Delagram 11th August 2023
From the Principal
“As young people, you want to change the world and it is good that you want to change the world and work for justice and peace. The Church and the world need you, the young, as much as the earth needs rain.”
Pope Francis to the Pilgrims at World Youth Day, Lisbon 2023
What are beautiful message for not just 1.5 million pilgrims who journeyed to the World Youth Day in Lisbon, but for all youth worldwide. My hope is that our La Sallian students have that same desire and drive to imagine and implement the positive change that our world needs. One of the best ways that we can achieve that is by starting here, on our own campus – in how we treat, respect and appreciate our peers, teachers and families.
In a recent newsletter and assembly, I addressed the concerning issue of the language that is being used by students. Words, phrases, sentences that are heard on digital media, social media and in some cases home and social environments in Lithgow and surrounds. We have normalised language that are derogatory, condescending, offensive, intimidating, racist. Unfortunately, we often don’t even realise we have used such words or phrases and have not, or do not consider the impact that these words have on other people’s emotions.
As we are about to recognise the National Day of Action against Bullying on Friday 18th August, I am reminded of the work of Dolly’s dream. Kate and Tick Everett started Dolly’s dream after losing their daughter at the age of 14 as a result of continued bullying. We can not afford to have our young people suffer in silence whilst we allow casual normalised language to be used in our every day life. Excuses like ‘boys will be boys’ or ‘they’ll grow out of it’ or ‘it’s only words’ are no longer good enough. We all need to step up and take responsibility to see the change that we all want to see and allow our children to grow up in a safe and supportive community. I trust that our community will help promote this message both in and out of our school.
Mobile Phones
La Salle Academy will align with NSW public schools by banning mobile phones in Term 4, 2023. There are a countless number of reasons why a ban on mobile phones is a positive educational policy decision. Some of these include:
- Improved academic performance;
- Reduction of screen time;
- Reduction in cyberbullying;
- Improved student resilience;
- Better understanding of school support structures.
As we prepare to make this change, parents/guardians and employers must also be prepared to adapt to this change. The two common reasons why students are taking phones calls or text messages at school are in response to parents/guardians and employers. We currently have a policy that phones are not permitted in classrooms – yet students are still answering calls, responding to text messages and ‘liking’ on social media. I would encourage parents/guardians to start using our office to communicate with students during the school day and do not put your child in a position where consequences will be applied for the misuse of technology. Further discussion regarding our development and implementation of this policy will occur at our upcoming Parent Engagement Evening on Thursday 31st August (Venue TBC).
70th Anniversary Celebrations
This year marks a momentous time in La Salle Academy’s history. It is 70 years since a Catholic school was opened on this site in Littleton and 140 years since the first school on this site started. To mark these occasions, we are holding a day of celebrations on Sunday 17th September. It will start with a community mass at St Patrick’s, Lithgow at 10am, followed by an Open Day at the school starting at 12.00pm. The open day will give alumni, parents, friends and prospective families the opportunity to engage in guided tours of our facilities whilst enjoying a free tea/coffee and lunch (Bunnings style). We are also looking to display our archive of photos celebrating the 70 years and look forward to welcoming past students back. This is a celebration of our community, a day in which we can all show pride for our school and journey that we continue on today. Please save this date.
God Bless
Glenn Carpenter
Assistant Principal
Police Liaison Visit
On Thursday August 10th the students for La Salle had a visit from our Police Liaison Officer Senior Constable Jane Heffernan. The key topics of the 30 minute session for each of our stage groups focused on cyber safety and helping students understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to criminal acts.
The most common offences the police are engaged with in their work with young people are social media offences and fights. Jane reminded students that when it comes to fighting, even if you are not the first to throw a punch, if you engage in physical harm against another person both or all people involved can be charged. Reporting any issues to teachers and parents is the best way to avoid an escalation of conflict and to help prevent harm.
The most common issue for police in relation to young people was the abuse of others using social media and phones. The risks to students of having unregulated time on phones to both physical and mental health is significant. The key message for parents is to ask yourselves, do you know what your son/daughter is doing on their phone/device? Are their boundaries and rules in the household around mobile phones?
If you would like to access more information about how you can work with your children to protect them from the harms of excess and dangerous use of social media, take a look at the e-Safetly Commission website.
eSafety for Parents - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Atomi - A Whole School Resource for Study Skills
Students from Years 7 and 8 have been introduced this week to the program ATOMI. The students have access to a wide range of materials that are designed to provide additional support for all of their core subjects. Teachers have been making use of these in some class activities but there is plenty of material students can access at any time.
The study skills cover a range of useful activities on topics including:
- Setting Goals and Growth Mindset
- Assessment and Study Techniques
- Memory and Learning
- Staying Productive and looking after yourself
We encourage you to have a conversation with your son/daughter about what they can access on the Atomi platform. Even very small amounts of time dedicated to some study and revision can have a significant impact on success in the classroom.
Have a great week!
