St Canice's Primary School Newsletter

7th of March 2022 Term 1 Week 7

Address: 158 Katoomba Street Katoomba

Phone:     4780 6800

Email:    stcanices@parra.catholic.edu.au

Website: stcaniceskatoomba.catholic.edu.au

Facebook: St Canice’s School Katoomba

 

A Message from Ms Miriam

Dear Parents, Carers and Members of the St Canice’s Community,

We have so many domestic and international issues of great concern right now. Our prayers to all of those experiencing difficulties due to the floods.

We also extend our prayers to those suffering as a result of the war in the Ukraine.

Whilst these issues may be at a distance from us, reaching out to anybody in need is a wonderful Christian act. Let us see how we can make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves in our small patch of the world. Such an approach is not only Christian, it is positive and contagious and is what our lives are for. Project Compassion is a very practical way of helping those less fortunate. If you can spare a small donation on Tuesday this week, as we mark Purple Day, your help, whilst small, will make a huge difference.

Many thanks to those parents and carers who helped us out on a number of occasions in Week 6. Thank you Mums and Grandmas for helping with pancakes and for attending the Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Thank you to those parents / carers who braved the elements to attend our first Parent Meeting of 2022. We will send the minutes in the days ahead, along with copies of all files shared on the day. Thank you also to those parents who attended Assembly on Friday. Thank you also to those parents who are unable to attend events at St Canice’s but support us in so many other ways.

God bless,

Ms Miriam, Principal

mmeaney@parra.catholic.edu.au

Purple Day

Purple Day Tomorrow! Tuesday 8th March

Children can wear a splash of purple.

$2 coin donation to 

Project Compassion

Tuesday 8 March: International Women’s Day!


Farewell Assembly for Ms Magann

You are invited to attend the Farewell Assembly for Ms Magann

Friday11th March

2pm in the Hall

We hope to see you there to help us celebrate the incredible contribution Ms Magann has made to St Canice's over her many years with us.

Splash of green for St Patrick's Day

All students are invited to wear a splash of green to school on Thursday 17th March to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

A snapshot of St Canice's over the last couple of weeks

Would you like to volunteer at St Canice's?

Now that we can, we are seeking volunteers for a number of events. Please click on this link to fill in a form indicating which events  you can help out with and we will be in touch to confirm. 

Volunteering at St Canice's

We look forward to welcoming parent / carer volunteers into St Canice's in the future.  If you are interested in volunteering your time either in the classroom or at any of the exciting upcoming events, please ensure your Building Child Safe Communities training is up to date.


This module must be completed every two years and is mandatory for anyone wanting to volunteer regardless if you hold a WWCC number or not.

Please follow the link to complete your training

https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/About-Us/Building-Child-Safe-Communities

Open Day

Open Day is fast-approaching. Please set aside Friday 11 March from 10am to 12pm to visit us and please encourage others you know who might be interested in St Canice’s to also attend. The children will perform musical items, we will showcase Visual Arts and all visitors will be able to see the students in their  learning spaces with their teaching teams.

Parent Meeting: 3 March

We discussed our current Awards systems at our Parent Meeting on Thursday, 3 March. We shared a document outlining the rationale for our Positive Behaviours and our lyrebird award system. We explained the challenge of having this and the existing platinum / gold / silver / bronze award system both running at the school. We proposed the phasing out of the existing awards. All present were in favour once there is acknowledgement of awards that have already been given. This is a priority for us. If other parents wish to have a say, please call (4780 6800) or email me mmeaney@parra.catholic.edu.au 

We also discussed fundraising from the financial perspective. We went through a document outlining the requirements placed on us by our system, CEDP. We are unable to collect or hold cash onsite. We will use the QKR app from Term 2, commencing with The Mother’s Day Stall. Two parents, Naomi and Kathy, had past experience with the app and were very positive about its introduction to St Canice’s. We also discussed hosting external events, e.g Bunnings BBQ. These events are unable to take place unless an outside organisation runs them on our behalf. For example, we can collect for Project Compassion because all funds are collected by the parish on behalf of Caritas Australia. 

We also sought confirmation of nominations for the Parent Rep positions at CEDP and are currently finalising these. 

A further parent / carer meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th March at 8:50am in the school library  to discuss how we might improve our capacity to build community at St Canice’s and to further discuss fundraising. 

The Sacramental Program at St Canice’s

The sacramental program is back on track and students are currently preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. This is timely as Lent is the season of repentance. My thanks to Angela Wedesweiler who encourages our families to consider the sacraments for their children and also to Mary Gale, our parishioner who coordinates the program. Mary has made the decision to use the school library for the program this year. She is currently working with children preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation, on Sundays at 9am in the St Canice’s library. 

