Delagram 11th November 2024

From the Principal

This week, we reach the half way point in Term Four and I know many of our staff, students and families are already counting down to Christmas.  However, it is poignant to remember that the culmination of our students’ academic journey will occur in the next four weeks with block exams organised for students from Years 7 – 10.  We have purposefully organised blocks exams to familiarise our students with what they can expect in different testing environments that they may experience like NAPLAN and the HSC.  It is important therefore that we protect this time, respect the process and learn from the experience whilst applying all that we have learned throughout our coursework in 2024. 

With this in mind, it is disappointing to receive a considerable number of applications for family holidays not only in and around this time, but throughout the year.  Education needs to be valued and an understanding of the disruption to a child’s progress in class, the missed academic work and pressure and anxiety placed on them when they have to either catch up, or take assessments immediately upon their return must be considered when planning such holidays.  Whilst there is much to learn from travel and cultural immersion experiences, holidays that are orientated around cruise ships and beaches do not assist in the educational value for students during term time.  I would ask all families to carefully consider their holiday times and if it is necessary to depart during a school term, negotiate with the school prior to making any plans. 

Whilst I make these comments, most of our community will be aware that I was absent myself for the first three weeks of the term.  However, structures were put in place to ensure continuity in the school operations and make sure that no classes would be impacted by my absence.  The school did not miss a beat under the leadership of our Acting Principal Mrs Jennifer Holgate.  I thank Mrs Holgate and the entire La Salle Academy staff for allowing me to the time to return home and visit my 94-year-old grandmother and two beautiful 5-month-old identical twin nieces.  I was able to maintain contact with the school through the continuous stream of facebook posts highlighting the incredible activities that our staff and students got up to. 

In the last week, I was reminded of a number of key messages that we need to be promoting not only in our school, but across our community.  These were all realised from the different activities that were conducted throughout Week Four:

Role of Men in Society:  This week, we took our Year 9 boys on a camp to KCC Katoomba.  One of the reasons for separating our boys and girls on camp was to give them time to reflect on their roles, their actions and their responsibilities in how they speak to each other, how they respect others and how they treat women. 

Ambition:  With the same groups of students, we were fortunate to visit South Sydney Rabbitohs where we engaged in a session about ambition.  What did we want to achieve, and how we could get there?  This challenged a number of the boys and they were asked to set themselves goals to ensure that they have the chance to realise their dreams. 

Confidence and Strength in our Young Women:  Our Year 9 Girls also attended a camp at KCC Katoomba.  This was a wonderful opportunity for our young ladies to develop their relationships within their peer group and engage in activities that they might otherwise have done at school.  One highlight was the Self Defence lesson where they learned how to avoid conflict initially, but then how to protect themselves in the event of an attack. 

Student Voice and Student Agency:  On Thursday, our Senior leaders travelled to the GRIP Student leadership conference in Sydney.  At this conference they mixed with other student leaders from other schools and engaged in purposeful discussion about how they can influence positive change within the student group and across the school. 

Success and Achievement:  We said farewell to our Year 12 students last Thursday night at their formal.  As I suggested to them, the final time they needed to take instruction from me.  Everyone was dressed beautifully, the weather held off for the community to witness their arrival and it was a nice evening to finalise all the formalities for the end of Year 12.  As I suggested to this cohort, some of them would have encountered different struggles on their journey, times when they felt down, times when they may have doubted they would finish school – but they did it!  They succeeded in getting to the end, sitting their HSC and reaching the final day.  It was a celebration for them, they have achieved something very significant, and it was a joy to be part of it.  I wish every Year 12 graduate every success as they embark on their new journey.

I wish our Year 10 students every success as they start their exams today.  I also urge our Year 7-9 students to avail of every opportunity they have with their teachers over the coming weeks to ensure they are as prepared as they can be for their respective exams. 

Finally, as this Delagram will be released on Remembrance Day, I would like to acknowledge of the present and past servicemen and women and particularly reflect on those who lost their lives or suffered injuries in acts of war.  We also remember their families and loved ones who have sacrificed so much to ensure that we can live our lives in peace with democracy and freedoms that we experience today.  Lest we forget!

