Term 4, Week 10 - Monday 11 December, 2023

What's On This Week

Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

As Christmas approaches, we are now in the Advent theme of love, and next week we enter the Advent theme of joy. Advent guides us to explore what Christmas means to us personally and to discover that the greatest gift we can give to our family, friends, and the world is yourself! The theme of love advocates for inclusivity, to love one another despite our differences, while the theme of joy reminds us that even in the darkest hour, joy can come in unexpected ways. So let us remind ourselves and our children of the importance of the Advent period. 

I am amazed that it is now 2 years since I commenced at St Raphael’s. We have achieved so much in faith, learning and wellbeing. 2024 is set to consolidate, and go deeper into the work we have begun, to ensure every student has every resource and ability to achieve their best. 

In 2024 we want all students to be wearing their full uniform with pride. It is expected that students commence the year in the correct summer uniform. We do not want any excuses from students as there is plenty of time from the conclusion of the year until the commencement of the new year for Secondary students especially, to prepare and take responsibility for the way they present themselves at school. 

This holiday will finally have the concreting renewed/completed under the bus shelter. Seats will be added for secondary students, and therefore all students will be seated waiting for buses. We will then look to complete the remaining front of the school (not shaded) and add a garden near the fence. 

The holiday break will also see the construction of the ‘Hub’ (we are in currently in discussions to name this special place).  The ‘Hub’ will be where the School Wellbeing Leaders, Aboriginal Education Officers, Counsellors and Leaders of Learning Support will be available, providing a central place of support for our students. We are super excited to establish this space with specialised spaces and offices for the leaders. The existing infrastructure in the place where the ‘Hub’ is being positioned, will be relocated into the MSLC with new laptops to support our existing IT programs. 

We are super excited to welcome our new staff next year, joining us in a variety of capacities across K-12. They in turn are excited to join our St Raphael’s family. We look forward to opportunities for you all to meet them in the new year. 

I wish every family and our students a wonderful Christmas break.

God Bless

Michelle Deschamps

Faith, Mission & Learning

Christmas Appeal

We are so proud of our students who have contributed to our local community. As a collective we contributed 15 boxes to St Vincent De Paul for their Christmas appeal. These hampers will be distributed to the vulnerable people in Cowra and the surrounding areas. Thank you for supporting this appeal, your kindness and generosity goes a long way. 

Gabrielle Bruin - Leader of Faith, Mission and Learning

The Year 2 Retreat 

The Year 2 Retreat focused on God’s love for us and that he will always forgive us. We discussed how we can forgive others and that we would also like to be forgiven when we make mistakes. All the students treated each other with respect and kindness. 

St Raphael's Church Altar Servers Roster 

Saturday 16th December - James Beath-Pearce and Lucy James

Sunday 17th December - Sam and Josh Launders

School Holidays - Volunteers Please

Key Dates & Information

Term 4 2023 ends as follows:

• Students Last Day - Friday 15th December 2023
• Pupil Free Days - Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th December 2023
• School Holidays officially commence - Wednesday 20th December 2023

School resumes in 2024 as follows:

• Tuesday 30 January - PUPIL FREE DAY
• Wednesday 31 January - PUPIL FREE DAY
• Thursday 1 February - Years 1-6, 7 & 11 Students and Year 12 Leaders return
• Friday 2 February - Years 8, 9, 10 & 12 Students return
• Monday 5 February - Kindergarten Students start
• (Wednesday 21 February - PUPIL FREE DAY)

No Breakfast Club Week 10

Thank you for your support of the St Raph's Breakfast Club! Please note that Breakfast Club has now finished up for the year, and there will be no Breakfast Club on Wednesday or Friday this week. 

Infants and Primary - End of Year Parties this Thursday 14th December

Infants and Primary are encouraged to wear Christmas themed mufti on Thursday 14th December to celebrate their class parties and disco.  All students are asked to bring some food to share with their class mates.

End of Year Mass - this  Friday 15th December

Families are again welcome to join us from 9:30am in St Raphael's Church for our Whole School End of Year Mass this Friday 15th December.   

All Secondary students are reminded that Summer Uniform is required for this event.  Secondary students may add Christmas decorations to their uniforms once they are in the hall for Secondary Trivia.  Year 2 students may wear Sports Uniform as usual on this day.  

Kindergarten will be doing a performance at the End of Year Mass.  All costumes are provided for this performance, and Kindy students are to wear their sports uniform this Friday 15th December (instead of on Wednesday this week).  Kindergarten children are asked to arrive at school no later than 8:45 this Friday so they have time to get changed into their costumes. 

Volunteers Mass and Morning Tea

To show our appreciation, we invite all parents, grandparents and friends who have helped out in anyway this year at our school to Mass and Morning Tea. The Mass and Morning Tea will take place this Friday, 15th December from 9:30am in St Raphael's Catholic Church.

