St Raphaels Central School Newsletter TRM1 WK9

P.O. Box 7, Cowra 2794 Email: [email protected] Tel: 6342.2940 School Website: www.straphaelscowra.catholic.edu.au

Dear Parents

In starting it is a pleasure to have Mr Gallagher back

into the school after a short break. Well deserved!

Last week commenced with the positive feelings from

the preceding busy and successful week. The school

is able to reflect positively on being involved in a well-

organised Festival of International Understanding,

combined with Catholic Schools Week and our

celebration of the school’s heritage.

The week just past was almost a return to a full school

curriculum week. Almost! Secondary teams

participated in Touch Football Trials in Forbes and

Year 5 students, along with students from many local

primary schools, played hockey in an excellent gala

day organised by Mr Cooley.

Parent Evenings This Week

This week has two important events. It is hoped many

parents take the opportunity to attend these events.

The first is tonight. Bishop Pat Power will be

presenting a talk on the topic, ‘See, Judge and Act:

Reading the Signs of the Times within the Church’.

The talk commences at 7.30pm with the venue being

St Brigid’s Hall.

On Thursday, 27th March Mr Gallagher will present the

latest update on the Stage 6 Development plans.

Since the previous parent information evening in Term

4, 2013 much has been done to fulfil the necessary

requirements.

Term One Reports and Discussions

As we move towards the end of Term One both the

Primary and Secondary Departments are organising

reports and discussions. Last week a letter was sent

home informing parents of students in Kinder to Year 6

that online bookings were open. These discussions will

be held on Monday (March 31) and Tuesday (April 1).

Bookings close this Thursday at 3pm. Parents are

encouraged to use this opportunity for formal

discussions with their children’s teachers.

Secondary parent / teacher discussions are scheduled

for the beginning of Term Two: Wednesday (April 30)

and Thursday (May 1). Towards the end of next week,

online bookings for Secondary discussions will open. A

letter with all the required information will be sent

home next week. Secondary teachers are busy

preparing mid-semester reports which will provide

important information for these discussions.

Parents and Friends’ AGM.

Thank you and congratulations to these parents for

taking on the responsibility of representing the school’s

parent body, Parents and Friends Association.

President: Mal Bird

Vice-Presidents: Casey Proctor, Renae Amos

Secretary: Angela Kollas

Treasurer: Nicky Savage

Publicity Officer: Glenn Brûlé

We wish these people well in taking on these

additional, voluntary responsibilities. It is anticipated

that many parents will come forth and help on special

occasions. Also, everyone is invited to attend the P &

F Meetings, usually held on the third Monday of each

month.

David Maher Assistant Principal

God of infinite love,

I thank you for this reminder of your love

and your call that we be more patient, gentle and compassionate with others.

Here in the middle of Lent.

Amen

St Raphael’s Catholic School

Term 1, Week 9/A Newsletter

24 March 2014

Gospel Challenge

Term 1 Week 9 “Blessed is he who comes in the

name of the Lord” John 4:5-42


Monday 24

Bishop Pat Power’s Address at St Brigid’s Hall at 7:30pm.

Tuesday 25 Happy birthday to Lauren Thomas and Aiden Triming.

Wednesday 26

Happy birthday to Griffin Keys and Brendan and Joel Stendell.

Thursday 27

Happy birthday to Oliver Groves. Secondary Chess vs Blayney. Stage 2 Rugby League Skills.

Friday 28

Happy birthday to Anna Fagan and Madison Sparkes. Primary Assembly at 2pm led by Year 2W.

CPS Swimming at Homebush.

Happy birthday to Mia Lewis and Cassandra Zarb for the 29

th and Jaimee Nixon and Lilly Thompson

for the 30th.

Dates for the Calendar

Week 9: Address by Bishop Pat Power 24th March

7.30am (Part of the 125th Parish Anniversary celebrations)

Week 10: Year 10 Retreat Mulgoa - 2nd - 4th April

Altar Servers’ Roster Sat 29

th March: Hayden and Marcus Mullins and Ben and

Rachel Myers. Sun 30

th March: Isobelle Lynch and Mikelli Garratt.

