Delagram 26th September 2025

Assistant Principal

HSC Exams 
Congratulations to all of our graduating students, especially those who received awards at our Awards Ceremony today. Details and images of the graduation ceremonies will be published in the coming days.
Our HSC Examination period at La Salle Academy will begin on Thursday, October 16th at 9:50 am with English Paper 1 and conclude with the final exam for our cohort, Dance on November 7th. We wish our students the very best in the final phase of their preparation in the coming weeks. I would like to especially thank all of their teachers for their ongoing support of our Year 12 students, some of whom will be running additional revision workshops in the holidays. 
Staff Development Days – Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th October
Students and parents are reminded that Day 1 and 2 of Term 4 which is Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th October will be a staff development days and will be student free.
School Based Traineeships
Congratulations to Charlotte and Macy in Year 10 who will commencing their School Based Traineeships in Term 4 in School Based Educational Support. This is an exciting time for these students as they begin working one day a week and attending school for four days a week. This will allow them to complete their traineeship while also completing the HSC in 2027.

Have a great fortnight
Mrs Holgate

Religious Education Coordinator

As Term 3 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on just how much has happened in our school community over the past months. 
It has been a term filled with moments of celebration, service, prayer, and growth, and I feel so grateful to be part of a school community that continues to strengthen its faith life and sense of unity.

One of the most special moments was our Year 12 Graduation Mass on Thursday, 25th September. The theme, “You are the salt of the earth”, couldn’t have been more fitting. It reminded us that each of us is called to bring out the best in others, to brighten the world around us, and to live lives full of hope and courage. I would like to thank our choir, led by Mr Pierce, our vocalists, guided by Ms Sheather, and all the students who shared their talents on the night. Your music and prayer lifted the whole Mass, especially the Irish Blessing. To the staff who helped in the preparation and supported the evening, and the parents and families who came to celebrate, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. We also welcomed our new 2026 Captains, who jumped straight into their roles with energy and generosity, lending a hand wherever needed. In particular, I am delighted to welcome our new Mission Captains, Abigail Long and Glen Okon, who will help guide and inspire our faith and mission life in the years ahead. 

       Most of all, we farewell our wonderful Class of 2025. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we know this is the start of          new beginnings. Each of them leaves here ready to step forward into the future, carrying the values, friendships,         and memories they have built during their time at our school.

        Beyond Graduation, this term has been full to the brim with activity! Together we’ve shared in:

• Mary MacKillop Feast Day Liturgy
• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Combined Mass
• Year 5 Leader Retreat Day
• Year 9/10 RISEUP CSYMI in Blayney
• Winter Appeal Sleepout
• Year 4 Connection and Unity Retreat Day
• RISE Program (Years 6–12, October Holidays)
• Choir and Vocal Group assisting across Masses and Liturgies.
• Students creating beverage packs, dignity packs, and toiletry packs for B.U.S.S., Thrive, and Nanna’s Touch, showing that faith is not just something we speak about, but something we live through action.
  
  I’d like to acknowledge and celebrate two of our students, Emily Highley and Arden Cutler, and invite them to join me on the stage. These ladies have completed all of their beautiful sacraments this year. This is such a lovely milestone in their faith journey, and as a school, we are proud to walk alongside them. We, as a school, wish to gift them something small but meaningful, as a sign of our encouragement and commitment to supporting you both as you continue to live out your faith.
  
  Looking back, it’s clear that Term 3 has been busy, but it’s the kind of “good busy” that builds connection, community, and faith. I want to sincerely thank every student who got involved, every teacher who gave up their time and energy, and every parent who supported us. Step by step, event by event, our school is rebuilding and growing in faith together.
  
  As we head into Term 4, there is so much to look forward to.
  
  We will gather for Youth Group events, our Year 11 Retreat excursion, Soctober celebrations, our Whole School Closing Mass and so much more. We will also welcome a very special visitor, our Bishop, who will bless our newly refreshed Chapel and the mural of St. John Baptist de La Salle that reflects our story and faith. These moments will continue to strengthen our identity as a community of faith and learning.
  
  For now, as the holidays begin, I encourage everyone to take some time to rest, laugh, and recharge with family and friends (Especially our Year 12 Students).
  
  May God’s light guide you into Term 4 with hope and energy.
  
  Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday.
  
  With warm regards,
  Mrs Wilsmore-Smith
  Religious Education Coordinator

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Librarian and Leader of Teaching and Learning

 A message from Mrs Melissa Devine: Throughout 2025, the La Salle Academy library has continued to evolve as a multipurpose learning hub. It is a key area within the school that serves the staff and students by providing access to a diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction resources as well as opportunities for study, collaborative learning and wellbeing activities such as board games, chess and jigsaw puzzles.

