Delagram 8th September 2023
From the Principal
“Dear young people, never lose your courage to dream big and to live life completely! Adopt the culture of care and spread it. Become champions of fraternity. Face life’s challenges by letting yourselves be guided by God and by good counsellors.” Pope Francis, 2022
Welcome to our latest version of the Delagram. There is lot of information in this edition and I hope this will provide an insight as to how busy and exciting our school community is.
70 Years of La Salle Academy
On Sunday 17th September, we will be celebrating La Salle Academy’s 70 years anniversary. Although our site is celebrating 70 years since the De La Salle brothers started a Catholic school in Lithgow, we also acknowledge that a school has operated on this site for 140 years under the name of ‘Cooerwull Academy’. Since we have started promoting this event, we have heard many stories and reflections of the importance of this educational site for many individuals and families that are now spread far and wide. This celebration is proving to be an important event in the celebration of our history and an opportunity to draw our community back together and expand and renew our relationships from yesteryear. I am hoping that our students and their families will take the time to join us in celebrating this important event.
Community Mass: 10.00am (St Patrick’s Parish, Lithgow)
Students to be dressed in formal uniform (including Blazer)
Open Day: 12.00pm (La Salle Academy)
Take a school tour; reminisce over photos dated from the 1950’s; enjoy the musical performances; engage in our science experiments; meet our animals or simply enjoy a free sausage sizzle and coffee.
Graduation
Thirteen years of schooling is coming to an end for our Year 12 students. In week 10, our students will engage in their last formal class (Tuesday 19th September), provide service to our broader community and show their gratitude for their journey to this point (Wednesday 20th September), have their graduation mass and dinner (Thursday 21st September) and finish with their final assembly and awards ceremony (Friday 22nd September). This will prove to be an exciting and emotional time for our students and their families and we hope to provide them with a memorable final week at La Salle Academy before that contemplate their HSC exams in Term Four. This year, we will be holding the Graduation mass outside of school/work hours so that our graduates will have the opportunity to invite and engage more of their family in this special occasion. I am hoping that our extended community will also have a desire to join our school at this event.
Year 12 Graduation Mass
5.00pm (St Patrick’s Parish, Lithgow)
All students to be dressed in formal uniform (including Blazer)
Language
Again, I would like to reinforce the message in relation to the language that we hear and at times allow our children to use. In many cases, our children are unaware that the language, tone and mannerisms that they use at school and how it can impact on others. We are encountering a number of issues where there is an escalation in behaviour or an emotional reaction as a result of something that has been said. This is coupled with the fact that many of our students don’t wish to communicate this to the staff at the school. This cycle needs to stop, we need the ability to challenge unacceptable behaviour, we need a collective community who calls out inappropriate language and we need to empower our students to report these things. As we are recognising R U OK day this week, I would urge all parents to take the time to sit down and have a discussion with their child and ask this very question. As Pope Francis suggests, let’s adopt a culture of care and spread it.
Mobile Phone Policy
I will send an email home early next week to detail the introduction of how we will apply the mobile phone ban at La Salle Academy. Students have been notified this afternoon of the details of this ban and what it will mean for them. I have given the students an opportunity to provide feedback and make any suggestions that might work within our framework. Please watch out for this email.
Have a great week, I hope that you can all join us for our Open Day on Sunday 17th September and our Year 12 Graduation on Thursday 21st September.
God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter
Assistant Principal
Attendance Matters
As we approach the final weeks of Term 3 and emerge from the cold and challenging time of winter illness, getting up and getting to school each day becomes a little easier. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of making that effort. I challenged our students at the beginning of the year to do one thing for themselves and that was to simply to show up, each and every day. Sadly the attendance rates of many of our students has declined in recent months and we need to do better. We all know that attending school consistently lays the foundation for academic success and personal growth. Recent statistics from the Productivity Commission of Australia, underscore the importance of this matter.
Here are the key facts form this report:
- Nationally in 2022, across all schools attendance rates decreased from year 7 to year 10 — from 87.3 percent to 82.9 per cent.
