St Bernadette`s School - St Bernadette`s Primary Castle Hill

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St Ber
Friday, 24th August, 2012
No.26
Dear Parents,
The Parable of the Rich Man
( Luke12:13-21)
Seeking more and more possessions is not what life is all about – eternal life, or any decent human life.
Nor is having, or controlling, or hoarding up, as many things as you can get, the real name of the game.
Life is not having ‘things’. Rather, life is a pure gift, from God. You cannot ‘have’ it, or ‘control’ it, you
are ‘given’ it.
Life is not about making more and more treasures for yourself. The problem with that is not your
ownership of these treasures, the problem is that they end up owning you. What we need to do is thank
God, in real gratitude, for what God has gifted into us. Moments of thankfulness open our hearts to joy,
fill us with peace, connect us to those around us. They help us feel blessed.
Here are some simple ways to help children cultivate gratitude on a daily basis.
* Give thanks in prayer. Set aside a regular time for thank you prayers, before dinner or breakfast, or
at bedtime. Give thanks for small things; getting over a cold, seeing the dog do a funny thing. Young
children are naturally thankful, according to Montessori teacher Sofia Cavalletti. She writes in ‘The
Religious Potential of the Child,’ "The prayer of children up to the age of seven or eight is almost
exclusively prayer of thanksgiving and praise."
* Say thank you to your family. Research suggests that people are actually more likely to
express their thanks to strangers or acquaintances than to their own family members or
peers. But when parents show appreciation to one another, to their children, and to
other people in their lives, children learn to do the same thing. When your child does a
household chore, even if it is one of his or her assigned tasks, say thank you.
* Slow down and smell the roses. Babies and toddlers are fascinated by sights and sounds and smells,
from the colour red to a ringing bell to biscuits in the oven. The older we get, the more oblivious we
become to the everyday sensory pleasures of the world we live in. When we pause to enjoy them, we
regain the openness that is an essential part of gratitude
* Create a year-round thanksgiving spot. This is a home altar of sorts. Find a convenient but safe
place; the refrigerator door, a bulletin board, or a small table or shelf. Make this a special spot for
things you are thankful for; pictures of people you love, souvenirs and memorabilia, handmade
treasures, and, of course, your child's artwork. Invite your child to add his or her own items, and set
aside time now and then to admire the objects and pictures together.
Mrs Leanne Nettleton
Principal
357 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill. Phone: 9634 2898 Fax: 9680 2282
School email: BernadetteCH@parra.catholic.edu.au
WEBSITE: http://www.stbernadetteschill.catholic.edu.au
From the Principal:
PROMOTING SAFER INTERNET USE AND CYBER SAFETY
FOR OUR CHILDREN.
Cybersmart Website – www.cybersmart.gov.au
The Cybersmart program is a national cyber safety education
program managed by the Australian Communications and Media
Authority (ACMA) as part of the Australian Government’s
commitment to promoting online safety for children and young
people.
The Cybersmart website provides
activities and practical advice to help young children, children,
teens and parents safely enjoy the online world. Developed by
the Australian Communications and Media Authority,
Cybersmart is part of the Australian Government’s cybersafety
program. Please consider taking the time to visit this website as
a means of further educating and promoting safe internet use by
all family members.
Fathers’ Day Celebrations
Celebrations begin with mass at
6:45am, followed by a delicious
hot breakfast for dads and their
children. Please make sure that
you have sent in your RSVP with
$3 for your family. At the
conclusion of mass, there will be
some special items presented in
the church. Please remind dad
NOT to leave the church as soon
as mass is over – there will be
more to follow! Classrooms will be
open from 7:45am. The children
are very excited about this
special time with their dad!
Farewell Father Christopher
It is that time of year again …‘a-thon’ time!
In this Olympic year, we have chosen as our
challenge a Maths Olymp-a-thon.
This will be held on Thursday, 20th September
(Week 10). The day will consist of a variety of activities
covering a broad range of Maths activities and sporting
challenges. The children may wear Australian colours and sport
shoes.
Today we said goodbye and
thank you to Father Christopher
who is leaving us to join
Blacktown parish. We will miss him
in the parish and at St.
Bernadette’s school. His presence
and ministry have been greatly
valued.
We are in search of some great prizes to give the children as
they collect and bring in their money. If you are able to donate
any prizes please contact the school office.
