Delagram 4th July 2025

From the Principal

As we entered the last week of Term Two, a note within my own diary alerted me to the fact that we were at the halfway point of the year.  As of Wednesday 2^nd July, we were in our 183^rd day of the year, with 182 days left in the year.  Upon reflection, the midyear point does not generate the same emotions, planning and goal setting as the start of the year always seems to do.  Yet, in a school sense, the advent of the Semester holidays provides us an opportunity to harness the power of hope once again, a message so poignant in 2025, as this is the jubilee year within the Catholic church, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. 

As we conclude our Semester, it is timely that we take time to reflect and review on the optimism and hope that we started the new year with.  Asking positive, purposeful and constructive questions like:

• What successes did I achieve so far this year?
• What challenges did I overcome this year?
• What goals have I set for myself that I am yet to achieve?
• Do I need to re-align my goals?
• How can I ensure that I am successful in achieving my goals?

The end of the Semester should allow us an opportunity of reflection.  It is through this reflection, that we will have a renewal of hope for what remains for the rest of the year.  Like any goal setting exercise, we should have short term (micro) goals that are achievable and measurable.  Now is the time to measure our journey, celebrate our successes and re-align our thinking to maximise our outcomes for the remainder of 2025. 

This is poignant for all students, but particularly our Stage 6 students.  As we look forward into Term Three, our Year 12 students will be starting their HSC trials in Week Three, and our Year 11 students will be completing their Preliminary Exams in Week 8.  These senior students are much better positioned now during our Semester break to know how they have been going, whether they are meeting their expectations from the start of the year, and what targets or goals they would like to set themselves from these examination periods.  It is important to note however, that once goals are set, work needs to be done towards achieving them.  Hence, I would encourage our Senior students to knuckle down this break, reflect, plan, prepare and work hard so that they can achieve results that we know they are capable of getting. 

I would like to thank our staff and students for this wonderful Semester in 2025.  As a school we continue to work hard to challenge our students, walk alongside them as they continue to grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.  I appreciate and recognise the work that our staff do within the classroom but also outside our academic spaces by providing a wealth of co curricular opportunities that engage our community.  To our parents/guardians, thank you for your continued support and cooperation in working alongside us to ensure the growth of our whole community. 

Enjoy your break. 

God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

Assistant Principal

Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews 
Congratulations to all our students for the achievements of Term 2. Parents and students can now access their Semester 1 Reports which are available on Compass. Managing time effectively and meeting subject deadlines on a range of tasks can be a great challenge for many of our students. For some, the reports show many examples of success, perseverance, and growth and for others the report is an opportunity for some careful reflection. If we are not happy with our results and grades, then what do we need to do differently and how we can use the support of our teachers to achieve new goals? We encourage you to have a conversation with your children about their mid-year report and help direct them to discussions and steps that can bring greater success for the semester ahead. A reminder that if you are accessing Compass on your phone via the app, you will need to click the‘view on web browser’ link. From here simply navigate to your child’s report for Semester 1 Report, 2025. 
We are looking forward to welcoming parents and carers to our Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews which will be held for students from Years 8-10 on Tuesday, August 5th from 3:30pm - 5:30pm and Tuesday August 12th from 3:30pm - 5:30pm Bookings can be made on Compass. Parents will be given the an opportunity to book with staff, from week 2 of the holidays. If you are having any difficulties, please contact the office when school returns and we can provide some assistance. 
Timetable changes for Term 3
Some students will note a few adjustments to timetables when they return for Term 3. These changes have been made to accommodate Miss Hogan going on maternity leave and the continuing maternity leave of Ms Plumb. The new timetable will be released on the first day of school for teachers which is, MondayJuly 21st July. Students will return on Tuesday July 22nd . When making Parent Teacher bookings we encourage you to book with the staff member who wrote the report as they will have the best insight into your son/daughter’s learning thus far. Where the teacher has left the school, no teacher interview will be available.
Work Experience & Work Placement
Year 10 have just completed Work Experience and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the employers who have hosted our students for the last two weeks. We greatly appreciate your generosity. Well done also to our students who participated fully in a wide range of industries from Hospitality, Defence Force, Hairdressing, Plumbing, Construction and Primary Industries to name a few. We look forward to hearing about your experiences in Term 3.
Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations
The beginning of Term 3 will see our Year 12 students preparing for their Trial HSC Exams which commence on Monday of Week 3 (4th August). Students have been emailed their own individual timetable and although students do not attend formal classes during this examperiod when they don’t have exams, students still have access to the school library for study and exam preparation. It is important to be at school on time during the first 2 weeks of term to ensure that students are fully prepared for these exams.In closing, I would like to wish everyone a safe holiday and we look forward to seeing students back in class in Term 3 on Tuesday 22nd July.

