Newsletter Term 3 2025 7th August
Principal Report
Dear parents and carers,
How lovely has it been to feel the promise of Spring in the air this week, and wonderful to see the students being able to enjoy the playground after such a cold, wet spell. It was a big shock to the system to arrive back in Orange last weekend after enjoying continuous sunshine, hot weather and warm seas on my recent trip to meet up with my family in Greece and Turkiye. My goodness!
I assume that some of you enjoyed a delicious pie for dinner last night... thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Year Six parents who organised the Pie Drive. They had the students drooling when they were delivered into school. Thank you for supporting this initiative.
You may have seen me out at the Park Street after school this week. The teachers have raised some concerns about a few of our students leaving the school grounds unaccompanied in the afternoon. As you know, we ask you please to come into school to collect your children. Some of you have given written permission for your child to walk home (thank you!), but if you haven't done so yet, and want your child to be able to leave unaccompanied, please let us know. The safety of our students is our utmost priority.
In light of this could I please ask that if you arrive early into school through the infants' playground, that you wait further back away from the asphalt and seating areas under the trees, as sometimes our visibility is impinged when the teachers on duty are tracking that all students leave with an adult. Thank you so much for assisting us in this way.
Today is one of those really busy but fabulous days for our students. Firstly our Year Two class will compete in the Verse Speaking section of the Eisteddfod this morning. I have been watching them practice and they are AMAZING! A huge shout out to the Year Two teachers, especially Mrs Sally Curran, for her preparation for the students. I can't wait.
Meanwhile our talented little sports' people are competing in the Southern Region Athletics Carnival at Cowra. We wish them every success and again thank the teachers, especially Mrs Clara Carruthers, for her organisation for the day. At 12:30pm we will hold our SRC badging ceremony for Term Three in the hall. This is always such a beautiful occasion and heartwarming to watch you/ members of your family, badge the elected class representatives.
As 8 August is the feast day of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop we will celebrate with a whole school mass at 1:45pm in St Mary's church. I particularly love this feast day, celebrating the life and vocation of our first and so far, only Australian saint. Mary Mackillop is seen as a champion for Catholic Education and was a fierce advocate for what is right and true and just. In fact, our school motto is very much a reflection of what she dedicated her life to: Learning, Justice, Love. Please join us if you can for this really beautiful occasion. My thanks to Miss Claire Nicholson who, along with the teachers, have been preparing the mass.
We still have some places available for Kindergarten 2026. If you have a child starting school next year please complete an enrolment form. We will soon begin the exciting process of transition for our youngest students and discerning the staffing needs for that cohort.
Thank you as always for your warm support of our community. I hope to see you sometime today!
With every blessing on this Feast Day,
Gayle Stratton
Religious Education
Claire Nicholson
Religious Education Coordinator
Confirmation
This term, students in Year 6 who have been Baptised Catholic and have completed their First Reconciliation and Holy Communion are eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
On Tuesday Fr Greg met with Year 6 to discuss the Sacrament of Confirmation. The talked about is significant milestone, making a deeper commitment to their faith. Through the Holy Spirit, candidates are strengthened to live out their faith with courage and conviction.
Booking closes on 10/8/25, Please contact Liss Ryan the Sacramental Coordinator at sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au if you have further questions.
St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop
On August 8th we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop , Australia's first saint. She founded the Sisters of st Joseph of the Sacred Heart, an order devoted to the education of poor and rural children across Australia.
We thank Year 4 and Fr Duong in leading our Mass at St Mary's Church at 1:45pm.
Vocation Week
Fr Duong along with the Sisters of Charity and Brother Dii, visited Year 5 and 6 on Wednesday to raise awareness about vocations and encourage individuals to explore God's call in their lives. We listened to Brother Dii and Sister Acacia's inspiring stories of how they were call by God to become a priest and a nun. We were reminded of God's presence in our lives and to keep happiness and peace in our minds as we continue on our journey's. We thank Fr Duong for giving us the opportunity to learn more about vocation. A special thank you to Brother Dii and the Sisters for sharing their stories and singing for us.