I have been asked by Mary to help in seeking volunteers for the Religious Education program at our public schools. Please see below the times and days of classes that are in urgent need of volunteers. If you are interested in sharing the faith once a week (30 minute classes) with the children in our parish attending the public schools please contact Mary Gale 0468 483 194 for further information. Materials and training provided.

The following schools in our parish are in need of volunteers:

  • Katoomba Public School: Monday afternoons combined classes lower primary K-2 from 1:50-2:20pm; combined classes Upper Primary 3-6 from 2:25-2:55pm.

  • Wentworth Falls Public School: Thursday mornings 9:35-10:05am, Upper Primary classes combined Years 3-6.

Sports Update

Zone Swimming Carnival 

Well done to Kamran Lynch and Eva Garraway for their amazing efforts at the Nepean Zone Swimming Carnival held at Glenbrook Pools on Thursday 24th February. Kamran placed 2nd in her 50m backstroke heat and Eva placed 1st in her heat and  8th overall in the Nepean zone for 50m freestyle. 

St Canices hosted the Carnival and I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr White our awesome carnival announcer, for doing an outstanding job on the microphone.  Kim Garraway, St Canice's Team Manager and  Kamran, Ayla, Elodie and Eva for helping on the day as runners. I have only just gotten my voice back after marshalling ! 

AFL Sporting Schools Program - Term 1 

St Canices Students enjoyed their 4 week program delivered by Mia, Bridie & Harry  from AFL’s head office. If your child is interested in joining an AFL club/team, our local AFL clubs are Blue Mountain Kangaroos based at Tom Hunter Park @ Faulconbridge and Emu Plains Lions based at Dukes Oval @ Emu Plains. 

Blue Mountains Kangaroos is still accepting late registrations for 

Auskick 4yrs and over

under 9’s, & 10’s (modified)

Under 11s - 17s 

Under 12 Girls 

Under 19s Senior and Masters

For further information please contact president.bmkafl@gmail.com 

Cross Country Carnival @ Katoomba Falls Reserve - Friday 18th March, 2022

Please pray for the rain to stop! It is too early to tell if we will be rescheduling the carnival to the back up date of 25th March on School grounds. Notifications will be sent out via the Compass App and in a facebook post.

The first 6 places in each age group 8yrs +  will be eligible to compete at the Diocesan Cross Country carnival as long as their time is within the qualifying times. Diocesan Cross Country Carnival is to be  held at Eastern Creek Raceway on Tuesday 3rd May, 2022 further information to follow.

Stages 2 & 3 - Futsal Gala Days @ Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre 

St Canices has been invited to compete against other local schools in the Blue Mountains. Mrs Kondek’s Fabulous Fustal Gala Days are all booked in for the following dates

Stage 3 - Friday 6th May, 2022 

Stage 2 - Friday 13th May, 2022

Notes will  be distributed to all students in Stage 2 & 3 this week. If your child does not wish to participate  in the gala days (it is not compulsory), they are  to attend school as normal. Once teams are organised I will send home a note asking for parents/carers to help on the day as a Team Manager/ Coach. 

Stages 2 & 3 - Soccer Gala Days @ Jamison Park, Penrith (May & June)

St Canices will be competing against other schools in our Diocese. Children that nominated to attend last year's soccer gala days which were cancelled due to wet weather or covid are automatically eligible to attend this leaves a few positions for additional team members. 

Stage 2 teams consist of 8 players on the field with a maximum of 12 on a team (4 substitutes) 

Stage 3 teams consist of 11 players on a field with a maximum of 14 players (3 substitutes)

We are entering the following teams 

1 - Stage 2 Girls team 

1 - Stage 2 Boys team

1 - Stage 3 Girls team

1 - Stage 3 Boys team

Notes will be distributed in Week 9 - If your child does not wish to attend please note that on the permission slip and return to the office asap to allow another child that may wish to attend the chance to participate. 

We will ask parents/carers for assistance with team coaches/managers on the day as well as assistance with transport to the event. If you have a child in high school that may be interested in being a referee on the day please let me know, more details will be provided soon. 

Any volunteering with any school events parents and carers are to complete the Building Child Safety online modules https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/About-Us/Building-Child-Safe-Communities

Many thanks for your assistance with this. 

Please subscribe to our school calendar. 

Stay safe, 

Kylie Ranson

Staying safe and happy online

Staying safe and happy online:

A number of excellent e-safety webinars have been advertised recently by us via FaceBook and COMPASS. Some are offered by the e-safety commissioner and others by our own Catholic agencies. I encourage you to take part in at least one session.

