St Canice's Primary School Newsletter

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

Many thanks for your warm welcome to the community. I have enjoyed meeting all of our students and getting to know many of you. This will be an ongoing priority for me this term. 

The students have had an excellent start to Term 1. Those who have returned to us have settled straight into their classroom learning. They have been reigniting old friendships and making new ones. We welcomed our Kindergarten class of 2020 along with new students Claire, Grace, Joshua and Connor to St Canice’s last week. We will work with them and with all of our students throughout 2020 to ensure that they benefit from a great education, focused on community, built on our faith and inclusive of all. 

We appreciate the stresses many within our community experienced over the holiday break due to bushfires and drought. We continue to pray for rain and for the restoration of our beautiful Blue Mountains environment. The children will participate in a fundraising activity in mid February as a response to the bushfire disaster and we look forward to sharing more details about that with you in due course.  

We will officially open the school year on Friday this week with Mass at St Canice’s parish church at 12:00pm. This is one of the most significant events in our school calendar and we hope that you can attend. The children will remind you throughout the week, as they did for last week’s Meet and Greet, which resulted in a great turnout.

Kind regards,

Miriam Meaney, Principal

Swimming Carnival 2020

Coronavirus

Curriculum Overview Kindergarten

Curriculum Overview Stage One

Private String Lessons

St Columba's Catholic College Year 7 2021 Information Evening

School Photo Order Envelopes

Parents and carers are invited to attend the whole school Mass this Friday February 7th at 12pm.  Our School Leaders will receive their badges as they are inducted into their roles for 2020.

Sport day for all students during term 1 will be WEDNESDAY.

All students are to wear their summer sports uniform.

Students will participate in dance lessons with Dance Fever.

Our school Swimming Carnival will be on Wednesday the 5th February at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre.

The carnival will take place after school at 3:30pm. 

Please note these are timed trials for the Nepean Zone Carnival to be held on Monday 17th February at Glenbrook Pool. 

 Your child should be a confident swimmer (who can swim at least 50m) and be 8 years or older in 2020.

Parents must stay to supervise their child for the entire carnival.

If you are able to assist at the carnival, please notify the Office and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Mr Alan Wedesweiler

Sports Coordinator

After writing persuasive letters to Mrs Meaney about why we should have a class pet........

Year 2 were excited to find their classroom pets in a tank !

We have 4 yabbies!

We took a vote to decide names and decided on Arthur, Blue, Yab Yab and Yo Yo.

We look forward to watching them grow.

Regards

Mark Rix  

Head Executive Office ad Communications

A warm welcome to our new students including our new kindergarten students, as well as their families and carers as they join our St Canice’s family.

We are blessed and honoured to have you here in our community. May your time here at St Canice’s be filled with “Growth Through Love and Learning”.

As part of my position as Attendance Officer I monitor the attendance  rate of all students at St Canice’s on a weekly basis.

Starting “big” school is new and exciting, however getting to school on time and coming every day can prove challenging in the initial stages of transitioning from preschool to primary school. Arriving to school on time helps your child learn the importance of punctuality and routine. It also reduces classroom disruption by giving students time to greet/play with friends before class. It is important to convey these expectations to your child so that they know what is expected of them.

If you require assistance with getting your child to school on time, please contact me via the front office so that we can work in partnership and help your child be the best that they can be.

Miss Elizabeth

Attendance Family Liaison Officer

St Canice’s Primary School    

Photo Day 2020

Thursday 27th February

Cashless Made Simple!

Australia is on the brink of becoming a cashless society.

MSP Photography have embraced this new change to help improve your school photography experience!

To Order Photos.

Once the school have handed out your photo order form, go to www.msp.com.au, enter your unique shootkey and follow the prompts.

If you’re missing your shootkey, please give us a call on 02 9831 5505.

Family Photos.

Please order online prior to photo day with your unique shootkey.

One shootkey per family.

Please note - All orders placed after photo day incur a $20 late fee.

Students participating in School Banking will get weekly hands-on saving practice, when they bring their deposit to school in their Dollarmites deposit wallet on School Banking day.

When a deposit is received, a silver Dollarmites token will be given, which can then be redeemed for a Treetop savers reward (maximum one reward per item). 

Students using an Opal card to travel to and from school are required to tap on and off each trip.

Please remember not to throw away Opal cards at the end of the year.

Eligible cards will be automatically updated for the new school year.

Come One, Come All - Giant FUNDRAISER for Katoomba Rotary and Rural Fire Service. 

We all need a break after the endless bushfires threat in the mountains over the past couple of months - what better way to have a fun night and help us raise funds at the same time!

With the generous support of the Escarpment Group - all proceeds from the Hydro Majestic Gatsby Casino Night entry will be donated to charity.

A chance to dress for the occassion - get out your 20's gear and get a group together - leap into a leap year - maybe the 29th is your lucky day!