Upcoming Liturgical Events
15/8/25- Feast of the Assumption Mass (Primary classes attending Mass at James Sheahan Catholic High School)
15/8/25- Confirmation Reflection Day (Year 6)
19/8/25- Year 4 Parish Mass
26/8/25 - Year 5 Parish Mass
5/9/25- Father's Day Liturgy- 9.15pm in the school hall after Father's Day Breakfast
Inclusion Awareness Program: Different on the outside but the same on the inside
Year 5 had a visit from Prue McCarthy this week. She shared her experience of living with Cerebral Palsy and talked about the importance of disability not defining the person. Prue began the program in 2011 in Orange. As a successful local woman, Prue shared her lived experience, insights and stories with our Year 5 students, building knowledge, understanding and acceptance. Prue has visited our Year 5 student for the past two weeks and discussed different types of disabilities. On Wednesday, students learnt how to sign their names, how words can be written in braille and they were given lots of opportunities to ask Prue questions. Thank you Prue for visiting St Mary's!
Christian Leadership Awards
Rohan Pargur, Anayah Tsatsa Cruz Woodley, Lucas Brown Maleah Hare, Adriel Joseph, Edwin Bonney. | In recognition of "Positive View of Life" |
Milla Hinchcliff, Amelia Ryan, Otis Pikari Genevieve Toner, Haniya Azam Ava Ahearne, Amaya Manu, Henley Morris Nasochi Odoemene, Isla Olano Matilda Newell, Robbie Kate Wandas Evelyn Jerin, Flynn Bieler, James Kinross
| In recognition of "Community & Common Good" |
Ryan McClymont, Rowan Mason Kerr Maggie Lenti , Paityn Splithof, Ainsley Nitin, Heidi McCarthy Miles Bieler, Heidi Penberthy-Neil. | In recognition of " God's presence in the world" |
Mia Scoins, Max Gould | In recognition of "Search for "Hope & resurrection" |
| William Benton | In recognition of "Reconciliation" |
| Lottie Carter | In recognition of "Truth & Wisdom |
Curriculum News
CURRICULUM REFORM
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
As part of the ongoing NSW Curriculum Reform, there are four new syllabuses to be implemented for Primary Schools over the next three years. These are
• HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) - History and Geography
• SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
• CREATIVE ARTS - Music, Visual Arts, Drama and Dance
• PDHPE - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
In addition to the new HSIE syllabus, we have planned to teach the new PDHPE syllabus from K-6 in 2025. While many of the knowledge, understanding and skills in PDHPE will remain the same as our current syllabus, we are excited to be teaching some new concepts. Our teaching staff will engage in professional learning during the pupil-free days before the students start school for the new year.
PDHPE K–6 will be organised under 4 focus areas:
- Movement skill and physical activity
- Respectful relationships and safety
- Identity, health and wellbeing
- Self-management and interpersonal skills
There will be a greater emphasis on the fundamental movement skills in Physical Education and more focus on protective behaviours in Personal Development and Health.
School News
| Year Group | Grade Reps | Event |
| Kindy | Michaela Wilson & Alice Weily | Kindy Orientation |
| Year 1 | Sharon Henry & Stacey Tracey | Kindy Welcome Morning tea-"Tissues & Tim Tams" & Father's Day Gift Stall |
| Year 2 | Olivia Day Gorham & Amanda Fragar | Father's Day Breakfast |
| Year 3 | Renee Davis & Lizzy Jaensch | Mother's Day Breakfast |
| Year 4 | Olivia Day Gorham & Renee Davis | Easter Egg Raffle |
| Year 5 | Jess McGrath & Katrina Holway | Mother's Day Gift Stall |
| Year 6 | Kellie Pickering, Kym Flitcroft & Angela Duncan | Kindy Welcome Morning Tea -"Tissues & Tim Tams "& Year 6 farewell |
Sports News
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/
SPORTS UNIFORM Term 3 (Winter)
(any changes to the uniform days will be sent out via Compass)
Kindergarten - Thursday
Year One - Thursday
Year Two - Friday
Year Three - Wednesday & Thursday
Year Four - Wednesday
Year Five - Monday & Friday
Year Six - Wednesday
Class News
100 Days of Kindergarten!
Library News
Canteen News
SEVERE REACTIONS TO ‘NUTS’ & ‘EGGS’
As some of our students have a ‘nut’ and/or ‘egg’ allergy, we ask that nuts, nut
products and eggs NOT be packed as part of school snacks and lunches.
Sometimes even contact with nuts or eggs can trigger the severe reaction. This
severe allergy is called ANAPHYLAXIS and can be life-threatening.
Please, NO eggs, peanut butter, Nutella, nut products, etc.
(Check those labels to see that products do not contain nuts.)
School-Wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPB4L)
SPB4L
This week we have been revising the expected behaviours for school dismissal. Next week we will review digital technology.
