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

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Friday, 22nd February, 2013
No.2
Dear Parents,
‘Teach
Teach Us to Pray’
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1-4), Jesus responded with what we know as the
Lord's Prayer. The fact that the disciples requested a model for praying shows us that we do not have to feel
guilty when we do not understand prayer and need help with it. We seem to think we should know ins'nc'vely
about praying, but from their ques'on we see that even the disciples — who were with Jesus every day,
witnessing his life and seeing how he prayed, s'll needed help with praying.
Second, their ques'on shows us the common human tendency to want to ‘do’ the spiritual life correctly, to
know the ‘right’ way. Jesus responds to their deep hunger to know God and feel connected to God. But with
the very first words of the prayer, he signals a basic truth: prayer and the spiritual life are not about rules but
about rela'onship — always rela'onship. Jesus does this o0en when someone asks for rules, as in saying that
all the commandments are about loving God and neighbour. (See Ma2hew 22:34-39.)
Jesus tells us to begin our praying with, ‘Our Father who art in heaven’. That first word reminds
us that we are not alone, that we are linked through God to one another as one family. The
spiritual journey is a communal journey. As we come close to God, we are drawn into a closer
rela'onship with one another. And by telling us to call God ‘father’, Jesus moves us from images
of a remote God to an image of God as one who is with us constantly, one whose likeness we
bear at the deepest levels of our being.
Then we are to pray, ‘Holy is your name’, acknowledging God's holiness. This may seem a contradic'on, to
acknowledge that we are family and then immediately to acknowledge God's holiness (in contrast to our lack of
it). But ‘Holy is your name’ reminds us that the basic posture of prayer is awe, awe that grows from seeing
God's greatness and yet knowing that one who is so holy yearns for rela'onship with us. That is why we pray:
to deepen the rela'onship. This is the essence of prayer: being with God as we are and naming God as God is.
This encounter changes us, degree by degree, and allows us to experience freedom. (See 2 Corinthians 3:18.)
Something for us to think about …
What do the opening phrases of the Lord's Prayer mean to you?
What images deepen your feeling of closeness to God and help you to want to draw closer?
What ‘rules’ or expectations about prayer interfere with your praying?
What rules or structures are helpful to you?
Think about God as your father. How is God's nature evident in you?
How does seeing this family likeness change your ideas of yourself?
In what ways would you like to deepen your relationship with God?
What are your resources for doing that? (from www.upperroom.org)
Mrs Leanne Nettleton
Principal
Let’s invest in human capital, not just infrastructure
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:
Parent Informaon Evenings
Thank you to all our parents for your a2endance at the Parent
Informa'on evenings. These were a great opportunity to hear from
the teachers and to also meet your child's teacher for the 2013 school
year. Please feel free to make an appointment to see your child's
teacher should the need arise throughout the year. This partnership
between parents and teachers is crucial for achieving successful
outcomes for your child.
Also, at each of the Parent Informa'on evenings this week I was able
to ar'culate and demonstrate for you that Praying the Scriptures
through the use of the Lec'o Divina is a goal of ours for the children,
staff and parents in 2013. In class, the children will be introduced to
the Lec'o Divina using scripture related to their Religious Educa'on
Unit of work. Throughout the year the children will be invited to use
the Lec'o Divina with you at home as part of their homework.
Should you wish to find out a li2le bit more about Lec'o Divina you
could visit h2p://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DxaGZqprrs
School Notes and Emails
As we con'nue with our ‘environmental focus’ at St Bernade2e’s with
regards to paper use. We will be using the email facility to no'fy
parents more and more rather than via paper. All excursions and
notes that require a reply slip will s'll con'nue to be sent home via
your child. Other informa'on notes ie. Grade overviews, P&F no'ces
etc, will be sent via your nominated e-mail address.
It is therefore important that you regularly check
your emails for any informa'on sent from the
school.
All school notes are uploaded to our website:
Parents/Notes from School/then your grade or whole
school.
Last week on Ash Wednesday, our whole school
attended either a Mass or Liturgy with Fr John
and Father J.J to mark the beginning of Lent.
Father John and Father J.J asked us to either
‘take up’ something or ‘give up’ something. For
the children this might mean trying to help out at
home, make their beds, help set the
table or maybe just pack their toys away.