EnlightenED - CAPA and TAS Exhibition

Parents, friends, staff and students are invited to share in the talents of our amazing Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) students this Wednesday 13th December,  6pm to 7.30pm on the MSLC.  Nibbles and drinks will be provided.

School Reports

Semester 2 School Reports will be available via Compass by the end of this week. Families will be notified once they are live and ready to view and download.  For those students exiting St Raph's at the end of this year, families are reminded to download school reports from Compass prior to 31st December 2023.

Equipment and Stationery Lists for 2024

Please follow these links for the K-12 Equipment and Stationery Requirements for 2024

Infants and Primary Equipment and Stationery 2024

Year 7 Equipment and Stationery 2024

Year 8 Equipment and Stationery 2024

Stage 5 Equipment and Stationery 2024

Stage 6 Equipment and Stationery 2024

School Bell Times

Click here for the School Bell Times for 2024. Please note a change to school start and finish times for Secondary (8:58am – 3:10pm) and class/period durations.

Infants & Primary Learning

2024 (Primary) Classes

Our dedicated staff have again undertaken the meticulous task to shape the class groupings for 2024. With a strong understanding of your children's unique social connections and diverse learning needs, our teachers have worked collaboratively to create class groupings that prioritize both academic progress and positive social interactions.

Our staff have invested significant time and expertise in this endeavor, utilizing their professional judgment to ensure that each class is a harmonious blend of individual strengths and collective potential. These groupings have been carefully structured to promote an environment conducive to learning, fostering collaboration, and encouraging the development of crucial social skills.

We understand the desire for parents to advocate for specific class placements. However, rest assured our educators have taken a comprehensive approach and drawn upon their expertise and insights gained from working closely with your children.

Transition: Please also be aware that staff have been working together to ensure students have had some time to interact with their future grade teacher to assist with a smooth transition for 2024.

Primary Teacher Classes for 2024

• Kinder Gold: Mrs Anita Mason
• Kinder Green: Mrs Amy O'Reilly
• 1 Green:  Mrs Jodie Colemane
• 1 Gold: Mrs Deidre Holmes
• 2 Green: Mr Darrel Colemane
• 2 Gold:  Miss Phoebe McGrath
• 3 Green: Mrs Anne Hickman
• 3 Gold:  Miss Kitty Brooks
• 4 Green: Mrs Davina Smith
• 4 Gold:  Mr Luke O'Reilly
• 5 Green: Mrs Laura Moodie/Mrs Sarah Gordon (Fri)
• 5 Gold Mrs Carolyn James/ Mrs Kathleen English (Tue & Wed)
• 6 Green: Mr Grahame Statham/Mrs Sarah Gordon (Tue)
• 6 Gold: Ms Raelene Beecher
  

Administration

Outstanding School Fees

There are still a number of unpaid school fees for 2023.  Those families who have outstanding school fees  are reminded to check their overdue balances via Compass Pay, or contact the school office for a recent statement, and to make arrangements for payment as soon as possible.   Please ensure all outstanding school fees are finalised by the end of 2023.   If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact the school immediately to discuss payment plans or alternative options.  

2024 School Fees

The 2024 School Fee Schedule is provided here. Please note that next years School Fee Statements will be issued to families on 1st March 2024, with the first instalment due 15th March 2024. Those families with existing direct debits in place will be contacted in the New Year to discuss any required adjustments to their regular deductions. Those families wishing to set up a new Direct Debit for 2024 are encouraged to contact the school office for the required paperwork. 

As is always the the case, please do not hesitate to contact the school with any queries or concerns regaring school fees. 6342 2940 straphaels@bth.catholic.edu.au 

Office Hours During School Holiday Break

The school office will be attended for minimal hours during the school holidays for enrolment enquiries, school bag purchases, New Year queries and all other student and parent matters.  

Office Open:

• Monday 8th January 2024 from 10am-2pm
• Tuesday 9th January 2024 from 10am-2pm
• Wednesday 24th January from 9am - 3pm

Emails and phone messages received after 4:30pm Friday 15th December will be responded to on Monday 8th January 2024.

Celebrations, Accolades & Experiences

Congratulations

Last Friday was another day of celebration at St Raph's! We awarded our Gold Level recipients, congratulated our Infants and Primary for their assembly awards, celebrated diversity with the Cowra community and gave Bobbi a huge pat on the back for his amazing achievements in maths. Well done everyone!

Diocesan RE Test

In Week 7, our Year 7 students sat the annual Diocesan RE Test. Results are just in, and we are extremely impressed!Our students achieved 20 Credits, 7 Distinctions and 1 High Distinction. Pictured are some of our Distinction recipients, and Atticus who received a High Distinction. Congratulations to all students!

