Delagram 11th April 2025

From the Principal

"Journeying together means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God. It means walking side-by-side, without shoving or stepping on others, without envy or hypocrisy, without letting anyone be left behind or excluded. Let us all walk in the same direction, tending towards the same goal, attentive to one another in love and patience."  (Pope Francis, 2025)

This is an excerpt from Pope Francis Lenten message for 2025 that has resonated with me this year.  It is poignant that this week, we also celebrated the Feast day of St John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of La Salle Academy and also the patron saint for all teachers. 

"De La Salle was already a priest when he was invited to become involved in establishing schools for poor boys. He gradually devoted his own talents and advanced education to the service of the vulnerable children and the people he recruited to serve as their teachers. The community of teachers evolved to become a religious congregation which came to be known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools." (delasalle.org.au)

La Salle Academy embeds the teaching of our patron saint and acts out the lived experience encouraged by Pope Francis.  In achieving equity and educational advantage for all our students, we do not discriminate, we do not stream, we individualise our student journey, we involve all of our students and we encourage excellence in all that we do.  It is not demanding excellence for some, or creating specialist programs for a few.  We walk side by side, in the same direction, working towards each individual’s goal whilst demonstrating love and patience.  And whilst we might not live in the time of John Baptist de La Salle, we often bring different challenges, concerns and frustrations to school, yet we provide the wrap around supports and structures that give our students a safe and supportive environment. 

This doesn’t mean that we compromise educational excellence or limit the aspirations of our students.  Together, our staff, students and community create an environment with high expectations, drive for success and accountability to ensure our students achieve to the best of their ability, whilst remaining polite and respectful young people who contribute positively to our community.   I am very proud of our staff, our students and what we are achieving at La Salle Academy.  We have had a great Term One that has been full of opportunities and success.  As we look towards the end of Term One, we acknowledge our Easter season.  Easter is an important event in our Catholic faith.   

"Easter is the proof of God’s love for humanity and our assurance that God wants all of us to be raised up after our own death and to live with him forever.  We understand Easter as the passage from old to new; from darkness to light; and from suffering to joy. It is such a hope-filled and life-giving feast."  (Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River) 

As we enter Term Two, let’s do so as pilgrims of hope, working together in demanding a community with the highest of expectation grounded in the demonstration of respect for the dignity of each other.  Let's see the new, shine a light on our achievements and celebrate all that we have to offer at La Salle Academy. Enjoy your holidays with your children and I look forward to re-engaging with all our families in Term Two. 

God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I would like to inform you that our school will be asking all parents, students and staff to complete the Annual School Improvement Survey. The Surveys will be distributed to all staff, parents and Yr 7-12 Students  on Thursday 8th May (Wk 2 Term 2)

These surveys enable all members of the school community to have a voice. We do take note of all comments written as they are valuable insights from key stakeholders of the school. The comments and data provides information about how well the school is operating, highlighting areas of strengths and those that may need revision. Overall, the data collected from the surveys provide high valuable information that directs the schools future planning for continual improvement.

God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

Assistant Principal

What a busy term we have had at La Salle, especially in recent weeks during our
Term 1 assessment period and the numerous school activities that we have all
been involved in throughout the term. Term 1 is always a busy time and I
encourage all students to make the most of the upcoming holidays and enjoy a
well-earned rest! The next two weeks will provide everyone with a chance to
regroup and recharge and spend some time with family over the Easter holiday
weekend.  

Year 12 Reports
Students and parents will receive access to the Year 12 Mid-Course Reports on
Friday via Compass. While we are already at the half-way mark for our HSC
students in their respective subjects, it is important to use these reports as a
means of reflecting on how students are progressing and also on areas in which
each student might need to focus. It is not too late to make some changes to study
habits or lifestyle choices to set yourself up on the path to success. We encourage
parents to discuss the report feedback with your son/daughter as they begin to
set their final goals for the last few months of schooling.

Year 7-11 Progress Reports
Our students and parents for years 7-11 will have been able to access  Term 1 Progress
Report via Compass on Friday. The progress reports provide a brief overview of
the levels of achievement and work habits for our students. It also gives an
indication of some areas on which students can focus on in the terms ahead. 

Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 7, 11 & 12
Parent Teacher Interviews for these year groups will be held on Tuesday, May
13th from 2.30pm to 7.00pm. Interviews slots will be open for bookings on
Wednesday, April 23 rd for Year 11 & 12 parents followed by Year 7 parents from
Monday 5 th May We would ask that if possible that senior students in particular
attend the interviews with their parent/guardian. Having an opportunity to
discuss the learning with the teachers individually can provide great insights for
both parents and teachers. It is the sharing of such important information
between the school and home that can make a significant difference in the
success of our students.

If you are travelling over these holidays, have a safe journey and a great holiday!

Have a great fortnight
Mrs Holgate

Religious Education Coordinator

Farewell to a Wonderful Term 1!

As we come to the close of Term 1, I want to take a moment to extend a thank you to all our students and staff for the joy, energy, and dedication you’ve brought to school life over the past ten weeks.

It’s been a wonderfully busy and spirit-filled term, from our beautiful Opening Mass, to flipping pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, sharing kindness for Valentine’s Day, supporting those in need through our St Patrick’s Day Cake Stall, coming together for the Feast Day of St John Baptist de La Salle, and reflecting on Christ’s journey in our moving Easter Liturgy. Every moment has shown the true heart and faith of our school community in action. 

Through all of these special events and the generosity shown via our Project Compassion boxes, I’m proud to share that we’ve raised over $2,100 so far for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This is a wonderful example of our school putting faith into action to help create a more just and compassionate world.

As we journey through the final days of Lent and into the joy of Easter, may we carry the message of hope and love with us into the holidays and beyond. 

Easter is a reminder that light follows darkness, and that we are called to be people of compassion and peace in our world.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and happy Easter break. 

May it be filled with laughter, family time, and moments to pause and give thanks. 

We look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful term ahead.

With warm regards,
Mrs Wilsmore-Smith
Religious Education Coordinator

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Term 1 Wrap Up
We have made it to the end of Week 10 of our first term of the year and what an amazing term it has been! At the beginning of the year, Mr Carpenter identified  ‘LEARNING’ as our school theme and major focus for 2025. This term has certainly been filled with wonderful learning opportunities including excursions/incursions, competitions, guest speakers, workshops and of course the knowledge and skills students grasp from their work within the classroom. Additionally, our students completed a range of examinations such as NAPLAN, PAT Testing and HSC Minimum Standards and were also assessed on their subject knowledge through assessments within the term. The students have met each of these challenges with determination and a willingness to achieve their best. I encourage all students to reflect on the learning they have completed this term and set SMART goals for themselves for Term 2.

Holiday Routines
It is important for our students to enjoy a restful  break over the next two weeks. Term 1 has been incredibly busy and it is necessary for all students to have time to rest and recharge to ensure they return energised and ready for study in Term 2. 

However,  it is also imperative that they don’t lose the wonderful momentum they have achieved in their learning routines throughout Term 1. When students fall out of  good routines, it can be very difficult to re-engage with them on their return to school. When this happens, students end up wasting an accumulative amount of time at the start of every term building up their routines once more. 

To avoid this happening, students are encouraged to maintain elements of their learning routines throughout the school break. For students in Stages 4 and 5, this includes continuing with 20 minutes of silent reading a day for their Accelerated Reader program. It would also be beneficial to maintain the progress they have developed within their Successful Habits classes with Mr Carpenter. This includes checking school emails and keeping their notes and workbooks organised to ensure information is organised logically and can be easily retrieved. 

For our students in Stage 6, holiday periods begin to look a little different from when they were in the junior years. Now, the holidays are a time to consolidate learning and revise the knowledge and skills developed from the term. It is vital that momentum is maintained, we don’t want them to undo all of their hard work. Conversely, if students feel that they didn’t have a strong start to the year, now is the time to catch up and ensure they are ready for the rigours of learning in Term 2. 

Some ideas for holiday revision in Stage 6 include:

• Revision of all material in all subjects. 
• Complete, under exam conditions, past exam papers/extended responses/essays 
• Utilise resources shared in Google Classroom and in Atomi.
• Make up summary cards for every topic within a subject.
• Work with peers to compare notes/problems/essays etc - picking up points that you may have not picked up yourself (cooperative learning). 
• Study/read topics from study guides - other than your regular textbook/notes - to give the necessary breadth and depth to your learning (these are available to borrow from the library).
• Try studying in a different location to keep you motivated e.g. the local library.