- Students with excellent attendance records are 30% more likely to achieve higher grades compared to those with sporadic attendance.
- Consistent school attendance is strongly linked to improved social skills, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and increased participation in extracurricular activities.
At La Salle Academy, we are committed to fostering an engaging and safe learning environment. Regular attendance not only ensures that students do not miss out on vital lessons but also helps them build crucial time management skills and a sense of responsibility. Our committed teaching staff work to deliver quality education, and your support in ensuring your child's punctuality and attendance will help us in our aims to improve student success for our young people.
We encourage you to please use Compass to update student attendance records. Keep up your communication with staff and Pastoral Care Coordinators so that we can work hand in hand to provide our students with the best opportunities for growth and success. Together, we can empower our students to achieve their full potential.
HSC Practical Marking begins!
Congratulations to HSC students who in the next few weeks will be submitting for marking their practical HSC works. Our Industrial Technology - Graphics students have already submitted their projects and marking will be conducted this week. Our Visual Arts students have also submitted their major works last week and for our Music 1 students they are in the final stages of rehearsal for their Final HSC performances next week.
We congratulate all of our students on their creative efforts and wish them all the best for the marking process. We also need to acknowledge all of the additional support and guidance provided by their teachers; Mrs Holgate for Graphics, Ms Cole for Visual Arts and Mr Pearce for Music. Well done to all!
Year 11 Exams
This week our Year 11 students will commence their end of course exams, beginning on Wednesday September 13th and concluding on Tuesday, September 19th. The students must be present for all exams and have been given a timetable for date and times for each subject. The Year 11 students are only required to attend school for their specific exams, however, students will not be allowed to leave the school in a vehicle driven by another student unless they have confirmed parental permission on the student driver contract. If a student is unable to attend an exam due to illness a parent/guardian needs to ring the school office and inform us of the absence. We encourage our Year 11 cohort to use the days ahead to seek any additional guidance from their teachers and ensure they have committed themselves to adequate preparation for this important final task of their Year 11 course. We wish them the best of luck for the exam period!
Have a great week!
Katie Bennett
From the REC
La Salle Academy 70th Anniversary Community Mass
Please join us!!!
All students and families are warmly invited to attend the 70 year Anniversary Mass. At this Mass
we will welcome back many former students, parents and staff. It would be great to see many current students and families there for this occasion.
Mass is at 10 am on Sunday September 17.
Year 12 Graduation Mass
You are invited to join us for the Year 12 Graduation Mass, a momentous occasion celebrating the
culmination of years of hard work and dedication. This event is not just a farewell to our graduating
class but a reflection of the values, friendships, and growth that have defined their journey through
our school.
When: Thursday September 21 at 5 pm
Where: St Patrick’s Church.
Let us come together as a community to show our support and appreciation for these remarkable
young individuals who are about to embark on a new chapter in their lives.
Upcoming events
Year 9 and 10 Reflection Days
Days such as this are an important part of the spiritual life of the school and assist in student’s development of their personal faith journey. The Young Lasallian team will be facilitating both days.
Year 9 Reflection Day: Thursday September 14
This day will help students to gain a better understanding of who they are, how their experiences
shape their worldviews, and how faith guides us in becoming more fully ourselves.
The morning session will begin to unpack that we are multifaceted, multidimensional human beings,
which means that we are all unique. Using different examples, it will tap into the students’
knowledge of themselves as a foundation for the rest of the day.
The middle session will revolve around a personality quiz, delving further into the idea that each of
us are unique, and helping students to themselves and how their personalities shape their
interactions with the world around them.
The afternoon session will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on who they are and
provide the students with tools to continue to discover themselves.
Year 10 Reflection Day: Friday September 15
We are called to answer the SOS call of our fellow neighbours, friends and fellow humans. By the end of the day, the students will have explored this notion that they have the great opportunity to serve, which requires sacrifice.