As adults, we might try to have extra
prayer time, or we may decide to do
some service to the poor once a week
during Lent. We may also choose to
increase our almsgiving to the poor - perhaps
related to something we choose not to do, e.g.
not to go out to eat one night a week and give
that total amount to the poor. During Lent, you
may want to talk as a family about what
individual family members or the whole family
may do in the way of Lenten practices this year,
use Jesus as a model.
Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion
Appeal provides us with an opportunity to open
our eyes to the plight of those who live with
poverty and injustice. Every class has a project
compassion box in their room and all are aiming
to raise as much money as they can to support
this worthy cause.
School E-Newsleer
To coincide with the whole school assemblies the e-newsleer will be
sent out in Weeks 5, 7 and 10 in Term 1.
Maximising Children’s Learning Time
At St Bernadee’s we have a sharp focus on maximising the students
‘in class’ learning !me. To support this we will con!nue to have a
Monday morning assembly every week. However, the Friday
a<ernoon assembly (Whole School Assembly) will only take place in
Weeks 5, 7 and 10 in Term 1. This will be less disrup!ve to the
children’s learning on a Friday a<ernoon.
CLEAN UP SCHOOLS DAY
Clean Up Schools Day is coming up on Friday, 1st March as part of
the Clean Up Australia Day campaign. The School Leaders
will be organising different classes to clean up all areas of
the school. St Bernadette’s has been registered as a clean
up site and we will encourage all students to do their best to
keep our school environment clean.
Can you please send in rubber gloves or disposable gloves
for children to use on the day. ‘Together we can change the world’.
Danika Rojas and William Fitzalan - Environment Leaders
St Bernadee’s School News
‘Return to me with your whole heart,
with fas!ng and weeping and
mourning; Rend your hearts, not your
garments, and return to the LORD your
God’. (Joel 2:12–13a)
Sacramental Program
Session 3 – Reconciliation I will be held this
coming Tuesday, 26th February at 4pm and
7.30pm and Saturday, 2nd March at 3.30pm. This
session is for both parents and children and will
be in the hall. The next session for
Reconciliation II will be on Tuesday, 5th
March and Saturday, 9th March.
Reconciliation III is on Tuesday, 12th March
and Saturday, 16th March.
Jenny Godwin
Religious Education Coordinator
2
Congratulations
During the summer holidays,
370 students across the
Parramatta Diocese took part in
the annual Executive Director’s
Summer Reading Challenge.
Students were
encouraged to take
part in the challenge
and read 15 or more
books to go into the
draw to win an iPad
Mini. One of our senior students
Christina Saad in 6G won the
9-12 years age group.
Congratulations Christina! This is
a wonderful effort and we are all
very proud of you. Christina is a
fabulous role model for all our
students who are endeavouring
to complete the Premier’s
Reading Challenge this year. We
have a goal of a 100% completion
rate.
Christian Carlo-Stella in 4B will
be dancing at the Opera House
with the Australian Ballet in its
production of Don
Quixote. Christian
will take on the role
of ‘Urchin’. This is
an outstanding
achievement by Christian, one
which acknowledges his hard
work, dedication and
commitment. Christian is also a
fine role model for all our
students who have as their goal
the aspiration to achieve their
personal best.
Good luck Christian for your
performances in April!