I wish all of our La Salle Academy students and their families a safe and happy holiday and I look forward to seeing you next term as we continue our learning journey.

Yours in learning, 
Mrs Devine

Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator Year 7,9 and 11

As we head into the Easter holidays, I want to take a moment to wish all our families a peaceful and restful break. It’s been a busy and productive term, and we’re incredibly proud of the efforts our students have made—both in and out of the classroom.
This week, we had the pleasure of celebrating those students who achieved over 90% attendance for the term with a pizza and dance party! It was a fun and well-deserved reward for their consistency and commitment—well done to everyone who took part! We look forward to offering more celebrations like this in the future to continue recognising great attendance and engagement.

Throughout the term, we’ve also been running a number of wellbeing and support groups, including Anger Awareness sessions run by our school counsellor, Tegan, and outreach support from Headspace. These programs have provided students with valuable tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mental health support. We’re proud of those who participated and engaged so thoughtfully, and we’ll continue offering targeted support throughout the year to ensure all students feel seen, supported, and empowered.  

The holidays now offer a chance to pause, recharge, and enjoy quality time together. Whether it's a day out, some time in nature, or simply relaxing at home, we encourage everyone to take a break and focus on wellbeing.

Wellbeing Tips for the Holidays:

• Unplug regularly: Take time away from screens and social media to be present and recharge.

• Get moving: Physical activity—whether it’s a walk, a bike ride, or a bit of dancing in the kitchen—can boost mood and energy.

• Prioritise sleep: A steady sleep routine can do wonders for both physical and mental health.

• Connect with others: Whether with family, friends or neighbours, meaningful connection supports wellbeing.

• Be kind to yourself: It’s okay to slow down. Not every moment needs to be scheduled or productive.

Parents, if you're looking for something uplifting to enjoy over the break, I can highly recommend The Imperfects podcast. It’s a wonderfully real and insightful series that explores mental health, vulnerability and what it means to be human—with plenty of warmth and humour along the way.

Wishing all of our students and families a safe, joyful Easter holiday. I look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, refreshed and ready to go.

Warm regards,
Mrs Tahni Hotham
Wellbeing Coordinator (Years 7, 9 & 11)

Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator Year 8 and 10

As we wrap up an exciting yet busy term, I want to take a moment to reflect on all the incredible learning, growth, and achievements that have taken place across our school community.
From the very first day, our classrooms have been filled with curiosity, creativity, and
collaboration. Students have embraced new challenges, deepened their understanding in core subjects, and explored their interests through extracurricular activities, projects, and performances. So far this year, we have seen a variety of students doing amazing things.
One key factor in student success is regular attendance. Being present at school every day
gives students the best chance to stay on track with their learning, build strong relationships,
and develop important routines. Every lesson counts, and consistent attendance lays the
foundation for academic progress and personal growth. Year 8, 10 and 12 students who
achieved a 90% or more attendance rate this term were given pizza on Tuesday. This was a
way to congratulate these students and motivate them to continue prioritising their
attendance and dedication to their studies. The students were treated to pizza and a soft
drink for lunch. The Pastoral and Wellbeing team look forward to organising events such as
these in the terms to come.
Some of our year 10 students have been involved in the Headspace program this term. It
was a very positive experience for these students, as it taught them key skills such as time
management, teamwork and communication. The group received a glowing report on their
behaviour and participation in the nursing homes. The coordinator at Cooinda emailed the
following positive feedback: “Cooinda residents who attended absolutely loved their visit.
There were laughs shared, and a chance for some to have a go at something new for the
first time. Cooinda will welcome the students back anytime they would like to come back and
visit. The experience for both students and residents was such a beneficial experience for
all.”
As we head into the break, I encourage everyone to take some well-deserved rest, enjoy
time with loved ones, and recharge for the term ahead. We look forward to welcoming
everyone back next term with fresh energy, new goals, and continued enthusiasm for
learning. Until then—have a safe, restful, and joyful break!

Mrs Soliette Markovic
Year 8 & 10 Pastoral/Wellbeing Coordinator

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge Extended!
The deadline for the completion of the challenge has now been extended to Friday, 19 September 2025. This is due to a number of technical difficulties faced by the team at PRC in setting up school and student reading accounts across all schools and systems for this year’s challenge. This extension is a great opportunity for our students to ensure that they can fully complete the challenge. It also provides a window of opportunity for students who have yet to sign up for the challenge. There is still plenty of time to register and start adding to your reading log. If you would like to join in the challenge, please register your interest at the library. 