School Readers for Weekend Parish Masses: Sun 30

th March: Miss L Pratt.

School Eucharistic Ministers for Weekend Parish Masses: Sat 29

th March: Miss R Downes.

Sun 30th March: Mrs P Bischof.

Year 6 Burrendong Camp Year 6 gathered at school with excitement in the early hours of Wednesday 5

th March, to board the coach to

Lake Burrendong for the annual Year 6 camp.

The coach rolled out as the buzz of students’ conversations filled Miss Slaven and Mr Colemane’s ears.

The students arrived at Lake Burrendong and were greeted by Sport and Recreation staff. After a quick meeting, fruit break and designation of lodges, the students were in the pool to complete a swimming test.

After lunch, students headed off to grass skiing and archery. It was great to witness the technique and accuracy of some archers and the balance and skill of students grass skiing. There were also a lot of monumental ‘stacks’ that provided everyone with entertainment. It wouldn’t be a Year 6 camp without the rain and on completion of activities it bucketed down. After dinner students participated in a lovely Ash Wednesday Liturgy before heading to a Games night activity which students enjoyed. At the end of this, the extremely exhausted students had supper and headed to bed. The next morning students were up at daylight getting ready for their morning duty in the kitchen. After breakfast the groups headed off to canoeing and high rope challenge activities. It was great to see some students overcoming their fears and accomplishing personal milestones. The support and encouragement from peers was awesome and reflects what our school is all about.

Once again we were reasonably lucky as a large electrical storm moved in and relegated free-time to the indoor recreation hall. Following a yummy dinner the St Raphael’s students joined Blaxland Public Year 6 at a Dance Party which was enjoyed by all. The students from Balxland Public could certainly ‘bust a move’ and left some of our students in awe. New friendships were formed during the evening which was great to see.


By the time supper finished, there was plenty of yawning and rubbing of eyes from both students and teachers. Needless to say that it wasn’t long before discussions and antics in the lodges ended, replaced with some sounds of snoring. Daylight arrived and Miss Slaven had to wake most students! Lodges had to be cleaned and ready for inspection before breakfast. The girl’s lodge was certainly the cleanest with the boy’s lodges showing signs of ‘first time cleaners’. They were also not the most fragrant place to be at camp! After breakfast students participated in Paint Balloon Combat. This brought out the team work and competitiveness in students. The pig hunting game was one of the favourites and Mr Colemane learned a few new skills and tactics for his next expedition out west! An exhausted and multi-coloured group of students headed for lunch, then said their goodbyes before a reasonably quiet trip back home. It was great to witness the team work, encouragement, support, bonding and personal growth of students during the camp. The students received accolades from the Sport and Recreation staff for their manners and participation as well as the above mentioned. We’re sure the students would have slept well on Friday night!! Miss Slaven and Mr Colemane - Year 6 teachers

My favourite activity was canoeing. I had so much fun watching my classmates fall off the tip of the canoes. Kate Price

My favourite part was making new friends and trying out heaps of different activities. Emma Chalker

I liked archery and tried to hit the target. I got it one time but it was fun. Brock Carman I loved canoeing, grass skiing and

shoulder wars in the pool. But to top it off they had good food. Will Austin Camp was fun and full of challenges. They had lots of activities, I really enjoyed grass skiing, canoeing and paint balloon combat. Phoebe Varela

Primary Assembly

The next primary assembly will be held this week, Friday 28

th March. It will be led by Mr Wisemantel’s

class, Year 2W. If your son / daughter is to receive a class award a note will be sent home early this week. Parents are always most welcome to attend any primary assembly.

Visiting Shows

In order to maintain balance in the school curriculum,

St Raphael’s places a self-imposed limit on the

number of shows invited into the school. On March 31,

the Secondary students have the opportunity to see a

play titled ‘Flowers for Algernon’ performed by

professional actors. The primary students will be able

to see a Forensic Science Show on April 11, the last

day of Term One.

Secondary students must return their permission notes

with $7 per student or $12 per family by this Thursday.

Notes for primary students will be sent home this

week.

