Delagram 15th September 2025

From the Principal

Like many businesses or organisations, there always come a time in the year, where the pressure is most felt.  At La Salle Academy we have certainly experienced this ourselves throughout Term Three.  With the School Review in Week Three, and both the Assistant Principal and Principal reviews towards the end of the term, there has been a focus on showcasing the achievements of the school and the positive directions we are embarking upon.  I thank all of our parents/guardians and students who engaged in these reviews over the last couple of weeks. 

But the pressure being experienced within the school at the moment sits with our student population.  Our Year 12 cohort have just finished their HSC trials and an intensive week of HSC masterclasses in anticipation for the HSC exams in October.  Some of our Year 12 students will have their practical major projects assessed over the coming days.  Our Year 11 students have just commenced their Preliminary Trial exams which will conclude this coming Friday, 19^th September.  Our Year 10 students are at a pivotal moment in time, where they can choose to leave school, or enter stage 6 and choose subjects for the next two years.  Whilst our Year 7 – 10 students will have multiple assessments due over the next two weeks.  Whilst pressure can be felt in different ways, I am hoping that our students have developed the skills, resilience and have applied the appropriate preparation to tackle these obstacles to the very best of their abilities. 

We have been very strategic in our approach to support our students in 2025:

• Information sessions: Increased parent and student information sessions to best prepare our families for the challenges of school;
• Resilience Project: Introduction of a resilience program for all students to be able to identify and navigate challenges as they arise;
• Successful Habits: Introduction of a successful habits class to ensure that our junior students know how to manage their time, set goals and be better prepared;
• Careers/Guidance: Continuation of our Successful pathways planning for Year 10 students, to ensure that a transition to Year 11 is smooth and seamless with selections and choices made that are in the best interest of the student. 

Further evidence of the preparation of our students, is the outstanding number of early entries that have been offered to our Year 12 students.  In some cases, some of our Year 12 students have received over 10 unconditional early entry offers into multiple universities.  This is a result of a focused education and meeting campaign to ensure students maximised the opportunities that were available to them.  It also highlights the reward for the preparation that our Year 12 students put into their Preliminary exams in Year 11 (from which the early entry offers are assessed). 

I urge our entire community to look out for each other, and on the back of ‘R U OK’ day, check in with our neighbours, our parents and most importantly our students and ask the question, ‘Are you OK?’. 

I am confident that we have been strategic in our approach to ensure our students are prepared and are ready, but if not, remember the wise words of Mother Teresa, whose feast day was on September 5^th. 

Yesterday is gone.

Tomorrow has not yet come.

We have only today.

Let us begin. 

Teacher Aide Appreciation

Two weeks ago, we celebrated and acknowledged all of our school officers who do so much for the operations of our school.  Along with their amazing support of our students, we are indebted to the continued passion that they bring to their roles.  I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank them on behalf of our entire school community for their continued dedication at La Salle Academy. 

2026 Student Leadership team

It is with great delight that I am able to announce our 2026 Student Leadership team. 

2026 School Captain:                      Archie Morris

2026 School Captain:                      Isabelle Youman

2026 School Vice Captain:            Zachary Fitzpatrick

2026 School Vice Captain:            Molly Lambert

2026 Mission Captain:                    Glen Okon

2026 Mission Captain:                    Abigail Long

This team was determined after an extensive selection process that included a student nomination, student speech, staff and student feedback and interview.  I am certain that this student leadership team will continue to provide our school with positive direction reflective of student voice as we look to move through the rest of 2025 and into 2026.  Congratulations to all students who nominated for a position in 2026 for making this such a tough decision. 

Over the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to reflect on our current captains journey and thank them for all their hard work. 

PD Days Term Three

Advanced notice that Term Three will not be starting until Wednesday 15^th October.  Our staff will be conducting two days of professional development focused on wellbeing and the introduction of the new NSW curriculum. 

God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

Assistant Principal

Year 11 Exams
Our Year 11 students commenced their End of Preliminary Exams today on Friday 12th September with English. For the remaining days of the exams, just a reminder that 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 last weeks of the course 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!
Subject Selection
Students in Year 8, 9 and 10 have recently gone through the process of selecting their electives for 2026. Mr Carpenter, the KLA Middle Leaders and I are currently going through each year groups selections and students will be notified before the end of term of the outcome of these subject selection choices. This is a lengthy process and needs careful consideration with a number of factors to be considered.

At our assembly yesterday we announced our leadership team for 2026.

