Delagram 17th November 2023

From the Principal

There may be some tendency for our students to think that their application to their school work has
finished for 2023 given that we have just completed our block exams. This is far from the truth, and
it is important for our students to know that teaching and learning will continue for the remainder of
the year. Content taught in our final weeks will be pre-requisite information for subjects that they
will undertake in 2024. Our report cards that will be issued at the end of the term, will reflect
students’ attitudes, application and behaviour all the way to the end of term.
Given that we are looking towards the end of the year, I would like to highlight some major
initiatives that are being undertaken and ask for our communities continued support in ensuring we
successfully finish 2023.
 Year 6 into 7 Orientation Day – Welcoming our Incoming Year 7 students for 2024;
 Marietta’s onsite – Tuesday 21 st November for new uniform orders;
 Pop Up Shop for Second Hand Uniforms – Thursday 23 rd November;
 Children’s Toy Drive – more information should be communicated shortly regarding this;
 Youth Mental Health First Aid Courses – Year 10 Students in Week 9;
 Student Talent Quest in Week 9;
 Trivia Night for Social Justice Fundraising – Monday 11 th December;
 Christmas Mass & Assembly – Tuesday 12 th December;
 Year 10 Formal – Wednesday 13 th December.
Given that we are moving into a season of giving, I ask that our families commit to giving through
our actions and engagement with each other. Engage with our events, support our school and
student ventures and attend our Christmas mass. More importantly, I encourage our students to
give through their kindness and attention for their peers; give in our mannerisms and positive
language that we use and show encouragement and support for all in our community.
God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

Assistant Principal

Junior Exams
As we embrace the final leg of the school year, I want to congratulate our 7-10 students who recently navigated their end-of-year exams. The dedication many have shown to your studies has demonstrated your commitment to personal growth and shone a spotlight on what you CAN do when you are challenged.  Well done for your hard work and perseverance! As you receive your feedback from teachers take the opportunity to reflect on what you have achieved this year. You can also use this valuable information to set the bar just that little bit higher for 2024. 

Attendance Reminders: Keeping Communication Open
I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and students about the importance of regular attendance. Reports will not be finalised until the last week of school so there is still plenty of learning taking place! If, for any reason, your son/daughter is unable to attend school, please make sure to provide an explanation via Compass. Furthermore, if a student arrives late, they MUST sign in at the office. This not only helps us maintain accurate records but also ensures the safety and well-being of all our students. Your ongoing cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Important Update on School Chromebooks
In light of some recent incidents of misplaced devices, we are implementing a policy adjustment regarding the borrowing of school Chromebooks. Effective immediately, Chromebooks can only be borrowed on a lesson-by-lesson basis. Students will be required to return Chromebooks to the library at the conclusion of each lesson. This change is necessary to ensure the responsible use and equitable distribution of our technological resources. We appreciate your understanding and support in fostering a culture of responsibility within our school community.

Have a wonderful week!
Katie Bennett

Leader of Teaching and Learning

We are now moving toward the end of the yearly examination period. Over the last few weeks, all Years 7-10 students have been doing exams and gaining experience of exam expectations and the requirements of study. I would like to congratulate of the students who applied themselves and used this as an opportunity to grow and learn. I would also like to acknowledge the staff who set exams, assisted with modifications, supervised and
supported students. It was a true team effort between teachers, students and learning support staff.
During the last few weeks of term, our expectation is that students continue to apply themselves to their schoolwork and are showing up in terms of their presence and contribution. Teachers will be continuing to focus on sustained teaching and learning and will be preparing activities that continue to challenge our students. Continuing application
and effort will be reflected in the end of year reports.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't
do than by the ones you did do" — Mark Twain

Dr Donna Mitchell
Leader of Teaching and Learning

From the REC

La Salle Academy student leaders will be attending iRise on Friday November 17.

iRise provides a unique opportunity to empower Senior Student Leaders of the diocese to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.

Drawing on the gifts, talents and values of the individual, iRise provides rich experiences of prayer and worship and other activities designed to educate and empower student leaders to lead like Jesus did in our Catholic Schools.

Pope's November prayer intention: For the Pope
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of November, asking the faithful to pray that the Lord will bless him.