Service is seeing a need and doing something about it. We can each develop a heart for service, and in serving, we receive and grow. Service is looking at the heart of the other person and allowing their priorities to take first place.
We live in the land of opportunities and are lucky to have the opportunity to go out and serve. We have so many opportunities to serve, but they are all potential until we take hold of them and say yes. Our opportunities are shaped by the inequality present in our society.
To serve is to love. Jesus radically defines ultimate love as laying your life down for a friend, stranger, or fellow traveller on the journey. To sacrifice is to put someone else in your place of preference.
Pope’s September prayer intention: ‘For people living on the margins’
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of September, and invites everyone to pray and assist people who live on the margins of society.
“Let us pray for those people on the margins of society in subhuman living conditions, that they may not be neglected by institutions and never be cast out.”
Watch the Pope’s video for this prayer intention here:
Please keep our Year 11 and 12 students in your prayers as they continue to prepare for their final examinations.
God Bless
Ms Belinda Redden
From the Youth Minister
Hi everyone! It’s Charlotte here, the Youth Minister. I’m here to run a recap on the
events that have come up recently in our Youth Ministry!
We recently celebrated the Mass of the Assumption on the 15th of August. We had a
beautiful Mass and our choir sung wonderfully. A big thank you to Mr Pearce who
worked tirelessly with our choir, and another big thank you to Ms Redden who
helped our readers practise.
In week 5, our Year 9 CSYMI class went to Orange to participate in Rise Up, an
event run by the diocese and led by Emmanuel Worship. The students really enjoyed
themselves and had lots of fun singing and dancing. I know that I enjoyed myself,
being able to sing and dance on stage with the band! It was a great opportunity for
our students to get out and meet people from other schools doing the same things as
them! We give a big thank you to Miss Tannous who supervised our students and
helped them throughout the day.
I have also recently been working with the other schools in Lithgow, both St Patrick’s
and St Joseph’s. Along with Alek, the Youth Minister at James Sheehan Catholic
High School in Orange, we ran a retreat for Year 3 where they learnt what the
meaning behind the Eucharist was. The students really enjoyed themselves, with lots
of dancing and singing, as well as group sharing.
That’s it from me, I can’t wait to see what else we have coming up!
Regards,
Charlotte Edwards
Youth Minister
RISE UP
“Year 9 students participating in the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International program
attended a faith formation day in Orange with students from schools from around the
diocese. These students had a fantastic time connecting with youth ministers, members of
the Emmanuel Worship band from Brisbane, and students from other schools and
discovering a range of ways to participate in reflection and worship. As these students are
looking forward to running a reflection day for primary school students at La Salle Academy,
they engaged in the day with enthusiasm and learnt many tips for running a fun and thought-
provoking event. All students in attendance expressed their enjoyment throughout the day
and can’t wait to attend the next faith formation event.” - Isabelle Tannous
“The Rise Up day was a very enjoyable and eye opening experience. It was also very fun,
we met a lot of nice and interesting people, and it was a lovely opportunity to meet new
people from other schools. And the brownies they supplied us with for morning tea were
immaculate!” - Violet Younger
“On Thursday the 17th of August we attended Rise Up. There we learned to worship Jesus
through music and dance. My favourite part was the food, for recess we had brownies,
éclairs and fruit. For lunch we had wood fire pizza, salads and juice.” - Glen Okon
“During the Rise Up day, I had the pleasure of meeting new people and forming connections,
participating in enjoyable games, and being entertained by a band that played lots of songs.
Also, the event brought delightful treats such as brownies and they also made pizza to
enhance the experience.” - Isaac Greenwood
Year 7-9 Pastoral Care Co-ordinator
As we approach the end of Term 3, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate our wonderful students for their outstanding efforts and achievements this term. It has been a remarkable few weeks filled with accomplishments, and I am delighted to share the highlights with you.
Our recent participation in the National Day of Action against Bullying was a resounding success. I would like to express my gratitude to Mrs Bennett, Miss Millar, Mrs Johnston, Mrs Dixon, Mrs Kiely and everyone who contributed to making cake, slices, muffins or running the stall at recess. Together, we raised over $200 for the Dolly's Dream Foundation, a remarkable achievement that will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact.