Congratulations to the following students:

School Captains – Archie Morris and Isabelle Youman

Vice Captains – Zachary Fitzpatrick and Molly Lambert

Mission Captains – Glen Okon and Abigail Long

Have a great fortnight
Mrs Holgate

Religious Education Coordinator

As we move into Week 8 of Term 3, our school community has so much to celebrate and look forward to. This week reminds us of the gift of belonging to a vibrant Catholic community, one that nurtures leadership, faith formation, and spiritual growth, while also celebrating milestones and exciting opportunities for our students.

Welcoming our new Saints
It is with great joy that we join the global Church in celebrating the canonisation of two remarkable young people: Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati. 

Both lived lives of deep faith, courage, and service, showing us that holiness is not something distant but is possible in our everyday choices. 

Carlo, a modern teenager devoted to the Eucharist, and Pier Giorgio, a young man passionate about justice and helping the poor, continue to inspire young Catholics across the world.

Their example reminds us of a theme we recently shared with our Year 5 Taster Day visitors: Saints and Superheroes. Together, we discovered that Saints and Superheroes share similar qualities, courage, kindness, justice, and a deep desire to serve others. Just like Saints, we are all called to bring these values into our daily lives, making a difference in our families, school, parish, and beyond.

Year 12 Graduation Mass

On Thursday, 25th October, we warmly invite all students, families, and parish members to join us at St Patrick’s Church, Lithgow, at 5:00pm for our Year 12 Graduation Mass. This is a sacred and significant occasion, where we come together as one community to celebrate our graduating class of 2025.

It is important that we, as a communit,y gather in prayer and thanksgiving, not only to mark their achievements but also to ask God’s blessing as they step into their future. 

Attending this Mass is an act of community support, showing our Year 12s that they are surrounded by love, encouragement, and faith as they take their next steps.

RISE 2025 Youth Festival

Looking ahead, we are excited to share a wonderful opportunity for our students in Years 6–12 to take part in the RISE 2025 Youth Festival from Thursday, 2 October to Friday, 3 October 2025 at Ridgecrest Christian Education & Convention Centre, Mumbil.

• Years 6–9 are invited to attend as participants, enjoying two days of fun, games, music, workshops, and small group challenges, all while deepening their faith and friendships.
• Years 10–12 are encouraged to step into leadership roles as youth team members, guiding younger students and developing their own leadership and faith formation.
  
  Led by the Diocesan Youth Ministers, RISE is filled with energy, joy, and opportunities to encounter Jesus in a real and life-giving way. To register, please visit: RISE 2025 Registration Link.
  

May we continue to walk together in faith, inspired to live with courage, joy, and love.

With warm regards,
Mrs Wilsmore-Smith
Religious Education Coordinator

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Year 12 Masterclasses Overview
During Weeks 7 and 8, presenters from Connect Education visited La Salle Academy and provided specialised learning sessions and targeted support in key subject areas. These sessions  were delivered by high-performing, former HSC students (Band 6 achievement across multiple subjects)  and offered  in-depth explanations of syllabus content, exam structures, and high-level study strategies. The sessions were tailored to specifically focus on areas students find most challenging, offering practical approaches to problem-solving, effective revision, and exam preparation.

Overall, the masterclasses were hugely beneficial for our students because they not only reinforced classroom learning but also provided students with the opportunity to engage with the content in a different context. Students were given the opportunity to practise breaking down complex concepts and modelling responses to exam-style questions. The presenters then provided feedback in real time for students to apply to their responses. The positive responses from staff and students regarding these sessions indicate that it was a resounding success. Through gaining access to expert insights and tips our students have gained a deeper understanding of subject requirements. Based on the positive feedback given, this will no doubt become a regular event for Year 12 students at La Salle Academy.

Exam Preparation
Year 11 students will be embarking on their Preliminary Exams this week. These exams are designed to assess a student's understanding of the Year 11 curriculum, identify areas for improvement and provide practice for Year 12 exams. While the marks don't count towards an ATAR, they are used in applications for Early University Entry and do serve as a crucial benchmark for academic progress. They are also important for our students as they mimic the exam conditions of the Trial and HSC exams and enable our students to begin to develop effective study habits for the HSC.

With this in mind, here are some study tips to help support our students:

• Preparing for exams is most effective when students begin well in advance and use consistent study routines. 
• Breaking study sessions into manageable chunks, rather than cramming at the last minute, helps the brain to retain information more effectively. Creating a study timetable allows students to balance revision across different subjects, while also ensuring time for rest and recreation.
•  Using active study strategies such as summarising notes, practising past papers, creating flashcards, or teaching concepts to a peer strengthens understanding and builds confidence.

Equally important is looking after wellbeing in the lead-up to exams:

• Getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and taking regular breaks all help to keep the mind alert and focused. 
• Exercise or simple relaxation activities, like going for a walk or practising mindfulness, can also reduce stress and improve concentration. 