In “The Pope Video” for November, Pope Francis asks the faithful to “Pray to the Lord that He will bless me,” saying, “Your prayer gives me strength and helps me to discern and to accompany the Church, listening to the Holy Spirit.”

View the Pope’s video here: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-s-november-prayer-intention-for-the-pope.html

Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

God of mercy and compassion,

of grace and reconciliation,

pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East:

Jews, Muslims and Christians,

Palestinians and Israelis.

Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope,

oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,

that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,

and peace and justice could be experienced by all.

- Reverend Said

Year 7-9 Pastoral Care Co-ordinator

Wellbeing Corner:  Nurturing Minds, Building Connections
As Week 6 comes to an end and we can all finally start to catch our breath for a moment, it's time to reflect on the various initiatives and activities that have contributed to the overall wellbeing of our staff and students during the last fortnight. I am pleased to share some updates and highlights from the past week and give you a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Pastoral Care Program:
Our Pastoral Care Program continues to be a cornerstone of our commitment to the holistic development of each child. Week 5 saw us come together to commemorate 'Remembrance Day,' fostering a real sense of gratitude and reflection on the many sacrifices made by those who came before us. This week, our focus shifted to 'The Impact of Social Media,' encouraging students to engage critically with the ever-evolving aspects of our lives.

Semester 2 Exams:
Congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 students who successfully navigated through their Semester 2 exams during Week 5. Currently, our Year 7 and 8 students are in the midst of their exams and are set to conclude on Monday of Week 7. We commend their dedication and hard work during this assessment period.

Peer Support Training Day 1:
Today, on the 17th of November, our Year 9 students are actively participating in the first day of Peer Support Training. This day focuses on leadership roles, responsibilities, building connections, effective communication, and fostering a supportive environment. We extend our thanks to Mr. Carroll and our five Year 10 Peer Support Leaders who are instrumental in facilitating this essential program. This initiative not only strengthens the bonds within our student community but also equips our Year 9 students with invaluable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. As they embark on this journey, we are confident that these emerging leaders will make a positive impact on the school community.

Year 6 Orientation Day:
Looking ahead, our Year 6 Orientation Day is on the 21st of November from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. I wish to express my appreciation in advance to all our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders who will be dedicating their time and effort to ensure a warm welcome and smooth transition for our incoming Year 7 students.

I want to thank everyone for their ongoing support and participation in our wellbeing initiatives. Together, we are creating an environment where each student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

Wishing you all a restful weekend.
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.

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 12 Formal

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 38

Next

From our Youth Minister

Hey everybody!
It’s Charlotte, your friendly neighbourhood Youth Minister again. I’m just
here to recount some fun activities that have happened regarding youth ministry lately!

In week 4 ten of our CSYM students travelled to St Patrick’s primary school to run a
leadership retreat for their year 5 students. This retreat went really well and the students
loved it! I am very proud of our LSA students for being amazing role models to the year 5
students while facilitating this retreat. This would not have been completed without the
help of Miss Tannous, who runs the fortnightly CSYMI classes, as well as Amber Calleja and
Glenn Corben from the Bathurst diocese. Thank you to everyone!

I myself also ran the same retreat for students in Dunedoo and Coolah in week 3. This was
an amazing opportunity to travel further out west and connect with even more of the
diocese. The students had an amazing time. Thank you to both St Michael’s in Dunedoo and
Sacred Heart in Coolah for sending your students along to learn about leadership!
That’s all from me.
Thanks!
Charlotte Edwards
Youth Minister

Rememberance Day Service

Last Saturday some of our students represented our school with the Rememberance Day Service held at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Pre- Apprenticeship Program For Women

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

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 is issued in Term 4.
Payment Arrangements
Families wishing to make a payment arrangement can contact the Finance Officer,
Mary Cassar. Payment arrangements are set up via BPAY or direct debit and plans
of up to 52 weeks are available. Please see below to obtain a copy of the direct debit
authority to set up a direct debit payment.
Payment Options
Account balances can be accessed on Compass and payments can be made via the
Compass App. BPAY references are printed on the statements that are emailed to all families.
Direct debit forms are available from the school office or you can download the copy
below. EFTPOS is available in the school office and can be used for payments over the
telephone.
Centrepay can be organized by obtaining the appropriate form the Centrelink Office.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mary Cassar, School Finance Officer, if you require
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.