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
Dear Parents, Carers and Members of the St Canice’s Community,
We have had a community-rich few weeks despite the inclement weather and low numbers. We had a wonderful Cross Country event on Friday 18 March, followed by Harmony Day on 21 March. Thank you to those parents and carers who were able to participate in each event and thank you to all parents and carers for the work you did in the background for us!
Many children were absent for the Cross Country and we will ensure that they get their opportunity to be timed during sports lessons in the time left to us this term. Further information will be provided about that via COMPASS.
Thank you also to the parents who have volunteered for many tasks. Some of you have had the opportunity to help us already and others will be called on in Term 2. We also got a strong response to our request for Parent Reps and I will be following up with those of you who would like to know more very shortly. It is not too late to add your name to our list of potential Community-building Class Reps. The Class Rep form is HERE: https://forms.gle/qnnVQkzafV5atXMDA
The Ukrainian people continue to be victims of an aggressive war. Many are now seeking refuge in neighbouring countries and it is heartening to see the efforts being made in Europe to accommodate innocent victims of a cruel war. We pray for peace in The Ukraine. My thanks to Dorothy in Stage 2 for reminding us of this and for the beautiful blue and yellow paper crane tree that we created to remind us of the need to keep the people of The Ukraine in our prayers.
I am delighted with the interest Elizabeth in Stage 2 has generated in chess. We have a solid little group of enthusiasts and lots of chess sets thanks to generous donations from two of our families. The students will participate in a whole day of chess at inter school level later this year, giving us lots of time to prepare. If you know of somebody, Parents, who would be interested in helping our children with Chess, please contact me. mmeaney@parra.catholic.edu.au
With best wishes for the days ahead. May you stay safe and let's hope that good health returns to those struggling with sickness,
God bless,
Ms Miriam, Principal
Friday 1st April
Three Sisters Immersion Experience - Stages 2 and 3.
Note has been sent home with all details
Farewell Assembly for Ms Kayleen Magann - 2pm
Thursday 7th April
Easter Hat Parade - 8:40am
Easter Egg hunt - during school time
Gold Award Assembly / Stations of the Cross - 1:50pm
Friday 8th April - Pupil Free Day
Monday 25th April - Katoomba ANZAC Day Morning Service. We are seeking volunteers to attend and participate in laying a wreath on behalf of the school
Tuesday, 26th April- Term 2 commences
ANZAC Day assembly at 8:40am
You are invited to attend the Farewell Assembly for Ms Magann
Friday 1st April
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.
On Friday, 1 April, the students in Stages 2 and 3 will visit the Three Sisters.
They will connect with the Three Sisters as a part of our indigenous local culture. They will also consider their responsibility to The Three Sisters as Blue Mountains residents.
We will find areas that require a clean up and they will take part in cleaning them.
We encourage parents who are available to join us on Friday, 1 April. Events such as this enable us to strengthen the St Canice’s community. Furthermore, parents and carers can also learn about The Three Sisters and participate in sharing responsibility for the landmark.
Feel free to walk with us from school or join us at any stage.
Local indigenous friends of St Canice’s, Uncle Chris Tobin and Aunty Carol, will join us on the day.
Our own Ms Rose Gillespie will also play a significant leadership role. She has previously worked with Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and brings her lived experiences and passion to her work at the school.
No permission note is required for this excursion as the permission form related to photography and local excursions has already been signed by you.
Please ensure children wear / bring:
● Gardening gloves for cleaning up
● Sports Uniform, a hat and sunscreen
● A small bag with plenty of drinking water, crunch and sip, recess and lunch
Timing: (approximate)
9:00-9:45 Set out for The Three Sisters from school and arrive at Echo Point.Refresh on arrival
10:00 Uncle Chris: Smoking Ceremony and presentation to all about the Three Sisters
10:30 Walk to the Three Sisters and back
11:30 Recess / early lunch and then clean up
12:45 Quick refresh, walk to St. Canice’s, arriving for Ms Magann’s farewell assembly at 2pm
Kind regards, The Stage 3 Friday Team: Mrs Rosana Friend, Mr Patrick McCarthy, Mr Coley White
As our term winds to an end, we have a few important events to mark. Easter Week falls at the end of the first week of the holidays. We will mark this most significant faith event on Thursday, 7 April, at Assembly. We will also celebrate those students who have received Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at this assembly. Please note that assembly will commence at the earlier time of 1:50 on Thursday, 7 April.
