Delagram 6th May 2025

From the Principal

Welcome to Term Two, 2025

Welcome back to Term Two!  It does feel as if more than two weeks has passed since we returned after the Easter break.  From the passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, the federal election, ANZAC day commemorations, Mother’s Day breakfast, and a school curriculum review, it has been a busy start. 

In 2025, La Salle Academy will have a series of school reviews to ascertain if we are on the right path and whether we are providing the best education to our students.  This review process has two elements:  Curriculum Review and a School Improvement Review, and each school in our Diocese, undertakes these reviews every 5 years.  Last Tuesday, 6^th May, we completed our Curriculum Review.  There was no disruption to our student and parent bodies, as this review checks that all our compliance documentation is correct and that we are adhering to the mandatory expectations as set out by NSW Education Standards Authority.  Whilst we have developed plans and processes from the review 5 years ago, we have made significant efforts over the past 6 months to ensure everything was prepared for the 23 guest reviewers that arrived on our site.  I would like to thank all of our staff for their diligence and efforts in ensuring that we met Tuesday’s deadline.  Once we receive the report, we will use any recommendations in our strategic planning over the coming months and years.  The school improvement review will take place in Term Three, and will involve staff, students and families.  This element of the review is very much orientated on the future directions of our school and where our collective key strategic priorities lie.  I look forward to discussing this in more details and recruiting students and their families in this process. 

Over the weekend, we welcomed the appointment of Pope Leo XIV.  An Augustinian priest who hails from Chicago in the United States.  Pope Leo XIV completed missionary work in Peru in his early years before engaging in a number of different roles across the world.  We look forward to learning more about Pope Leo XIV and the future direction that he intends to guide our Catholic Church.  Along with the billions of Catholics around the world, we welcome his appointment and celebrate this momentous occasion. 

The term ahead is important for a number of reasons:

• Parent Teacher Interviews (Year 7, 11 & 12) – Week 3
• Careers Fair (Year 9 & 10) – Week 3
• Athletics Carnival – Week 3
• Enrolment Interviews – Weeks 4 – 6
• Work Experience for Year 10 – Weeks 9 & 10
• Senior Student preparation for exams in Term Three.

We continue to emphasise that learning is important at school.  Learning is impacted by poor attendance.  Therefore, it is vital that our students are at school each and every day.  Most of our students are settled and have established good routines and habits.  It is important that between home and school we maintain consistent messaging about being at school, remained focused in class, prioritising school work whilst also maintaining a balance that include part time work, sports and cultural engagement and time to rest. I am looking forward to Term Two and I hope that our term is just as exciting as Term One, 2025. 

God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter

Assistant Principal

Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up for our Year 7, 11 and 12 students on
Tuesday 13 th May. Parents book through Compass and interview timeslots are
available from 2:30pm. Mr Carpenter sent a message to all parents and carers
regarding Parent Teacher interviews earlier in the week. Although the interviews
start at 2:30pm, supervision is still available at school for students who need to
catch a bus home later in the day, however students will be dismissed at the end
of Period 4.
The best outcomes for all students happen when parents and the school can work
in partnership. If you were unable to secure a booking, we encourage you to make
contact with the office or the teachers directly as we will be happy to have a
meeting at an alternate time or over the phone. There will be a second opportunity for parent teacher interviews in Term 3 following the publishing of the Semester 1 Reports for students in Years 8, 9 and 10.

Mothers Day Breakfast
It was an amazing breakfast for Mother’s Day this morning. The hall was full of families and it was so nice to see and feel the vibe that this community event has created. Special thanks go to Mr Carpenter and Mrs Wilsmore-Smith for all of the organising and set up on the morning and Edward our Groundsman for setting up of the BBQ’s and the facilities in the Hall. Well done to the Year 12 students and Mrs Johnston who helped cook for all of our families.
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Last Term, I had an opportunity to take Year 9 Agriculture and Year 11 VET Primary Industries students to the Royal Easter Show at Homebush. The showground was jam packed with school students (and children in prams) as
this was the only day of the show that coincided with a school term day and it was a HOT day. None the less, the students were amazing and had a great day learning about the different breeds of cattle and checking out the pigs, goats and horses. We only had a short time to go on the rides and run the gauntlet of the
showbag pavilion before making our way back home.
I would like to congratulate all student that went on the excursion on their time management of not only getting to school buy 6:30am but also meeting us at the very overcrowded venue at the required times throughout the day.
I would also like to thank Mrs Dixon and Mrs Legge for attending and surviving an unseasonally hot day in Homebush.