Details are below:

Be an e-safe kid: A better Internet starts with you.

The following sessions are now available for bookings:

  • Wednesday 16 March 2022 at 9:30am to 10:15am

  • Wednesday 16 March 2022 at 2:00pm to 2:45pm

  • Thursday 17 March 2022 at 9:30am to 10:15am

  • Friday 18 March 2022 at 9:30am to 10:15am

  • Monday 21 March 2022 at 2:00pm to 2:45pm 

  • Tuesday 22 March 2022 at 9:30am to 10:15am

Follow this link to register for one of the above dates

Cyberbullying and online drama:

Sessions:

  • Thursday 10 March at 12:30pm to 1:30pm

  • Tuesday 15 March at 12:30pm to 1:30pm 

  • Wednesday 23 March at 7:30pm to 8:30pm 

 

Follow this link to register for one of the above dates

Many thanks to all of our wonderful parents and carers for the ongoing support you give us and for sharing  the gift of your beautiful children,

PBS4L

St Canice’s Positive Behaviour support for learning program is up and running in our school.

Students are aware that our school’s calling is to: Love Selflessly,Live Responsibly and Learn Purposefully. These behaviours are encouraged by each staff member in our school and students receive a lyrebird token for exhibiting any of these qualities throughout the school day. 

Each Stage has their own collection point for their lyrebirds and when a stage has collected 100 lyrebirds,  the students receive an award for reaching this goal.Our students are enthusiastic about our PBS4L program. We are in this all together to create a loving, learning and safe environment for all at St Canice’s.

Please take some time to ask your child about receiving lyrebirds throughout the school day.

Uniform Orders are made through The School Locker

All students should be wearing full school summer uniform.

Uniform can be purchased through The School Locker

Delays in processing uniform orders may occur - please ensure you order several weeks before items are needed.

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School Uniform

Please see attached document with school uniform images
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Year 7 2023 St Columba's Tour

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Covid Smart Measures for School Travel 2022

CDC NSW Blue Mountains would like to welcome School Students back on board our buses for 2022.So we can provide the Safest Travel Experience for your Students and our Bus Operators,  we would like your support in reminding students while travelling on the School Bus to/from School that the  following requirements are met ; 
  • Students require an Opal Card and must Tap On and Tap Off,  this is required so we know who has travelled on our services
  • Face Masks are Mandatory; while travelling on our School Services for all Secondary School Students
  •  Primary School Students are strongly recommended to wear a face mask also
We look forward to working together in 2022,  and thank you for your support.

Community Women’s Circle, on the grounds of the Sacred Heart parish in Blackheath

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Every Learner Every Day

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Keeping our Kids Safe Around Schools

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Enrolling NOW!!!!!


We encourage parents and carers to contact us at any time to arrange a tour of our school, meet our staff and see our learning in action. Please phone 4780 6800 during our office hours 8:30am - 3:30pm or email stcanices@parra.catholic.edu.au

Please share this post with our community -

Everyone is welcome at St Canice's

Katoomba!https://youtu.be/TNhJBt6ofY8

School Cross Country Carnival

Date and Time

From Friday, March. 18th

Location

Katoomba Falls Road, Katoomba NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

Information

Katoomba Falls Reserve

(Backup) School Cross Country Carnival

Date and Time

From Friday, March. 25th

Information

To be announced

Blue Mountains CATALYST Program, Lawson

Hello All, and welcome to a New Year that still keeps us on our toes how to navigate our lives in the wider community. But we live in hope.

Attached is the program of sessions for Catalyst-For-Renewal Reflection Mornings in the Blue Mountains at our usual venue in Lawson.

Take care, Len & Carol Teodori-Blahut

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Katoomba Netball Club

Family run club is looking for Kids or Women of any age interested in playing a fun game of netball on a Saturday at Lapstone netball court.

Individuals or teams are welcome.

If interested, please contact Shell on 0416330553

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Parent NSW Vouchers

The NSW Government has launched Parents NSW Vouchers to reward and thank eligible NSW households for their efforts to support learning from home in 2021.

From February 2022, one person from each eligible household can apply for 5 x $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total.

The 5 x $50 Parents NSW Vouchers can be used:

Find out more about:

BLUE MOUNTAINS ALL ABILITY FOOTBALL

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Blue Mountains Kangaroo AFL @ Tom Hunter Park, Faulconbridge

Be a Roo in 2022 - Registrations are now open

Registrations for past, returning, and new players are now open for the 2022 season for Boys and Girls aged 8 – 17 years. Whether new or old there is a place for you at The Roos!!