Have a great fortnight
Mrs Holgate

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Holiday Study Opportunities for Stage 6 Students
The winter holiday break is almost upon us and for our Stage 6 students this brings mixed feelings. While they will enjoy the time to recharge away from school, they also understand that it is not really a ‘holiday’ for them as they must continue to develop and refine their knowledge and skills in preparation for the examinations they will face when they return to school in Term 3. 

For  Year 12 students, the Trial HSC Examinations will take place in Weeks 3-5. Students have been issued with their Trial HSC timetable and should use it to coordinate their study to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for all examinations. Many universities and libraries  are offering Year 12 students access to free webinars and study days to support them as they prepare for these exams as well as the HSC. I encourage students to explore these options to help support their independent study over the holidays. 

Year 11 students will have their Preliminary Examinations in Week 8 of Term 3. These exams assess a student's understanding of the course content covered in Year 11 and provide valuable feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. Preliminary exams are a crucial part of the overall HSC journey, helping students gauge their readiness for the more demanding HSC assessments. 

To support Year 11 students, the Australian Catholic University (ACU) is inviting students to a free Online National Study Skills Webinar during the upcoming school holidays.

Held on July 14 on Zoom from 10-11.30am and led by Dr Luke Rowe, Education Academic at ACU, this dynamic 75-minute session is designed to help students strengthen their study habits and learning strategies as they prepare for their final years of school.

 Webinar topics:

• Finding Your Motivation – Discover your ‘why’ and what drives your success.
• Creating a Positive Learning Environment – Set up for effective study.
• Overcoming Distractions & Procrastination – Stay focused and on track.
• Goal Setting – Define your goals and map out how to achieve them.
• Understanding Feedback – Use feedback as a tool for growth.
• The RIDE Principle – Dr Rowe’s four-pillar framework for mastering learning.
• AI and Learning – Learn how to use AI to support, not replace, your studies.

 Places are limited and filling fast, so if you are interested in attending this webinar, go to the link below.

Students can register now via [LINK.]

🎓 Holiday Study Tips for Year 11 & 12 Students

✅ 1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

• Break your subjects into small, focused goals (e.g. revise one topic per day).
  
  
• Use a planner or checklist to track progress—this builds momentum and confidence.
  
  📅 2. Create a Flexible Study Routine
  

• Set a light, realistic timetable with room for breaks and relaxation.
  
  
• Aim for short, focused study blocks (e.g. 45 minutes + 15-minute break).
  
  🧠 3. Mix It Up
  

• Use a variety of study methods: mind maps, past papers, flashcards, videos, or group study.
  
  
• Try active recall and spaced repetition for stronger memory retention.
   
  🗂️ 4. Focus on What Matters Most
  

• Prioritise difficult subjects or areas you didn’t understand well during the term.
  
  
• Use teacher feedback or examiners' reports to guide your revision.
  
  📚 5. Use the Holidays to Get Ahead
  

• Read ahead or preview content to boost your confidence going into the new term.
  
  😌 6. Don’t Neglect Your Wellbeing

• Get enough sleep, eat well, and stay active.
  
  
• Schedule time to relax and enjoy your break—balance is key to sustainable study.
  
  🤝 7. Reach Out for Help
  
• If you're stuck, email a teacher or study with a friend online or in person.
  
  
• Use trusted study platforms like Atomi to support you.

Yours in learning, 
Mrs Devine

Mission Captain

Happy Friday, Everyone!!