Katie Bennett
From the REC
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day
The Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop takes place on the 8th of August each year. She is Australia's beloved first saint. La Salle Academy dedicated morning prayer to this celebration. We are grateful to the Sisters of St. Joseph for their work here in the past.
Her passion to provide an education for children to enable them to break the cycle of poverty in their lives saw her and the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart open many schools across Australia and New Zealand. In addition, they opened orphanages, homes of providence to support unwed mothers, aged care, and support for prisoners.
Prayer
God at the centre of my being, help me to listen to your Word
and know what you desire for me:
For an open and attentive heart,
For humility and courage,
For trust and faithfulness to God’s word,
For a deeper understanding of God’s will in my life,
For truth and justice in the face of opposition,
Mary of the Cross, intercede for us.
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Come celebrate with us!
Bishop Dougherty Hall
9 a.m. Tuesday 15th August
Historical Context – Feast of the Assumption
Since the 5th Century there has been an active tradition and belief around the assumption of Mary. The tradition states that Mary was physically ‘taken up’ into heaven at the end of her life. It is believed that her soul and her body remained united. This ancient belief was defined as an infallible teaching of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1950. It is one of only two infallible statements that have been defined as such and both related to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast is celebrated on August 15 and is a Holy Day of Obligation.
God Bless
Ms Belinda Redden
Year 10-12 Pastoral Care Co-ordinator
Firstly, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Year 12 cohort for successfully completing their Trial HSC exams this week. This momentous achievement is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and perseverance throughout their academic journey. They are to be commended on their punctuality, arriving at school, well before the start of the examination.
The Trial HSC exams are not just a measure of their academic prowess, but also a reflection of their growth, resilience, and the collaborative spirit that defines the La Salle Academy community. As they navigated through the challenges of preparing for these exams, they demonstrated their ability to balance rigorous study routines with extracurricular activities and personal commitments. Their teachers, parents, and the entire La Salle community are incredibly proud of your achievements, thus far.
The journey through Year 11 is a pivotal moment in their educational career. As they approach your upcoming Preliminary exams in Weeks 9 and 10, it's important to remember that their hard work and dedication can make all the difference. These exams are not only a reflection of their academic abilities but also a stepping stone towards their future aspirations.
In Pastoral Care, the students have been given guidance on different study skills including time management, note taking etc. They also have been given access to Atomi, an online study platform, enabling them to view videos, complete quizzes and review notes. I would encourage them to use this as a helper in the leadup to their exams.
To set themselves up for success, they need to:
- Set Clear Goals:
- Create a Study Schedule:
- Organize Their Study Material
- Practice Regularly
- Seek Help When Needed
- Utilize Technology Wisely
- Take Breaks and Maintain Balance
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Use Visual Aids and Summaries
- Stay Positive and Manage Stress
- Complete Mock Exams and Self-Assessment
Year 11 exams are more than just assessments – they are a testament to hard work, determination, and potential. Most universities take into consideration Preliminary results when offering early entry to courses.
For Year 10, choosing subjects for Year 11 is an exciting yet crucial step towards shaping their academic journey and future career. The choices will not only impact their immediate academic experience but also play a significant role in determining options for life beyond school. It's important to approach the decisions made re subject selection with careful consideration and a forward-thinking mindset.
It was wonderful to see so many Parents and Carers in attendance at the Successful Pathways Planning evening last Thursday. Thank you to Mr Carpenter, Mrs Bennett and Mrs Holgate for their presentations informing parents and cares and students of the options for next year. Teachers have also been speaking with students about what each subject looks like in Years 11 and 12. Next week, students will submit their selections based on the chosen pathway for 2024 – future study pathway, future trade pathway or future work pathway. Forms are due to be returned by Monday, 14th August. A copy of the form was emailed to parents on Thursday of this week, in case the student had misplaced their form received a few weeks ago.
The process for selection of our future student leaders will commence over the next couple of weeks. I encourage parents and carers of Year 11 students to talk with their child about applying for a student leadership position.
If you have any concerns about your son or daughter, please ring me on 63545100 or email me at b.hicks@bth.catholic.edu.au
Regards,
Mrs Bernadette Hicks
Pastoral Welfare Co-ordinator Years 10 – 12
Careers Adviser
Year 7-9 Pastoral Care Co-ordinator
Bringing Balance and Wellbeing to Years 7-9
As we journey through the academic year, it's crucial to pause and prioritise our overall well-being. I wish to share some valuable insights and initiatives that I hope will help contribute to a healthier and more balanced school experience for our young students. My fortnightly pearls of wisdom if you will.
Reducing Anxiety: Nurturing Mental Wellness
Anxiety is a natural part of life, but it's essential to manage it effectively. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Reach out to friends, family, or teachers when you're feeling overwhelmed. Take a few moments each day to practise mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. The recently opened Wellbeing Hub, housing both myself and our School Counsellor, Tegan, is an inviting space where you can seek guidance and support. Together, we're here to help you navigate through life's challenges.
Restful Nights: Prioritising Sleep for Success
Sleep plays a pivotal role in everyone's overall wellbeing and of course academic success. Make a conscious effort to establish a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind. Remember, a well-rested mind is more alert, focused, and capable of tackling challenges with confidence.