Have a great fortnight
Mrs Holgate

Religious Education Coordinator

Welcome back to Term 2! 

I hope the Easter break gave you all a chance to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge for the busy term ahead. 

As we begin this new chapter, we do so with reflection, compassion, and a sense of shared purpose.

During the holidays, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, a truly humble and courageous leader whose love for the poor, commitment to justice, and deep faith inspired millions. 

His legacy continues to call each of us to live with kindness, serve others, and walk gently with our God.

Already this term, we've shared in moments of great joy and connection. 

On Tuesday, 29th April, Week 1, students participated in our school ANZAC Day Liturgy and Pope Francis' Reflection, led by our senior students with great reverence and respect.

On Thursday morning (8th May), we gathered in gratitude and love for our incredible mothers and motherly figures at our Mother’s Day Breakfast and Blessing. 

Thank you to Amira Kathir, Nash Piggott, Angus Small, Lara Taylor and Jessica Harding for leading the prayer so beautifully. Your words and presence were deeply appreciated by all. Additionally, our students had the opportunity to win 1 of 3 $50 hampers to gift to a special woman in their life.

Congratulations to:
🥇 Talei Narayan (1st Place)   🥈 Nate Levick (2nd Place)   🥉 Charlee Scott (3rd Place)

Looking ahead:

Week 3 is Catholic Schools Week, a time to celebrate all that makes our Catholic community vibrant, faith-filled, and committed to learning. 

We warmly invite all families and community members to join us for a Liturgy on Tuesday, 13th May at 9:10 am. All students and staff will receive a free sausage sizzle at recess. Throughout the week, we’ll be hosting events like Jersey Day, collecting cans/tins for the homeless, and engaging in outreach initiatives to continue Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion.

In Week 4, we will be holding our Lasallian Retreat Week, a reflective time for all Year 7–10 and Year 12 students. This is a unique opportunity for students to step away from the everyday busyness and focus on faith, connection, and service.

Another key event in Week 6 this term is our Winter Appeal Sleepout, taking place on Friday 6th June (5:30 pm) through to Saturday 7th June (9:00 am). This powerful experience challenges students to walk in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness. More details will follow soon.

Today also marks the end of our Project Compassion campaign. 

I want to sincerely thank every student and family who gave so generously. 

We are proud of the compassion shown across our school. 

The final total will be announced at the beginning of Week 3. 

A special thank you to Mr Carpenter, who has personally matched the donations from our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place classes, a beautiful gesture of generosity and care.

Let us continue into this term inspired by the hope that Pope Francis modelled so humbly, the strength shown by our ANZACS, and the everyday acts of compassion that make our school a beacon of faith and kindness.

Finally, as Mother’s Day approaches this Sunday, I wish to sincerely thank all the women in our (and my) lives who show us the way. Roads at times are hard, dark and rocky, it is our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and friends that I believe hold our hands and light the way. When you are a mother yourself, you truly have a new appreciation of how amazing your mother was. My mother, mother-in-law and grandmother are incredible women, and I feel truly blessed for all you have done to support me. 

I leave you with this prayer:

Dear God, we thank you for the gift of mothers, for their unwavering love, their quiet strength, and their guiding wisdom. Bless all mothers, grandmothers, and those who take on motherly roles. Give them patience, courage, and joy in their daily sacrifices. May they feel deeply appreciated, loved, and supported, today and every day. Amen.

 Warm regards,
Mrs Wilsmore-Smith
Religious Education Coordinator

Leader of Teaching and Learning

School Review
Every five years, Catholic schools  in NSW are required to undergo a School Review. The focus of this review is predominantly related to the compliance of the school curriculum. All Key Learning Areas are audited to ensure their programs, assessments, timetables, policies and record keeping are in line with the requirements set out by the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) and NESA. 

This week, it was La Salle Academy’s turn to be audited. Twenty representatives from CEDB including teaching staff and curriculum consultants spent a day at the school examining and reviewing  all key documentation to evaluate the school’s level of compliance. The day was extremely positive and the reviewers of each KLA acknowledged the compliance status of our curriculum. This is a result of the wonderful work of our amazing staff and their unwavering commitment to establishing strong teaching and learning practices and ensuring documentation is of a consistently  high standard. The preparation that goes into the review process is quite lengthy and at times, arduous, requiring our staff, particularly Middle Leaders, to work tirelessly to ensure all documentation meets compliance recommendations. I thank all staff for their concerted efforts over the last 12 months and congratulate them on this wonderful result. I look forward to further developing the teaching and learning with our dedicated staff at La Salle Academy. 

