Newsletter Term 2 - 13th June 2024

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.  

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.

Our Semester One reports will be available to parents on 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 thier child's report they may do so by phoning the school office to make an appointment with their child's teacher. 

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 (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

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. 

 Year 6 Canberra Excursion

Year 6 students had a fantastic time at the Canberra excursion. Students visited the National Electoral Education Centre where they learnt about elections, referendums and the participation in a representative democracy session.

Next, students visited The Museum of Australian Democracy to discover how change is made in Australian Democracy. This was followed by a visit to the Parliamentary Education Office where students had an opportunity to become politicians in the Education Centre and take part in parliamentary debates on a range of issues. We were lucky enough to have Andrew Gee drop in and talk to Year 6!

A favourite amongst many of the students was the visit to The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Sportex, the permanent interactive sports exhibit where you can see how you would measure up against world champions!

On Friday morning Year 6 enjoyed the Australian War Memorial guided tour. We Will Remember Them explores the reasons why we continue to remember the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women, particularly on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day each year. Students ended the excursion on a high with Questacon –National Science and Technology Centre where students enjoyed the numerous interactive activities on offer.

A big thank you to go to Mrs Frew, Mrs Wilson and Mr Benton for giving your time and genuine love and care to the students on the excursion. The children could not have been in better care. St Mary's Year 6 received several compliments at venues in Canberra commenting on how well our students behaved and how nicely they interacted with their peers and the public.

Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) 

Students from our school will soon be undertaking an education tour of the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Orange upon completion of the excursion.

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion 

Please keep in your prayers those students who have recently made their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and those students who will receive the sacrament this weekend. 

Year 3 recently participated in a First Holy Communion Reflection Day that was hosted by James Sheahan Catholic High School. Students enjoyed a day of games, prayer and reflection as well as forming friendships with students from surrounding Orange Catholic schools. 

Year 6 Diocesan Religious Education Test 

Next Tuesday, our Year 6 students will undertake the Diocesan Religious Education Test. Students in Years 6 and 8 in Catholic schools in the Bathurst Diocese undertake the Diocesan Religious Education Test annually. The test consists of multiple-choice questions with the results analysed by CEDB to inform diocesan teaching and learning in Religious Education. We wish Year 6 all the best.

Grade Masses Term 2

Grade Masses occur throughout the term and provide our school an opportunity to connect with our parish.

-Tuesday 18th of June, 9:30am Year 3

-Tuesday 2nd of July, 9:30am Year 4  

Christmas Art and Storytelling Competition 2024

Year 5 and 6 students have started creating their art pieces for the annual CEDB Christmas Art and Storytelling Exhibition. Each year, students typically begin their projects around this time. The theme centers on Advent and the deeper significance of Christmas, encouraging our young artists to channel their creativity into capturing the spirit of the season. Alongside their artwork, students write a reflection based on a chosen Scripture that inspired their piece.

Recently, Mr. Glenn Corben visited our school and conducted a workshop with our Year 5 and 6 classes. Following this workshop, students have begun working on their drafts. Approximately 2000 children from 29 schools participate in this competition, and a shortlist of 150-160 is created from these entries. Each school submits five of their best artworks from Year 5 and five from Year 6. These selected students will then attend an additional workshop with Mr. Corben.

At St. Mary’s, we are fortunate to have two artists, Ms. Chegwidden and Miss Moon, who will also assist these students. The judging process begins in August. We wish our Year 5 and 6 artists the best of luck.

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.

What is reading fluency?

Fluency is reading expressively with accuracy and at a good pace. It is one of the key components of learning to read. It is the progression from developing automatic word recognition skills to comprehension.

Dr Deslea Konza defines fluency as the ability to read text accurately, quickly and with expression. Dr Tim Rasinski explains it as ‘reading with and for meaning’.

Fluency is made up of three core components:

• Accuracy is the reading of words correctly.
• Rate is the speed of word identification. It is usually recorded as words read per minute.
• Prosody is the sound of the reading. This can be explained as the expression used when reading.

At St Mary's we aim to develop reading fluency from the early years. Classroom practices include daily reading in phonics lessons and reading groups, reading decodable texts and sight word recognition through word lists. As student progress through the years, reading fluency is practised by reading connected text, choral reading, partner reading, read to the teacher in reading groups, reader's theatre and individual reading aloud, to name a few.  