• Volunteers – Mamre Creche - CatholicCare
• Office Manager – Tribunal of the Catholic Church (NSW and ACT), Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 3 February.
• General Manager, Early Years Education & Care – Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services Limited (CDPSL) – Applications close 4 February.

More details at: parracatholic.org/employment

Blacktown Neighbour Aid, a program with CatholicCare, is looking for volunteers to support our senior clients in the Blacktown area to remain living independently in their own home. If you feel you would like to make a positive difference to other’s lives in this way, please contact the Manager, Deb Woolacott on 0418 114 055 or email deb.woolacott@ccss.org.au.

St Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park, is hosting weekly devotions to Mary Immaculate and St Bernadette and Adoration of the Blessed Sacraments every Wednesday evening at 7pm, followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For more information, contact the parish office on (02) 9672 4037 or admin@stbernadetteslalorpark.org.au.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish in the Upper Blue Mountains has opened an Adoration Chapel at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba. If you would like further information or would like to sign up for a weekly hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, please call the parish office on (02) 4782 2804.

Kirinari, located in Llandilo and Wiyanga, located in Dundas, are purpose built centres for learning that provide an inclusive education for students with a moderate intellectual disability and high support needs. If you have a child or know someone who would benefit from an alternate platform for learning in Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, please phone (02) 9840 5689 for further information.

The Office for Worship’s Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses will be held again next year, commencing early February 2020. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact the Office for Worship on 8838 3456 or anne.alimangohan@parracatholic.org.

Throughout the month of February, Fr Joseph Lam from Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes, will run a series of biblical studies on Prophetic Literature in the Old Testament. Sessions will be held at the parish every Thursday in February and on 5 March from 7.30pm to 9pm. Registrations are essential by parishoffice@olqp.org.au, where you can also obtain the recommended reading list.

You are invited to attend a Plenary Council 2020 Listening and Discernment session on 6 February from 10.30am to 1pm at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown. At this session, you will have the opportunity to select and explore one of the six Themes for Discernment. Morning tea will be provided. To RSVP, please contact tanya.quinn@parracatholic.org

Long after slavery was officially abolished, the practice not only continues but thrives, with millions of people forced to perform labour through coercion, intimidation or deceit. On the weekend of 8 and 9 February, we celebrate the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, Patron of Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. We are encouraged to pray for all those affected by the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking, and for the people who volunteer and work for the eradication of these crimes.

The Pastoral Planning Office is running a training day in the Alpha Catholic program at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown, Sunday 9 February from 9.30am to 4.30pm. The workshop will look at where Alpha fits in the faith formation process in a Parish. To register, and for more information, please contact Lisa in the Pastoral Planning Office on 8838 3497 or lisa.bright@parracatholic.org.

A Mass for the World Day of the Sick will be celebrated in the Diocese of Parramatta on Tuesday 11 February 2020 at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown at 10.30am. The Mass will include the Sacramental Rite of Anointing of the Sick and Prayers for Healing. Please RSVP to Marisa VanderHout on (02) 8838 3460 or marisa.vanderhout@parracatholic.org to assist with seating and catering.

You are invited to attend a Plenary Council 2020 Listening and Discernment session on 13 February from 6.30pm to 9pm at the Institute for Mission, Blacktown. At this session, you will have the opportunity to select and explore one of the six Themes for Discernment. A light supper will be provided. To RSVP, please contact tanya.quinn@parracatholic.org.

Youth, young adults and families are invited to a celebration of our local Church 'alive and brilliant' at CYP’s LIFTED 2020 Launch on Thursday 13 February at WEST HQ, Rooty Hill from 7.30pm to 10pm. Live music, worship and plans unveiled for young people and acclaimed Catholic singer-songwriter from Melbourne Gen Bryant on-stage. Register your interest now at https://parracatholic.org/liftedlive/

The Themes of Faith program invites participants to share conversation and reflection in small groups. Each group is accompanied by a mentor with a focus on different key life/faith theme each time. Sessions, arranged in two blocks of 5 Monday evenings, start on 2 March. To register, visit https://www.ifm.org.au/tof and for more information, contact Donnie or Fr Paul on (02) 9296 6369 or donnie.velasco@ifm.org.au or paul.roberts@ifm.org.au

If you are serving in any ministry or hoping to get involved, this program gatherings will nurture your relationship with God and further equip your purpose and serving! Sessions start on Tuesday 10 March and will run every Tuesday night for twelve weeks. To register, please visit https://www.ifm.org.au/reflective-ministry or for more information, contact Sr Grace on (02) 9296 6369 or grace.roclawska@ifm.org.au.

Thank you for your support of the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal during the Australia Day weekend. Australia is currently facing an unprecedented bushfire crisis in many parts of the country, including within the Diocese of Parramatta. We are urged to pray constantly for those affected, for those fighting the fires and for an end to the bushfires. To access prayer resources, make a donation or for more information, including how to support people affected by bushfires within the Diocese of Parramatta, visit www.parracatholic.org/bushfires

The Bishops Commission for Liturgy is considering how the Church in Australia will mark the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God, established by Pope Francis and held on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. This celebration is held in Rome during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated much later in the year in Australia. The Commission has proposed another date be established for the Sunday of the Word of God in Australia, and will provide recommendations to the Bishops Conference in May.