Stage 2 Rugby 7s Gala Day

Years 3 and 4 sent 19 very willing boys off to the Rugby 7s Gala Day recently. Forming 2 teams, the boys played against Cowra Public and St. Josephs Grenfell. On a very warm day, the boys played 4 games each with improving skills evident on the day. St. Raphael’s "Stripes" went through the day undefeated, scoring 31 tries and not allowing any to be scored against them. St. Raphael’s "Swirls" won 2, drew 1 and lost 1 (to the "Stripes"), scoring 18 tries and only letting 6 past them. A great effort by all boys, with great sportsmanship the order of the day. These boys represented the school brilliantly. These same boys will now turn their attention to Rugby League for the Russell Richardson Cup to be played down at River Park on the last Tuesday of this term. All of the Year 3 and 4 boys will be playing on this day, in both Competitive and Non-Competitive games. If you get the chance, come down and see the boys don the green and gold. Primary Cross Country

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 25th March, a trial will be held for those children wishing to contest the Cross Country Running in Coolah on the 5th May. 9 and 10 Year olds compete over the 2 km distance, with 11 and 12 year olds running 3 km. The school is allowed to send a maximum of 4 runners per age group. 52 interested long distance runners put their names down to trial on Tuesday. They will need a change of clothes and joggers tomorrow. The first 4 from each age group will then receive notes regarding representing the school in Week 2 of next term in Coolah. Primary Physical Education Lessons

Wednesdays

Physical education classes for this week, 26th March are:

Year 2, 5 and 6. These classes need to wear their sports

uniform. Next week 2nd

April) Year 1, 3 and 4 wear sports

uniforms.

Sporting Events – Dates for your Diary

School Athletics Carnival (River Park) Thu, 10th

April

Secondary

Mon, Mar 24: CCC Hockey Selections

Thu, Mar 27: Chess (v Blayney High)


Tue, Apr 1: Small Schools Rugby LeagueTrials - Under 13s

and 16s.

Thu, Apr 3: Bill Turner Cup (15y.o. boys v Canobolas High)

Wed, Apr 9: 15 years old Rugby League selection trials

(Forbes)

Primary

Mon, Mar 24 David Peachey Trials Yrs. 5 + 6

Tue, Mar 25 Cross Country Trials Yrs. 3 - 6

Wed, Mar 26 Russell Richardson Trials Yrs. 3 + 4

Thu, Mar 27: Stage 2 boys and girls rugby league skills

sessions (9.30-11.30am)

Fri, Mar 28: Polding Swimming (Homebush) Eight students.

Fri, Apr 4: Diocesan Winter Trials Selections

Representative Sports

15yrs and under Rugby League

On April 9, 15years old Rugby League selections will be

held in Forbes. Students who play rugby league are

eligible to apply. The team selected at these trials will

then compete against other regions for a place in the

Combined Catholic College’s team in Wagg next term.

Interested, and capable, rugby league players must

inform Mr Thomas or Mr Maher of their willingness to

attend these trials. The necessary enrolment information

will be passed on.

School Athletics Carnival

Thursday, 10th

April

A busy term of sport will culminate with the School

Athletics Carnival. For most of this term the school’s

talented swimmers have shone through with ten students

soon to represent the diocese. Athletics requires different

skills and the school carnival is the first step in the

athletics representative season.

VALE PAT KRAUSE The history of our school is filled with the stories of people who have made a difference by doing ordinary things very well. This week we have bid farewell to a woman who contributed enormously to our school and parish over many years. Pat Krause was born and raised in Cowra and attended our school as a student. Before marriage Patricia Brigid Fitzgerald was her name and she cherished her Irish and Catholic heritage. Pat married Gunter Krause and their 5 children were also educated at St Raphael's. In 1977 Pat came to work at the school as the accountant/book-keeper, a role she enacted professionally and with great dignity and respect for all for 20 years. Pat shared a tiny office space in those days with her friend and colleague Jean Isaksen. These ladies gave life and love to the school and all who walked in its corridors. Many new to the school were welcomed, encouraged and supported by Pat, Jean and Dawn Smith - a trio of wisdom and guidance. So many of us have learnt from their generosity of spirit and are still close today.