Our National Day of Action against Bullying Art Competition received an overwhelming response, with over 30 incredible entries. I want to thank each participant for sharing their creativity with us. Congratulations to Alice Drenenberg for securing the first-place prize, generously donated by Eve's in Lithgow. Maya White received our second place, followed closely by Milla Collins and Blake Griffiths in third place. All received a box of favourite chocolates. We will be displaying all entries in the Wellbeing Hub for the remainder of the Term.
Our "Year 5 Taster Day" on 5th September was an enjoyable and educational experience for local primary school students. They had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Science, Agriculture, Sport, and Japanese lessons, gaining a glimpse into life at La Salle Academy. I want to extend my appreciation to all who made this day possible, especially our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders, who went above and beyond to ensure its success, including managing the BBQ and of course our teachers Mrs Walker, Mrs McCarron, Mrs Carroll, Mrs Doohan and Mrs Hodgkinson.
As we bid farewell to Week 8, we want to wish our Year 11 students the very best as they prepare to face their upcoming exams. Your hard work and dedication will undoubtedly pay off, and we are confident in your abilities to excel.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our students for their dedication and hard work in completing their assessment tasks this term. The quality and effort put into these tasks were truly commendable. Your commitment to your studies is both inspiring and impressive.
If you have any questions or concerns related to wellbeing or any other matter, please do not hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating weekend ahead.
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
Year 10-12 Pastoral Care Co-ordinator
The term is nearing its end, but things are certainly happening in the senior school.
Year 12 have received their Trial HSC marks back and are now working hard to produce their best in the upcoming HSC exams, commencing in October. Please keep them, and their families who are travelling the HSC journey with them, in your prayers.
The Year 12 Graduation Mass will be celebrated at St Patrick’s Church on Thursday, 21 st September at 5.00 pm with families and staff in attendance. This will be followed by a dinner at the Lithgow Workmens Club. The students will then have their Formal at Black Gold Motel in November.
The new Student Leadership selection process has begun. Congratulations to the eight Year 11 students who nominated for a position as School Captain, Vice-Captain and Mission Captain for 2024. They all made a speech at Assembly this week and were interviewed by a panel. The successful candidates will be announced soon.
Year 11 will be sitting their Preliminary Examinations in the hall, commencing next Wednesday. They have been given permission by Mr Carpenter to leave the school upon completion of their exam. However, they may not leave in a car with another student unless permission has been given in the driver’s contract of the Student Driving Policy. They are also welcome to remain at school and study in the library.
Year 10 students have completed their Subject Selection and I want to thank the parents who attended interviews with various staff members discussing their child’s choices, dependent upon which pathway they have chosen – preparing for further study (ATAR subjects), preparing for a trade or preparing for work. Students will receive the results of their selections in early Term 4.
I attended an information evening at THALES on Wednesday and was encouraged by the number of our Year 9 and 10 students who were also in attendance, finding out about apprenticeship and SBATs being offered by THALES. Applications are open for Certificate III in Engineering and Certificate III in Electrotechnology, both apprenticeships as well as Certificate III in Engineering as an SBAT. Applications close on October, 6th . Students wanting more information can see me in the library.
Regards,
Mrs Bernadette Hicks
Pastoral Welfare Co-ordinator Years 10 – 12
Careers Adviser
Canberra Excursion
An Exciting Expedition: La Salle Academy's Unforgettable Canberra Excursion
La Salle Academy students recently embarked on an educational tour of the national capital. The expedition not only provided a break from routine but also offered an abundance of learning experiences, bonding moments, and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The school was fortunate to have the support of the Australian Government which 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 contributed funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the cost of the excursion. The school acknowledges and would like to thank the Australian Government for helping to make the visit a reality.