Displays

St John Baptist De La Salle
To honour our patron saint and the celebration of his feast day, we have created a wonderful library display to remind students of the importance of this day for our school. A big thank you to Mrs Wilsmore-Smith for her beautiful contributions to our display.

ANZAC Day
As ANZAC Day falls in the holidays this year, we have set up our library display early to remind students of the importance of commemorating this event and the vast range of non-fiction and fiction resources the library offers on topics associated with this period in history. Thanks to Mrs Doohan for her amazing work in setting up the display and to Mrs Prineas for her contribution of  historical posters. They have certainly helped to create an eye-catching display. 

Writing Competition and Creative Writing Workshops 
Blue Mountains Library is running some great creative writing workshops these holidays. They are for ages 10-15 and 16 years- adult and each workshop is facilitated by established creative writers from Western Sydney. The workshops are free and go for 90 minutes. They are aimed at helping writers improve their craft in short story and poetry writing as well as generate ideas to create an entry into the Living Stories writing competition run by the library. For more information,  jump onto the Blue Mountains Library website. 

Holiday Reading
As we have now reached the end of the term, it is time for our students to make plans for their holiday reading. Maintaining regular reading practice during this time is important for many reasons and research shows that reading each day:

 ✅  improves your vocabulary and comprehension - reading just 20 minutes a day exposes you to 1,800,000 words a year!   

 ✅  reduces stress and enhances mood

 ✅ improves your focus and concentration

 ✅ helps to develop empathy

 ✅ develops creativity

 ✅ improves your writing skills

 Not to mention that reading is also a fantastic source of entertainment and allows us to escape into the lives and experiences of many different people from many different times and places.

Planning For Holiday Reading                       
Before setting off on the two week break, students should reflect on their reading habits and the types of texts they prefer to read. They should use the following questions to assist them:

 ❇Do I prefer reading hard copy texts or reading books online?

❇Do I like fiction or non-fiction?

 ❇Do I enjoy written or visual texts or a mix of both?

 ❇Which genres/topics interest me?

 ❇What style of writing engages me?

 ❇Do I like to read a stand alone book or books within a series?

 ❇How much time do I want to spend reading?

 By answering these questions, students will have a much clearer idea of the types of books that will help them to continue their reading practice when they are away from school.

We have plenty of new titles for students to discover and for those travelling away, there is always something to read on SORA, our online platform.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday and I look forward to seeing you next term!

Happy Reading, 
Mrs Devine

All things attendance

It is law in NSW that all school age children must attend school every day that the school is open.
There is a direct relationship between learning success and excellent attendance

As we come to the end of Term 1, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind you all about
the importance of regular, daily attendance and how even occasional days off can impact
you child’s performance and connection to the La Salle Community

Maintaining a high school attendance rate, ideally above 95% is crucial for a student’s
schooling success and development. There are several reasons why consistent school
attendance is so important for your child:

- Continuous Learning – Regular attendance ensures that students are consistently
exposed to new information and lessons. This continuity is essential, as concepts
build upon each other over time.
- Learning and Development of new skills – School attendance is not only about
acquiring knowledge but also about developing essential learning skills. These
skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, are honed
through active participation in the learning process.
- Establishment of Routine – Consistent attendance helps students establish a
routine, promoting organisational skills and time management. These skills are
transferable to various aspects of life and contribute to overall success.
- Each day at school is an opportunity for students to absorb new knowledge,
engage in classroom discussions and develop critical thinking skills.
- Every school day provides an opportunity for students to grow intellectually,
socially and emotionally. Consistent attendance ensures that students make the
most of these opportunities, laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling
educational journey.
- Being present in class allows students to actively participate in discussions, ask
questions, and engage with the material. Active participation fosters a deeper
understanding of the subject matter. It helps develop a sense of purpose,
accomplishment and contributes to a positive attitude towards education.