I would also like to acknowledge the work done in setting up for the review including organising seating, decor and providing morning tea and lunch. To Mr Sheere, Mrs Doohan, Mrs Sheather and Harry Pottinger, I am grateful to you all. Thank you. 

2025 HSC Timetable
The 2025 HSC timetable was recently released by NESA and all Year 12 students should now have access to their personalised copy via their Schools Online account. If students have any questions regarding this, they are to contact  Mrs Holgate.

Preparation and Organisation for the New Term
As we enter a new school term, it is important for all students to make a strong start to build a foundation for success in all aspects of their lives - academic, social and emotional.

Here is a list of suggested steps which students can take for a successful term:

📚 Academic Success

• Reflect on the Previous Term

Think about how things went in general. Consider your successes, challenges, and any lessons learned. Did you manage your time effectively? Were there any study techniques that worked particularly well for you? Reflecting on your experience will help you identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for a stronger new term.

• Set Clear Goals
  Decide what you want to achieve this term—grades, skills, or habits—and write it down.
• Stay Organised
  Use a planner or app to track assignments, deadlines, and test dates.
• Start Strong
  The habits you form in the first few weeks set the tone for the rest of the term.
• Ask for Help Early
  Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Teachers  are there to support you.
• Review Daily
  Spend 15–20 minutes each day reviewing class notes so you retain more long-term.

🧠 Mental and Emotional Well-Being

• Balance Work and Rest
  Don’t overcommit. Make time for sleep, breaks, and things you enjoy.
• Be Kind to Yourself
  Every term has ups and downs. Stay focused, but be patient with your progress.
• Limit Comparison
  Everyone learns at a different pace. Focus on your growth, not others’.

👥 Social and Personal Growth

• Get Involved
  Join a club, sport, or group activity. It’s a great way to make friends and build skills.
• Build Relationships with Teachers
  Being engaged and respectful opens doors for support and opportunities.
• Choose Your Circle Wisely
  Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you.

✨ Final Tip

Treat this term like a fresh start.
No matter what happened last term, you have the power to make this one better!

Study Hub

The La Salle Academy Study Hub has resumed for this term. Students are encouraged to come along to the library every Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.30-6pm to study in a quiet environment with teachers on hand who can provide academic support. For further information, contact Mr Carpenter.

Yours in learning, 
Mrs Devine

Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator Year 7,9 and 11

As we begin Term 2, we continue to focus on the holistic development of our students—academically, socially, and emotionally. This week’s newsletter highlights three key areas we’re working on with students in the area of wellbeing, along with suggestions for how you can support these efforts at home.

Emotional Literacy and The Resilience Project
In our Resilience Project classes, students are developing emotional literacy—the ability to recognise, understand and manage their emotions. This is a critical life skill that helps students build empathy, communicate effectively, and navigate social challenges.

At home, you can support emotional literacy by encouraging open conversations about feelings. Ask questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was there anything that made you feel frustrated or proud today?” Modelling how you handle your own emotions calmly and constructively also goes a long way in reinforcing these lessons. Resources from The Resilience Project (https://theresilienceproject.com.au/) offer further tips and activities you can try as a family.

Attendance Matters: Let’s Improve Together
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success and wellbeing. Term 1 saw some variability in student attendance, and we’re aiming to improve this across all year levels in Term 2. Every day of learning matters, and frequent absences—even when seemingly minor—can significantly impact progress.

We encourage families to maintain consistent routines, communicate proactively with the school about any challenges, and make appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. Let’s work together to keep students engaged and present every day.

Police Talks: Social Media, Young People and the Law
This week, students in Years 7–10 participated in presentations by local police officers about social media and the law. These sessions addressed online safety, respectful online behaviour, and the real-world consequences of misusing digital platforms. Students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions—an encouraging sign of their growing awareness.

We recommend having a follow-up conversation at home. Ask your child what they learned, what surprised them, and how they think they can stay safe and responsible online. It’s also a good time to review privacy settings and discuss the importance of digital footprints.

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing our students to become thoughtful, resilient, and responsible young people. If you have any questions or would like further resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school.