By combining strong study habits with healthy routines, students put themselves in the best position to approach their exams with calmness, confidence, and clarity.

Yours in learning, 
Mrs Devine

New Literacy Coach Introduction:

Hello everyone,

It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the new Literacy Coach at La Salle Academy for Term 3 and Term 4. Over the past three years, I have felt very welcomed as part of this school community, and I am excited to step into this role. I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of Melissa Devine and Alison Griffiths in this space, and I look forward to building on their efforts as we continue working towards our literacy goals through the Catholic Education Diocese Bathurst (CEDB) Literacy Coach initiative.

As a reminder, the Literacy Coach role exists because the CEDB has identified literacy as a key focus area. Strong literacy skills are essential for student success, both in achieving outcomes at school and in preparing for life beyond it. My role involves collaborating with our executive team, Key Learning Area (KLA) departments, and staff to develop strategies and practices that align with the CEDB’s objectives and strengthen literacy achievement across our school.

At La Salle Academy, we view literacy as a collective responsibility. While literacy looks different in each subject area, it is fundamental to success in all learning. Students will continue to engage with tools that help them break down complex questions, organise responses effectively, and use subject-specific vocabulary with confidence. Importantly, literacy development remains a whole-school focus, supporting students in every subject, not just English.

I feel honoured to take on this opportunity and to work with students, parents, and staff in building on this important initiative. Together, we will continue to strengthen literacy outcomes for our school and the wider community.

Warm regards,
Jenna Fletcher
Literacy Coach
HSIE Teacher

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

Our Year 7 students and families showed fantastic support at the recent Parent Information Night, with a great turnout that highlighted the strong connection between home and school. It was wonderful to see parents engaging with staff and showing such enthusiasm for the journey ahead in high school. As the term progresses, Year 7 students are also continuing to complete their assessment tasks across a range of subjects. This is an important stage in developing effective study habits and learning how to manage deadlines. We encourage students to stay organised, seek help from teachers when needed, and complete each task to the best of their ability, as these skills will set them up for success throughout their high school journey.

For Year 9, subject selections for 2026 have now been submitted. This is an exciting milestone as students begin to shape their senior pathways. This year, we were thrilled to see the introduction of several new Stage 5 electives, including Dance, Cosmetic Science, and Certificate II in Sport and Recreation. These subjects provide students with opportunities to explore creative interests, gain practical skills, and even begin nationally recognised qualifications. We encourage families to continue conversations at home about how these choices align with each student’s strengths, passions, and future goals.

Our Year 11 students are preparing for their exam block, which begins on Friday 12th September. This assessment period provides an important opportunity for them to consolidate their learning and practise exam strategies ahead of their HSC year. To support success, we encourage students to set up a clear study timetable, revise in manageable chunks, and use past papers to practise exam-style responses. Equally important is ensuring regular breaks, healthy meals, and adequate sleep to maintain focus and wellbeing during this time. We wish all Year 11 students the very best as they work towards their goals.

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

Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator Year 8,10 and 12

Welcome to week 8 - almost there!
The past two weeks have been busy in terms of mental health, wellbeing and finding joy in the everyday. At La Salle Academy, we recognise that supporting the mental health of our students is just as important as supporting their academic learning. As young people navigate school, friendships, family life and the many demands of growing up, their wellbeing can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our role as educators is to ensure every student knows that they are not alone and that help is always available.This term, we have been focusing on building resilience, self-care strategies, and creating a culture where it is safe to talk about mental health. There has been a focus on wellbeing and mental health, particularly with assessment time. We encourage parents and caregivers to continue these conversations at home, normalising the ups and downs of life and reminding students that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you notice changes in your child’s mood, friendships, or motivation, please reach out. Our wellbeing team, including counsellors and coordinators, is here to listen and guide students towards appropriate supports both within school and in the wider community. Together, we can ensure that every young person feels valued, supported, and capable of thriving.

Two more weeks to go!

Mrs Soliette Markovic
Pastoral/Wellbeing Coordinator for Year 8, 10 and 12

Library News

Book Week Recap 2025
Our Book Week celebrations have now concluded for 2025 and what a wonderful time we have had! A huge thank you to all of the students who participated in the events held in the library. Your energy and enthusiasm helped to make it a fabulous celebration. Thank you also to the staff who supported Book Week by contributing to our challenges and dressing in their fabulous costumes. Your efforts were greatly appreciated. All money raised from fundraising activities have gone to Reading Out Of Poverty to support disadvantaged communities to access quality reading resources.

We have now finalised our activity winners and are pleased to announce the following students have won a prize which will be awarded at the next school assembly. 