Thursday 7th April
8:40am
On Harmony Day, we raised money for The Vinnies Flood Appeal. In total we raised over $140 even though a lot of students were away due to COVID. We also celebrated multiculturalism.
Many of us came to school in mufti representing different countries. We showed our different outfits by parading around the school playground. We also had classroom activities for Harmony Day. Parents provided delicious food from different cultural backgrounds for lunch. Our local friend Aunty Carol joined us for lunch. Russell from St Vincent de Paul also came along. We hope that our money, even though it is not a lot, will make a difference.
Holiday, Natasha, Oliver and Tim from The Faith In Action Team (FIAT) at St Canice’s
Do you have old sports shoes you no longer need?
Recycle them for a chance to win!
TreadLightly takes unwanted sports and active lifestyle shoes and gives them new life as retail, gym and playground flooring.
Recycle and win Simply collect as many shoes as possible between 21–27 March to help keep shoes out of landfill and win prizes for your school.
We value our strong relationship with families and welcome opportunities to communicate with parents and carers. We also recognise that email is a fast and convenient way to contact your child’s teacher or other school staff.
Although staff will read their emails at various times throughout the school day, they are not expected to respond to emails outside of normal working hours. Staff will try to respond to emails within 24 hours.As some staff work part time, it is reasonable to expect an email response from part time staff on their next working day.
In the case of an emergency, do not rely on email. In such situations, please contact the school office on 4780 6800. Our caring team will return your call as soon as possible.
If you wish to contact the office via email, please email stcanices@parra.catholic.edu.au
If you need to contact a staff member and are not sure of the staff member’s email, you can also send your email to stcanices@parra.catholic.edu.au It will then be directed to your child’s teacher or another relevant staff member.
Thank you so much for your assistance and understanding.
Ms Miriam Principal
Welcome to Mrs Sue Kondek, who has returned to St Canice's in our Library.
The borrowing of Library books for students will be on Mondays from the begining of term 2.
If students have a library bag, please bring it along each week.
Thank you to all the parent volunteers who have informed me of your interest. I will be in touch early term 2 to chat about how you can help.
Happy reading.
Ms Sue
School Cross Country Carnival - 18th March 2022
Many thanks for your patience with the quick change of venue for our school's cross country carnival. It was lovely to be able to bring the school together and welcome parents and carers back into our school grounds to watch the carnival. Thank you to all of the staff, parents & carers for your assistance with the various roles you took on to help the day run smoothly. If your child was away on the day of the carnival and would like to race to see if they can qualify for the Diocesan carnival they are invited to attend a catch up race with Mr White during this Friday’s school sport. After the catch up race has been completed. I will finalise the places in each race and tally up the house points. Notes for qualifying students for the Diocesan Carnival will be sent home with students on Friday 1st April 2022, Please return these notes by Monday 4th April as singlets for the qualifying students have to be submitted on this date, I understand it is short notice. You may also return your child’s permission slip via email (take a photo and email it) to stcanices@parra.catholic.edu.au
Ribbons will be awarded during Friday’s school assembly on Week 1, Term 2 - 29th April, 2022
Please note - 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.
Futsal Gala Days - Stage 2 & 3
Thank you to all the Stage 2 & 3 students who have returned permission slips for the Futsal Gala Days.
If there are any Stage 3 Boys & Girls keen to play who haven’t brought their notes in please do so asap or email stcanices@parra.catholic.edu.au your parental permission.
