Term 2, Week 2

What's On This Fortnight

Principal's Message: Mrs Angela Muller

A Mother's Love: Inspired by Mary, Mother of Jesus

As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, we reflect on the gentle strength and guiding love of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mary’s devotion, courage, and quiet presence remind us of the incredible impact mothers have in the lives of their children. Like Mary, the mothers and mother figures in our community provide love, wisdom and encouragement that help shape the hearts and futures of our young ones. This week, we give thanks for all the mums, grandmothers, and special women who walk beside our students each day with kindness and care. Wishing all our school mums a joyful and love-filled Mother’s Day, your presence truly makes a difference. We look forward to celebrating with you at our Mother’s Day Breakfast next Monday 12th May.

A thank you for supporting strong Attendance!

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring our students attend school regularly. We are proud to share that our school’s attendance rate is over 94% for Term 1, a fantastic achievement that reflects your commitment to your child’s learning. This is above the Diocesan benchmark of 92%. Strong attendance plays a key role in building consistent routines, friendships, and academic success. In term one:

• Each week scored above 93% for attendance across the school.
• Kindergarten scored 96% for the term which was the highest across the school.
• 95% of absences are entered into Compass by parents on the day of attendance.
• All notes are reviewed daily by our Admin Team and School Leadership.

Your efforts in getting your children to school each day do not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate the partnership we share. Together, we are creating a positive and thriving learning environment for all.

Uniform Swap

A heartfelt thank you to all volunteers and families who participated in our recent uniform swap! Your support not only helps our community by making uniforms more accessible but also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and caring for our common home. Inspired by Pope Francis' Laudato Si', we are reminded that small, thoughtful actions, like reusing and re-purposing clothing, contribute to the well-being of our planet and future generations. By working together in this way, we teach our children the value of stewardship, responsibility, and compassion. Thank you for helping us live out these values in such a meaningful and practical way.

Yours in education,

Angela Muller

Message from The Assistant Principal: Matthew Gibson

Learning in Term 2

Last term we held our parents teacher conferences to gain an insight into where your children are at in their learning this year. At the end of this term, our Semester One reports will be released. These reports are a snapshot of where your students are at and include goals for your child’s education, particularly in Mathematics and English.  

One goal that is consistent for every single student at home is daily reading. This can include reading aloud to a family member in younger years, building to reading independently in Year 5 and 6. Reading is imperative for students to build vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension skills that then help in all subjects taught at school. We strongly encourage all parents to ensure that your children are reading each night so that they have the best platform for learning at school. 

Spelling Bee  

Last term we held the school rounds of the Diocesan Spelling Bee for Stages Two and Three. Finals were held in the school hall with each grade after hotly contested classroom rounds. After much study and some very difficult words, we had two students in each stage emerge as the victors. Congratulations to:

Stage 2: Finn and Leo 

Stage 3: Claudia and Anees 

We wish these students the best of luck as they compete against other students from around the Diocese on the 28th May in Wellington

Uniform  

From the beginning of Week 3 all students will need to be in full Winter uniform. This includes ties for all students with an option of tunic or pants for girls. We ask that all parents refer to the uniform policy on the school website to ensure students are presented correctly at school. 

A reminder that hair below the shoulders should be tied up and only basic hair accessories in school colours should be worn.  Non-natural hair colours are not allowed at Assumption in line with our uniform policy.   Nail polish is not to be worn to school and only one pair of small plain stud earrings are suitable to be worn to school. 

There is a uniform swap available for all parents should you wish. We thank you for your support in ensuring that all of our students take pride in our school at all times. 

REC News: Mrs Catherine Connor

Sunday, 11 May 2025:  Fourth Sunday of Easter  - Year C

John 10:27 - 30,  I give my sheep eternal life.

Gospel Reflection

This week’s gospel reading focuses on the theme of Jesus as the good shepherd. The image of the shepherd with his flock is filled with constant care and protection. Jesus is promising these things to us. He is also asking us to listen to his voice. We only need to listen and we also will hear the call from Jesus.

Happy Easter

Welcome back to all our students and their families after the Easter Holidays.

During our holidays we celebrated the life-giving event of Easter! This Church Season reminds us of the victory of good over evil. It also brings us new life, hope and joy. Let us be Easter People at the Assumption School.

Easter is about hope. The events of Easter show us that no situation is ever hopeless. Even when Jesus was to face the most difficult hour of his life, he never gave up hope. He trusted in the Father. And Jesus’ hope and trust was glorified through the resurrection.

 May the God of Hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Project Compassion - Junior Joeys for Justice – Social Justice in our World

During Lent the Junior Joeys have organised some amazing social justice activities – Thank you for your wonderful work in keeping the mission of Christ going. The total amount raised between these activities and the project Compassion boxes was $1,300  Thank you to the Assumption Community, for your generosity.

ANZAC Day Prayer

Thank you, Year 3, for helping us to so beautifully remember the sacrifice made by the brave men and woman from Australia and New Zealand who fought in wars so that we could live in a free country in our ANZAC prayer last Wednesday. Lest we Forget.

Resurrection Liturgy 

Thank you Year Two for preparing the beautiful Resurrection Liturgy that was celebrated on Tuesday. It was a powerful reminder of the love that Jesus had for all of us when he rose from the dead, on Easter Sunday.

