Delagram 3rd November 2023

From the Principal

Although we are a small school, I firmly believe that we punch above the size of our school in relation to the opportunities that we provide for our students. On Monday morning, I reflected on the commitment and passion that our staff have shown have shown for our school in providing students these opportunities and thanked them for their time, passion and commitment.
A snapshot of last week:
 Catholic Schools Basketball State Championships;
 Site Visits to Sydney Schools (For further strategic development at LSA);
 Year 5 Retreat at St Patricks (Coordinated by Staff and Students);
 Year 11 Retreat to Katoomba (3 Days);
 Social Justice Visitation to Three Tree Lodge;
 Transition Day for selected Year 6 students entering Year 7 in 2024;
 Arts Excursion to Bondi Beach.
It is only fitting that we recognise these opportunities and the continued work of our teachers in the
holistic development of all of our students and your children after we have just celebrated World
Teacher’s Day. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for their work and continued support in
the journey that we are all undertaking at La Salle Academy.
As we enter Week 5 of Term Four, it is timely to both, reflect and look forward. Last week, our 2023
Year 12 students completed their last HSC exams, our Year 11 students now transition into their
2024 HSC work and Junior school looks to complete their Term Four exams. Whilst school is much
more than academic outcomes, it is at the core of what we do. As our graduating class will testify,
the exams are the conclusion of hours of preparation, listening, understanding and applying all that
happens in and through our classroom interactions. Our teachers act as guides and mentors, yet our
students must apply themselves in their readiness for these assessment periods. I would encourage
all parents/guardians to use these weeks to review your child’s homework and study periods and
ensure that your child is as prepared as they should be entering these exams.

God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

Assistant Principal

Year 12 2024 HSC Parent Information Night - Monday, November 6
While we celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students whose HSC journey is almost complete, we must also turn our attention to the Year 12 class of 2024. We are delighted to invite you to our Year 12 HSC Parent Information Night on Monday, November 6. This event will serve as a valuable opportunity for parents to gain insight into the expectations and processes for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in the coming year. You will learn about subject choices, HSC requirements, and the support structures in place to ensure the success of our Year 12 students. The evening will be in the Libray at begin at 6.00pm. We look forward to your active participation in this event and your continued support as we guide our Year 12 students through their final year of high school.

Wearing Correct Uniform
As we have been focused on all year…our school uniform serves as a symbol of unity and pride. It represents our commitment to a shared sense of belonging and respect for our institution. 
We have noticed some instances of students not adhering to the uniform policy. It is essential for our students to understand that wearing the correct uniform is not optional; it is a requirement. Students who consistently wear incorrect uniform will be attending the Friday Uniform Detention. 

Attendance - Especially During the Exam Period
Good attendance is crucial for academic success. And we all want to see our students gain this success! As we approach the exam period, it is even more critical for students to be present at school regularly. Every day counts, and consistent attendance ensures that students have the opportunity to engage with the curriculum, ask questions, and seek help when needed. We understand that there may be circumstances that require a student to be absent, and in such cases, please notify the school as early as possible. We ask for your cooperation in emphasising the importance of regular attendance, especially during the exam period. 

Have a wonderful week!
Katie Bennett

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Leader of Teaching and Learning - Dr Donna Mitchell
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the La Salle Academic community. After some regular visits in term 3, I officially began my full-time role as Leader of Teaching and Learning at the beginning of Term 4. This is a new position within the school, and one that is primarily focused on supporting our wonderful teachers and promoting and facilitating positive learning outcomes for our students. I look forward to getting to know all students, parents, and carers and engaging with the community as I learn about all things LaSalle. Please feel very welcome to contact me if you have any concerns, ideas and thoughts about our teaching and learning activities, or would just like to touch base with me.
Exams
In week 5 we embark on our yearly examinations. Year 9 and 10 will be sitting their
exams in week 5, while Year 7 and 8 will be completing their exams in week six. The exams will be conducted in the Hall under formal examination conditions, so that our students are able to develop their examination skills.
Why are we doing exams?
Examinations play a crucial role in enabling students to demonstrate their knowledge
and skills. This helps teachers to assess learning and tailor their teaching and support where needed. Moreover, these assessments prepare students for future academic and professional challenges by fostering discipline, time management, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for overall growth and success.
For our students- How do I revise for exams?
Five quick tips to help with exam revision.
1. Attend to what you have been taught: You will be examined on what you have
been taught, so go back through your books and or notes for each subject
and remind yourself of the content you have covered. If you are not sure- ASK.
2. Complete revision activities: Your teacher will be giving you revision activities
and tips. Complete these as part of your preparation, but also go beyond that.
3. Create a study schedule: You will need to do individual study outside of class
time. Plan your revision in advance and allocate specific time to specific
subjects. Think about when you work well and maximise that time.
4. Take regular breaks: Ensure you have rest breaks, so you are revising in
manageable chunks and have a reward to look forward to. A 5-minute break
every 20 minutes will give your brain a short break to refresh. Make sure
you’re drinking water and eating regularly so that your body can support you
well.
5. Use active learning techniques: Instead of passive reading, engage in active
learning such as summarizing key points, teaching the material to someone else, creating mind maps, using cue cards for each topic, solving practice questions. Try to make it fun.

“Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success.”
― Virat Kohli, Indian cricketer

From the REC

The Senior Retreat has been a great chance to get away from school and develop deeper connections with our peers with the help of Mr Carpenter, Ms Redden, Mrs Wilsmore-Smith, Mrs Bennett, and Harry. We were lucky enough to be able to experience Mrs Bennett’s wonderful dance moves, Mr Carpenter’s love for Love Shack, we got to see Ms Redden walk like an Egyptian, and we smashed another school in basketball. As much as we enjoyed these activities we got to learn more about how we as a class can work as a team and lean on each other if we have struggles. A big shout out to the Young La Sallians who gave us a wonderful session on what our values are and how we use our values in everyday life. Each student was asked to bring a special item and photo that was meaningful to them. The retreat was a great chance to reflect and learn more about ourselves and others. A big thank you to Ms Redden and Mrs Wilsmore-Smith for putting up with us for the last three days!

Robert, Finn & Maddi

Senior Retreat

Year 7-9 Pastoral Care Co-ordinator

I hope this newsletter finds you well as we embark on Week 4 of Term 4. It's hard to believe how quickly the year has passed, and as we move closer to the end of the year, it's important to stay focused and motivated. In this week's newsletter, I want to address several key points that pertain to our students in Years 7-9.

As the year progresses, it's not uncommon for students to experience fatigue and a dip in their motivation. To help our students navigate these challenges, it's crucial to foster resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and it's a skill that can be developed and honed. Here are a few strategies to improve student resilience:

•  Maintain a Growth Mindset: Encourage students to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Emphasise the importance of effort and perseverance.
• Set Realistic Goals: Help students set achievable short-term and long-term goals. This can provide a sense of purpose and motivation.
• Time Management: Teach students effective time management skills to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time.
• Supportive Relationships: Encourage open communication and the seeking of support from teachers, peers, and family when needed.

As we approach the latter part of the term, it's essential to remind students and parents about the upcoming exams. Year 9 and 10 students will be taking their semester exams during Week 5, while Year 7 and 8 students will have their exams in Week 6. Notifications for these exams have already been sent out, and it's imperative that students are well-prepared for these assessments.

I'd like to take a moment to celebrate the achievements of our students. Thirteen students have already achieved Honour Awards this year for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance. I commend each one of them for their exemplary effort. Furthermore, a special congratulations to Liam Art, who has received not one but two Honour Awards this year. Well done to all of you; your commitment to your studies and your personal growth is truly commendable.

As we move forward in Term 4, let's continue to motivate and support our students to finish the year on a strong note. Remember that resilience, focus, and dedication are key to achieving success. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to support you and your children in any way I can.

Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight 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

Alleluia! The HSC is over and I would like to congratulate this year’s class of students upon
the completion of the exams. The Presiding Officer was all praise for the students on how
well they conducted themselves during the exam period. They were all punctual, very
respectful of both the supervisors and the other students, and very importantly, used the
allocated time well, with most of them writing for the entire time. This does not surprise
me at all, as they have been a wonderful, and focussed, cohort for their entire time at La
Salle Academy. I have loved being their co-ordinator for the past three years and will miss
them all very much.

Having said that, the new group of Year 12 are settling well into the rigours of the HSC year.
Last week, Mr Carpenter and I accompanied our new student leadership team to Castle Hill
RSL Club for the annual GRIP Student Leader conference. They engaged with other students
and attended workshops on topics ranging from running meetings and assemblies,
fundraising ideas, hosting events, motivating students to being a ‘real leader.’ They were
invigorated by the day and are enthusiastically preparing their first couple of events for this
term.
A reminder that there is a Parent Information evening for the parents of Year 12 (2024)
students next Monday in the library. An announcement about this was sent out on
Compass to parents earlier in the week. We hope to see all families represented.

Year 12 are currently attending a Retreat at Katoomba with Ms Redden and Mrs Wilsmore-
Smith. I’m looking forward to participating in a liturgy and meal with them tonight.

Years 7 – 10 will be sitting formal exams over the next two weeks. Mrs Mitchell spoke at
length at Assembly about why we have exams and offered words of advice on self-belief.
Year 10 will have theirs, commencing on next Monday. I would like to thank Father Garry
who visited my Year 10 RE class to talk to them as part of their revision and preparation.