Open Support, a not-for profit, community service organisation is in need of volunteer drivers for their Country Care Link program, which is a transport service for regional NSW families, couples and individuals when in Sydney for medical appointments and hospital stays. For more information or to receive a volunteer information pack, please email volunteer@opensupport.org.au, call (02) 8382 6437 or visit www.opensupport.org.au.

Catholic Mission is organising two pilgrimages to walk the Camino Portugués (17 days) from 11 to 27 May 2020 and the Camino Francés (16 days) from 19 September to 5 October. Each pilgrimage will offer small groups lead by an experience guide. For more information, please contact Sr Veronica Rosier OP on 0451 387 906 or visit www.catholicmission.org.au/camino2020.

Government-funded Home Care Packages. Catholic Healthcare’s local Care Advisors can work with you to create a customised support plan. Their in-home services include gardening, shopping, meal preparation, transport and nursing. Get a quote on 1300 734 350.

Youth aged 18 to 35 are invited to join the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth for their Holy Hour for Vocations on Thursday 6 February at 7pm at the Holy Spirit Convent, Plumpton. A meal will be served afterwards. To RSVP, please contact Sr Paula on 0449 656 406 or vocationscsfn@gmail.com.

You are invited to a Christian Meditation Introduction and Renewal Day at St Benedict's Monastery, 121 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia on Sunday 16 February from 10.30am to 3pm, with registration from 10am. Contact Br Terry on 0438 282 318 for possible accommodation in monastery guest house. For other enquiries, please contact either Ann Bergman on anniebergman@hotmail.com or Ann Lomas on atlomas@bigpond.com or 9653 2637.

The Implementation Advisory Group (established by ACBC and Catholic Religious Australia) are hosting a symposium on ‘Shaping the Future of the Catholic Church’ with three international experts on Wednesday 4 March from 1pm to 5pm. The experts will address numerous topics including the Ecclesiology of Vatican II; Theology and the Sexual Abuse Crisis; and Participative Engagement and Structures in a Missionary and Synodal Church. RSVP, tickets and event details can be found at https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=584298&.

St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre, Douglas Park, NSW, is hosting a six day retreat on the ‘Gift of Ageing: Awakening to God’s Surprising Gifts’ from 6 to 12 March. Sr Kerin Caldwell sgs will lead participants in themes such as less doing and more being and how am I coping with change. $750 for 6 days or $250 for weekend of 6 to 8 March. To RSVP, please contact (02) 4630 0233, email contact@towersretreat.org.au or visit www.towersretreat.org.au.

St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre, Douglas Park, NSW, is hosting a weekend retreat on ‘Mindfulness and the Presence of God’ on 13 to 15 March. Presenters Michelle Vass and Lou Nulley will discuss being mindful in the Christian Tradition, mindfulness practices and mindfulness meditation. Registration is $250. To RSVP, please contact (02) 4630 0233, email contact@towersretreat.org.au or visit www.towersretreat.org.au.

St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre, Douglas Park, NSW, is hosting a six-day retreat on St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians from 20 to 26 March. Fr Michael Fallon msc will lead retreatants through Paul’s life and what Jesus meant to Paul. A weekend option is available for 20 to 22 March. To RSVP, please contact (02) 4630 0233, email contact@towersretreat.org.au or visit www.towersretreat.org.au.

St Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre, Douglas Park, NSW, is hosting a men’s prayer weekend from 27 to 29 March. Paul White and Fr Thang Nguyen msc will reflect on scripture and modern writers regarding the interaction between trust and discernment in times of transition in our lives. To RSVP, please contact (02) 4630 0233, email contact@towersretreat.org.au or visit www.towersretreat.org.au.

Fr Dom Carrigan CSsR invites retreatants to bring their religious poems to share with others, in the spirit of Les Murray’s poem ‘Poetry and Religion’. St Clement’s Retreat Centre, Kalangan Rd, Galong, NSW, from 17 to 19 April. Ensuite room $300, room with shared facilities $260. For enquiries and bookings, please contact info@stclement.com.au.

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter are hosting a Marriage Enrichment Weekend from 17 to 19 April at the Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW. Take the time to step back from everyday distractions and rediscover your relationship. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Adrian and Janet on 0490 774 419 or adrian.janet1@bigpond.com

Save the date for the National Pastoral Ministry Conference, titled ‘Alive in the Spirit: Being the Community Christ calls us to be’. The conference will be held on 9 to 11 July 2020 at St Mary, Star of the Sea College, Wollongong. More information to come. For more information, please contact Lisa Bright on 0448 652 720 or lisa.bright@parracatholic.org.

For more events please go to: parracatholic.org/events