Today we farewell Pat from this life. Her funeral at St Raphael's Church this morning was a celebration of all things important: family, friends and faith. Pat's example as wife, mother, professional colleague and friend is one for us all to reflect on and follow. God has her in the palm of His hand. Sue Whiteley School Fees

Financially, we need to assess our position near the close

of term. Thank you to all parents who have taken care of

the current fee accounts by the due date. Numerous

accounts, however, are overdue and your attention to this

matter will be appreciated.

If there is any difficulty or reason why payments are not

currently being made please make contact promptly and

a solution can be found with discretion and confidentiality.

Thank you.

Canteen Update This week’s roster is as follows:

Tues 25

Wed 26

Thurs 27

Fri 28

Mon 31

Anna Triming

Karen Budge

CLOSED

Jane Stendell

Tracey

Gunnyon

Margaret Stewart

Margie

Thomas

Lisa Mallon

Jacqui C-Cusack

Carrie

Simunic

Parents & Friends Association – Annual General Meeting On Monday evening the Parents & Friends Association held its Annual General Meeting. The focus of the meeting was to review 2013 accomplishments; discuss ongoing projects, up and coming events and hold the elections for board members. Rodney Johnston, President of the Parents & Friends Association, graciously handed the baton to Mal Bird, who has now assumed the role of President. Rodney will work with Mal in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. Annie Henchman, Publicity Officer and Secretary, passed her responsibilities to Angela Kollas as Secretary and to Glenn Brûlé as Publicity Officer. Andrew Wilson will transition his role as Vice President to Renae Amos. Casey Proctor will continue in his supporting roles as Vice President. Rodney acknowledged and thanked all parents, students, staff members and Michael Gallagher for their contribution, commitment and involvement with the P&F team during his time as President. Mal Bird acknowledged the accomplishments of the board members stepping down and looks forward to carrying the momentum forward.


A very special mention goes to Roxanne Liversidge, who is leaving Cowra. We wish to acknowledged and thank her for her tireless contribution, time, passion and commitment in organising 6 Debutante Balls and 5 Quiz Night events, as well as countless other fundraising initiatives. We wish Roxanne and her family well for the future. If there are any Debutantes wanting to register for the Ball, please contact Helen Barker on her mobile number at 0434 435 129 With Warm Regards, The Parents & Friends Association

ST RAPH’S P & F QUIZ NIGHT

SAT 5th APRIL 2014

The Quiz Night is fast approaching and tickets are now on sale at Mr Embroidery and at the School Front Office for $10 per ticket. Each table will be set for a team of eight people. BYO Drinks and nibblies. Anyone aged 15 and older is welcome. Start organising your tables now!! Please note it is not necessary to buy tickets in full tables of eight - if you don't have a full table , come early on the night and we will combine smaller tables and put singles or couples on really smart tables!! We do need more prizes please. It could be a box of chocolates, some lovely soap, a bottle of wine, a gift voucher from a Cowra Business, gourmet items or even a cash donation that could go towards purchasing items. Just throw a little something extra in your bag or trolley when you shop next and send it in to school. It does not have to be expensive but good quality please - something that someone would like to win! Also if you own a business in town and would like to make a donation, we would be very grateful. If you would like us to acknowledge that you made a donation, please include a card with the donation otherwise it will remain anonymous. All donations can be left at the front office at school. Thanks so much to all the families who have already generously donated.

WELL DONE Congratulations to the following students who have achieved the

next level on the Behaviour Management Programme.

Level 5 Rowan Wheeler 3M Phoebe Simunic 3S Ben Smith 3S Daniel Britten 4J Maurice Brown 4J Olivia McNamara 6S Callista Ford K2 Samuel Gallagher R2 Madeline Pethick R2 Erin Vale K1 Kitty Brooks X1 Antonia Curtale X2 Michelle Grech X2 Jacob Bugeja X1 Kaylah Rust K2 Mitchell Sparkes K2 Thomas Thuaux K2

Your Teachers are very Proud of You!