As we come to the end of Term 2, I would like to thank the students, teachers, and parents/caregivers for your continued support, hard work, and dedication throughout the past months. 

Next term, we have so much going on. 

These are some of the upcoming events:

• Mary MacKillop Feast Day Liturgy
• Assumption of Mary Mass with St Patrick’s Primary School at St Patrick’s Church
• Year 5 Leadership Retreat Day
• Year 4 Unity Retreat Day
• Rise for our Year 9/10 CSYMI students
• Winter Appeal sleepout
• Year 12 Graduation Mass

I hope you all enjoy a well-deserved break over the upcoming holidays. Stay safe, stay warm, and take time to rest and recharge for Term 3 to commence. Wishing you all an amazing, relaxing two-week holiday!  

Have a great holiday all! 

From your Mission Captain, Amira Kathir

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

As we reach the end of Term 2, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect on the incredible growth and engagement we’ve seen across Years 7, 9 and 11. The energy and effort students have brought to wellbeing initiatives has been truly inspiring, and I encourage all families to use the upcoming school holidays as a chance to rest, reset and reconnect. A restful break—free from screens where possible, with plenty of sleep, movement and family time—will go a long way in supporting students’ mental and emotional health as they prepare for Term 3.

In Year 7, students have continued working through The Resilience Project, focusing this week on “mood changers.” Music has been a central theme—students explored how different sounds can shift our mood and support wellbeing. It’s been fantastic to hear students sharing songs that lift them up or calm them down.

Looking ahead to Term 3, our Year 7 students will be entering their second semester of high school—a significant milestone. With one semester of experience behind them, they are now well-positioned to build on the routines and skills they’ve been developing. We will continue to focus on strong attendance, active engagement in learning, and embracing the many curricular and co-curricular opportunities available to them. This next phase is about building confidence, fostering curiosity and continuing to form strong connections with peers and teachers.

Year 9 students have been diving into the complexities of digital communication in their resilience project lessons. Through interactive activities, they’ve explored how tone, emojis and message timing can be interpreted in a variety of ways—both positive and negative. These conversations are critical in helping students build respectful, thoughtful online habits.

Looking ahead to Term 3, we’re excited for Year 9 Camp in Week 2, where students will take part in the Urban Challenge—a two-day, team-based adventure in Sydney. This is an important opportunity for building independence, teamwork and leadership.

Year 11 have been focusing on acts of kindness. Whether writing gratitude letters to those who’ve supported them, or creating kindness-themed rap songs, students have shown a strong sense of empathy and creativity. These positive actions not only benefit others, but also reinforce a strong sense of self-worth and connection.

Looking ahead to Term 3, it’s an important time for our Year 11 students as they enter the final term of their Preliminary courses. While holidays are a valuable time to rest and recharge, they also present a good opportunity to begin revising and preparing for the end-of-course examinations scheduled for the end of Term 3. Establishing a realistic and balanced study routine during the break will help ease the pressure and support academic success in the months ahead.

Wishing all families a safe and relaxing break. We look forward to an energised and purposeful Term 3.

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

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

As we wrap up another busy term, it’s time to celebrate all our hard work and look forward to the holidays. You all deserve a big round of applause! It has been a very busy term, with many students becoming involved in several aspects of school life. As we near the end of term two, it's crucial to take a moment to reflect on the goals our students set for the year ahead. Evaluation is an essential part of our educational journey, allowing us to assess our progress, celebrate successes, and identify areas for improvement. As teachers, parents and students, we all play a role in this process. I encourage all families to sit down this week and reflect on the academic, personal, and social developments over the past school term:
● What subjects did you find most challenging this term, and why?
● Which subjects did you excel in, and what do you think contributed to your success?
● What was the most memorable thing you learned this term, and why?
● What did my attendance look like this past term? What steps can I take to improve this?
● What are you proud of accomplishing outside of academics this term?
● Did you make any new friends or strengthen existing friendships this term? How did
these relationships impact your experience at school this term?
● What goals would you like to set for yourself academically, personally, or socially for term 3? How can I support you in achieving these goals?
By asking these reflective questions, parents can foster open communication with their children, gain insights into their experiences, and provide support in the areas their children are finding more challenging.
I wish everyone a restful break and look forward to hearing about these reflections in term 3.