God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

Assistant Principal

Wearing Correct Uniform
As we have been focused on all year…our school uniform serves as a symbol of unity and pride. It represents our commitment to a shared sense of belonging and respect for our institution. 
We have noticed some instances of students not adhering to the uniform policy. It is essential for our students to understand that wearing the correct uniform is not optional; it is a requirement. Students who consistently wear incorrect uniform will be attending a uniform detention.
Communication with Staff
We kindly remind everyone that all school-related communication should go through official school channels rather than personal social media accounts of our staff members. This approach ensures that all communication is professional, secure, and in line with school policy.
For any questions, updates, or concerns, please contact staff through the following methods:
 School Email: All staff members are accessible via their school email addresses.
 Phone: Call the school office during school hours, and we will ensure your message
reaches the right person.
 Compass: Please email the designated staff member through Compass.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for our staff and
community. If you have any questions about our communication policy, please feel free to
reach out.
Attendance - Especially During the Exam Period
Good attendance is crucial for academic success. And we all want to see our students gain
this success! As we approach the exam period, it is even more critical for students to be
present at school regularly. Everyday counts, and consistent attendance ensures that students
have the opportunity to engage with the curriculum, ask questions, and seek help when
needed. We understand that there may be circumstances that require a student to be absent,
and in such cases, please notify the school as early as possible. We ask for your cooperation
in emphasising the importance of regular attendance, especially during the exam period. 
Junior Exams Coming Up in Weeks 5 - 8
For our junior students in Years 7-10, exams are just around the corner, scheduled to take
place in Weeks 5 - 8 of this term. Year 10 will be completing their exams in Week 5
following by Year 9 in Week 6, Year 8 in Week 7 and Year 7 in Week 8. Notifications have
been sent to Year 9 and 10 students and Year 7 and 8 will be sent out closer to the exam
period.

Parents will be sent a copy of the exam timetable in the week before the exam period commences.

Please note that exams are conducted in most subjects and are assessment tasks that form part
of a student’s final result for their report. For Year 10 students, the exam will for part of the
final grade for their RoSA, so it is important that students attend all exams. The normal
protocols are to be followed if a student does not attend i.e a Show Cause Form will need to
be completed for each exam missed and an alternate task arranged.

HSC Exams

All HSC exams are now complete for 2024!  Congratulations to our graduating  class of 2024.

HSC results will be released mid December.Special thanks goes to all of the HSC exam supervisors who did a wonderful job supporting our students throughout the exam period.

 Our Year 12 students also celebrated their  Formal last  Thursday night at The Black and Gold Cabins in Wallerawang to finish off their final school commitments. We wish the students success in their future endeavors as young adults.

Have a great two weeks!
Mrs Jenny Holgate
Assistant Principal

From the Religious Education Coordinator

 As we enter the season of Advent in just over 3 weeks, we are reminded of the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, “For it is in giving that we receive.” This beautiful season invites us to prepare our hearts for Christmas by embracing generosity, kindness, and gratitude. At La Salle, the spirit of giving and community shines in all we do, and this past term has been a wonderful testament to that spirit.

We congratulate our 30 Year 9 and 10 students for their dedication and success in the CSYMI program. Over the last two terms, these students have exemplified leadership and compassion through the planning and running of our Year 4-6 retreat days. Each retreat day was filled with meaningful discussions and activities, making a lasting impact on both the younger students and our Year 9 and 10 leaders. Well done to the following students for completing the CSYMI program with such commitment and enthusiasm!

Year 9 CSYMI Students
Rebecca Martignago, Deborah Hague, Emily Commins, Claire Taylor, Charlotte Joyce, Connor Bryne, Natalie Swan, Lauren Takle, Ava Millar, Macy Hutchison, Roger Lord, Jasmin Cole, Addisen Welsh, Kaedynce Boyd, Lucia De Losa and Lily Wallace. 

Year 10 CSYMI Students
Glen Okon, Lachlan Cole, Isabella Faunce, Layla Roberts, Savannah Green, Fletcher Imoey, Emma Durnford, Alicia Turner, Caitlan Swart, Lorissa Collins, Isabelle Youman and Molly Lambert. 

I would personally like to congratulate our Year 11 students on their incredible participation in this year’s retreat. The three-day experience was a fantastic bonding opportunity, filled with laughter, reflection, and plenty of memorable moments. Our thanks to Lasallian Mission for guiding us on Day 2 and to Ms. Hogan, Ms. Della Bosca, and Mr. Pottinger for supervising and leading activities. Among the countless stories that emerged, the 900 steps to Scenic World was for me the most memorable (and exhausting!) adventure, as was the evening talent show, which had everyone laughing and cheering. Thank you to everyone involved for making this retreat a wonderful experience.

Our student Sacramental Program is reaching its final stage, with the last theory session scheduled for Week 6 this term. Special thanks to Father Reynold, Mrs. Tse and Imogen Della Bosca for their time and dedication in supporting this new program, which has been such a meaningful addition to our students’ faith journeys.

