Delagram - 10th March, 2023
From the Principal
We can all truly embrace equity.
It's not just something we say. It's not just something we write about.
It's something we need to think about, know, value and embrace.
It's what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world.
(www.internationalwomensday.com)
On Wednesday, March 8th, we celebrated International Women’s Day at La Salle Academy. Our senior male students took the time to acknowledge and show their appreciation and respect for the all women at La Salle Academy, both in our staff and their peers. They reminded them of the important role they play in guiding and supporting their educational and developmental journeys. (Pictures of their small gifts and cards can be viewed on our Facebook page). Further to this recognition, sixteen representatives of La Salle Academy attended the Catholic Education International Women’s Day event at the Rydges Hotel, Bathurst which reinforced the history and importance of this day to advocate for equal rights and representations of our women in all facets of our society. It is important that we recognise not only the women within our school but also the mothers, grandmothers, sisters and community members who play such an influential and respected role in society. Thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do!
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is such a poignant theme that can be extended to everything that we do. Embracing equity requires thought and careful consideration of what we do, what we say and how we act. La Salle Academy is committed to providing an equitable environment for our students where each of their individual needs are considered and resources are appropriately distributed. Importantly, this needs to happen in the way that we speak to each other. We have students that have different personal circumstances, have overcome obstacles, might be a little fragile, anger easily, and all of these students contribute to the great dynamic and engaging school that we have. But we need to be conscious of these differences and the way in which we speak to each other. The language that we use is important in creating a safe environment where each and every student wants to come to school.
So, our focus for the remainder of this term is to ‘think before I talk’! Be polite, respectful, constructive and considerate of the other person. We need to stop cool slang, inappropriate language and demeaning comments that can be construed as bullying behaviour. Our staff will be promoting this message in our classrooms and in our playground. My hope is that parents/guardians will adopt and provide consistency of this messaging in their homeplace also. If we improve the means in which we can talk to each other, we improve our school environments and therefore allow all students equitable and safe access to good learning environments that will improve the outcomes for all.
Be sure to stay tuned for our Facebook page for information on:
- Community Visits: Saturday 10th March;
- Parent Engagement Evening: Wednesday 15th March;
- Year 6 Experience Day: Wednesday 22nd
God Bless
Mr Glenn Carpenter
From the Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal Report
It has been wonderful to see the students working hard to complete many of the assessment tasks and testing that have been on the agenda in recent weeks. The Library is a hive of activity at break times with some students making valuable use of this resource to complete homework and tasks. All students will have a copy of their relevant Assessment Guide which outlines all the tasks for the year. A digital version of each booklet is also available on the La Salle Website.
Extended Study Sessions in the Library
The library will be open from Week 7 for any Year 11 and Year 12 students until 5.30pm Monday - Thursday. We encourage our senior students to take the opportunity to use this valuable resource to maximise their study time. The work the students did with the Elevate sessions included some excellent strategies for planning and applying skills to improve retention of knowledge. Blocking in a few key hours of quiet study in the library could be the one strategy to make a real difference.
NAPLAN - Years 7 and 9
From Wednesday March 15 to Monday March 20 our Year 7 and Year 9 students will undertake the NAPLAN testing. The students have all been given an information sheet and instructions for the testing period. We encourage every student to attend school on these days if at all possible so that they can have the same testing conditions as their peers.
Supporting your child
The best approach for preparing your child for NAPLAN is to encourage your child to do the best they can on the day. Excessive preparation or the use of coaching providers is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site to practise the tools and type of questions they will experience in NAPLAN: https://www.nap.edu.au/online- assessment/public-demonstration-site
What if my child was absent on the day of a scheduled NAPLAN test?
Where possible, schools may arrange catch-up tests for individual students who were absent on the day of a scheduled NAPLAN test. All Year 3 writing catch-up tests must be completed by Friday 20 March 2023. All other catch-up tests must be completed by Monday 27 March 2023.