Mrs Markovic
Coordinator Years 8, 10 and 12

Library News

Book Week 2025
The national, annual celebration of Australian children’s literature is just around the corner. The theme for 2025 is "Book an Adventure!", inviting students to embark on imaginative journeys through reading. So from the 19th- 22nd August, we will be celebrating by running a range of book-related activities in the library with prizes on offer. More information will be shared early next term. This year  also marks the 80th anniversary of CBCA Book Week, and special celebrations are planned nationwide. This event run by the Children’s Book Council Awards aims to honour the authors and illustrators of Australian children’s literature whilst also enriching young lives through the transformational power of stories. We look forward to celebrating this special week with the students and staff of La Salle next term.

Lithgow Library Book Week Competition
To celebrate Book Week, Lithgow Library has launched an exciting competition for high school students. The high school competition this year is based on a book week finalist “To and Fro” Written by Anton Clifford- Motpoi. The task is to create and design your own Identity Rap! Base it around your identity and share who you are. Participants are given full creative range to present the rap the best way they see fit.

The due date for entries is Friday 1st August. Schools will be notified of the winners and prizes will be issued at the Lithgow Library presentation on Friday 22nd August at 3.30pm. 

For any additional information, please contact Gemma Pillans (Youth Officer) on 6352 9100 or via email: gemma.pillans@lithgow.nsw.gov.au

Holiday Reading
Students are encouraged to maintain the good reading habits they established throughout Semester 1. This will help them to continue to develop their vocabulary, comprehension and understanding of the craft of writing and ensure they are ready to transition into Semester 2 work. Additionally, it is in maintaining consistent reading habits that enables our students to also enhance their mental health and wellbeing. Australia Reads is an organisation aimed at ‘getting more people to read more often.’ They conduct a wide range of research on reading habits and their benefits and have found:

… that people who read regularly report higher self-esteem, are less lonely, and are more likely to empathise with others. Reading also slows the heart rate, reduces stress and can even extend our lives.

For more statistics and information go to the Australian Reads website https://australiareads.org.au/

📖 Holiday Reading Tips for High School Students

✅ 1. Read What You Enjoy

• Choose books that match your interests—mystery, fantasy, romance, nonfiction, or graphic novels.
• Reading for pleasure builds stronger reading habits and boosts comprehension naturally.

📚 2. Set a Simple Goal

• Aim to read for 10–20 minutes a day or finish one or two books over the holidays.
• Use a checklist, app, or journal to track your reading progress.
  
• 🔄 3. Mix It Up
  

• Try different types of texts: novels, short stories, articles, podcasts with transcripts, or even plays.
• Explore new genres or authors
  
  🧠 4. Think While You Read
  

• Ask questions as you read: What’s the message? How does the character feel? Why did that happen?
• Jot down interesting words, quotes, or questions in a notebook or phone note.
  
  
• 👥 5. Share Your Reading
  

• Talk about what you’re reading with friends, family, or a reading group.
• Recommend a book to someone—or swap books to keep things fresh.
  
  💻 6. Use Digital Tools
  

• Use eBooks or audiobooks if you prefer digital formats. You can access these via the SORA app. 

Happy Reading, 
Mrs Devine

Rugby League is back at La Salle

Earlier this term, La Salle Academy proudly to send two teams to compete at the NRL Small Secondary Schools Gala in Dubbo. The event brought together schools from as far as Condobolin and Nyngan, in a celebration of rugby league and sportsmanship.

After a slow start, the Under 14s began their campaign with a dominant 18–4 win over Nyngan, putting on an impressive display of attacking footy and disciplined defence. They then faced tough matchups against Narromine and Gilgandra—two of the strongest teams in the draw—with Gilgandra ultimately going on to win the age group.

The Opens team had a nail-biting start to the day, narrowly losing their first match to Condobolin on the final play. However, they bounced back with confidence and composure to defeat Narromine 20–12 in their final game, finishing the day on a high note.