Registration Fees have again been kept at $100, and you can use your Active Kids Voucher.

To register go to https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/9e5f81

For returning players a new registration platform has been introduced, an email has been sent to you all to outline what you need to do – don’t be scared, it’s simple and easy!

If you have any questions please leave a comment or email president.bmkafl@gmail.com

Stepping Beyond Support Group for Separated / Divorced Adults

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Supportive Hearts Bereavement Group

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School Fees

School Fee Statements have been now been posted by the Catholic Education Office Parramatta, if you have not received your account by the end of the week please contact the office. There will be forms to set up Flexible Payment Plans and or Bpay that are to be returned to the Catholic Education Office.

As always, it’s important to reinforce that no child will be refused enrolment at our school due to a family's inability or difficulty to pay school fees.

As per Catholic Education Office Parramatta school fee policy, a term's notice (10 school weeks) in writing must be given to the Principal before the removal of a student or a full term's fees will be payable.

One exception is that notice in writing will be accepted at any time during term 4 in relation to the following year's enrolment, that is, the notice period of 10 school weeks will be waved in this circumstance.

Special circumstances that may warrant 6 weeks notice include moving out of area due to employment transfer or sale of house.

if you have any queries, please call the office on 4780 6800 or email jmacpherson@parra.catholic.edu.au

Compass Parent Portal

Compass is the school management system that St Canice's will use to communicate with parents and carers about our school and your child’s progress.

Compass includes many different features, including the ability to:

• Monitor your child’s attendance and enter an explanation for absence or lateness.

• Download and view your child’s academic reports – as there will be no paper reports distributed.

Compass is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari) or by using the Compass iOS or Android apps.

To access the parent portal, you will require your unique family username and password. Upon first login, you will be required to change your password and confirm your email address and mobile phone number.

You can download Compass App on iOS and Android devices, search for Compass School Manager in the store

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Active & Creative Kids Vouchers

Parents of school-age children are reminded to register for their Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers. The NSW Government’s Active Kids program provides  vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year and also vouchers that can be redeemed for creative activities  such as drama & visual arts. Creative Kids vouchers are also available to be redeemed for creative activities and craft supplies.

To find out more information on how to apply please visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher

Your creative kids voucher can be used to purchase items via approved websites, check out the links below.

Creative Kids Wonderland
Artzee Kids

BrickTastics


School Travel for 2022

2022 school travel applications are now open

Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2022 can apply now. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for a school travel pass for the first time, or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who change address, school, campus location, or who have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications and current entitlements are updated and remain valid. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card

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Kinder Enrolments 2023

We are now taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2023, if you know of people looking for a school for their child (even if it is for the other grades), please let them know about St Canice’s. The power of your words of recommendation has an enormous effect on our enrolments. Let’s keep working together to make St Canice’s that great school that has been in operation for the past 120 years.

Subscribe to Calendar and Newsletter

Subscribe to the Parent Calendar and Newsletter

www.stcaniceskatoomba.catholic.edu.au

Select “Current Community” click on Newsletter

 

Mass Times

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish

Parish Priest Fr John McSweeney

 Presbytery Contact  Ph: 02 4782 2804

                                     Fax: 02 4782 6090

Website: marymackillopupperbluemountains.org.au

Mass

Monday 9.30am, Tuesday 5:15pm, Wednesday 9:30am, Thursday 5:15pm Friday 12.00pm Saturday 9.00am Sunday 10.00am

Confession

Saturday 9.30am Confession outside this time is available on request

Rosary

Saturday Cenacle Rosary and Consecration following benediction after 9am Mass

Stations of the Cross

1st Friday of month, 12.30pm

Exposition of Blessed Sacrament

Fridays (Except 1st Friday) 12.30pm

Benediction

Benediction Saturdays following 9am Mass

Weekly Divine Mercy Hour

Sundays 12.00pm to 1.00pm

Vespers

4th Monday of month - 6pm

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

KOOSH

KU Bilya Gulyangarri Preschool Enrolling Now


KU Bilya Gulyangarri provides high quality, community-based preschool education for children aged 3 - 5 years old, including: 

An educational, play-based curriculum Qualified, caring and experienced staff A large outdoor environment promoting sustainability Located next to North Katoomba Primary School Rated as ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard 

To learn more, visit www.ku.com.au or contact: 

KU Bilya Gulyangarri Preschool Cnr Verdun and Barton Streets, North Katoomba T 4782 5847 E ku.bilyagulyangarri@ku.com.au
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