James Sheahan Kindergarten Visits

Year 12 Exploring Early Childhood students will be visiting St Mary's to observe and work with our Kindergarten students. They are studying a unit called "Starting School" this term and will be spending some time in the Kindergarten. We really value developing and maintaining our connections and building relationships with our parish secondary school.  

Spelling Bee Success!

The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst proudly announced the winners of the highly anticipated 2024 Spelling Bee, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of students across years 3 to 10. With participants from across the diocese, the competition was fierce, but ultimately, two remarkable spellers emerged victorious in each stage.

In Stage 3, the esteemed title of Champion was claimed by Madapathage Hesan Helika
Senanayake of St Mary’s Orange, whose command over words stood unrivaled. 

The 2024 Spelling Bee, organised by the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst, serves as a platform for students to excel in language arts while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants. This year's event exemplified the commitment of educators and the enthusiasm of students in nurturing academic excellence.

Congratulations, Helika!

Congratulations and Well Done to Helika!

2024 Diocesan Stage 3 Spelling Champion

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)

Congratulations to Miss Holmes on her Graduation with a  Bachelor of Education!

4 Gold organised a surprise party to celebrate the special occasion. 

Class News - 1G

Year 1 Gold is having a fantastic Term 2.

We have been to Cowra to visit the Japanese gardens.

In Maths we are learning about length and have just started looking at how to read half-hour time on a clock.

We have enjoyed reading a story called “The Wall in the Middle of the Book” and trying to write our narratives. Year 1 Gold are such good readers and they are improving every day.

Last week we made our class rain gauge, just in time to collect some rain. We have completed a timeline about the way communication has changed and loved drawing a picture of Solomon crocodile. 

School Dismissal 

This week, the school-wide focus is on expectations when leaving school.

Church exit (Byng and Park St) is a very popular pick-up point and we regularly outline the expectations with the students. This is to keep them safe. Your assistance in this matter is appreciated.

Church Exit - I will:

• walk with my teacher to my exit area 
  
• line up with my grade in the quadrangle (Kindergarten are escorted by their teacher)
• wait for the teacher on duty before walking to church exit along the asphalt
  
• sit in the correct area to wait until my parent/carer arrives
• not run around or play
  
• stay away from the play equipment, sand pit and cubby
  
• stay inside the gate and only leave with the person arranged to collect me
  
• Kinder - sit on the middle seats,
• Year 1-2 under the tree near Byng St
• 3-6 under thte tree nearer Park St/church
  
• Parents are asked to wait near the gates to collect their children to help minimise the temptation to play after school on the playground/grassed area, stage, equipment, sandpit or cubby.

PCYC Exit - I will:

• walk with my teacher to my exit
• wait near the white gates for the teacher on duty (Kindergarten are escorted by their teacher)
• follow the teacher to the waiting tree
• sit in the correct area to wait
• not play or run around
  
• stay inside the gate and only leave with the person arranged to collect me (unless I have written permission from parents)
  
• Parents are asked to wait near the gates to collect their children.

Catching a Bus - I will

• move promptly to the bus bay 
• sit in the correct area, in my grade lines
• stay seated while waiting for the bus
• not play games
• listen for my bus to be called
• behave safely and show respectful behaviour on the bus
• not use my chromebook on the bus
  

Medication at School-  Parental  Advice

If your child requires medication that needs to be administered during School Hours

Please bring the Medication to the 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 

Netball Super School Cup 

Last Wednesday, three St Mary’s Netball teams traveled to Bathurst to play in the NSW Netball Super School Cup. The girls braved the cold weather and showcased their netball skills on the courts. The white team played their hearts out and showed off their amazing sportsmanship. Maroon used their skill and teamwork to come away with some great wins! We congratulate our Blue Team on winning their final on the day and progressing to the Central West Regional Finals to be held in Orange later this year. Thank you to our amazing coaches who helped coach the girls throughout the day, we appreciate it! 
Erin Holmes 

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.

 Children with Communication devices such as Phones and Watches must be handed to the school office in the Morning before class and collected at the end of the day.

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.