Our teams require 5 players on the field at all times as well as subs, So it is vital that we fulfil these teams or we will have to fortfit our spot.
We currently have the following teams for Futsal:
Stage 3 Girls (need 1-2 more players)
Stage 3 Boys #1 (need 2 more players)
Stage 3 Boys #2 (need 2 more players)
Stage 2 Girls (Full team)
Stage 2 Boys (Full team)
Diocesan Soccer Gala Days @ Jamison Park - Stage 2 & 3
Permission notes will be sent home the first week of Term 2 sorry for the delay with this.
Get active with some of these school holiday activities
Fairmont Adventure Park @ Leura
Our bush tree top experience in Leura, Blue Mountains, making for an adventure opportunity like no other in the area. Just 90 mins from Sydney awaits an adrenaline fuelled and action packed high ropes expedition ideal for adults and kids alike. Friendly instructors are ready and waiting to propel you and your friends or family into a leafy world of canopies, including bridges and wires, plus our 3 level climbing tower that guarantees some genuine fun and excitement across the tree tops in some stunning bushland. The crazy thrill seekers won’t even blink at our Black Run Course. High up in the trees, you’ll be fully immersed in a pursuit to conquer some of our longest and highest crossings in a full 90 minute experience! Who can participate? Participants must be over 1.4m tall, and minimum 10 years old.For every two 10-15 year olds, one adult (18+) is required for supervision.16-17 year olds can supervise themselves but not others.
Kids Can Act, Drama Workshops @ Springwood
Give the kids something fun to do while you do something, work from home or just need a break from the darlings. We accept creative kids vouchers more info https://www.kidscanact.com.au/workshops.html
Springwood Boys & Girls Club
Balls, hoops & ribbons workshop (Rhythmic Gymnastics) on Saturday 2nd April, 2022 from 10-11am for ages 6-15 yrs. Non-members welcome. Numbers are limited. Bookings are essential. Please use the link below to our website to book. http://sbagc.com.au/workshops-holidays.html
Camp St Climbing @ Katoomba
Kids Classes are on these holidays! Get enrolled ASAP.
We've got a Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday Kids Class program. Starting on the 12-21st of April,2022
6 classes over the holiday period, get on it!
P.S. Kids classes for Term 2 are open for RE-enrolment now!
Get in quick, enrolment opens for new students at the end of term.
https://www.facebook.com/1589455854678975/posts/2857908981166983/?d=n
Mid Mountains Crossfit
Term 2 enrollments for Crossfit Kids and Teens classes are open
Classes (during school term only)
Kids 5-11yrs Thursdays 4.30 -5.15
Teens 12-17yrs Tuesdays & Fridays 4.30 - 5.15
10 week program
More info https://www.midmountainscrossfit.com/crossfit-kids
School Holiday Fun at Penrith PCYC
Looking for things to do in the upcoming school holidays?
PCYC NSW runs a variety of safe, fun, creative and inclusive school holiday activities for primary and high school aged youth. Our structured programs have a selection of sport and creative based activities to ensure we offer something for everyone! From multi-sport, gymnastics and boxing to painting, dance and crafts. From pirate days and graffiti, to coding classes and skateboarding, we have lots on offer! Looking for school holidays child care while you're vacation elsewhere in the state? PCYC membership gives you access to any of our 65 clubs! Drop your kids off for school holidays activities while you're on your 'staycation'!
PCYC Penrith school holiday activities are run by qualified coaches that have a passion for working with young people in a sport and recreation environment. Our programs are designed to be affordable for the local communities that surround our clubs ensuring a cost effective school holiday option for all families. We also accept Creative Kids vouchers at all of our clubs. https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/penrith/school-holidays
Local Scout Groups
Blackheath Scout Group
2 Park Lane, BLACKHEATH NSW 2785
Meeting times
Joeys Wednesday 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Cubs Tuesday 6.00 pm – 7.30pm
Scouts Thursday 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Hazelbrook Scout Group
70 Railway Parade, HAZELBROOK NSW 2779
Meeting times
Joeys Monday 5.30pm-6.30pm
Cubs Monday 6.30pm -8pm
Scouts Thursday 6.30pm – 8.30pm
More info https://joinscouts.com.au/get-involved/find-a-scout-group/
Katoomba Girl Guides
Come and try girl guides, we do amazing things. Meet other girls, make lifetime friendships. Our leaders are amazing too.