Mrs Nettleton
Principal
Congratulaons to the following
From Week 3
Social Skill: showing ‘Strength through Gentleness’
Class Student of the Week
Charlotte Lee
Oliver Palmason
Lucy Patchell
KG
Lara McDermott
Mark Bradshaw
Claudia Homsi
KW
Landen Besters
Sinead Delac
Andre Meyer
1B
Kameron Dias
Alessia Lalli
Paul Homsi
1G
Sophie Kouchoo
Cooper Charlwood
Christopher Dodd
1W
Timothy Kelly
Mikayla Melograna
Nicolas Samperi
2B
Hayley Goodlace
Samuel Berkeley
Hayden White
2G
Ella Lincoln
Mia Metwally
Jacob Pillai
2W
Dominic Patchell
Amy Saad
Sera-Marina Farfoud
3B
Jake Collyer
Lachlan Daly
Sarah Carrozzi
3G
Ryan Cooper
William Jamison
Caitlin Gething
3W
Georgiana Haywood
Michael Kavanagh
Veronica Dodd
4B
Alexander Jeptha
Caitlin Zwaine
Aaliya Gnanasekaram
4G
Sarah Michell
Matthew Parker
Charlotte Bourke
4W
Daniel De Guzman
Renita Royce
Holly Bounassif
5B
Marcus Jamison
Isabella Dodd
Natalie Hadchiti
5G
Andrew Mizzi
Kailyn Joseph
Nicola Rakuljic
5W
Sabrina Losurdo
Antony Radman
Aidan Robinson
6B
Tammy Zaiter
Nicholas Russo
Sebastian Niekerk
6G
Christina Saad
Jordon Spiteri
Hugo Manieri
6W
Maryanne Jothy
Myles Lauer
Dillon Antoni
WEEK 5
• School Photos (Kindy & Year 1)
• 1.10pm Choir rehearsal
Wed, 27th Feb
• School Photos (Yrs 2 to 6)
Fri, 1st March
• Clean Up Schools Day
• Diocesan Swimming Carnival
• 1.40pm Whole School Assembly
3
Social Skill Award
KB
Coming Dates
Tues, 26th Feb
Student of the
Week
Celebrating Talents
Congratulations to Saxon Orsini in 3W
who competed in the Regional Athletics
Carnival and achieved gold in the 700m,
silver in the 200m, bronze in the 100m
and 4th place in the 70m. Well done!
If your child achieved an award outside
of school for sport, dance, music etc., you
can email the details to:
dcrake@parra.catholic.edu.au and it will
be placed in this section.
Friday, 22nd February 2013
Other Items of Interest
UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop will be open on
Tuesday, 26th February between
8.00am and 10.00am.
TUCKSHOP ROSTER FOR: Week 5 Term 1
Parent helpers please arrive at 10.25am for recess
and 12.45pm for lunch
Monday
Tuesday
Sport Uniform Days:
Term 1
Kindy: Monday & Tuesday
Year 1: Monday & Tuesday
Year 2: Tuesday & Thursday
Year 3: Tuesday
Year 4: Tuesday & Wednesday
Year 5: Tuesday & Wednesday
Year 6: Tuesday & Wednesday
Please note change for Year 2
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Recess
Janick Dimataga
Lunch
Amber McLean, Monique Bains
Recess
Nina Irwin
Lunch
Nina Irwin
Recess
Lunch
Amanda Daniele, Karen Toh
Recess
Teena Vicaretti
Lunch
Teena Vicaretti
Recess
Janetta Ripoll, Adrienne McGovern
Lunch
Adrienne McGovern
Thank you for your help and support in the Tuckshop.
It is very much appreciated.
School Photo Days
Tuesday 26th
∗ Kindergarten and Year 1 children will have
their photos taken.
∗ All Kindy & Year 1 children are to wear full
summer uniform (not sports uniform)
∗ Sibling/family photos (any grade) will be
taken at recess only. If your child(ren) is
not involved in the Hills Zone Swimming
Carnival, please ask them to go for their
family photo today (Tuesday) at recess.
∗ Sibling/family envelopes available from the
school office.
Wednesday 27th
∗ Years 2 to 6 will have their photos taken.
∗ All children are to wear full summer
uniform (not sports uniform).
∗ Sibling/family photos will be taken at
recess and lunchtime.
Term 2
Staff Development &
Pupil Free Day:
Mon, 29th April
(Week 1)
Student Banking
Our Kindergarten, Year 1 & Year 2 students have brought home the
2013 Student Banking Information packs. Application forms and
guidelines on how to open an account for your child, along with a
chart of items that are available each term that children can redeem after they
have collected 10 tokens are also included. A token is issued each time a deposit
is made. The tokens are not to be ‘pooled together’ with their siblings.
When your child has reached 10 tokens all they need to do is choose the item
from the chart that corresponds with the Term 1 availability. Fill out the slip, with
name & student number then place into deposit book on Tuesdays as normal. If
the item is in stock the child will bring it home that afternoon, otherwise it will
arrive in a week or so.
Fundraising is generated from this programme for every new account that is
opened through the school, we receive $5.50. For every $100.00 we transmit in
total on that day we receive $5.00.
Last week we opened 8 new accounts ($44.00), banked $890.00 ($40.00+) that is
sent to the school quarterly in commission.
Over the next few weeks Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be bringing home their info
packs.