Warm regards,
Mrs Tahni Hotham
Wellbeing Coordinator (Years 7, 9 & 11)

Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator Year 8 and 10

Mrs Soliette Markovic
Year 8 & 10 Pastoral/Wellbeing Coordinator

Library News

Preliminary and HSC Reference Section
As we move into the new term, our Stage 6 students continue to prepare for their various assessment tasks whilst working on developing their responses to examination style questions in the lead up to the Preliminary and HSC exams. Many students have developed strong study habits over the course of this semester and to support their revision, the library has a range of study materials including study guides, NESA Exam workbooks, topic tests and practice exam questions. These are located in the Senior Study area of the library and students are encouraged to make effective use of these resources to maximise their study and assessment/exam preparation. Students can also place requests for texts not currently in the collection and these can be added, ensuring that the library continues to meet the academic needs of our students.

Word of the Week
A literacy initiative that has continued in the library this year is Word of the Week. Each week a challenging word is displayed and the inclusion of additional information such as the parts of speech, definition, synonyms and usage in a sentence enables students to build knowledge and gain greater understanding of each term. In presenting these words, it encourages our students to build awareness of more sophisticated vocabulary which they can then adopt into their own writing. 

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Program
The Accelerated Reader program is a key literacy initiative for years 7 - 11 and has been implemented in partnership with the English Faculty. It is designed to develop students’ reading and comprehension skills and encourage more consistent reading practices while fostering the habit of reading for pleasure. 

Each term, students undertake a diagnostic reading test which provides data for their English teachers and identifies a recommended reading level - their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Students then select a text from the library collection which they borrow and read for twenty minutes in every English lesson. Once the text has been read, students complete an online comprehension quiz which helps inform teachers of their progress. Students will then choose another text to continue the process and this will occur throughout each term. To ensure that students develop good reading habits and are able to complete the reading of the text within a two week period, they should also be reading consistently at home. If students need any assistance in accessing the online quizzes or in selecting the right text to read, they are encouraged to visit the library.

New Books
Each month we receive a delivery of new fiction titles for our collection. Some of the wonderful texts on offer this month are:

The Edge of Everything by Miranda Luby
This is a wonderful novel that tackles the issue of endangered wildlife, but especially deals with handling grief in your own way, navigating romance, the importance of friends, and looking for meaning in your life. These topics are explored incredibly well and the characters are engrossing. A great read for students aged 14-18.

How to Survive 1985 by Teagan Bennett Daylight
This is a stand-alone story that features the characters from Tegan Bennett Daylight's previous book, Royals, which is also in our collection. What was meant to be a normal trip to the movies turns out to be anything but for Shannon! Walking out of the cinema, she suddenly has a feeling that things are not right. The street, the cars, the people, the shops, the smells - everything about it is different. But why, and how? Upon realising that she is in 1985, not 2025, she now must figure out what is going on. But with no modern technology to help, this is going to be harder than she thinks!

Happy Reading, 
Mrs Devine

Youth Minister

Ignite Conference 2025 – The Light
10–13 July | Sydney (Diocese of Broken Bay)
For Parents of Year 10–12 Students

We are delighted to offer a life-changing opportunity for five students in Years 10–12 to attend Ignite Conference 2025, a national Catholic youth event designed to inspire and deepen the faith of young people. Over four incredible days, students will be immersed in dynamic worship, inspiring keynote talks, interactive workshops, and powerful encounters with the sacraments — all in the company of hundreds of passionate young Catholics from across the country.

This year, thanks to the generous support of Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB), five fully funded places are available. This includes all travel, accommodation, meals, and registration costs.

🔹 When: 10–13 July 2025
🔹 Where: Sydney (hosted by the Diocese of Broken Bay)
🔹 Who Can Apply: Open to students in Years 9–12
🔹 Interested? Contact Mrs Wilsmore-Smith to express your interest and secure a place.

God Bless

Imogen Della Bosca

All things attendance

It is law in NSW that all school age children must attend school every day that the school is open.
There is a direct relationship between learning success and excellent attendance

CONGRATULATIONS – 100% ATTENDANCE
At the end of Term 1 we celebrated 105 students who achieved 90% and above attendance with a pizza
party. We also congratulate 21 students who had 100% attendance that is - 0 full day absences and 0
partial absences for Term 1. This is amazing and we thank the students and parents for placing an
importance on being at school on time and attending every day.
So, as we move forward into Term 2, I want to ask a question and maybe give you a couple of
suggestions to help ensure your child is attending school regularly.

