE:

1. Inspiring Talks and Workshops: Our lineup of speakers and facilitators are committed to empowering you with insights that resonate with your journey as a young person.
2. Prayer: Experience the power of collective and personal prayer as we come together to praise and honor our faith through music, prayer, and reflection.
3. Meaningful Connections: Forge lasting friendships with fellow participants who share your values, beliefs, and aspirations.
4. Outdoor Activities: Enjoy the beauty of nature as we incorporate outdoor adventures and recreational activities into our program.
5. Encounter: Deepen your spiritual journey through moments of Encounter with God and the Church.

RISE will take place on the 11th and 12th of July, offeringYear 6 students two days filled with inspiration, growth, and joy. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to rejuvenate your faith and connect with like-minded peers from across our diocese.

To register for RISE and secure your spot, simply visit and complete the online registration form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNv-42N5f75quNrpzZ7pjDYfCK_jhkWaiAQB2uYKinXix3g/viewform

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited, and we wouldn't want you to miss out on this transformative experience.

ICAS Registration Time   CLOSING SOON 

What is ICAS?

ICAS is an online academic competition, run by the University of Sydney, that gives students the opportunity to challenge their  higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science and Digital Technologies. It is a great opportunity for students to be academically challenged and extended.

 How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (com/products-icas/) 
2. Go to the Parent Portal to sign up to chosen subject areas here: (icasassessments.com/pages/pps)  
3. Enter our school’s access code –WBE353  
4. Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, then proceed to payment.  

After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records.  

ICAS results and certificates
All assessments will be conducted online, at school. We will notify you of the dates that we will run ICAS assessments, and when your child’s ICAS results are ready. Your child’s ICAS certificates will be delivered to school. Once we have received them, we will present them to your child to bring home. The back of the certificate will show your child’s ICAS results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. - Use these to enter the Results Portal orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent. 

Approximate Dates

Digital Technologies 5-9 August

English 12-16 August

Science 19-23 August

Mathematics 26-30 August

https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

Personal Development Health and Physical Education

As part of the PDHPE syllabus, our Year 1-6 students will be attending Central West Gymsports to participate in a wonderful gymnastics program run by trained coaches. They have a fantastic set up with equipment such as trampolines, ninja course and warped wall. The program aligns with the syllabus skills for each stage. Last year, the students absolutely loved the program and are looking forward to developing their skills again.

Permission - If you haven't already done so, please go to Compass to give permission to attend.

Chess Club runs each week in the Library at lunchtime. Some of our chess players represented St Mary's at an interschool competition on Monday and Wednesday. 180 students from 11 schools played across 4 divisions putting their critical thinking skills to the test. Our St Mary's teams played with great sportsmanship. Thanks to Mrs Crum for arranging the team for the competition. Congratulations to all involved. 

Garden Club

We recently received a generous donation from Orange Edible Garden Trail. Our Environmental Leaders, Scarlett and Robert, accepted the $300 donation on behalf of the school at a recent school assembly. We would like to acknowledge and thank Mrs Burgess for applying for the grant. This money will go towards our school garden. The students in the lunchtime garden club will be very busy next term and can't wait to show you the edibles they are planning to grow! 

2024 CaFE Grade Reps

Kinder: Alicia Holmes, Stacey Tracey (Kinder Orientation Night, Set up Kinder FB group)

Yr 1: Olivia Day-Gorham, Amy Hinchcliff (Kinder Welcome Morning Tea)

Yr 2: Renee Davis, Alicia Holmes (Mother’s Day gifts)

Yr 3: Mel Balchin, Olivia Day-Gorham (Mother's Day breakfast)

Yr 4: Jess McGrath and Katrina Holway (Father's Day gifts)

Yr 5: Kym Flitcroft, Kellie Pickering (Father's Day breakfast)

Yr 6: Kate Pulbrook, Sharon Collins (Easter Egg raffle and eggs. Organise Yr 6 2024 end of year event)

Year 4 Personal Interest Project

Year 4 students have worked hard over the term to research and create some fantastic Personal Interest Projects.