We hope the children enjoy this programme as we help them to reach their saving
St Bernadette’s School News
4
P&F Association
Executive Committee 2013
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Social Secretary:
Uniform Coordinators:
Mr Jeff Younis
Mrs Jennifer Wakeling
Mrs Karen Grace
Mrs Brenda Hughes
Mrs Therese Qasabian &
Mrs Pam Waters
Hospitality Coordinators: Mrs Fiona Carrozzi &
Mrs Katrina Leonardi
Grade Parent Coordinator: Mrs Alison Silvester
Maintenance Coordinator: Mr Stu Thom
Executive Members:
Mrs Sarah Hope &
Mrs Katrina Leonardi
Parent Representative Council: Mrs Karen Orsini,
Mr Naffa Arraf &
Ms Nicole Willloughby
Book Club Coordinators: Mrs Cherie Kelly &
Mrs Lucy Losurdo
Fun Fair Coordinators:
Mrs Lara Thom
THANKS!
To all the wonderful helpers who so
generously gave of their time to help at our
P&F Welcome Barbecue for Kindergarten and
new families a couple of weeks ago. You made
the evening a great success - we could not
have done it without you: the
Younis family;
Sharyn Kinnane; Nicole
Willoughby; Brenda Hughes;
Marnie Parington; Jennifer
Wakeling; Adam Goss; Stephen Peharda;
Karen Orsini; Marian Dodd; Sarah Hope; Paola
Pereanez; Sarah Polito; Sarah Kelly; Natalie
Procter; Alison Silvester; Samantha Odbert;
Marcia Morrison; Danielle Vassallo and Naffa
Arraf.
Thankyou,
P&F Hospitality Committee
Retiring P&F Committee Members
Thank you to our 2012 P&F committee members
who retired from their positions at our AGM on
Wednesday evening.
Next P&F Meeting—
Wednesday, 13th March 7.45pm
All parents are invited!
Particular thanks to our 2012 President,
Mrs Jo Abi.
Mrs Nettleton
YOU ARE INVITED TO
PARENT MATHEMATICS WORKSHOP
(Extending Mathematical
Understanding)
Wednesday 6th March 7.30pm
in the Year 5 Learning Space
This workshop will assist parents to understand
The Mathematical Interview and Growth Points
The Numeracy Block:Warm Ups
Open Investigations
Reflection
BE PREPARED TO ENJOY MATHS AND
S-T-R-E-T-C-H YOUR
UNDERSTANDING OF HOW CHILDREN
LEARN MATHEMATICALLY
RSVP: by 1st March BY EMAIL TO THE SCHOOL
in order for us to cater for numbers.
St Bernadette’s School News
5
From the Executive Director of Schools, Mr Greg Whitby:
Bishop's Office
Sacramental Coordinator – Casual
St Matthew’s Parish at Windsor is seeking a Sacramental Coordinator who will work closely with the Parish Priest and the
Parish Team to prepare and manage the programs for Sacraments of Initiation. Click on “Employment” to download the
position description at: www.parra.catholic.org.au Applications close on 17 February.
Lent Pastoral Letter 2013
To accompany this year’s Lenten Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of NSW, Bishop Anthony Fisher OP has issued a Pastoral
Message to the faithful of the Diocese of Parramatta entitled, Sowing in Tears. The video message can be viewed on the
diocesan website at: www.parra.catholic.org.au
Australia’s Bishops invite the faithful to join with them to observe the Fridays of Lent as special days of penance in the wake
of the sexual abuse crisis including:
* The prayerful reading of Holy Scripture;
* A Holy Hour of prayer and petition before the Blessed Sacrament; and
* Penance, in particular fasting and abstaining from meat.
South Australia Tour
Join the social group from Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes, for an extensive tour of South Australia. Travel
from Sydney via Narrandera and Mildura, visit the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf, Flinders Ranges, the Barossa Valley, Adelaide,
Strathalbyn and Victor Harbour. *Departs 3 October with deposit of $200 due NOW.*Length: 9 days flying home from
Adelaide, or 13 days travelling home by coach via Broken Hill, Cobar and Dubbo. Full itinerary and costs: Marie (02) 9896
7046 or Frances (02) 9636 5548, 0421 027 119, francesgrima@optusnet.com.au
St Bernadette’s Playgroup
St Bernade
e’s Playgroup welcomes families
with children 0-5 years to a
end playgroup.