• Staff Shelfie Guessing Competition - Ashlee. C (Yr 12)

• Emoji Quiz - Music - Jasmine. D (Yr 11)

                      TV Shows- Jasmine D (Yr 11)

                      Books - Lila M. (Yr 8), Gwen L. (Yr 8), Glen O. (Yr 11)

                      Horror Movies - Vyan D. (Yr 8), Gwen L. (Yr 8), Lila M. (Yr 8)

Book Week Costumes

• Individual -  A Bad Case of the Stripes - Charlotte. B. (Yr 7)  
• Group -  Super Mario - Savannah, G., Alicia, T., Emma, D., Leah, H. and Alexis. R (Yr 11)

• Highly Commended - Charles Dickens Characters - Patrick. M. and Zuri, S. (Yr 8/10)

• People’s Choice - Individual -  Vyan. D. (Yr 8)

• People’s Choice - Group -  Banana Boys - Riley. J., Dom. D., Logan. M. and Anthony. C  (Yr 11)      

Premier’s Reading Challenge Update
We now have less than two weeks to go until the Premier’s Reading Challenge concludes for 2025. For all of our students who are currently participating in the challenge, it is important that you upload your completed texts to your reading log before Friday 19th September, as this is the closing date for the challenge. If there are any questions about maintaining reading logs or accessing the site, please come to the library for assistance. 

New Books

When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven

Eight students from the prestigious Brighton and Hove College are selected to take part in a January writing workshop with the famous alumni, author, and movie director Meredith Graffam. And one winner will take away a life changing prize...

We follow the experience through the eyes of Effy and Arlo. These two have a history, but after making out two years ago Arlo disappeared and was never heard of again - until now.

This is a gripping murder mystery that will be loved by readers. With issues of trust, forgiveness, grief, control, and the need to be seen and succeed, it will be best suited to readers aged 15 and older.

Maisy Hayes is Not For Sale by Allayne L. Webster

Maisy Hayes is doing it tough. There's never enough money, even for the simple things like having a decent breakfast. Her friends have given up inviting her out. And then there's her sister's serious illness, her overwhelmed mum, and her latch-key kid brother. It's a lot. Maisy never hears from her dad-not now that he's got a fancy life in a different city with his new wife and kids. Why would he care?

Maisy's angry. She feels ripped off. And she's a first-class expert at hiding it-at making excuses, at covering her shame, pretending it doesn't exist. But pretending will only get you so far.

This is a wonderful book with terrific characters, and so many current day issues, with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, poverty and hardship being at the forefront. Allayne L. Webster is a wonderful author who always gets to the heart of her subjects so well.

Happy Reading, 
Mrs Devine

Youth Minister

La Salle Vinnies Winter Sleep Out 

This year our school took part in the Vinnies Winter Sleepout – and what a night it was!

We came together to learn more about homelessness and experience (just for one night) what it’s like to give up the comfort of our own beds. A special guest speaker from B.U.S.S. joined us to share how she helps support people who are experiencing homelessness. Her story really inspired us to think about how we can all make a difference.

The night wasn’t only about reflection – we also had plenty of fun! From Minute to Win It challenges to a trivia competition, there were lots of laughs and teamwork along the way. Then, for those who stayed overnight, it was a chilly but fantastic experience sleeping out together under the stars.

Most importantly, the Sleepout reminded us that while we were just doing it for one night, many people face homelessness every day. Through our efforts, we were able to raise awareness and funds to support the amazing work that Vinnies do in helping those in need.

It was a night full of learning, fun, friendship, and compassion – an experience we won’t forget! 

Kind Regards
Harry Pottinger
Youth Minister 2025

Finance

SCHOOL FEES FOR 2025

Now is a good time to look over your account balance and work out the weekly instalments to finalise your account by December 12th. For those who need to discuss your account, please call the office and ask for myself.

Account Statements were issued on Monday the 4th of August via email. The final instalment was due Friday 15th August for those paying by instalments.

If you have a Payment Plan, please make sure your payments clear the account by Friday, December 12th. I strongly encourage those who have not yet set up a Payment Plan to do so, as there are only 14 weeks left in the payment plan timeline and time is quickly passing.

Again, for anyone who may be experiencing difficulty or needing to have a discussion regarding account payments, I do encourage you to reach out so we can discuss options that may be available.

Your account is also accessible 24 hours via Compass to make payments. 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 at all, 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 are 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 at
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.

Thank you.

Kind regards,
Narelle Lee
Office Manager

Activities at Headspace

Catholic Faith handbook for 2026

CCSP have recently updated the Our Catholic Faith handbook for 2026 – it’s a very popular guide to Catholicism because it’s easy to read. Resources and Links for Families: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/faith-formation

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.

CEBD Community Charter

Announcement

School Holidays Programs at PCYC

Linc Information

Centacare programs

NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy | Have Your Say

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.