Attendance Reminder
With most classes undertaking a period of formal assessment preparation and completion in the coming weeks it is a timely reminder to make sure all students attend each and every school day. While there are certainly circumstances where illness or other commitments prevent students attending for an occasional day it is important that if there is a need for a student to be absent for an extended period that the school is informed. There is much research into the factors behind and impact of absenteeism in Australian schools. The facts are quite clear.
Students who miss even just 10% of school days (that is over 5 per term) , especially in years 7-10 can seriously impact their learning. The research found that the impact of low attendance:
- accumulates over time
- can affect academic achievement in future years of schooling.
- The impacts of absenteeism are cumulative
“ The effects of non-attendance on achievement are cumulative and can impact both academic achievement and attendance in future years of schooling” – Hancock et al., 2013; Zubrick, 2014
Have a wonderful week!
Katie Bennett
From the REC
Save the date!!
La Salle Community Mass
On Sunday, March 26th, we invite all members of our La Salle community to join us for our Parish Mass.
It would be wonderful to have many students and their families in attendance.
Venue: St Patrick’s Church, Lithgow
Date: 26th March 2023
Time: 10 am
What to wear: Smart casual dress
Lent
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity
Students continue to support Project Compassion as we journey through Lent. Each class is learning about the many people that Project Compassion supports in their Religious Education class.
With your support, Caritas Australia has been able to support communities around the world to tackle poverty, food security, education, water and sanitation and disaster risk reduction. Project Compassion 2023 reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come.
As St Pope John Paul II said, “The future starts today, not tomorrow.”
Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow For All Future Generations.
Ms Belinda Redden
My New Gallery
Pastoral Welfare Co-ordinator Years 7-9
Week 5 and 6 has brought our Pat- M, Pat - R and Naplan practice testing for Year 7 and 9. I am extremely proud of their efforts and that they are trying their very best, as this is all that we ask of them. Buckle in for the real deal next week.
During Weeks 6 and 7, Mr Carpenter, myself and several Year 7 representatives are traveling to our local feeder schools to invite all Year 6 students to our ‘Year 6 Taste of High School Day’ on Wednesday 22nd March at La Salle Academy. Thank you to Noah Fitzpatrick, Milla Collins, Michael Carew-Ferguson, Beau Hughan, Samara Kirkland, Indiana Lee, Olivia Kearns and Maya White for joining us as we spoke to St Patrick's and St Joseph’s students.
I am looking forward to meeting our Year 6 students from Lithgow and the surrounding areas, as we provide an opportunity to experience high school and all the amazing opportunities that are available to them in Year 7.
Congratulations to all students that participated in the Swimming Carnival on the 24th of February, our 2023 age champions and MacKillop house for winning overall.
A friendly reminder to all Year 7 parents and students to complete and hand in their Yarramundi Camp permission note. If your child did not receive one or has misplaced there are spare copies in the front office. Can I please ask that the permission notes be handed in no later than Wednesday 22nd March or earlier if possible?
I have already packed my coffee, aerogard, hydrolite and of course dry shampoo. I am really looking forward to spending 3 days with not only my beautiful Year 7 treasures but Miss Miller, Mr Miller, Mrs Legge and Miss DeLosa.
LSA Superstars
Congratulations to Samara Kirkland (Year 7) who traveled to Newcastle to compete in a 2 day Highland dancing competition last week. On Day one Samara competed in the following dances: The flora McDonald, The lilt, The Jig, The barracks, The Fling, The sword dance, Hornpipe and The Laddie. On that day I didn't win anything. Day 2 saw Samara competing in The flora McDonald, The lilt, The Jig, The barracks, The hornpipe and the Laddie. Samara won two third places (On day two) one for the barracks and the second for her trophy hornpipe which was a great achievement for Samara since it was my second competition in intermediate. Samara had lots of fun with the Lithgow Highland Thistles Dance Group and is looking forward to the next competition in June of this year. Well Done Samara.
I hope that everyone has an amazing Fortnight.
Please remember that if you have any concerns regarding the welfare of your child, please reach out and contact me at La Salle Academy on 02 63545100 or email me at A.wilsmoresmith@bth.catholic.edu.au
Positive reinforcement changes behaviour for the better, while criticism stabilises negative behaviours and blocks change.
