St Cecilia's Newsletter Term 2, Week 2 2024

A word from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

l am filled with immense pride and joy as I share with you a heartwarming testament to the kindness and compassion within our school community. Last term, I received a touching email from a parent expressing their gratitude for several standout students who have demonstrated exceptional care and empathy towards our younger learners.

“Good morning St Cecilia’s Team,

I have noticed a young woman, I believe her name is Miranda (in year 5). I have noticed that when I drop my child off, Miranda goes out of her way to find her, bring her into the group of bigger girls and reassure her. This has resulted in my baby girl literally running into Miranda’s arms for a hug some mornings. 

This empathetic young woman has shown great initiative towards making my child feel comfortable and included. As someone who has had to start everything fresh with a new community, home, etc. to see the students proactively support our child has been nothing short of amazing. 

I have seen this reflected in another young woman who we ran into at horse riding on the weekend named Laila, who is also very good friends with Zali. She also took my daughter under her wing again automatically. 

I have also seen this in a year three student Lucy (with a sister in Kindergarten) who has shown such maturity and care. Interacting with my daughter with care and compassion, including her in games with her friends in the morning. 

It has been incredibly reassuring, and I commend these young people for their support of the younger children settling into school, with no obligation to do so. It gives me great confidence that we have chosen the right school for our child, and that my daughter will be nurtured and supported in a way that reflects the importance of inclusion, empathy, and responsibility to our community. 

I have tried to thank these girls personally, (casually without trying to embarrass them) but I would appreciate this being passed on.”

These acts of kindness and initiative not only reflect the exceptional character of these young individuals but also embody the values of inclusion, empathy, and responsibility that we strive to instil in all our students. Their selfless actions are a testament to the nurturing environment we foster here at St Cecilia’s, where every child is valued and supported.

As we celebrate the exemplary behaviour of Miranda, Laila, Lucy, and countless other students who contribute to our community in meaningful ways, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of small acts of kindness. These remarkable actions create a sense of belonging and help to foster a sense community. Together, may we can continue to cultivate a culture of compassion and empathy with our children, that enriches the lives of all who are part of our school family and beyond.

God Bless.

Marta Chylewska

News from the Administrative Team

We have recently made the transition to Microsoft Teams which means we now have a new school phone number. Please save this number in your phone!

The old number will divert to the new line for a few weeks before it is disconnected.

Religious Status in Compass

If your child was not baptised upon enrolment into St Cecilia's, however have since received their sacrament of Baptism. Please scan through a photo of your child's Baptismal Certificate so we are able to update their 'Religious Status' on Compass. 

Staying Connected

Government NBN Boost

To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with no internet at home a free National Broadband Network (NBN) service.

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/national-broadband-network/school-student-broadband-initiative-ssbi

Kindergarten 2025 Enrolments

This is an important reminder to lodge your applications for any siblings that will be attending Kindergarten next year (2025). Places are limited, and I wish to be sure of the number of places I can offer to the wider community without disappointing anyone. Please submit your enrolment applications as soon as possible, if you have not yet done so as all existing families should have had their enrolment interview by now and received their letters of offer. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Furthermore, if you know someone who is considering St. Cecilia's for their child's education, now is the time to act. There really is limited availability of spaces for Kindergarten 2025. So early application is crucial. Don't hesitate to reach out to our school office or point them towards our school website to learn more.

Enrolment Process - St Cecilia's Wyong (scwdbb.catholic.edu.au)

Mother's Day Stall

Last day to Make Mother's Day Special with Gifts available now on QKR! 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

As Mother's Day draws near, we want to remind you time is running out to purchase those special gifts for the amazing mothers and motherly figures in your child's life.   

Please purchase your Mother's Day gifts through QKR.  Whether it's a token of appreciation for your partner, a thank you to your own mother, or a gesture of love for a cherished caregiver, our selection of gifts has something for everyone. 

There is now no limit to the number of gifts you can purchase on QKR, so why not go crazy and spoil the special women in your life with a few extra surprises? 

Wishing you all a joyous and love-filled Mother's Day celebration! 

FLIP MEETING - Wednesday 29th May at 6:15pm 

Our Families Learning In Partnership will be held on Wednesday 29th May at 6:15pm in the staffroom. We invite all parents and carers to join us for this meeting.