The excursion commenced in the early morning as our excited group of students bid farewell to familiar grounds and set forth on a voyage of discovery. After a scenic journey through the Australian bush, we arrived in Canberra in the early afternoon. Our first stop was a visit to the High Court of Australia, where the students were exposed to the inner workings of the judicial system. The grandeur of the building and the insightful presentation by Brian, our guide, left us all in awe. Later in the evening, we visited the renowned Australian Institute of Sport, a paradise for sports enthusiasts. The guided tour unveiled the behind-the-scenes of world-class training facilities that have nurtured some of Australia's finest athletes. We were also given the opportunity to participate in some fun activities and engage in some friendly competition with Mr Coller clearly winning every event.
The second day started with a trip to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD), a place where history came alive through interactive exhibits. The students were encouraged to ponder the significance of democracy in shaping the nation's identity. We then journeyed to the Mount Ainslie Lookout, treating us to panoramic views of the city.
Reenergised after lunch, we ventured to the National Gallery of Australia, where art and creativity converged. The diverse collection showcased both national and international artistic treasures including the famous Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock. A guided tour of the Australian Parliament House later in the day provided an in-depth understanding of the nation's governance system. The impressive architecture of the building was complemented by insights into parliamentary procedures.
The next day commenced with a visit to the National Museum of Australia, where the rich history of the land and its people was showcased through various exhibits. Next on the agenda, Cockington Green Gardens offered a whimsical escape, with meticulously
crafted miniature scenes from around the world. A visit to the the Australian War
Memorial followed and was a sobering yet essential part of the itinerary. The guided
tour led us through poignant displays of Australia's military history.
The Last Post
Ceremony was a moving tribute, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our country.
Our final day in Canberra began with a visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium, where students had the chance to witness unique and exotic animals up close. We then reluctantly bid farewell to the capital city. The journey back was filled with chatter, laughter, and reminiscing about the unforgettable moments that made the trip a resounding success. The La Salle Academy's excursion to Canberra was not just a getaway even though the go-kart race, which Mr Coller clearly won by a mile, proved to be the most enjoyable experience for most.; it was an educational journey, a chance to explore new horizons, and a platform for building lasting connections. Through each carefully curated tour, the students gained valuable insights into history, governance, culture, and more. This expedition will surely remain etched in their memories as an adventure that broadened their horizons and enriched their perspectives.
The trip was only made possible with the assistance of Robert Miller, Keely Millar, Kimberley Dixon and Mary Cassar. I’m sure all the students who participated in this epic adventure would join me in thanking them for their hard work in ensuring a successful time was had by all.
Jonathan Coller,
HSIE Department
Counsellor's Corner
R U OK? I’m here to hear…
La Salle Academy are proudly supporting R U Ok? Day on Thursday 14th September!
Please ‘accessorise’ your school uniform with something yellow next Thursday to let your friends and peers know that you are here to support them. Think yellow shoelaces, yellow hair accessories – we want to see how creative you can get!
The SRC will be also be selling yellow ribbons for $1 and will donate all proceeds to the Youth Lithgow Drop in Space which operates every Tuesday from 3:30- 6pm at the WSU Hub (Corner of Mort and Bridge Streets). Please bring your spare change to donate to this great initiative.
Ask today, R U Ok? To let the people you care about know that you’re here, to really hear them.
Take care of yourself, and of each other
Tegan Kiely
Fathers Day
Father's Day at Three Tree Lodge was a heartwarming affair this year as the Student Representative Council (SRC) spent a special Father's Day celebration at the retirement home, making it a day to remember for both the residents and the students.
The highlight of the event was a delicious barbecue feast, where SRC volunteers took charge of the barbeques, sizzling up mouthwatering treats for everyone. It was a delightful sight to see young and old bonding over good food and great conversations.
SRC members spent quality time with the residents, sharing stories, handing out cards.
SRC's Father's Day visit to Three Tree Lodge served as a reminder of the importance of intergenerational connections and the power of simple acts of kindness. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the enduring spirit of community.
CEBD Community Charter
ZENN ABILITY
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