Meeting times
Junior Guides (ages 7 to 9yrs) Tuesdays 4.45 - 6.00pm
Guides (ages 10 to 14 yrs) Tuesday 6.00 to 8.00pm
Please contact Kim on either 0422 381 462 or email katoombag@girlguides-nswactnt.org.au
Local Bushwalks in the Blue Mountains
Check out some child friendly bush walks within the Blue Mountains in the link below from Bush Trackers.
https://www.bushtrackers.com.au/guides-maps
Stay safe,
Kylie Ranson
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.
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
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.
A reminder that enrolment applications for Year 7, 2023 for St Columba's Catholic College are due on Thursday 31st March. Please contact the Enrolment Secretary on 02 4754 8900 if you require further information.
School Fee Statements have been now been posted by the Catholic Education Office Parramatta and are now due, if you have not received your account please let us know.
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
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
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.
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
MassMonday 9.30am, Tuesday 5:15pm, Wednesday 9:30am, Thursday 5:15pm Friday 12.00pm Saturday 9.00am Sunday 10.00am
ConfessionSaturday 9.30am Confession outside this time is available on request
RosarySaturday Cenacle Rosary and Consecration following benediction after 9am Mass
Stations of the Cross1st Friday of month, 12.30pm
Exposition of Blessed SacramentFridays (Except 1st Friday) 12.30pm
BenedictionBenediction Saturdays following 9am Mass
Weekly Divine Mercy HourSundays 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Vespers4th Monday of month - 6pm
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
| |||||||||||
Futsal Skills Training and Game
3-5 year olds
Tuesday's
10am - 11am
Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre
For more information, call Sue 0419 434 725
Thursday Afternoon Juniors: 5 - 15 year olds
Cost is $80 per player per term.
Plus yearly registration fee wit Futsal NSW
Girls and Boys / Registration of teams and individuals welcome
Competition held at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre
Contact Sue Kindek
0419 434 725
kondek2@bigpond.com
Competition commences Term 2 Thursday 28th April 2022
Blackheath FC is delighted to announce that registration for the 2022 Lithgow District Football Competition is now open. Playing football for Blackheath FC gives you the opportunity to enjoy team sport on a weekly basis in one easy location. Games take place at Marjorie Jackson Playing Fields in Lithgow on a Saturday, and training takes place once a week at Blackheath Oval.
Registration is open to all children from 6 years of age upwards.
Go to https://www.blackheathfc.com/registration No experience necessary. All children are welcome.
Registration fee is $125 for 5-12 year olds, and $135 for 13-18 year olds.
An Active Kids Voucher covers most of a junior player's registration fee.
MUSTER DAY & PRESENTATION DAY
Blackheath FC is holding it’s annual Muster Day on Sunday 27th March at Blackheath Oval from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Representatives from the club will be on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding the club, the teams, the kit, training, or which team your child is likely to be in. 2021
PRESENTATION DAY
Last season was ended abruptly by the coronavirus lockdown and none of our players or coaches had the chance to shake hands and celebrate the hard work they had already put in to the season. Blackheath FC does not wish for their efforts to go unacknowledged, therefore we are holding our 2021 Presentation Day during our 2022 Muster Day on March 27th. If you played last season, come along at the following time:
2021Under 6 Presentation 10:45am,
2021 Under 7 Presentation 11:00am,
2021 Under 8 Presentation 11:15am,
2021 Under 9 Presentation 11:30am,
2021 Under 10 Presentation 11:45am
2021 Under 12 Presentation 12:00pm,
2021 Under 14 Presentation 12:15pm