As this is my last Delagram article at La Salle Academy, I would like to thank the entire school community for their engagement with the library over the last two years. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the staff and students and to develop the library and its resources, ensuring it remains an integral component of the teaching and learning at the school. I would also like to thank Mrs Marg Doohan for her assistance in the library. All the transformative work in modernising the collection and the development of the library’s beautiful displays would not have been possible without her amazing efforts.

Yours in learning, 
Mrs Devine

Please note: Our Tech Tutors will be having a break for a while due to the Library opening hours changing. We will be looking to revisit in 2026.

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

Wellbeing Update – Years 7, 9 & 11
As we reach the end of Term 3, I would like to share some important news with our students and families. I will be commencing maternity leave at the beginning of Term 4. During this time, Ms Megan Walker will be stepping into the role of Wellbeing Coordinator for Years 7, 9 and 11.

Ms Walker brings with her a strong passion for student wellbeing and has recently completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training, along with a range of other wellbeing focused professional development programs. She is very well prepared to provide ongoing support to students and families. From Term 4 onwards, please direct all wellbeing related communication to Megan.

I would like to thank our students, parents and carers for your support throughout this year. It has been a real privilege to work with our students and families in the wellbeing role, and I am deeply grateful for the care and partnership shown within our school community. I wish you all a safe, happy and refreshing holiday break.

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

Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator Year 8,10 and 12

As we wrap up an exciting yet busy term, I want to take a moment to reflect on all the incredible learning, growth, and achievements that have taken place across our school community.

Year 8
Year 8 have been working diligently this term. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. This effort has been predominantly due to their high attendance this term, which is a great achievement. These school holidays, I encourage the students to reset and take some time to themselves to focus on their mental health. This term has been very busy for them and some may not have taken the appropriate time during the term to prioritise self-care.

Year 10
Year 10 have been busy this term. A couple of weeks ago we had a number of students
participate in the University of Notre Dame Trauma Week. The feedback for this was very
positive and I was so proud of the exemplary behaviour they displayed. I look forward to
taking a group of students again next year. This term we also had 5 students participate in
the YES Program with Bathurs TAFE. The program provided students with the opportunity to
attend the TAFE and gain pre-vocational skills usually In other words, it gave the students an
opportunity to get a ‘taste’ of what different TAFE courses have to offer. The students
engaged in short courses such as beauty, hospitality, welding, animal studies, auto electrics,
carpentry, nursing, light vehicle mechanics, electrical and early childhood. Those involved
had a really good time and there will be other opportunities like this coming up again in the
future. I would like to congratulate Connor B, Deborah H, Parker M, Jade E and Lucia D.

Year 12
This is my last Delegram entry which involves the year 12 cohort of 2025, which is surreal!
Over the past six years you’ve grown from wide eyed Year 7s into confident young adults,
ready to take on the next adventure. Along the way there have been laughs, challenges,
friendships, and plenty of memories that will stay with you for life. Even though year 12 is
officially graduating, I will still be available for them during their HSC exam period. I
encourage both parents and students to reach out if they need anything. I am proud of the
work and effort that Year 12 have put in the last year, it has been a privilege to have been
their Wellbeing and Year advisor for the last couple of months. As we head into the school holidays, I encourage everyone to take some well-deserved rest, enjoy time with loved ones, and recharge for the term ahead. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term with fresh energy, new goals, and continued enthusiasm for
learning. Until then, have a safe, restful, and joyful break!

Mrs Soliette Markovic
Pastoral/Wellbeing Coordinator for Year 8, 10 and 12

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

EVERYDAY COUNTS

LET’S CELEBRATE – 100% ATTENDANCE
As we come to the end of Term 3 let’s celebrate 100% attendance for 21 students this term
and congratulations to 58 students who had no more than 2 absences this term. This is a
fantastic commitment by our students and I congratulate them on their commitment,
reliability and punctuality. I would like to congratulate the parents, for instilling in your child
the value of regular attendance.
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE ATTENDANCE
We understand that at times students need to be absent from school. But in the long run we
need to address that at times is it necessary to stay away from school. Parents we need your
help to improve the overall attendance of your child.
Parents are responsible for:
 Enrolling their children of compulsory school age in a government or registered non-
government school or registering them with the NSW Education Standards Authority
(NESA) for home-schooling or distance education
 Ensuring that their children attend school regularly
 Explaining to the school the reasons for the absence of their children promptly and
within seven days of absence
 Taking measure to resolve attendance issues involving their children
 Working in co-operation with the school to improve student attendance
If I can please remind parents that many students have unexplained absences and parents
are reminded that all absences need to be explained to the school. Could I please ask that
parents take the time to keep the school informed and update compass when your child is
absent or contact the front office on 6354 5100.
If you are having problems, please contact the school and we will be happy to help fix the
problem. Also remember lots of information goes out through the Compass Parent Portal
and you may be missing important information pertaining to what’s happening at school.
Enjoy the break and we hope to see you all back next term ready to tackle the last term of
2025.