Here is something to get you started … how many tangled
triangles are there in this picture?
Pam Hord, Stephanie Hottes, Rhiarna Thomas and Peter Visser
Maths Olymp-a-thon Co-ordinators
St Bernade
e’s School News
In this year of Grace, may our
faith give us hope and direction
in our lives. “Faith is a gift from
God, a virtue infused by him.
Before this faith can be exercised,
man must have the grace of God
to move and assist
him…” (CCC:153)
Monica Fitzalan
Religious Education Coordinator
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Congratula
ons to the following
FATHERS’ DAY
STALL
WEDNESDAY 29TH
AUGUST
SPOIL DAD OR
GRANDAD THIS
FATHER’S DAY.
Social Skill:
Class Student of the Week
Student of the
Week
Social Skill Award
KB
Jonathan Soumboulidis Aprille Exton
Laura Waldon
LOTS OF ITEMS TO
CHOOSE FROM
INCLUDING:
KG
Matthew Carrozzi
Kameron Dias
Paul Homsi
KW
Nicholas Peharda
Christian-George Farfoud Christopher Dodd
1B
Annalise Besters
Samuel Berkeley
Hayley Bounassif
TIES, WORK SOCKS,
BARBECUE
ACCESSORIES AND
MUCH MORE!!
1G
Mea Cavallo
Bailey Thom
Sebi Akle
1W
Marcus Tchetchenian
William Patrick
Sofia Giallonardo
2B
Jack Kinnane
Nicholas Cushway
Cristel Touma
2G
Veronica Dodd
Michael Kavanagh
Bianca Gomes
PRICES FROM $3 TO
$10
2W
Katelyn Ho
Christian Younis
William Jamison
3B
William McDermott
Daniella Zeaiter
Sophie Burnett
3G
Georgia Togher
Kiera Walkerden
Holly Bounassif
3W
Max Sharah
Madeline Ellis
Matthew Hurst
4B
Nathan Antoun
Cassandra Law
Sarah O’Sullivan
4G
Danielle Wilson
Aaron Gabriel
Callum Willard
4W
Ebony Miller
Olivia Carrozzi
Andrew Mizzi
5B
Andrew Hassarati
Jacob Minassian
Claire McLelland
5G
Hannah Burton
Jasmine Cheon
Kristy Hourigan
5W
Danika Rojas
Charlotte Perera
Mitchell Bounds
6B
Alexandra Maher
Jordan Spiteri
Niamh Duggan
6G
Mark Rimac
Katarina Sfar
Seth Bonnici
6W
Hannah Grace
Alana Rice
Lydia Burnett
Coming Dates
PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS:
WEEK 7
Mon, 27 August
• Literacy and Numeracy Week
• Netball Gala Day
Wed, 29 August
• Fathers’ Day Stall
• Choir Rehearsal at Penrith Public
School
Thurs, 30 August • 6.45am Fathers’ Day Mass followed
by Breakfast and Open Classrooms
• Yr 5 CSIRO Incursion
Fri, 31 August
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•
Isaac Ceh 4W
William Hadchiti 6G
Bianca Gomes 2G
Samuel Antoun 2G
Audrey Dimataga 2G
Veronica Dodd 2G
Christian Barakat 3W
Laura Rushe 3W
Friday, 24th August 2012
Other Items of Interest
TUCKSHOP ROSTER FOR: Week 7 Term 3
UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop will be open
on Tuesday, August between
8.00am and 10.00am.
Parent helpers please arrive at 10.25am for recess
and 12.45pm for lunch
Recess
Monday
Janick Dimataga
Lunch
Tuesday
Year Six Parents’ Dinner
A note was emailed to all Year 6 Parents
giving details regarding a Parents’ end of
year dinner. Please check your emails!
Wednesday
Jenny Tole
Lunch
Jenny Tole, Lisa Francis
Recess
Lunch
Thursday
Thank you,
Year Six Grade Parents
Recess
Friday
Nicole Willoughby
Recess
Lunch
Vicki Radman
Recess
Cheryl Halim
Lunch
Mount St Benedict College Softball Club offers
students entering the College in Year 7, 2013
the opportunity to join a Modball team this
summer. This is a way for incoming students to
get to know other girls who will be starting
school with them as well as some of the current
students. The teams are entered in the Hornsby
District Softball Association with the games
played on Saturday mornings at Hayes Park,
Galston. The competition commences on
Saturday, September 8 and continues until
March,2013 with a break over the Christmas
holiday period. We are currently looking for
more players to join this team.