Virginia H. Pearce
Mrs Anne-Maree Wilsmore-Smith
My New Gallery
Swimming Carnival
Friday, 24th February, we held our annual swimming carnival. This year we attempted something a little different and emphasised having fun, maximum participation and building house spirit. Our senior leaders really stepped up and made posters and put in a lot of work before the day, leading various house meetings and assemblies. Their hard work paid off with a great turn out and the majority of the school in attendance. Students put in the time to dress up as did staff so the pool was full of house colours. Participation was at an all time high with students taking to the pool for the kick board race, noodle race and many more fun activities. It was extremely pleasing to see our non competitive swimmers participating, having fun and getting into the pool to gain valuable points for their house. Again our senior students led by example and hit the pool in high numbers.
In the competitive swimming we had a healthy number of students battle it out for their respective age champion. The following students were named age champion
Under 12 Olivia Kearns and Jayden Judson
Under 13 Chloe DeLosa
Under 15 Summer Judson and Lachlan Cole
Under 16 Jacob Wilson and Emily Dean
Opens Grace Dean and McLeod Dean
Mackillop was the winning house. Interesting is that they were way out in front with their competitive swimmers but it was a tight tussle with the other 3 houses and their participation rates.
All swimmers are to be congratulated on their efforts for the day with Olivia, Chloe, Summer, Jacob and Emily all representing LaSalle at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival, held in Dubbo on Tuesday, 7th March. Both Jacob Wilson and Emily Dean were successful in qualifying for the next level and battling it out in the NSWCCC Swimming Championships a little later this month. Emily will compete in the 100m Freestyle after winning this event in Dubbo, whilst Jacob qualified for the 50 and 100m Freestyle, 100m backstroke, 50 and 100m Fly as well as the 200IM.
Finally, I would like to thank Bunnings, LJ Hooker and Lean and Bennett Toyota all from Lithgow for donating their gazebos and keeping our students shaded during our carnival. It was fantastic to have such great people in our local business supporting our school.
Mr Steve Carroll
My New Gallery
From the Bursar
2023 School Fees
Fee Statements will be emailed to families on the 3rd March, 2023. Any family that does NOT receive their School Fee Statement via email is asked to contact the school office to ensure that the correct email address is listed in our system.
2023 Billing Dates
Term 1 billing date 03/03/2023 and instalment due date 17/03/2023
Term 2 billing date 05/05/2023 and instalment due date 19/05/2023
Term 3 billing date 28/07/2023 and instalment due date 11/08/2023
Please note that school fees are charged over the first three terms, therefore no school fee charge in Term 4.
Payment Arrangements
Families wishing to arrange a payment arrangement, can contact the school office. Payment arrangements can be paid via BPAY or Direct Debit. Payment plans of up to 52 weeks are available. Please to obtain a copy of the Direct Debit Authority Form to set up a direct debit payment.
For your information:
Payments can be made by the following payment options:
Account balances can be accessed on Compass and payments can be made via the Compass app.
BPAY Payment references are printed on the statements.
Direct Debit Forms are available from the school office.
EFTPOS is available in the school office and can be used for payments over the telephone.
Centrepay Forms are available from the CentreLink Office
Please do not hesitate to contact Mary Cassar, School Finance Officer, if you would like assistance with any matters in relation to school fees.
Ms Mary Cassar
Community News
LITHGOW CITY RANGERS SOCCER
Registrations for season 2023 are now open and all information can be found on Lithgow City Rangers Facebook page.
Any further information please contact president Nigal Lloyd on 0409 676 019.
LITHGOW VALLEY VOICES - (Formerly Lithgow Community Choir)
Are looking for NEW MEMBERS to join us in the next exciting phase of our journey with our new Leader, Henrik Eneberg, at our NEW VENUE, Club Lithgow ( the Bowlo) from 6pm to 7.30pm Monday nights during the school term
Henrik comes with a vast experience in singing, running choirs and workshops.
We are a friendly, non-auditioned community choir. The fee for each session will be $12.
ALL WELCOME - ENQUIRES - Ariel - 0457 116 257
My New Gallery
Canteen News