Move, Play, Thrive: Embracing Physical Activity
I wouldn’t be a PDHPE teacher if I didn't include the importance of Physical Activity. Regular physical activity isn't just about staying fit; it's also a powerful tool to reduce stress and boost your mood. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it's dancing, playing a sport, or taking a leisurely stroll. Our bodies and minds are interconnected, so by keeping your body active, you're enhancing your overall well-being.
Crafting a Study Timetable: Setting the Path for Success
As our Year 12’s finish off their Trials this week I think that it is extremely important to remember that it's never too early to start developing effective study habits. Whether you're in Year 7, 8, or 9, creating a study timetable can help you manage your time wisely. Plan your study sessions, breaks, and leisure activities to strike a balance between academics and relaxation. Remember, consistency is key, and the effort you put into organising your time now will pay off in the long run.
Art Against Bullying: Uniting Through Creativity
We're excited to announce the launch of our art competition focused on tackling bullying. Bullying affects us all, and through creative expression, we can raise awareness and promote a culture of kindness and respect. The "No Way!" art competition invites you to share your thoughts on bullying through visual art. Entries are due by Wednesday, 16th August 2023. Let your imagination run wild, and together, we can make a difference.
Your well-being is at the heart of our school community. The journey through Years 7-9 is an exciting one, filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. Remember to prioritise your mental and physical health, embrace positive habits, and take advantage of the resources available to you, including the Wellbeing Hub and our supportive team.
"Positive reinforcement changes behaviour for the better, while criticism stabilises negative behaviours and blocks change"
Virginia H. Pearce
Mrs Wilsmore-Smith
Year 7-9 Pastoral Welfare Coordinator
Sport News
Recently we had a number of our u15 and u14 Rugby League boys trial for the Group 10 Representative Squad. Kaiden Beckett of year 9 was successful in being named in the u14 squad whilst Levi Deveigne and Archie Morris of year 9 and Connor Miles of year 10 was successful in being named in the u15 squad. The boys will now travel to Bathurst each Sunday to begin training for the carnival to be held later this year. From here the boys, if successful, will be vying for a position in the Western Rams Squad. Good luck boys!
In athletic news, we have 15 of our students travelling to Dubbo to compete in the Bathurst Diocesan Athletic Carnival. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to compete against the very best across our diocese and potentially qualify for the NSW CCC Carnival held in Homebush a little later in the year.
In regards to athletic news, we have not had a full school assembly since our athletic carnival due to year 12 being on exams! Stay tuned for age championship results and the overall house winner!
Regards
Mr Steve Carroll
Chess Club
We can't begin to express our gratitude to Francisco Plaza for spending an incredible day with our
La Salle Chess Club! His expertise and passion for the game have truly inspired us and equipped us with valuable strategies to take on upcoming tournaments.Francisco's guidance was invaluable as he walked us through various chess tactics, from planning opening moves to endgame manoeuvres. His explanations were clear, concise, and easy to understand, making the learning process enjoyable and exciting.
Regards
Mrs Helen Johnston
Dance Team
Congratulations to our Dance Team who travelled to Orange to compete in the Orange Eisteddfod. The girls came away with a Very Highly Commended and a Highly Commended in the Year 12 & under category. Well done girls 
Making LSA proud!The Dance Team are now looking forward to the Bathurst Eisteddfod in two weeks!A big shout out to our PDHPE teacher - the Team's coach and instructor Ms Millar, who has spent endless hours getting the girls ready for competition.Also thanks to Mr Miller for driving the bus.
Jeans for Genes Day
Please see the flyer below for information on Jeans for Genes day and to donate go to the below link
https://fundraise.
CEBD Community Charter
ZENN ABILITY
Online safety
From the Finance Officer
2023 School Fees
Any family that does NOT receive their School Fee Statement via email is asked to contact the school office to ensure that the correct email address is listed in our system.
2023 Billing Dates
Term 1 billing date 03/03/2023 and instalment due date 17/03/2023
Term 2 billing date 05/05/2023 and instalment due date 19/05/2023
Term 3 billing date 28/07/2023 and instalment due date 11/08/2023
Please note that school fees are charged over the first three terms, therefore no school fee charge in Term 4.
Payment Arrangements
Families wishing to make a payment arrangement can contact the school office. Payment arrangements are made by Direct Debit. Payment plans of up to 52 weeks are available. Please obtain a copy of the Direct Debit Authority Form to set up a direct debit payment.
For your information:
Payments can be made by the following payment options:
Account balances can be accessed on Compass and payments can be made via the Compass app.
BPAY Payment references are printed on the statements.
Direct Debit Forms are available from the school office and a copy is attached below.
EFTPOS is available in the school office and can be used for payments over the telephone.
Centrepay Forms are available from the CentreLink Office
Please do not hesitate to contact Mary Cassar, School Finance Officer, if you would like assistance with any matters in relation to school fees.
Mary Cassar
School Zones Reminder
