Term 4, Week 2
- What's On - Term 4, Week 2
- Principal's Message
- From the Assistant Principal
- REC News: Mrs Catherine Connor
- Sacraments of Penance & Eucharist 2025
- The Sports Arena: Mrs Alison Hanley
- Student Wellbeing: Mrs Sonia Peck
- Library News
- First Nations Education: Dhurany (News): Mrs Kylie Booth-Martinez
- Family Connections Events: Friday 24 October
- Term 4: Calendar
What's On - Term 4, Week 2
Principal's Message
Celebrating Our Educators -
World Teachers’ and Support Staff Day
Today we paused in celebrating World Teachers’ and Support Staff Day. It was a special opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible educators and staff who make our school such a vibrant and caring community.
Each day our teachers and support staff bring learning to life. They nurture curiosity, encourage resilience and help our students see the goodness within themselves and others. Their commitment goes far beyond the classroom. Our School Captains, Dylan, Harper S, Joe and Harper J led a presentation of awards for our staff inspired by Mary MacKillop. As a community inspired by St Mary MacKillop, we are reminded of her timeless message:
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Our students witness our staff living out this call each day, noticing the needs of our students, families and one another and responding with compassion, patience, and generosity. To celebrate the occasion, each staff member was presented with their very own Mary MacKillop badge.
On behalf of our community, I offer heartfelt thanks to every member of our team. Your dedication shapes not only minds but hearts and you continue Mary MacKillop’s legacy of faith, hope and service.
Thank you for making our school a place of learning, belonging and joy.
Celebrating Strong School Attendance
ATTENDANCE SUCCESS: Once again over 90%
We are delighted to share that our school has again achieved an outstanding 92% attendance rate for Term 3! That achievement was acknowledged by the CEDB Attendance Officer when sharing school data with myself. We remain above the Diocesan bench mark level of 90%. This is a wonderful reflection of the strong partnership between our students, families and staff in valuing learning and showing up each day ready to grow.
Every day at school matters. Consistent attendance helps students build confidence, stay connected with friends and make steady progress in their learning. It also reflects a shared commitment to making education a priority in our community.
A big thank you to our families for supporting regular attendance and to our staff for creating classrooms where students want to be. Let’s continue working together to keep attendance strong as we move throughout Term 4. Every day counts, and every learner matters!
Yours in Education
Angela Muller
From the Assistant Principal
Term 4 Dates for the Calendar
Term 4 is always a great opportunity for us to share many events together to celebrate the year that was. Our staff will be busy preparing lots of activities for our students throughout the term both within and outside of the classroom. A couple of key events are:
- 2025 School Captain Speeches - Monday 1st December
- Christmas Concert - Monday 8th December
- Year 6 Liturgy and Graduation - Thursday 11th December
- 2025 Sports Captains Speeches - Week 10
- Swimming Week K-Year 5 students - Week 9
More information on these individual events will be communicated in the weeks leading up to each event.
School Positive Behaviours for Learning
During our Week 1 assembly. All of our students were explicitly reminded about our expected behaviours at Assumption school. All students were then taught in class about our expectations around our school. One of our key focuses this term is to aspire to be like our role models of Jesus, Mary and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Matthew Gibson
Assistant Principal
REC News: Mrs Catherine Connor
Sunday, 26th October 2025: Thirtieth Sunday Ordinary Time - Year C
Luke 18:9-14 The publican returned to his home justified, the Pharisees did not.
Gospel Reflection
God treats everyone equally. Some people only want to make themselves happy or make a good impression on a certain group of people. Whilst God doesn't have favourites, today's readings tell us that he does seem to have a preference for the humble. Even if you do lead a good and blameless life there's no need to boast about it. God knows us intimately and doesn't need to be told just how good we are. The tax collector, for all his sins, seems to have chosen the better path in his sorrow and humility.
Gospel Challenge
The story of the tax collector and the pharisee and their differing prayer styles gives us pause for reflection on our own prayer style. Am I more like the tax collector, humble and sorry for my sins, or am I more like the pharisee, proud and aware only of my good points? Maybe I fluctuate between the two positions? Can I find a proper balance?
To keep connected to the Cathedral Parish please follow the link to the Cathedral Parish Bulletin.
Sacraments of Penance & Eucharist 2025
Congratulations to Matthew who made his First Communion and to Blair and Misato who made their Sacrament of Penance.
Please inform the school office, class teacher or myself when your child is making a Sacrament and we can supply you with the robes for Communion and Confirmation and a sash and pin for Penance. We would also love to receive photos so we can publish them in the newsletter.
Students in Year 2, Year 3 and Year 6 are prepared and ready to receive the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist (First Communion) and Confirmation.
Please be reminded that if your child would like to make their Sacrament you only have until the end of November 2025
Now your child/children have completed the Preparation Program for their Sacrament the parents/carers can contact Cathy Brien at the Parish Office on 6331 3066 or cathy.brien@cdob.org.au for coordination of dates and times to make the Sacraments.
Please inform the school office, class teacher or myself when your child is making a Sacrament. It is also very important to have the student who is receiving a Sacrament in the Parish Mass to be at the Church at least 20 minutes before the Mass and let the priest know you are there.
The place for children to receive the Sacrament of Penance will be organised by Cathy O’Brien.
Both the school and the Parish office can supply you with the robes for Communion and Confirmation and medal and sash for Penance. We would also love to receive photos so we can publish them in the newsletter.
Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist Process 2025
Students in Year 2, Year 3 and Year 6 are prepared and ready to receive the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist (First Communion) and Confirmation.