Kind Regards
Kath Staines
Attendance Officer

Youth Minister

Kind Regards
Harry Pottinger
Youth Minister 2025

Mission Captain

Happy Friday Everyone! 
This past year as Mission Captain has been an incredible journey of faith, leadership, and service. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work alongside our school community, growing together in our understanding of mission and putting our values into action through outreach, prayer, and support for others. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and teamwork that made each initiative possible, and for the chance to witness the generosity and compassion within our community. As I pass on this role, I warmly welcome Abby Long and Glen Okon as the 2026 Mission Captains. I am confident they will bring fresh energy, dedication, and heart to the role, continuing to inspire and lead our community in living out our mission.

Have a great holiday!! 
Your Mission Captain, Amira Kathir 

School Counselling Corner

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

Did you know that around 10-20%, so around 1 in 5 people in the Australian Population is Dyslexic?

Individuals with Dyslexia have trouble with reading and spelling despite having the ability to learn. Individuals with dyslexia can learn, they just learn in a different way. Often these individuals, who have talented and productive minds, are said to have a language learning difference.

Dyslexia is the most common reason for children struggling with reading, writing, and spelling. 

In High School Students, the signs of Dyslexia may include:

Reading and Writing Difficulties

• Slow and laborious reading: Reading can be slow and effortful, requiring re-reading and causing fatigue. 
• Persistent spelling errors: A student may consistently misspell words, sometimes using different spellings for the same word in one piece of writing. 
• Difficulty with comprehension: Reading slowly can lead to problems understanding what is read, making it difficult to grasp the main ideas. 
• Trouble with summaries: High schoolers with dyslexia may struggle to summarize what they've read. 
• Challenges with written assignments: Completing tasks like writing essays, finishing tests, or taking notes can be time-consuming and challenging. 
• Unformed or messy handwriting: Handwriting can appear poor and unformed, especially under pressure. 

Memory and Organization Issues

• Difficulty with names and lists:

High schoolers might struggle to remember names, dates, and telephone numbers. 

• Problems with directions:

Confusing left and right, or having difficulty reading maps, can be a sign. 

• Disorganization:

Forgetfulness regarding assignments, sports equipment, or appointments can occur. 

Language and Communication Problems

• Trouble with foreign languages:Learning a foreign language can be especially difficult due to the similarities in challenges with reading and spelling in one's native language. 
• Word-finding difficulties:They may search for a word and use vague language (like "stuff") or hesitate and use filler words ("um's") when speaking. 
• Confusion of similar-sounding words:A student might substitute words that sound alike. 

Emotional and Behavioural Signs

• Low self-esteem:Students with dyslexia may develop a negative self-image, seeing themselves as "stupid" or "different". 
• Anxiety and frustration:The constant effort and frustration involved in schoolwork can lead to increased anxiety and a fear of failure. 
• Avoidance:They may try to avoid tasks that require reading or writing. 

If you observe several of these signs in your student, it’s a good idea to get them tested.

A great place to start is https://www.madebydyslexia.org/ for a simple quiz and more information. You’ll also find a great deal of supportive information on the strengths of Dyslexic thinkers.

Your School Counsellor and Learning Support Staff are also able to assist in directing you to a more formal assessment for your student.

Please contact the school on 6354 5100 if you require more information. 

Finance

SCHOOL FEES FOR 2025

Now is a good time to look over your account balance and work out the weekly instalments to finalise your account by December 12th. For those who need to discuss your account, please call the office and ask for myself.

Account Statements were issued on Tuesday the 9th of September via email. The final instalment was due Friday 15th August for those paying by instalments.

If you have a Payment Plan, please make sure your payments clear the account by Friday, December 12th. I strongly encourage those who have not yet set up a Payment Plan to do so, as there are only 11 weeks left in the payment plan timeline and time is quickly passing.

Again, for anyone who may be experiencing difficulty or needing to have a discussion regarding account payments, I do encourage you to reach out so we can discuss options that may be available.

Your account is also accessible 24 hours via Compass to make payments. 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 are 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 at
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.

Thank you.

Kind regards,
Narelle Lee
Office Manager

Activities at Headspace

Catholic Faith handbook for 2026

CCSP have recently updated the Our Catholic Faith handbook for 2026 – it’s a very popular guide to Catholicism because it’s easy to read. Resources and Links for Families: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/faith-formation

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

Announcement

Little Athletics

Little Athletics is the perfect place for your kids to make new friends and learn new skills. Registrations Now Open - click on the link below to sign up today! 

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/lithgowathl.../registration

Start date for the 2025-26 Season is Friday 17th October, 2025!

School Holidays Programs at PCYC

Linc Information

Centacare programs

NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy | Have Your Say

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.