As the end of term approaches, it is important that students maintain the high standards
when it comes to the wearing of the La Salle unform. I notice that some are “forgetting”
their ties or have “lost” their school shoes. A reminder that black leather shoes are the only
acceptable school shoes, on no-sports day. Parents ensuring the right shoes are worn is
much appreciated.
If you have any concerns regarding your son or daughter in Years 10 and 12, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all those who either “liked” or made a comment
on a post featuring my recent success at the NSW Careers Advisors Association. Very much
appreciated.

Regards,
Mrs Bernadette Hicks
Pastoral Welfare Co-ordinator Years 10 – 12
Careers Adviser

Year 7 and 10 Vaccinations

Please see the attached letter and online consent information for  our final clinic date for 2023 Thursday the 16th of November.

NSW Health School Vaccination Program:

Final school vaccination clinic for the year

On Thursday 16 November 2023 the following groups of students will be eligible for vaccination:

Year 7 students whose parents/guardians have completed a consent form will receive the

diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (dTpa) vaccine.

Any Year 7 students who missed the HPV vaccine at earlier clinics will receive that vaccine, along

with the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (dTpa) vaccine.

Year 10 students whose parents/guardians have completed a consent form and who missed their

Meningococcal ACWY vaccination at earlier clinics will receive that vaccine.

If you would like your child to receive the above vaccines at school and have not yet

provided consent, please complete the Consent Form here:

https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school

More information about the School Vaccinations Program is available at:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/schoolvaccination.aspx

Kind Regards
Kim Dixon
Office Administration Officer

Three Tree Lodge Visit

We had 6 students represent our school at Three Tree Lodge on Thursday morning. We have students attend regularly and this week our students had fun playing bingo with the residents.

Harry Pottinger
Youth Minister

Basketball Team

On Monday and Tuesday of Week 4, the Lasalle Intermediate Boys Basketball team travelled to Bankstown Basketball Stadium for the CCC State Finals Tournament.
After a successful preparation including months of training before school and a practice match against Lithgow High School, our boys were confident and ready to go. 

Game 1 was against a very physical St Edmunds Gosford and led by some hot shooting by Jai Simcoe and Liam O'Regan, our boys jumped out to an early lead, however some poor luck and the size advantage saw the lead chased down before the boys lost by 3 points.
Our second game was against St Pius Adamstown and the boys put in a comprehensive performance, with Jai and Archie Morris scoring more around the basket and the defence holding strong to record a comfortable 9 point victory.
Game 3 was against perennial contenders St Dominics Penrith. This was the boys best performance of the tournament with the lead changing throughout the game, with key contributions off the bench by Mitch Lane and Toby Robinson and excellent defence by Levi Deveigne sparking a run to close out an even first half. St Doms led by 5 with a minute to go when Jai hit a three, and stole the ball giving us a chance to win or tie. Unfortunately, missed free throws as time expired left us 2 points short.
The last game of day one against John Therry Campbelltown was very difficult due to the heat and size disadvantage and an unlucky few bounces of the ball put the boys in an early hole. They fought back well to bring the game back to within 2 points in the last couple of minutes but a three pointer at the other end led to another narrow loss.
Needing to win our last game against McCarthy College Tamworth to qualify for the knockout stages, again we started slowly but fought hard to keep within striking distance. Some big shots by Lincoln Hutchinson and Aydin Bayer Barrow again reduced the deficit to 2 with 2 minutes to play, before Tamworth hit a 3 and a lay up to secure the game.
Throughout the tournament, the boys competed with incredible heart and tenacity against bigger and older opponents while maintaining discipline and composure in the face of some very physical play and a lack of calls. They were a credit to Lasalle and are to be congratulated for their efforts.
The team was -
Year 10 
Jai Simcoe
Liam O'Regan
Year 9 
Archie Morris
Levi Deveigne
Aydin Bayer Barrow
Lincoln Hutchinson
Year 8
Mitchell Lane
Year 7
Toby Robinson

Mr G Devine
Coach

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Lithgow Swimming Club FREE 60 day Come and Try -see the attached flyer

My New Gallery

Out of touch Netball Club

School Canteen

Just a reminder that students are still allowed to use their phones before 9am to purchase breakfast and preorder for recess and lunch. We also still have the flexischools app available to use as an online pre order for recess and lunch too.

 Please see the information below on how to register and order through flexischools.

We are still on the lookout for volunteers to help in the canteen. Any time you have available would be appreciated, even if its just once a month! Call the office on 6354 5100

Thankyou
Leanne 

Free workshop for parents and supervisors of learner drivers

Skills Based Animation Workshop

Learning difficulties Parent Helpline Information

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

A reminder to all our parents that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families. School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all the days the school is open, even pupil free days.