Come along and meet other young families
from the parish. Children take part in cra
activities, music time and lots of free play to
make new friends.
Playgroup starts Monday, 4th February and
we would love to have new families come
and join us for 2013. Babies welcome!
Where: Lourdes Centre
When: Monday and Thursday 10am—12
noon
Contact—Carolyn Lincoln 0411 547 285.
Gilroy Catholic College Twilight Open Evening
Wednesday 13th March
Starting at 6.15pm in the Brother Damien Harvey Hall
College tours: 5.30pm and 7pm only
ST BERNADETTE’S NETBALL CLUB is looking for players who are
turning 7 years in 2013 to play in a 7 year old team in the 2013 winter
competition. For further information, please ring Registrar – Karen
Maher on 9680 2103.
Oakhill College
Applications for enrolment into Year 7 2014 will close on Friday, 1st March, 2013. Parents
who wish to apply for enrolment for their sons at Oakhill College in Year 7, 2014, and who
have not yet submitted a form, are requested to contact the Registrar before Friday, 1st
March, 2013. Phone: Mrs Maryanne Maree (Registrar) 9899 2288 or
registrar@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
St Bernadette’s School News
Lollipop’s Playland
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.
The Hills Leisure Centre,
10 Hudson Avenue,
Castle Hill Ph: 9680 8868
www.lollipopsplayland.com.au/castlehill
6
ST PATRICK’S DAY TRIVIA
NIGHT
St Bernadette’s Parish Hall
7pm Saturday 16 March, 2013 $10 per head – up to 10 per table
“SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH GOING TO WORLD YOUTH DAY”
For information contact: Caitlin Chaney 9629 9880/ 0401
051 375 or Sr Rosie at the Parish Office 9634 2622
BYO – drinks and snacks. Tea and coffee supplied.
FUN FAMILY BINGO NIGHT
St Bernadette’s Parish Hall
7pm Saturday 23 February,
2013 - $10 per head – up to 10
per table
“SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH GOING
TO WORLD YOUTH DAY”
For information contact: Julie Ferry 9629 6808 (a0er
hours) or Sr Rosie at the Parish Office 9634 2622
BYO – drinks and snacks. Tea and coffee supplied.
Saturday Aernoon High Tea
You are invited to join the ladies of St Bernade2e’s Parish for
High Tea
On Saturday 23rd March at 2:00pm un'l
4:30pm
To support the youth of our parish who are
going to World Youth Day.
Gather your friends and family to join us for an
a0ernoon of
friendship, entertainment and delicious aernoon tea.
A huge thank you to the parents who covered the
large number of new reading books at the end of last
year and during the holidays. You did
a great and your efforts will ensure the
books remain in good condition for
some time.
Pam Hord—Learning Centre
Reminder:
If using Brisbane Road (particularly in the
mornings) please be mindful of residents who
may need to reverse our of their driveway.
Thank you.
Our prayerful sympathy is
extended to the Mizzi family (Andrew 5G,
Emma 2W and Jorja KG), following the
recent passing of their great grandfather,
Peter. May he rest in peace.
R.I.P. ††
Kiss ’n Drop Reminder
♦
Please drive all the way to the beginning of the Kiss ‘n drop zone.
♦
Please have children ready to exit with their bag and hat.
♦
Children are not to get bags from the boot of the car. You must park if they do not have their
bags with them.
♦
Please drive safely in the car park.
♦
Please make sure your child can exit easily from the left hand side of the car. At no time are the
children to exit from the right hand side.
♦
Parents are not to exit the vehicle, please park if you need to.
♦
No turning right as you exit the car park onto Brisbane Road.
♦
No entry into the school from Old Northern Road at anytime.
Congratulations to all the parents who are following the Kiss ’n Drop guidelines, this will ensure our children are
always safe.
A CHANGE TO PARKING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE MORNING!
From Monday 24th February, parking spaces in front of the Marion Centre will not be accessible
before school. Please use other parking spaces in the top car park. I have been closely
monitoring the use of these spaces over the first 4 weeks of term and a risk assessment
confirms that our students are at high risk level when cars reverse into and out of these
spaces.
Please let friends, relatives and neighbours know
about our Kindergarten 2014 Open Day.