Anyone who would like further information is
asked to contact Mrs Rebecca Lewis, CoCurricular Sport Coordinator at Mount St
Benedict College. My email is
rlewis@msben.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Rebecca Lewis Mount St Benedict
Thank you for your help and support in the Tuckshop.
It is very much appreciated.
Health Matters
We hope that all the nasty colds and flu symptoms
that were around at the end of last term have now
abated. Just a reminder though that good hygiene
will minimise the risk of further sickness in the
school and community. Suggestions are:
• Always cover your mouth when you cough
• Don’t cough, sneeze or breath directly into someone’s face
• Be mindful of other people’s personal space
• Wash your hands as much as you like and make sure you
always use soap and a towel to dry hands.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Child Protection
A reminder for parents who are required to ‘UPDATE’
their child protection and for ‘NEW’ parents to the
school.
Lollipop’s Playland
The Catholic Education Office has replaced the Child Protection Briefing
with an online training module for use by volunteers. All parents whose
child protection is due to expire are requested to follow the link below.
Instructions are given.
Lollipop’s - a local playland and café is supporting St Bernadette’s. For
every dollar spent at Lollipop’s on
entry fees or a party, they will donate
10 cents to our school.
An email is then sent to yourselves and to the school confirming that your
child protection is now up to date. For ‘new’ parents to the school, the
same online method is available to you. To access the module please
follow the link below:
The Hills Leisure Centre,
10 Hudson Avenue,
Castle Hill Ph: 9680 8868
www.lollipopsplayland.com.au/castlehill
St Bernadette’s School News
www.parra.catholic.edu.au/childprotection
Child Protection must be completed by all parents wishing to help out in
the school on excursions, canteen, uniform shop and classrooms. Thank
you for your cooperation.
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SCHOOL FEES REMINDER
Fathers’ Day Photos
Thank you to all the families who have paid this term’s fees
or who have committed to a part payment arrangement.
Next Monday, is the last day for parents to email in a
photo for the Fathers’ Day Mass presentation.
Term 3 School Fees were due last Thursday, 16th
August, 2012. Fees can be made by cash, cheque, credit
card, EFTPOS, BPAY & POSTBlLLPAY. If you take
advantage of the BPAY facility to pay your school fees, you
will need your biller code and reference code which are
located on the bottom right hand side of your school fee
account.
Email to:
BernadetteCH@parra.catholic.edu.au
Should you wish to make arrangements for the payment of
your 2012 school fees please contact Mrs Chris Fuoco on
9634 2898 or by email cfuoco@parra.catholic.edu.au.
Unfortunately, photos cannot be accepted after Monday.
Thank you.
Term 4
Staff Development &
Pupil Free Day:
Friday, 26th October
(Week 3)
On Tuesday, 21st August, after grade sport, we had an incursion for push and pull experiments by the CSIRO.
First we met the scientist, his name was Mitch and he was our
teacher for the experiments. Our first experiment was a
skateboard experiment. One of the children got to do it and that
was Sienna Vines. If you were trying to go forward you would
have to push backwards with your arms or feet. If you were
trying to go backwards you push forward with your feet and arms
too. Another experiment was to show how things can move with
ball bearings. You can roll a milo tin and put lots of marbles under
two milo tins one on top and one on the bottom. We then went to
the tables to try different experiments such as Magic Bob. If you
tell Bob to stop he does it and if you tell Bob to come back he
does it and if you tell him to go sidewards he does it too! The
incursion was about experiments and it was EXPLODING WITH
INFORMATION.
By Darcey Sullivan and Dominic Patchell
Thank you to parents who have already sent in their
WYD2013 raffle tickets. Could we please ask that money
and/or unsold tickets be returned to the office by 7th
September. Thank you for your continued support.
Are you leaving us at the end of the year?
We already have quite a list of prospective families on a waiting list for next year. If
you already know that your child will be leaving St Bernadette’s at the end of this
year, would you kindly notify Mrs Nettleton in writing.