So, as parents/carers how can you help your children attain a level of high attendance at
school.
- Ensure your child understands the importance of attending school every day and
being punctual
- Taking an interest in their education – asking about school work and encourage
them to get involved in school activities
- Discussing any problems they may have at school and contact your child’s year
advisor to make them aware of any issues.
- Not allowing them to take time off school for minor ailments
- Arranging appointments after school hours, at weekends or during school
holidays will help to prevent disruption to your child’s education.
- Being open and willing to work with us to improve your child’s attendance.
- As a parent be involved in the school community – attend parent teacher
interviews, school masses and any other school event.

As we come to the end of Term 1, if you are concerned about your child’s attendance it may
be time to have a discussion with your child about the importance of regular school
attendance and if necessary, make an appointment with the school to work out some
strategies to help them improve this as we move into Term 2.
Mrs Kath Staines
Attendance Wellbeing Officer

 Kath Staines
Attendance Wellbeing Officer

Finance

SCHOOL FEES FOR 2025
Thank you for your patience whilst waiting for the Fee Statements to be completed and distributed. These should be sent out via email today and accessible also through Compass. If you have any questions relating to your account, please let us know by contacting the school office. If you have not received your School Fee Statement via email by the first instalment date, please contact the school office to ensure that we have the correct email address on our system.
Fee billing dates for 2025 are listed below:
Fees will be generated at the beginning of the year and split into 3 instalments.Instalment due dates are as follows:* Term 1 Statement Date 28/02/2025 and instalment due date 14/03/2025* Term 2 Statement Date 9/05/2025 and instalment due date 23/05/2025* Term 3 Statement Date 1/08/2025 and instalment due date 15/08/2025
A reminder that payments can be made by the following payment options:
 Account balances can be accessed via Compass and payments can be made on the App.
 BPay Payment References are readily available on the Fee Statements.
 Direct Debit Forms are available at the school – just call or email to enquire.
 EFTPOS is available in person at the office or you are welcome to make payment over the phone.
 Centrepay Forms are available from ServiceNSW or call / email and we can arrange one to be sent.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the office by calling (02) 6354 5100 or by emailing the
school on lasallelithgow@bth.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions relating to your
account or if experiencing any difficulty so we can arrange a suitable solution.

Kind regards,
Narelle Lee
Office Manager

Important Information

Catholic Education Benefits All Australians

Catholic schools are Australia's largest non-government education provider, delivering choice, affordability and value for all. With the election coming up,parents might be interested in finding out more information by going to https://ncec.catholic.edu.au/2025-federal-election/ There is a great short video explaining how school funding works.

Chess Competition

On Wednesday, La Salle Academy proudly hosted Round 1 of the NSW Junior Chess League’s Country Secondary Schools Tournament. The match welcomed Scots All Saints College, Bathurst, to our campus for what was an exciting and challenging session of chess.

Each school was represented by four players. Stepping up to the boards for La Salle Academy were Glen Okon (Year 11), Patrick Maish (Year 10), Logan Kable and Logan Farnsworth (both Year 7) with Beau Cummings (Year 7) being a reserve for this round. The team showed great focus, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship throughout the session.

Congratulations to Scots All Saints College on their Round 1 win, and thank you to their team and staff for travelling to be part of a respectful and enjoyable competition. Special thanks also go to our supervising staff and the students who supported and helped run the session smoothly.

Although this round didn’t go our way, the experience has only strengthened our team’s resolve. We look forward to building on this performance and returning stronger in the rounds ahead.

Well done, Team La Salle!

Helen Johnston
Mathematics Teacher and Chess Coordinator

CEBD Community Charter

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Karate Classes

We are a local karate school who have been operating for over 25 years with experienced, qualified instructors.
We provide fun, affordable karate classes for kids, teens and adults to develop fitness, determination, focus and self defence in a safe, welcoming environment.
Our karate school is a traditional school that follows the virtues of respect, peace and perseverance and helps to develop students in the dojo as well as in their daily lives.
We are offering a FREE trial lesson to all new students.

Kind regards,
Tamara Snow
Blue Mountains Karate Admin and Instructor

Phone: 0425 370 859
Email: info@karatensw.com.au
Website: karatensw.com.au
Facebook: chito ryu karate blue mountains

Student stationery pack

Becoming a foster carer

Canteen- Flexischools App

Canteen cut off times for order are as follows:

Recess:10am

Lunch time : 12pm 

If you are interested in helping in the canteen please call our office 6354 5100

Thank You

Regards
Leanne
Canteen Manager

We have the flexischools app for your convenience order online - See the flyers below with instructions on how to order

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.