Term 1, Week 2

Important Dates

Principal's Message: Mrs Angela Muller

Welcome to Term 1

Welcome to a new school year! It’s wonderful to see our school buzzing with energy as we begin Term 1. A special welcome to our new students and families joining us – we are so excited to have you as part of our school family.

This year, we have much to celebrate, including the renovation of 8 classrooms, which will provide even more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth. It’s inspiring to see students settling in and making the most of these wonderful new spaces. I thank our incredible teachers for embarking on this journey: the packing, the decluttering, the unpacking and then making it home for your class. 

There is a great sense of enthusiasm in the air, with students eager to learn, teachers excited to inspire, and our whole school community ready to support one another. I encourage everyone to embrace this fresh start, set new goals, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Kindergarten beginning their ‘BIG’ School adventure

Our new Kindergarten students have had a wonderful start to school, settling in beautifully and eagerly engaging in their learning and play. It has been heartwarming to see their confidence grow each day as they explore their new environment and build friendships. Our Kinder Teaching Team has done a fabulous job at supporting our newest learners. A huge thank you to our amazing Year 5 buddies, who have been so kind and supportive, helping our youngest learners feel safe, welcomed, and valued. We are so proud to see these special friendships forming and warmly welcome our newest students to the Assumption family!

Wishing you all a fantastic Term 1 filled with learning, friendship, and success.

Yours in Education

Angela

Leadership Insights: Mr Matthew Gibson

Welcome back to Assumption!

It has been great catching up with everyone as we begin this new school year.  It is also wonderful to see students (and teachers!) catching up with their friends and enjoying being in each other’s company once again. Our students have started the year settled and eager to learn, particularly in our new renovations. I am looking forward to the many occasions throughout the year when our school community will be able to join together in celebration. 

Term Calendar

This term we have many events that celebrate all of our students. Please take time to look at the calendar in this newsletter so that you are aware of what is on this term. Our Google Calendar is available on our School website.

School Uniform

We are very proud of our school and our students. When students wear our uniform, they are publicly stating they are part of the Assumption family. Therefore, as we settle into Term 1, we are making the students aware of the correct uniform and asking parents to support their children in wearing the correct items.

Students are expected to be in the correct uniform every day of the school year and present themselves in line with the school dress policy. 

Full school summer uniform is expected for every student in Term 1 and 4.

• Please keep nail polish and decorative hair ornaments for weekends. 
• Jewelry is limited for safety reasons and to prevent loss. Please avoid wearing bracelets, bangles, necklaces, or anklets. Acceptable items include a religious chain, one pair of sleeper or stud earrings, a watch, and/or one small ring.
• In Terms 1 and 4, students are required to wear a school hat while outdoors for sun protection, as part of the uniform. Without a hat, students must stay in shaded areas, and their playtime is significantly limited.

Communication with School 

We encourage open communication between school and home. The number one means of this is asking your child about their day or week. If you would like to celebrate or contact the school about your child, the first point of call is always the classroom teacher for day-to-day matters around the learning, behaviour and social questions. 

Please contact the office directly for any questions about finances or enrollment. 

Communication can be made with classroom teachers through Compass. We kindly ask that you understand that our job is face-to-face so allow up to 48 hours for a response to emails. Any emergency communication can be done via phone to the front office. 

All communication is expected to be respectful as we work towards success for all of our students. 

REC News: Mrs Catherine Connor

Sunday, 16th February 2024:

Sixth Sunday Ordinary Time - Year C

Luke 6:17, 20-25 – Happy are the poor. Woe is the rich.

Gospel Reflection

Our readings this week teach us what faith in God can bring us. If we are grounded in faith, then God will take care of us. Though the standards of the world are different, in the gospel today Jesus tells us that those who might seem less fortunate and those who try to follow him will find that their reward in heaven is great.

Gospel Challenge

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to share our faith with them. As we all know, life is unpredictable and sometimes the only thing that helps us through the hard times is the belief that God is always with us. Talk to your children about the help and consolation that your faith gives you, and your sense of God being present in your life. Though there are no promises that life will always be easy, our faith assures us that we are never alone.

Prayer

Lord, help me to become aware of the needs of others.

Commissioning Mass

A beautiful Commissioning Mass was celebrated by all the teachers on Friday 30th January, 2025 to start our school year. A big thank you goes to the students who gave up their time in the holidays to be part of the choir that made this Mass so special. 

Opening and Welcome Mass 2025

The Opening and Welcome Mass 2025 will be held on Thursday, 20th February at 9:15 in the Assumption School Hall. Fr Karl Sinclair will celebrate this Mass. Our new Kindergarten children will be welcomed and our school captains for 2025 will be inducted at this Mass. All are welcome to join us for this celebration.

Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation Meeting for Parents

A Parent information evening will be held on Thursday, 27th February in the Cathedral Parish Centre, Keppel Street, Bathurst at 6:30 pm where all parents of children receiving any of the following sacraments;

• Sacrament of Penance,
• making their First Communion (Sacrament of the Eucharist) or 
• being Confirmed (Sacrament of Confirmation)
  

are expected to attend, in order to help understand these Sacraments and how they will be administered in the Parish of St Michael’s and St John’s in 2025.