SCHOOL HOLIDAY JUNIOR CHESS TOURNAMENT IN ORANGE WHERE: St Barnabas Anglican Church Parish Hall Corner Dora and McLachlan Streets East Orange WHEN: Thursday 24

th April 2014

TIME: 9:45 am to 3:30pm ENTRY FEE: $10 [$5 for additional family member] PRIZES: Trophies for 1

st, 2

nd & 3

rd in Under 18 and Under 12

REGISTER BY: 22nd

April 2014 latest by contacting the following Junior Chess Coordinator: Alexander Aich Ph 6884 4561 [email protected] WHAT TO BRING: Your own lunch[soft drinks and bottled water for sale] You don’t have to be good, this is a fun tournament. But a knowledge of the rules is required. The games will be timed with chess clocks. Don’t worry if you have never played with clocks. You’ll be told how they work. The results will be sent to the NSW Junior Chess League for ratings.

Chess the clever sport PCYC Cowra Junior Disco The next Junior Disco for Kinder to Year 6 children will be held on Friday 28 March from 6pm to 8pm. Entry is $5 and there will be a canteen and sausage sizzle in operation. A sausage sandwich will cost $2. Music and lights provided by Laurie’s Disco. Supervision provided by PCYC Police, staff and volunteers. Laser Tag Laser Tag runs on Wednesday nights at PCYC’s Young Road complex commencing at 5.30pm. Cost is $5.00 per player and you must be a PCYC member to attend. A Laser Tag gala day will be held on Saturday 5 April with 45 minute sessions commencing on the hour from 10am, with the last session commencing at 3pm. You must book your place for the gala day as spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 players per session (6 players per team). Cost will be $5.00 per player per session. This is an opportunity to get a group of friends together, form a couple of teams and book a timeslot to battle each other with tactics, stealth and teamwork. Junior Basketball The Junior Basketball will again be offered on both Monday and Wednesday afternoons in term 2. This will consist of coaching sessions and games to develop and improve the skills of the younger players. The cost for Junior Basketball will be $30 per player per term for those attending once a week, or you can book for both days for $50 for the school term. Men’s Basketball PCYC is hoping to start a regular Men’s Wednesday night Basketball competition on 7 May. Nomination forms are available at PCYC’s Young Road complex, so guys if you want to start playing full ‘five a side’ matches, start organising your teams now. Nominations will close on 29 April, competition fees will be $60 per player aged 18 and older, $45 per player aged under 18. Mixed Basketball and Mixed Netball With the end of school term 1 approaching and the Touch Footy season nearing completion, it is time to start organising your Basketball and Netball teams for competitions to start in school term 2. Basketball will be played on Monday nights and Netball on Tuesday nights, with both sports being played at the PCYC’s Young Road complex. The first games will commence at 6pm in each competition and finishing times will depend on the number of teams nominated. Cost for each competition will be $60 per player aged 18 and older, $45 per player aged under 18. Nomination forms are available from PCYC. PCYC Membership You must be a PCYC member to participate in any of the PCYC activities, yearly membership is $5.00 for under 18’s and $10 for ages 18 and older.

mailto:[email protected]


The Go4Fun program is a free program to support children aged 7-13 to develop long lasting healthy lifestyle habits. Some parents find it difficult to motivate children outside school and structured activities. It’s a common problem that sometimes parents think they are buying healthy food when they are not, because of aggressive, clever marketing on labels. Go4Fun offers great education and support for parents and kids to arm them with the knowledge they need to lead healthier lives. The program helps families manage their lifestyle for the long term. Programs are very interactive and great fun. Families learn to read labels, change poor behaviours and enjoy food more. The 6 key behaviours to consider, to reduce and prevent childhood overweight are;

Reduce the amount of high calorie, nutrition poor foods they eat

Increase how much fruit & vegetable your child eats

Reduce the amount of sugary drinks they have

Reduce TV and computer time

Increase the amount of moderate to vigorous play and sport they do

Increase walking, cycling and incidental exercise Parenting becomes much more fun when families are on the same page around improved lifestyle. Go4Fun can help you achieve these goals easily! For more information on how you can participate you can; Visit www.go4fun.com.au. Speak to local Project Officers Chad Parkes – 0408 603 457, Jenna Pauli – 0408 872 579 or Jen Hunt 0427 422 092 Or Freecall 1800 780 900 to register.

http://www.go4fun.com.au/

Documents

St Raphaels Central School Newsletter TRM1 WK9