Among the many positive stories from the day was the contribution of Kooper Handley, who, despite being sidelined due to injury leading up the the event, remained committed to the squad and played a vital role in assisting staff and supporting his teammates. An admirable display of character and commitment.

Both Mr Makejev and Mr Devine, who coached these teams, were full of praise for the boys’ efforts. “We were highly impressed with the level of skill and sportsmanship shown, particularly from those new to the sport,” said Mr Devine. “The boys conducted themselves with maturity and pride, and it was fantastic to see them enjoying their time on the field.”

La Salle Academy extends a sincere thank you to the NRL Central West Game Development Officers for organising the friendly and energetic event, as well as all the participating schools for the healthy and respectful competition.

Atomi

Introduction to Atomi:   
Welcome to Atomi—your child’s trusted learning companion for high school. High school is full of milestones, whether your child is stepping into Year 7 or preparing for their senior exams. It’s also a shared journey for families as you support your child through growing responsibilities and new challenges.
Atomi works alongside schools and families to simplify study and empower students. With engaging video lessons, interactive quizzes, and personalised tools, Atomi helps your child build confidence, stay organised, and succeed.Partnering with families makes high school a smoother, more rewarding experience for students and parents alike. Ifn you have any additional questions .
Reach out to support if you have any questions - https://support.getatomi.com/en/

Winter Health campaign NSW Health

NSW Health Department Information:

Health direct campaign resources found at the link below:
  https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/pages/healthdirect-toolkit.aspx

NSW Health is pleased to share with you the new call health direct Campaign toolkit. The campaign aims to promote the health direct number as the first step to access health advice, care and treatment for non-life threatening conditions.
When you call health direct, you’ll speak to a registered nurse who will help you get the care you need. They can find you a nearby doctor, pharmacist, urgent care service, or even connect you to specialist virtual care. We’re encouraging people to save this number, 1800 022 222, for free, easy access to health advice and care whenever they need it.

The key links are:

● For more information about health direct:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/healthdirect.aspx

● Campaign launch Ministerial media release:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250521_01.aspx

Thank you for your support to help protect the NSW community.

 Vaccination education campaign:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/vaccination-resources.aspx

NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Vaccination Campaign toolkit. This campaign aims to raise awareness, support and encourage proactive information-seeking so individuals can make informed decisions about immunisation. These materials are evergreen and can be used throughout winter and beyond.

The key links are:
• For more information about vaccinations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo

• Translated information about vaccinations:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo#translations

Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.
2025 Influenza Vaccination campaign –

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/resources.aspx

NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Influenza Vaccination Campaign toolkit.
This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccination during winter, to help increase uptake of the flu vaccine among all of population in NSW, particularly at-risk audiences. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and offers the best protection from getting really sick.

The key links are:
• Book a flu vaccine: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine
• For more information about influenza: www.health.nsw.gov.au/flu
• For more information about respiratory illness: www.health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory

Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.

2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) campaign – 

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/heal/Pages/winter-toolkit.aspx

NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL)
Campaign toolkit. This campaign, which runs until the end of winter, includes budget-friendly and accessible ways for families to:

Eat healthily – tips to eat healthily and drink water, including free low-cost winter recipes and lunchbox ideas
Get active – ideas and tips to help you stay active during winter such as at-home exercises or connecting with nature
Support – free programs to help you and your family keep up healthy habits.

The key links are:
● NSW Healthy Eating Active Living website: Healthy Eating Active Living - Getting healthy starts with small steps
https://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/

Finance

SCHOOL FEES FOR 2025

It is hard to believe we have reached the halfway point in the school year, but at the same time I'm sure we are all welcoming the holiday break. Thank you to all those who have set up/organised a payment plan for this year's school fees. Term 2 School Fees are now overdue (unless you are set-up with a Payment Plan). If you have a Payment Plan, please make sure your payments will have the fees cleared by December. I strongly encourage those who have not yet set up a Payment Plan to do so, as there are only 22 weeks left in the payment plan timeline. 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 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.

Thank you and stay warm in this Winter season.

Kind regards,
Narelle Lee
Office Manager

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.

Mrs Kath Staines
Attendance Wellbeing Officer

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

School Holiday Activities

NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy | Have Your Say

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.