All of our hard work was showcased at school yesterday. Our families visited our rooms to take part in our very special presentation. 

Such a wide variety of topics were covered! The presentations were so interesting and beautifully presented. We are very proud of our work.

We would like to thank everyone who helped us. A very big thank you to our families who were able to visit the classrooms.

Year 4 students

Book Week is coming next term to St Mary's

During library lessons, classes have begun to share the Children's Book Council of Australia, (CBCA) shortlisted books for 2024. During this time, our lessons link literature and art.
The theme for this year is "Reading is Magic".

The Reading is Magic theme celebrates the reading of stories and their amazing power to transport minds.
The CBCA event concludes with winners announced during the official book week of 17-23 August. At St Mary's we will celebrate Book Week the following week.

The book parade is scheduled for Thursday the 29 August. We look forward to sharing our creations with you on this day. Further information will follow next term.

School Arrival 

In order to keep our students safe, please ensure that they enter the school each morning via the pedestrian gates. There is one gate on Park St, one on Byng St and a third at PCYC carpark. Pedestrians are not permitted to walk through the bus bay gates. If you drop your child off, on Byng St between the two bus bay gates, please remind them to walk along the footpath to the nearest pedestrian gate, taking care when crossing the driveway access to the bus bay. Please remind them not to walk through the bus bay.

Your support with this important safety matter is appreciated.

We keep our hands and feet to ourselves

Our focus for this week has been around safe and respectful behaviour. We teach and remind  students that keeping our hands and feet to ourselves is respectful and helps to keep others safe.

We use kind words

Next week, we will be revising the expectations of respectful choices when we speak to others. The students will have regular reminders to always use kind words.

Medication at School-  Parental  Advice

If your child requires medication that needs to be administered during school hours, please bring the medication to the school office, where it is stored safely. This includes asthma inhalers.

Students can come to the office at an arranged time to have the medication administered by trained First Aid Officers.

The office does not have Panadol, unless parents supply and complete a form for their child only.

Thank you 

Polding Softball Success!

Kathleen recently participated in the Softball Polding Trials held in Blacktown where she competed as part of the Bathurst Diocesan Team. She demonstrated impressive skills during the games against MacKillop. We're delighted to announce that Kathleen has been selected to join the Polding team for the upcoming PSSA Softball Championships in September at Woolooware. Congratulations Kathleen!

Bathurst Diocese Rugby Union Carnival 

On Wednesday, June 19, St Mary's Catholic Primary School students from Years Five and Six, participated in the Bathurst Diocese Rugby Union carnival, showcasing remarkable pride, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. Despite most boys having never played Rugby Union before, they embraced the challenge with determination and heart, finishing an impressive 3rd in their pool.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Chris Ridding, whose dedication as a volunteer coach was greatly appreciated in guiding our team. His expertise and encouragement inspired the boys to give their best in every game. Additionally, Mr. Peter Dempsey’s assistance throughout the day was invaluable, providing essential support to both the team and coach.

Sjaan Wilson

Bathurst Diocesan Community Sport

Dear Parents,

Keep up to date with sporting events and achievements across the Bathurst Diocese. Search CEBD community sport or use the following link. 

https://sites.google.com/bth.catholic.edu.au/cedbsportcommunity/

St Marys is a Nut and Egg Free school 

Please do not put these in your child's lunch box as we have children at our school with severe reactions to these items. This includes Nutella/hazelnut spread. Thank you for your assistance.

Children with communication devices such as iPhones and Smart Watches must be handed to the school office in the morning before class and collected at the end of the day. This includes any device capable of taking photos.

Please support your child to meet this school requirement.

If you need to contact your child during school hours please call the school office.

Dear Parents & Carers

Please label students' clothing , so we can return them from lost property with ease.

Clothes that don't have names will be returned to the clothing pool, if not collected by the end of term.

Thank you 

St Mary's Uniform Shop

is run by  Parent Volunteers and is open from 8:45 am for an hour on  Friday Mornings. 

If you have put your order through Flexi schools it will be packed the following Friday and sent home with your child.