This is an important meeting where all the parents who would like their child to receive one of these Sacraments must attend. 

Ash Wednesday

Ashes will be traced on the forehead of every child on Wednesday, 5th March which will be Ash Wednesday signifying the start of Lent  - a season in the Church year where we prepare ourselves for Easter.

Years 3, 4, 5, 6 will celebrate an Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:15 am in the Assumption School Hall.

Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 will be participating in an Ash Wednesday Liturgy prepared by Kindergarten at 10:30am in the School Hall.

Everyone is welcome to join us at the Mass or the Liturgy to receive the ashes on their foreheads to signify the start of Lent and our call to prepare for Easter.

To keep connected to the Cathedral Parish please follow the link to the Cathedral Parish Bulletin.

Conversations About Catholics

"Conversations about Catholics”  is a program that runs for an hour each week for four weeks at your school. The idea of the program is that you will have a better understanding of the Catholic faith and what your child will be learning at school. It is especially helpful for those who have not been brought up in the Catholic tradition or who wish to help their child navigate this new experience. Sr Alice Sullivan runs the program and has done so over many years throughout the diocese of Bathurst. If you think this might be of interest or helpful for you, please contact Sr Alice on 0428 741 342 for further information. The program will run early 2025.

Learning: Ms Melanie Kelley

Mathematical Thinking in Action!

We have had a busy and exciting start to the year in our classrooms, especially in Mathematics! Students have been diving into deep-thinking mathematical games and activities, setting the foundation for success in numeracy.

From the very first lessons, we have been fostering a strong maths mindset, encouraging students to approach challenges with confidence, work collaboratively and develop problem-solving strategies. We aim to not only build essential skills, but also help students see that maths is about thinking, reasoning and making connections.

We look forward to an incredible year of mathematical growth, where students will continue to explore, question and achieve success together! Keep an eye out for more maths moments throughout the term!

The Sports Arena: Mrs Alison Hanley

Swimming Carnival 

Monday 24th February is our Swimming Carnival. Please be advised that this is the same as a normal school day and all students in Years 3-6 are expected to attend the day whether they have nominated their swimming choice or have indicated that they are non-swimmers via the nomination form. 

Only students in Year 2 who are turning 8 this year and who have already nominated to swim will also be attending. All other Year 2 students will be at school as normal. 

Parents are welcome to attend the carnival on the day and we are looking for volunteers to help us throughout the day. Please note: parents will sit on the grass side of the pool while all students will sit on the grandstand side in their house colours on the day. 

Further information on the schedule of the day will be communicated on Tuesday of Week 3.

Polding Basketball Trials 

On Friday 7th February, Mina, Eva-Rose and Oliver attended the Polding Basketball trials in Tamworth. These talented players were selected in the Diocesan Basketball team last year at the Summer Sports trials in Dubbo. Congratulations to Oliver who was selected in the Boys Polding team to play at the PSSA Championships in Minto on May 13th, 14th and 15th.  We are looking forward to following your progress.

AFL - Sport for Stage 3

Our Year 5 and 6 students are very fortunate to be receiving expert coaching in AFL from Weeks 1 to 4 during our school sports sessions. They are learning important skills that will come in handy if they are keen to play for our school in the Paul Kelly Cup that is being held April 3rd. 

Student Wellbeing: Mrs Sonia Peck

Promoting Emotional Wellbeing at School

As we embark on the new school year, we are focusing on enhancing the emotional wellbeing of our students. Emotional wellbeing is crucial for students' overall development, affecting their ability to learn, build relationships, and handle stress.

Classroom Activities: Our teachers are incorporating activities that promote emotional intelligence for student wellbeing. These activities help students understand and manage their emotions better.

Counseling Services: We have a dedicated school counselor available to support students who may need extra help. If you feel your child could benefit from talking to a counselor, please reach out to us for more information.

Parental Support: You play a key role in your child’s emotional wellbeing. We encourage open conversations at home where children feel safe to express their feelings. Listening without judgment and reassuring them that it’s okay to have a bad day, face setbacks, or experience disappointment helps build resilience and emotional strength.

By working together, we can create a supportive environment where our students feel valued, understood, and empowered to thrive.

Warm regards,

Sonia Peck
Leader of Student Wellbeing

From the Councellor: Julie McLennan

Welcome back to school, everyone!

I’m Julie McLennan, the counsellor at The Assumption School, and I'm here on Thursdays and Fridays as part of the school’s wellbeing program, employed by Centacare Bathurst.

Together with the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB), we work to support the emotional and mental health needs of students across the diocese. The school wellbeing program focuses on offering short-term support through individual counselling and group programs to help foster student wellbeing.

Counselling services are available on a referral basis. If this is something you would like to explore for your child, please reach out to their classroom teacher to begin the conversation.

I hope everyone had a smooth start to the school year, and I’m excited to be working closely with the school community this year. Here’s to an exciting and successful 2025!