Level 9 Primary Awards

The Stage 5 iSTEM elective class welcomed some of the Primary students who achieved the Level 9 rewards. The Year 9 and 10 students guided the younger students through the process of designing and making a 3D printed, personalised keyring using SketchUp. Congratulations to the students on their excellent effort this year! 

Diocesan Music Workshop

On the 22nd of November, Mr Thomson and Mrs Flanagan accompanied St Raphael’s students, Elliott Bennett, Laura Bennett, Yazmin Bruce, Izzy Lette, Imogen McCormick, and Addison Skinner, who were lucky to attend the Diocesan Music Workshop, the first one in four years due to COVID-19. Held at James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange, 200 students from schools across the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst, including James Sheahan, MacKillop College, St Johns College, St Matthews, La Salle Academy and St Raphael's, were joined by St Stanislaus’ College and put through their paces by a host of accomplished musicians. A huge thank you to tutors Andrew Robertson, Concert band and Jazz improvisation; Jackie Cooper, choir; Matt Arthur, guitars; Alina Zbrowski, string ensemble; and James Collingridge, Rock ensemble, who came from across the state to provide their expertise. The students enjoyed a full day of intensive workshops and then had the opportunity to show off their hard work and skills in a concert. Christina Trimble, Executive Director of Schools and Vince Connor, consultant of schools, were amongst those lucky enough to attend and were blown away by the incredible talent.

Sport

St Raphael’s Catholic School Swimming Carnival

The St Raphael's Catholic School Swimming Carnival will be held at Cowra Aquatic Centre on Friday 9th February 2024. More information will be distributed in the new year. The Bathurst Diocesan Secondary Swimming Carnival will be held in Dubbo on Tuesday 5th March 2024.

Up Coming Events

Bathurst Diocesan Touch Football Trials (15s & Opens) - to be held at St Mary’s Catholic School in Wellington on Wednesday 7th February 2024. These trials are only for students who are already playing touch football at a particularly high level. If you are interested in attending you must contact Mr Andrew Phelan by Friday 15th December 2023. 

Bathurst Diocesan Netball Trials (15s) - to be held in Dubbo on Friday 23rd February 2024. These trials are only for students who are already playing netball at a particularly high level. If you are interested in attending these trials you must contact Mr Andrew Phelan by Friday 15th December 2023.

Bathurst Diocesan Soccer Trials (Opens) - to be held in Bathurst on Thursday 7th March. These trials are only for students who are already playing soccer at a particularly high level. If you are interested in attending these trials you must contact Mr Andrew Phelan by Friday 9th February 2024.

CSNSW Sport Aquathlon - CSNSW SPORT is running an Aquathlon in Revesby on Tuesday 19th December 2023. To be eligible to participate students must attend a Catholic School in NSW and be aged between 8 and 19. The events include a 100m Swim & 1km Run Event (8 - 11yrs) and 200m Swim & 2km Run Event (12 - 19yrs). To register for the Aquathlon - log into the CSNSW Sport portal and click 'Register for a Sport'.

Todd Woodbridge Cup Polos

This year our Stage 2 & 3 Todd Woodbridge Cup teams had special polos made for the State Finals. The cost of the shirts was considerably decreased by the very generous sponsorship by Ted and Jacqui Langfield (Langfield Haulage) Thanks so much, it was gratefully received and appreciated.

Canteen

Week 10 - Special Lunch Orders

Mrs Stokes will be treating us with Special Lunch Orders on Thursday and Friday this week to celebrate the end of the year.  Orders close today, Monday 11 December.  Please note that the regular canteen menu will not be available on these two last days of school.  

Special Christmas treats will be available for recess during all of this week, starting from $0.50 each.

Please note that there is no toasting of sandwiches, rolls or wraps in Terms 4 or 1

(due to it being summer menu)

Community Connections

Sextortion safety information from the Australian Federal Police – for information

In the lead up to the end of year school holidays, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is asking education departments to share important safety information with school communities to help prevent sextortion. Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where someone tricks or coerces you into sending sexual images of yourself and then threatens to share the images unless you comply with their demands. The ACCCE is receiving around 300 reports of financial sextortion per month, with the majority of reports involving 13-17-year-olds. There are serious safety concerns for victims, with instances of self-harm attributed to this crime.

 The ACCCE has a number of resources to support school communities including:

• Downloadable posters
• Animations
• ThinkUKnow online blackmail and sexual extortion response kit
• Messaging kits and social media assets

To continue raising awareness of this issue amongst young Australians, the ACCCE recently launched a new education initiative to increase sextortion support for young people alongside Kids Helpline, Meta and US youth prevention program NoFiltr.

For more information and access to resources visit https://www.accce.gov.au/sextortionhelp

Online child sexual exploitation, including sextortion, can be reported to https://www.accce.gov.au/report