A reminder to our Year 7 families that the Diocese Religious Education test will take place in Week 7. This assessment provides valuable insight into our students’ understanding and growth in their faith.

Finally, we invite everyone to join us for our end-of-year Closing Mass on December 13th at St. Patrick’s Church. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the year together as a community. We look forward to welcoming students, families, staff and special guests as we close this blessed year in gratitude and anticipation for what’s to come.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in fostering a community of faith and compassion.

Mrs Wilsmore-Smith
Religious Education Coordinator

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Youth Minister

iRISE
Next Friday our 2025 leaders will be travelling to Wellington to participate in iRise Leaders Formation Day along with the other Catholic schools within our Diocese. iRise provides an opportunity to empower Senior Student Leaders giving them the opportunity to share and learn about being a leader in a Catholic School. I know that our group of School leaders here at La Salle will represent the school with pride and will hopefully gain a lot out of the day. 

La Salle Academy Toy Drive
Over the next few weeks we will be starting to get into the Christmas spirit of giving and helping others, by collecting donations of toys for our St Vincent de Paul Toy drive. All the toys we collect will be donated to Vinnies and given to those families who are more disadvantaged than ourselves. We will also be asking for food donations to create food hampers for struggling families within our community as well. Every little bit counts and any donation, big or small, can make a huge difference to a family this Christmas. 

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” – Howard Zinn

https://youthnsw.vinnies.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/XMAS2024_SCHOOLS_HowToGive-1.pdf

Imogen Della Bosca
La Salle Youth Minister

2024/2025 Mission Leaders of La Salle Academy

Hi all! 

In week three our Year 11 cohort went on a three-day retreat to KCC. 

We embarked on many adventures such as climbing the golden stairway which was 900 steps at Scenic World. The KCC retreat was a spiritual journey that brought our cohort closer together through many activities like warm fuzzies which involved writing kind letters to our peers and the amazing Talent Show on Tuesday night. Each day we engaged in numerous activities that deepened our spiritual and personal connections with God and one another. Big thanks to Mrs Wilsmore-Smith for presenting us with this brilliant opportunity. 

Activities/events coming up this term:

• Christmas Carols
• Closing Mass
• St Vinnies/Thrive Toy Drive
• Christmas Hamper Drives
• Christmas Colouring in competition

Have a great fortnight. 

Amira Kathir and Ally Crane

Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator's

Years 7-10 Exams
As exams approach, it's essential to prioritise your wellbeing alongside your study efforts. One way to stay on track is by utilising the study schedule provided during this week’s pastoral care lesson. This schedule is designed to help you break down your revision into manageable chunks, balancing study with regular breaks to keep your mind fresh, whilst also maintaining regular after school commitments. Getting plenty of sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated are key to ensuring your body and mind perform their best. 

Year 11
Our year 11 cohort are almost at the halfway mark of their first term of their HSC studies. Students should be starting to think about creating study notes for each of their subjects, which will help with both retention and recall of subject content, and with trial and HSC exam preparation. Effective studying starts with understanding exactly what you need to learn. One of the best ways to do this is by reviewing the syllabus for each subject, which outlines the key content and skills you'll be assessed on. These can all be located on the NESA website. Use active study techniques like summarising notes, creating mind maps, or testing yourself with practice questions to reinforce your understanding. Creating these habits now will ensure you perform at your best over the next twelve months.

Year 9 Wellbeing Camp
Massive thank you to Miss De Losa, Miss Hogan and Mr Carpenter who, along with myself, attended the Year 9 camp at Katoomba this week. We had a separate program for boys and girls, while coming together as a group on Tuesday engaging in “mission survivor” which required teams to navigate four group based challenges. 

The girls participated in a self-defense course led by Stay Safe Australia, learning essential skills to protect themselves in various situations. They also enjoyed a bush tucker workshop, followed by a scenic bush walk and swim at Minnehaha Falls. Parents, be sure to ask your girls to demonstrate their “swipe, swipe, slap, slap, open, open, eyes, eyes” routine!

The boys tackled the Ferber Steps, took part in archery, and visited the South Sydney Rabbitohs High Performance Centre, where they engaged in a 'Rising Stars' goal-setting workshop and skills session, before winding down with a cool-down at Maroubra Beach.

This camp provided an opportunity for our Year 9 students to step outside of their comfort zones, build skills such as resilience, and provide an opportunity to build upon peer relationships. 

If you have any questions or concerns related to your child’s wellbeing, please do not hesitate to reach out.