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Attendance at school has so many benefits that being here everyday does count. When your child
attends school they:-
 Have fun
 Spend time with their peers
 Develop new skills
 Gain the necessary qualifications to finish school and go onto further education or
employment
 Experience new things
 Build confidence
 Have the best possible start in life
So, as parents what can you do-
 Promote the importance of school
 Go to school events- Mass, Award presentations, Mother’s/Father’s day breakfasts
 Get to know the teachers – Parent Teacher Interviews
 Read the school Delagram and know what’s happening at school
 Volunteer to help at school – maybe the canteen or sports events
 Ask about your child’s day
 Get involved in your child’s school – Parent Engagement Evenings, Information Evenings
 Be firm, send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day
of term – They can celebrate their birthday at school with their friends and the last day can
be quite fun too

When it comes to attendance at school sometimes children need to stay at home.
OK reasons to stay at home-
 Sickness – cold and flu, vomiting, tummy bug or anything contagious.
 Specialist appointments out of town
 Natural disasters – when the school is closed – for us snow, fires and flooding
It’s NOT OK to skip school to-
 Shop
 Sleep in
 Finish an assignment
 Go on holidays
 Get a haircut/colour or nails
 Or because it’s your birthday

La Salle recognises and values the benefits of a positive home/school relationship and seeks to involve
parents in developing positive patterns of attendance and meeting the expected 95% or above school
attendance rate for all students. We hope you can support La Salle as we move forward and encourage
regular school attendance for your child.

 Kath Staines
Attendance Wellbeing Officer

Finance

SCHOOL FEES FOR 2025
Thank you to all those who have either paid their first instalment or paid their Fees Account in full. Statements for the second instalment will be sent out via email on Friday 9th May and fall due on Friday the 23rd May. Your account is also accessible also through Compass.
I have reached out via email over the past few weeks to those account holders who's account needs attention. If you are one of these recipients, can you please address the email so we can ensure that your account is finalised by the end of the school year and via a manageable payment plan.
If you have any questions relating to your account, please let us know by contacting the school office. If you have not received your School Fee Statement via email at all, please contact the school office to ensure that we have the correct email address on our system.

Fee Billing Dates for 2025 are listed below:
Fees will be generated at the beginning of the year and split into 3 instalments. Instalment due dates are as follows:* Term 1 Statement Date 28/02/2025 and instalment due date 14/03/2025* Term 2 Statement Date 9/05/2025 and instalment due date 23/05/2025* Term 3 Statement Date 1/08/2025 and instalment due date 15/08/2025

A reminder that payments can be made by the following payment options:
• Account balances can be accessed via Compass and payments can be made on the App.
• BPay Payment References are readily available on the Fee Statements.
• Direct Debit Forms are available at the school – just call or email to enquire.
• EFTPOS is available in person at the office or you are welcome to make payment over the phone.
• Centrepay Forms are available from ServiceNSW or call / email and we can arrange one to be sent.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the office by calling (02) 6354 5100 or by emailing the school on lasallelithgow@bth.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions relating to your account or if experiencing any difficulty so we can arrange a suitable solution.

Kind regards,
Narelle Lee
Office Manager

Important Information

Catholic Education Benefits All Australians

Catholic schools are Australia's largest non-government education provider, delivering choice, affordability and value for all. With the election coming up,parents might be interested in finding out more information by going to https://ncec.catholic.edu.au/2025-federal-election/ There is a great short video explaining how school funding works.

CEBD Community Charter

Karate Classes

We are a local karate school who have been operating for over 25 years with experienced, qualified instructors.
We provide fun, affordable karate classes for kids, teens and adults to develop fitness, determination, focus and self defence in a safe, welcoming environment.
Our karate school is a traditional school that follows the virtues of respect, peace and perseverance and helps to develop students in the dojo as well as in their daily lives.
We are offering a FREE trial lesson to all new students.

Kind regards,
Tamara Snow
Blue Mountains Karate Admin and Instructor

Phone: 0425 370 859
Email: info@karatensw.com.au
Website: karatensw.com.au
Facebook: chito ryu karate blue mountains

Student stationery pack

Becoming a foster carer

Canteen- Flexischools App

Canteen cut off times for order are as follows:

Recess:10am

Lunch time : 12pm 

If you are interested in helping in the canteen please call our office 6354 5100

Thank You

Regards
Leanne
Canteen Manager

We have the flexischools app for your convenience order online - See the flyers below with instructions on how to order

School Zones Reminder

A reminder to all our parents that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families. School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all the days the school is open, even pupil free days.