SCHOOL DISMISSAL
It is important to us that our students remain safe while they are leaving the classroom at the end of each and every school day, until they are collected by a parent or carer, or board the bus. There is a teacher on duty in the undercroft for the students waiting to catch buses. While there are teachers on duty at the two pick-up points, we still require cooperation from parents to assist us in making the process as safe and streamlined as possible.
The students are lead by the teacher to the 'waiting area' where they are asked to be seated. At PCYC exit, the waiting area is on the seats near the bus bay fence. At Church exit, the waiting area for students is on the long seats under the trees.
Parents and carers are kindly asked to wait near the exit gates. We have noticed some parents are waiting near the undercroft or the play equipment. We would appreciate your assistance in waiting near the exit gates, please. You can then collect your child/ren from the waiting area or students can walk to the person collecting them when they see them. Please remind your child/ren that they are not permitted to play on the equipment, stage, or in the cubby or sandpit after school, even if they are there with a parent. Your cooperation to assist us in ensuring all students get home safely is appreciated.
All students form K-6 have been reviewing these expectations this week at school.
I will:
• walk with my teacher to my exit area
• wait for the teacher on duty before walking to church exit or PCYC exit, along the path
• sit to wait and I will not play or run around
• stay inside the gate and only leave with the person arranged to collect me
• wait for my parent/carer and only exit the gate with them
• stay away from the play equipment, stage, sand pit and cubby
• keep my device or phone in my bag
• take all my belongings with me
• only go to my designated pick up exit
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
AT SCHOOL, I will:
BE SAFE:
- carry my Chromebook or iPad with two hands
- carefully place my Chromebook in a safe place before school and in the classroom
- use my device on a flat surface
- ask a teacher for help if needed
- only access sites my teacher tells me to
- keep usernames, passwords and personal information private
BE RESPECTFUL:
- only use my Chromebook or iPad for learning
- only use my own device
BE RESPONSIBLE:
- not eat or drink while using the device
- not lean on or put pressure on the screen
- not pick keys off the keyboard
- report any damage to the teacher immediately
- bring my Chromebook to school fully charged, in its protective cover
- not use my Chromebook on the way to or from school
- hand my phone/personal device/smart watch to the office
- log-in only to my CEDB account while at school
- only add apps/extensions my teacher asks me to
AT HOME, I will:
BE SAFE:
- use my device where my parents can supervise
- only access parental-approved sites
- be careful with the information I share
- tell my parents if I experience something that makes me feel unsafe or uncomfortable
BE RESPECTFUL:
- be kind, respectful and thoughtful about what I write or post online
- only communicate positively and not hurt others’ feelings
- not access or share upsetting or inappropriate content
BE RESPONSIBLE:
- take my Chromebook home every day to charge
- remember to bring my device each day
- report any damage to my parent/carer
- ask parents to contact the office if my device needs to be repaired
- talk to my parent/carer if I receive an upsetting message
- be mindful how much time I spend online
Health Matters
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.
Medication must be authorised by a Medical practitioner with a letter
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
Student Wellbeing
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.
Community News
CCSP Term 3 Webinars
Following are our three FREE webinars this term for parents and carers.
THE SLEEP CONNECTION: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW: Wednesday 13 August 7pm – 8pm Click here for more information
AI-ASSISTED IMAGE-BASED ABUSE: NAVIGATING THE DEEP FAKE THREAT: Thursday 21 August 12.30pm - 1.15pm Click here for more information
NURTURING STRENGTHS: UNLOCKING YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL: Wednesday 10 September 12.30pm – 1.15pm Click here for more information
How Safe is Your Helmet?
Why Are Helmets Important?
Helmets are designed to cushion and protect your head from the impact of a crash. Wearing a helmet reduces the chance of suffering a preventable brain injury. Research shows bicycle helmets can reduce head injuries by about 70% and reduce fatal head injuries by 65%.
Little riders must wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. Be a STAR and check out the safety ratings before your next purchase.
A note for families - Adults are always responsible for the safety of the young children in their lives. Keep children safe by ensuring:
• they always wear an Australian standards-approved helmet
• their helmet is fitted correctly
• they always play and ride in a safe place, off the road and away from vehicles and driveways • they have an adult there to supervise.
For more information about safe travel visit safetytown.com.au
NO Parking in the Bowling Alley car park
the bowling alley car park is for their patrons so please park elsewhere when dropping or picking up your children.
The PCYC has many parks that can be used for dropping off and picking up
Thankyou
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.
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