Currently we will be discussing some of the following agenda items:
- Second Step Program (Social and Emotional Learning Program) 
- Building Works update
- Uniform Change (story board sharing of some changes)
- Colour Run and Mother's Day feedback/reflection update and future events
- Sacraments structure change update

RSVP here - https://forms.office.com/r/ivsfqitrH8

Second Hand Uniforms

If you need any other articles of clothing from the second hand unifrom shop , please email Simone O'Connor at simbub21@gmail.com . All proceeds go to Mary Mac's place who provide social, community and friendship opportunities for men, women, families, young people, the elderly, and the socially and economically disadvantaged. To find out more, read here. https://catholiccaredbb.org.au/family-youth-children/mary-macs-place/

Crossing Supervisor

The School Crossing Program are still recruiting for crossing supervisors at our school, even if it's just in a casual capacity that you can work.

We understand some people may not be able to commit in a full time capacity, however if you're willing to do the training and assist when we don't have a Crossing Supervisor I would still encourage you to please apply. 

Please see attached poster and links/information about the role outlined below:

External Link – https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/job-invite/92741/

Library News

Dear Parents and carers,

Students in Years 3-6 are invited to participate in the 2024 Premiers Reading Challenge.

Students in years 3- 6 must read a total of 20 books before August 23.

10 of these books must be from the PRC shortlist and 10 Personal Choice books. Students must read the books on their own, but someone can help choose them.

All students who complete the Challenge will be presented with a certificate.

Personalised student logins for the PRC can be organised by Mrs Cumming. The Challenge books can be found in our school Library.

Students are encouraged to take up this reading Challenge and build on their reading success at the same time.

Please direct any inquiries to scw@dbb.org.au with the subject PRC.

Teaching and Learning Matters

SCHOOL REPORTS

In response to New South Wales curriculum reform, Towards 2025 system strategies, and feedback from school-based staff, Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) has reviewed student reporting processes. This review aims to align reporting with updated outcomes and promote consistency within and across all CSBB schools. Our teachers use a wide range of assessment strategies and practices to assess student learning against the standard of the curriculum.

The teachers make consistent and comparable judgements and report on student achievement of outcomes using the A-E Common Grade Scale. They report clearly, accurately, and respectfully making use of valid and reliable records. Our Principal, oversees and approves the reporting processes in our school.

We have also updated our school values and learning behaviours within the reports to reflect the learning assets and Positive Behaviour for Learning values we teach our students.

Reports will be sent out via compass at the end of this term with Goal Setting meetings happening in week 2 of term 3 to follow up from the mid year school report.

Regards

Paul Madigan

Canteen Update

Canteen Volunteers

Please also find below the schedule for the next fortnight of parent volunteers or days that are not yet filled. Please complete the form below if you are able to assist in any capacity as a Canteen as a Volunteer. 

https://forms.office.com/r/9tB8wYBnfw

Thanks

Margaret 

Religious Education Update

PRAYING THE ANGELUS AT ST CECILIA’S 

At St Cecilia’s, we are embarking on a spiritual journey by introducing the practice of praying the Angelus at midday. The Angelus is a special prayer deeply cherished by Catholics, and it holds a profound significance in our faith. 

What is the Angelus?  

The Angelus is a timeless tradition that invites us to pause and connect with God three times a day: at 6 am, midday, and 6 pm. It serves as a gentle reminder to lift our hearts in prayer, regardless of our busy schedules or daily tasks. By joining together at these specific moments, we create a sacred bond - a shared commitment to seek God’s presence. 

Why Pray the Angelus?  

Praying the Angelus is more than a mere ritual; it is a deliberate act of devotion. When we pause to recite this prayer, we express our dedication to God and our desire to incorporate prayer into our lives. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, amidst our daily hustle, we choose to turn our hearts toward You”. 

The Name and Its Meaning  

The word “Angelus” finds its roots in Latin, meaning “angel.” As we pray, we reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation—the moment when Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, took on our human nature. Imagine the divine meeting the earthly, the infinite embracing the finite. This truth lies at the heart of our faith. 

Mary’s Role in the Angelus  

During the Angelus, we also invoke the Hail Mary. Why? Because Mary, the blessed Virgin, played an extraordinary role in God’s plan. She willingly accepted her role as the Mother of God, allowing Jesus to enter our world through her humble “yes.” As we pray, we honour her selfless service and recognize her pivotal part in salvation history. 

MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST AND LITURGY 

As previously mentioned, we will be honouring Mary, the Mother of God, daily for her selfless service. This weekend, we extend our gratitude to all mothers and motherly figures, acknowledging their unwavering love and care. We look forward to greeting our amazing mothers at our annual Mother’s Day breakfast and liturgy tomorrow and wish all our families a very happy Mother’s Day. We appreciate all the time and effort our significant women put into their children’s lives and education and are blessed to have you in our community. 

Dear God, 

We pray that all the special women in our lives may receive comfort, strength and patience and that their every word or action, whether done in affirmation or discipline, may be given with love.   

We thank you God for their teachings, wisdom and understanding. Amen. 

Shining Stars

Congratulations to our fortnightly Shine Award recipients. The following children have received a Bronze or Silver award in the first 4 weeks of term. 

These children have made a concerted effort to be safe, respectful and cooperative learners. 

20 Shine Awards = BRONZE AWARD
50 Shine Awards = SILVER AWARD

PEC Update

Invitation to Explore Baptism for Your Child 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope this message finds you well. As part of our commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth and development of our students, we extend an invitation to all parents interested in exploring the sacrament of baptism for their child. 

At St Cecilia's Catholic School, we believe in the importance of fostering a strong foundation of faith within our community. Baptism is a significant step in this journey, marking the beginning of a lifelong relationship with God and the Catholic Church. 

If you are considering having your child baptised or would simply like to learn more about this sacred sacrament, I encourage you to please reach out.  I am here to assist you and answer any question you may have regarding baptism. 

Please feel free to contact me via phone at 0424 763 734 or email at joanne.helm@dbb.catholic.edu.au.  I will be delighted to arrange a meeting to discuss baptism further and provide you with the information and support you need. 

We are here to support you on this spiritual journey and look forward to the opportunity to share in this meaningful experience with you and your child. 

Invitation to Mother's Day Mass at St Cecilia's Church

Dear Parents, Carers, and Grandparents,

Please join me for a special Mother's Day Mass at St Cecilia's Church on Sunday, April 12th, at 9:30 AM.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and celebrate all those who have taken on the nurturing and loving role of motherhood. We extend this invitation not only to mothers but also to grandparents, guardians, and all those who have played a significant role in the lives of children. Whether you're a biological mother, a stepmother, a foster mother, or a caregiver, your dedication and love are truly appreciated and honoured.

Following the Mass, we will gather for a delightful morning tea.  Please join us as we pay tribute to the unconditional love and sacrifice of all those who embody the spirit of motherhood. Your presence will make this celebration even more meaningful. We look forward to welcoming you to St Cecilia's Church on this special day.

For catering purposes please rsvp via the link below.

https://forms.office.com/r/8v6TLh3s5V

Blessings, 

Jo Helm 

Parent Engagement Coordinator 

St Cecilia's School 

Sports News

CONGRATULATIONS

We would like to congratulate Tamryn H. who has been selected from the Broken Bay Representatives for Polding Touch. 

We also would like to wish Taylor G. all the best for the U14’s State Championships for Hockey this Friday. 

CCC Cross Country Friday 10th May - GOODLUCK

We wish our Cross-Country team all the best for this Friday and pray they have wings on their feet to run the best they can. We know they will represent our school wonderfully and we look forward to hearing the overall results. 

Upcoming Sporting Events:
 
Broken Bay Cross Country – Tuesday 21^st May  

Paul Kelly Cup AFL – Tuesday 21^st May – select students from year 5 and 6 @Don Small oval Tacoma 

Stage 3 Netball Gala Day – Friday 21^st June @ Wyong 

Stage 2 Netball Gala Day – Friday 28^th June @ Wyong 

Athletics Carnival

The Athletics Carnvial was a wonderful success and a great way to wrap up Term 1. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who supported the event and helped make it such a great day. Here a few action shots from the day.

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Classroom Connections

In year 2, we have been working on developing our sentences and refining our sentence structures so that we can improve our writing. We have explored what compound and complex sentences are and how when we incorporate conjunctions into our sentences, it can have a significant impact on our overall writing. To help us consolidate this skill before we apply it to whole texts, we have been using rich pictures books. Through the use of the book illustrations, we have practised writing compound and complex sentences in isolation.  We aim to seamlessly integrate the use of compound and complex sentences into our writing to further enhance our work.  Check out some of the compound and complex sentences we have written and watch this space for how our writing should improve.   

Awards & Acknowledgements

Congratulations to the following children for their achievements! The listed award recipients will receive their award at Friday morning's assembly at 8:45am!

Academic Achievement Award

PBL Award

Personal Best Award

Term 2 Key Dates