2024 Newsletter Term 2 Week 8

From the Principal - Brad Toole

As our teachers have been writing reports and we have been looking at our attendance as we enter our absent day numbers. There is no surprise, the link between higher attendance rates equalling better learning outcomes is evident. The list of benefits for students with good attendance rates is endless and provides a more comfortable learning experience for the student. There are a few things that I would like to bring to your attention regarding attendance: 

• All absences must be explained to the school in writing via email or through the compass portal. All unexplained absences are viewed by the Diocesan Office. It is so important that the children attend school every day unless there is sickness or extenuating circumstances.

• Our new attendance system on the Compass Program does not allow for ANY unexplained absences.  Please remember you can notify your child’s absence via telephone, email, written note or compass. Email to the class teacher and Carolyn or Bec in the office is the preferred option. This also applies if your child is late to school.  If your child is late to school or needs to leave during school time, they must go through the front office. 

• Our goal set by the CEDB and NSW Government is to have all students attending school more than 90% of the time.

R.E. Matters - Walking in the Light

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” 
St. Francis of Assisi 

Catholics around the world look to St. Francis of Assisi as an inspiration for living boldly for God. He lived during the 13th century, preaching and teaching the Word of God with great charisma. Some would say he was a beacon of light in a dark world. You, too, can shine the same light. Remember this quote and live your life for God. Even a small candle can illuminate the deepest darkness.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

On Monday Yr 3 gathered for a Communion Retreat Day. Throughout the day the children reflected on what they have learnt in the Sacrament of Communion unit and prepared for First Holy Communion on Sunday.

Thankyou to Fr Cong who joined the class for the Retreat Day and prepared the First Communion students for their sacrament on Sunday. (He also plays a pretty skilled game of playground soccer!)

Many ‘Thanks’ to Mrs Kelly who has prepared the children beautifully for their First Holy Communion this year. It will be a special day.

Students will be required to meet in the school Hall at 10:15am so that we can organise gowns and make sure that everyone is present.

After mass there will be a morning tea for all families and parishioners to celebrate the children receiving the Sacrament of First Communion.  Each family is asked to bring a plate to share.  

Year 5 and 6 Canberra Excursion

Our Yr 5/6 students will travel to Canberra  this coming Monday for their long- awaited excursion.

This year we will travel with friends from Sacred Heart, Coolah and St Michael’s, Dunedoo. Mr Rogers, Miss Mulligan and Ms Statham will be travelling with the group.

Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture and heritage and democracy as well as scientific study and geography. There will also be some recreational activities.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizen education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. This opportunity is valued by our students and we are looking forward to playing tourist in the nation’s capital.

WINTER SCHOOL UNIFORM: On Friday please send in your child’s Winter Uniform on a coat hanger and school shoes/ socks in a bag. Yr 5/6 wear their sports uniform on Friday.

Thankyou to our parents and guardians who have helped organise us for this excursion.

The bus leaves at 7.30am on Monday morning and we will return at 6.30pm on Thursday evening.

All Hallows Athletics Carnival Results

The results are in!

CARMEL – 115 points CLARE– 137 points and the winner is……. MACKILLOP – 190 points

Congratulations to MACKILLOP House and their Captains Lane and Lola on winning this year’s Athletics Carnival. 

Congratulations to all the Age Champions:

Northern Region Athletics Carnival

The Northern Region Athletics Carnival will be held in Dubbo on Monday 29th^h July 2023 (Term 3 – Week 2) . An information note was sent out to those students going to this carnival  on Monday. Please return the permission note and competitor levy by Wednesday 3rdJuly, 2024 (Wk 10) There will be some training for athletes over the coming weeks. We also encourage those competing to keep up the training over the holidays.

Polding Softball Trials

We wish Lilah Gray all the best as she trials for the Polding Softball team in Sydney today.

Soccer Gala Day

The St Laurence’s, Dubbo Soccer Gala Day will be held on Friday 9^th August, 2024.

The day is for all students from Years 2,3,4,5 and 6. Parents are asked to complete permission and payment on Compass by the end of the week so that we can register our teams.

Training will happen at weekly Sport on Wednesdays.

Reports

Our teachers are busy preparing our Semester 1 Reports. Our students have been busy working hard for two terms and should be proud of their efforts this semester.  Reports will be made available on Compass in the final week of this term. The purpose of this report is to accurately communicate to parents and students about student achievement, and to clearly identify goals for students to work towards. 

NAIDOC Week

The NAIDOC 2024 theme –chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. During week 10 All Hallows will be joining with the other Gulgong schools to celebrate the culture of our First Nations people. 

Tuesday 2nd July: 

• We will all go to the High School with the other schools. 

• All our students will create artwork to decorate the High School Gym.

• Join in the community celebrations at Gulgong High School. 

Thursday 4th July:

All Hallows NAIDOC Day

• Mufti Day wearing something Red, Black or Yellow 

• Activities throughout the day in mixed groups. 

• BBQ Lunch (Sausage Sizzle) 

• NAIDOC Liturgy at 2.15pm

• Return to classes after lunch for the afternoon. 

Parents are all invited to attend the liturgy, activities and barbecue and join with us throughout the day.

Student Free Day

Our first day of Term 3 will be a Pupil Free Day. 

The first day for students in Term 3 will be Tuesday 23rd July.

School Beanies

The school is now selling beanies for $18. They are available from the Uniform Shop and the Office. They can  be worn on cool days. I would advise students to have their hats in their bags so they can change later in the day if it warms up.

Canteen

We are desperate for more canteen helpers at the moment. Helpers are required to be in the canteen from 10.30 - 1.30pm. If you’re able to help, can you please email the school office or speak to Brad. 

**We have taken milkshakes off the menu at the moment and will let you know if they become available again.

2025 Enrolments

Student Wellbeing Tips

Merits - Week 7

Kinder:  Blair N, Lilly B

Year 1:   Bligh S, Cooper W

Year 2:   Alexis S, Avelyn M

Year 3:   Madden R, Mackenzie R, Willow W

Year 4:  Maddie P-H, Lara P, Anna T

Year 5:  Olivia S, Tayla M

Year 6:  Arabella D, Isaac M, William B

Halos:   Hunter B, Isaac, James, Bligh, Bonnie-Blue, Aviana, Tom, Charlie, Hunter K, Ruby T

Notice Board