When your child/children has completed the Preparation Program for their Sacrament the parents/carers can contact Cathy Brien at the Parish Office on 6331 3066 or cathy.brien@cdob.org.au for coordination of dates and times to make the Sacraments.
Please inform the school office, class teacher or myself when your child is making a Sacrament. It is also very important to have the student who is receiving a Sacrament in the Parish Mass to be at the Church at least 20 minutes before the Mass and let the priest know you are there.
The place for children to receive the Sacrament of Penance will be organised by Cathy O’Brien.
Both the school and the Parish office can supply you with the robes for Communion and Confirmation and medal and sash for Penance. We would also love to receive photos so we can publish them in the newsletter.
Please note: The Confirmation dates have all been filled for 2025. If your child missed being confirmed this year, they can take part in the 2026 Confirmations.
The process of booking in for the Sacraments.
- Completed Sacraments preparation course.
- Obtain a Request form from Cathy Brien at the Cathedral Parish Office cathy.brien@cdob.org.au or phone 6331 3066.
- Return the completed Request form to Cathy Brien, ensuring that all the relevant supporting documents have been attached.
- Cathy will then coordinate the requests with the available dates.
The Sports Arena: Mrs Alison Hanley
Road Safety
Today we held a road safety session with all students K-6. We talked about the importance of staying safe while we are a passenger or a pedestrian and safety on wheels such as bikes. We continue to promote road safety for all of our students and we work in partnership with our community to ensure our students are always safe. Please find a link below to the NSW Centre for Road Safety document on Staying Safe as a Pedestrian. There are many useful tips and age appropriate lessons for our students.
Gymnastics for Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two
Our younger students are enjoying the expert tuition of the wonderful people at Aspire Gymnastics this term. Every Thursday from Week 1 to Week 4 the Kindergarten, Yr 1 and Yr 2 students will experience the fun of gymnastics for sport. Gymnastics is a part of our PEPDH syllabus and develops crucial physical and mental skills, like strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, while also boosting self-confidence, discipline, and focus. It provides a strong foundation for other sports and healthy lifestyle habits. We are so thankful to Aspire Gymnastics for their excellent program this term.
Summer Sports Trials
The Summer Sports Trials will be held in Dubbo on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st November. We have students representing our school and trialling for the Diocesan Teams in the sports of Basketball, Touch Football, Cricket and Softball. Thank you to the parents who have registered their child on the Compass event and the CSNSW Website.
Polding Girls U12 Rugby League Development/Polding Selection Day.
The Polding Girls U12 Rugby League Development/Polding Selection Day is being held on Friday 24th October at Noraville. 2026 will see the introduction of the girls stand alone rugby league pathway and team selection for NSWPSSA Sport. In preparation for this exciting new pathway, this year the Polding Girls Rugby League Development day will be used to build skills, raise awareness and be prepared for this opportunity. A Polding team will be chosen on the day to play a match against the MacKillop team in December. We have 5 girls from Yr 6 who will be attending the day; Harper, Harper, Mina, Amelia and Eva-Rose. We wish the girls the very best of luck as they trial for the very first U12 Girls Polding Rugby League team.
Student Wellbeing: Mrs Sonia Peck
Embracing Acceptance and Kindness in Our School Community
Every child deserves to feel seen, valued and respected for who they are. Our community is enriched by the unique cultures, backgrounds and experiences that each student brings. As a Catholic school, our commitment to acceptance and kindness reflects the teachings of Jesus, who welcomed and loved all people without judgment or prejudice.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
We encourage our students to celebrate differences, to listen, learn and show empathy towards others. Acceptance is not just about tolerance; it is about actively choosing kindness, understanding and inclusion in our words and actions. When we take the time to appreciate another person’s story or culture, we build stronger, more compassionate connections within our classrooms and playgrounds.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
Mark Twain
Jesus modelled perfect acceptance throughout His life. He reached out to those who were different, stood beside the marginalised and reminded us that every person is made in the image of God. In following His example, we strive to create a learning environment where respect and love are at the heart of everything we do.
We ask families to join us in reinforcing these values at home by discussing the beauty of diversity, encouraging empathy, and reminding children that kindness is a powerful choice. Together, we can continue to nurture a school community grounded in faith, acceptance and unity.
“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Sonia Peck
Leader of Student Wellbeing
Library News
Welcome back to Term 4!
In the library some exciting things are happening:
1. Many students have done a great overdue search and find in the holidays. This has meant wonderful returns to share in Term 4. Year 6 are making a special effort to round up books before Week 8 so there are no overdues pending at the end of their time at Assumption. Please ask your child about overdue books and assist them if necessary.
2. Students are enjoying selecting books to keep. These should all be in good condition but either have no Assumption barcode or the Assumption barcode has black marks across it. When they are finished with them at home they might pass them on. Please do not return these books to our library.
First Nations Education: Dhurany (News): Mrs Kylie Booth-Martinez
NAIDOC Disco – Tonight!
We are excited to celebrate NAIDOC Week with our School NAIDOC Disco tonight in the School Hall! Everyone in our community is welcome to join the fun! Come along and enjoy an evening of music, dancing and celebration!
We also invite our school community to take part in the NAIDOC Week March – details and flyers are included below. Let’s come together in the spirit of respect, unity and celebration!
Mrs Kylie Booth-Martinez & Mr Max Martinez
Aboriginal Education Officers
Family Connections Events: Friday 24 October
Term 4: Calendar