On Monday, 19th of August, Constable Rob Paterson came and spoke to Years 5 & 6
about cyber bullying and the major effects it can have on everyone involved. He
talked about the dangers of online social networking and the cau,on we need to
take when being online. We were le. with many ,ps from the constable including
the way we treat others online, the cau,on we need to take when crea,ng an
account on any site and many other important things that will benefit us in future
teenage years. We thank Constable Rob Paterson for making us aware of the
dangers out there!
By Amelia Kelly, Amy Charker and Claudia Lagudi
Book Week
Duncan Ball, author of the Selby and Emily Eyefinger series and many more children’s stories had the
children totally engrossed with his poetry and story reading.
Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year2 children loved the huge spider moving over
Duncan’s shoulder and the story of Emily Eyefinger hanging upside down
from a roller coaster.
Puns and jokes were flying thick and fast during the Years 3-6 story and
poetry readings. His humorous descriptions of everyday situations were
enjoyed by all.
The children asked some very interesting and well thought out questions
which he was happy to answer. He thought the children at St Bernadette’s
were brilliant!
Dancing at The Disco!
Well, those who came to the disco cannot deny that it was an amazing night. Dance Fever had all
the top tunes on full blast, and the decorations added to the overall effect.
The infants disco started really well, with everyone arriving in stunning attire, especially the
teachers. Tai, one of our DJs, set the dance floor on fire, with all
students dancing in sync. The flashing of the paparazzi (the leaders)
could not be missed and they got some cool pics.
Then, it got serious. The primary students arrived in ‘too cool for school’
clothing, There were Katy Perrys, superheroes and other awesome
costumes and clothing. After busting out some kicking moves, it came to the dance off. It was a one
on one battle between student and the DJ. Of course, students won!
As they say, ‘time flies when you are having fun’ and everyone thought that the disco could have
gone for longer. We are very grateful that the Dance Fever crew made it an unforgettable night.
We can’t wait until the next disco!
Year 6 School Leaders
From the Executive Director of Schools, Mr Greg Whitby:
PRC Parent Presentations
The Parent Representative Council (PRC) invites parents to a presentation on Guiding families through school
stages. Special guest John Watters, Executive Officer, AusSIP. Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park - 23
August. For more information visit http://bit.ly/N95e4O
UCANN Parent Forum
The Understanding Children with Additional Needs Network (UCANN) invites parents and caregivers to attend a
free parent forum to discuss ways to support your child's learning needs . The forum will be on Wednesday 12
September 7.00pm held at St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Springwood. For more information visit http://bit.ly/
MywmbU
Creative and Performing arts production -'The Yard'
Secondary students from schools within the diocese have been working with award-winning choreographer Shaun
Parker on an original work titled, ‘The Yard’. The Yard is a unique, gutsy and groundbreaking piece of
professional theatre that deals with issues like bullying and peer pressure, ultimately finding unity in the
diversities of culture, gender and ethnicity. Currently on a NSW tour students will perform the critically aclaimed
piece at Riverside Theatres on 28 and 29 August.
To book tickets phone 8839 3399 or visit http://bit.ly/L4yY0x
Mission Week 2012
Personaleyes: We will be collecting prescription, non-prescription
glasses or sunglasses to send to third world countries. Please send
any glasses you are no longer using into school.
Please remind all of our dads to keep this
date free to celebrate Fathers’ Day on
Thursday 30th August
6.45am Mass
Followed by breakfast and
Open Classrooms
Wrap with Love: If you are able to knit a 25cmx25cm square
following the pattern below please send it into school.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING SQUARES
SQUARES FOR WRAPS are to measure:
10 inches x 10 inches (25 cm x 25 cm)
KNITTED SQUARES To knit a 10 inch x 10 inch
square use 8 (4 mm) needles, 8 ply yarn (either
wool or acrylic) cast on 50-55 stitches and knit each
row plain (ie garter stitch).
NOTE Test your tension to measure 10 inches.
DO NOT KNIT one row plain, one row purl (ie
stocking stitch) as your square will curl up.
NO KNOTS Start each ball of yarn at the beginning
of a row and sew in ends. Do not cut ends off short
as your square will unravel. When starting or
finishing a square, sew in all ends.
If you can make a whole wrap,28 squares, and would like to make
a more elaborate wrap visit the website
www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/Wrap.htm
Thank you for your support.
Helen Games
The Coles and Woolworths offers have now finished.
Could you please forward all tokens and stickers to the
school office on Monday.
St Bernadette’s School News
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St Bernadette’s School News
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