 Ms Tahni Isedale
Wellbeing Coordinator

Library News

ClickView
All students at La Salle Academy have access to ClickView, a fantastic online resource providing video clips on a range of topics and subject areas. These videos have been carefully selected by the education team at ClickView to ensure they are relevant, factually correct and appropriate for the specific student year level. These videos also include interactive activities and quizzes which can support student comprehension and understanding of key information.

ClickView have created a short video outlining what they offer so that parents and students can see how it all works. Access to ClickView can be found on their website and students can sign in through their school login. 

Any questions, please feel free to contact the library.

Puzzle Success
A huge congratulations to Ashika.M. in Year 7 for her persistent efforts in the completion of our very challenging library puzzle. Ashwika consistently worked on the puzzle and was not deterred by the difficulty level, even when two pieces went missing and could not be found! Her commitment to completing a project is very admirable and provides a great example to others. We look forward to starting a new library puzzle very soon. 

Spooky Book Month
We have just concluded our Spooky Book Month in the library and the students have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with books in the horror genre. While this genre within the collection is relatively small, there are a variety of books which provide access to students of all reading levels. Our library display has also garnered interest and helped to entice students to engage with the books on display. 

Inspiration Station at Wallerewang Library
Every Friday from 4-6pm, Wallerewang Library will be hosting students aged 12 and up at their newly established Inspiration Station. These sessions are an opportunity for students to engage in a range of activities, socialise with others and enjoy some snacks at the same time! You will find the library at 40 Main St, Wallerewang.

Enquiries can be directed to the Branch Manager - Alison Kim on (02) 6352 9122.

Happy reading,
Mrs Devine

Student Achievements outside of La Salle

On Thursday 7th November 2024  Sir and Lady Cosgrove opened the new Memorial at Vietnam Memorial Park Bathurst. Isabelle Youman was a leading Cadet in this service.

Well Done Isabelle!

If you child participates in any special events or competitions we would love to hear about it and congratulate them on their achievements. LSA Proud.

Mowers Needed

La Salle Academy as part of our “Boys Education” program would like any working lawn mowers, or lawn mowers needing a little love and attention to bring them back to life.
These mowers will be cleaned up, repaired and painted if necessary and re-homed into our community.
Where possible it would help us greatly if they could be dropped off at the Academy. 
These boys will increase their communication, numeracy and literacy skills by ordering, costing of the necessary parts and working in a team environment.

Thank you for  supporting this program for our students.

ALL THINGS ATTENDANCE

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

UNEXPLAINED ABSENCES
A friendly reminder to parents that all absences need to be explained within 7 days from the
time of absence. There are a number of students who have unexplained absences awaiting
explanation. It is the responsibility of parents/carers to provide the school with explanation
of all absences in a timely manner.

You have many options to do this:

 Compass Parent Portal
 Call the front office – 6354 5100 and explain the absence
 Email – lasallelithgow@bth.catholic.edu.au or k.staines@bth.catholic.edu.au
 Send in a handwritten note and have student give to their admin teacher or the front office

If your child is having problems with attending school please reach out to the school as we
are here to help in any way possible.

WEEKLY SNAPSHOT
We can now obtain data to show where our year cohorts are tracking in regards to
attendance statistics each week. Every delagram I will now keep you updated on the
numbers for each year level and each week.
Our aim is to keep our weekly numbers above 85% and if not higher.

Year                  Week 3                     Week 4
7                         88.85                          85.41
8                         85.07                          81.83
9                         92.78                          89.15
10                       88.70                          84.76
11                        78.82                          79.21

Mrs Kath Staines
Attendance Wellbeing Officer

School Travel

Finance

SCHOOL FEES REMINDER
A quick reminder that we have only 6 weeks until the end of the school year to ensure that the School Fee Accounts are fully paid up for 2024. Due to our fee structure being set up as three payments over three terms, Instalments 1, 2 and 3 should now be paid and if not, are now overdue. Now is a good time to 'check in' with your fee balance to work out your plan of action before the end of year is reached. We will be sending out Statements shortly to provide you with the latest up-to-date balance on your account.
3rd Installment Billing and Due Date:
Term 3 Billing date: 02/08/2024 and Installment Due date: 16/08/2024If you have not received your School Fee Statement via email, please contact the school
office to ensure that we have the correct email address on our system.

Just 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 do our best to find a suitable solution.


Kind regards,
Narelle Lee
Office Manager

Statement by the Bishop of Bathurst

CEBD Community Charter

Atomi Resources for Parents and Carers

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

Community Events

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.