Year 6 Christian Living Camp

Year 6 are at their Christian Living Camp at Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre this week. They will have a fabulous time. Chris Doyle is leading these young men and women in reflecting on the Holy Spirit in their lives. They will be joined on Thursday by Fr Cong from Mudgee to celebrate Mass. Please keep Year 6 and their teachers in your prayers as they take part in this exciting experience in preparation for them receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Pre-Confirmation Retreat – Year 5, 22 May 2025

As our students are ready to make their Confirmation this year, an opportunity for them to be part of a special preparation day with the other Catholic schools in Bathurst will be held on 22 May at St Stanislaus  College.

This day is led and run by MacKillop and Stannies Year 9 and 10 students. This is a fabulous experience for our young people and filled with fun and great learning experiences as the Year 5 students prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

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

Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist & Confirmation 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.

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.

Congratulations to:

Roseanne who made her First Communion and Travis and Maya who made their First Penance recently.

Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation and Confirmation Process 2025

The process of booking in for the Sacraments.

1. Completed Sacraments preparation course. 
2. Obtain a Request form from Cathy Brien at the Cathedral Parish Office cathy.brien@cdob.org.au or phone 6331 3066.
3. Return the completed Request form to Cathy Brien, ensuring that all the relevant supporting documents have been attached. 
4. Cathy will then coordinate the requests with the available dates - remembering that the Bishop will only be available for Confirmation on the following dates:
   • 7th and 8th June
   • 29th June
   • 9th and 10th August

If none of the above dates suit a family for Confirmation, contact the Cathedral Parish Office on 6331 3066 and alternative arrangements will be organised for the child's reception of the Sacrament.

The Sports Arena: Mrs Alison Hanley

Diocesan Cross Country 

The Diocesan Cross Country Carnival in Coolah was held yesterday on Tuesday May 6th. Congratulations to all our runners and especially to Myles (1st) Maycee (6th) Seb (2nd) and Harper (5th) who were successful at this event and will now compete at the next level, CPS Cross Country which will be held on June 11th at Eastern Creek. Thank you to all our wonderful families who made the long trek to Coolah and cheered on our Assumption athletes. Thank you also to Mrs Muller who acted as team manager at this event.

Polding Winter Sports Trials

The Polding trials were held in Bathurst on Friday May 2nd. Congratulations to the following students who participated.

• George, Theo and Nate at Hockey. 
• Harper at Girls Football and Anees at Boys Football. 

Stage 2 and Stage 3 League Stars Gala Day

On Tuesday 13th May The Assumption School has 60 students from Yrs 3,4,5 and 6 competing in the League Stars Gala Day. The day is being run by the NRL Development team at Jack Arrow Oval and will begin at 10 am and conclude at 2:30 pm. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to participate in the game of rugby league as it includes players with experience and also those who have never played before. We are looking forward to a fun day of football. 

Boys PSSA Basketball 

Oliver will be representing our school in the Polding team for Basketball on the 14th/15th of May at Minto. We wish Oliver the best of luck in the competition and congratulate him on this wonderful accomplishment. 

Girls Rugby 7s Polding Trials

On May 16th Harper, Amelia and Harper (Yr 6) will travel to Santa Sabina College in Strathfield to try out for the Polding Girls Rugby 7s team. We wish them every success in their endeavours. 

Diocesan Rugby Trials 

On May 16th Ben, Alex, Nixon, Isaiah and George will try out for the Diocesan Rugby side at St Stanislaus College. We wish them all the best for the trials.

PSSA Boys Netball

On Wednesday 21st May Isaiah will trial for the PSSA Boys Netball team in Orange. Good luck Isaiah!

Paul Kelly Cup- Central West  Final

The Central West final of the Paul Kelly Cup is to be held in Orange on Monday May 26th. Our Yr 5 and 6 Girls team will be competing. We are looking forward to playing AFL again and hope that we can kick some more goals and continue on with our successful campaign!

Student Wellbeing: Mrs Sonia Peck

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Technology and Online Predators

In our digital world, children are more connected than ever - gaming online, scrolling social media and chatting in group apps. While technology opens doors to learning and creativity, it also opens windows to danger that many parents don’t even realise exist.

It’s not just the stereotypical "stranger danger." Online predators are often clever, patient and disguised as peers, influencers or even helpful adults. They use gaming platforms, chat rooms, apps and even homework help sites to build trust slowly - what experts call “grooming.” They know the language kids use. They blend in.

What’s more worrying? These predators aren’t always strangers. Some are students, community members, or even other children influenced by harmful content. Many parents don’t consider how predators exploit apps with disappearing messages or fake profiles to go unnoticed. And the scariest part? Children often don’t realise they’re being manipulated until it’s too late.

So, what can parents do?

• Stay involved: Ask questions, show genuine interest in your child’s online world.
• Set clear boundaries: Establish screen time rules, app limits and age-appropriate guidelines.
• Keep communication open: Create a safe space where your child can share anything without fear.
• Educate early: Talk about online safety the same way you would talk about crossing the road - calmly, clearly and often.
• Be alert to changes: Mood swings, secrecy or withdrawal can signal something deeper.
• Keep technology out of bedrooms: put all technology away overnight out of reach during sleep hours.

Technology is here to stay, but so is your ability to guide, protect, and empower your child to use it safely. Don’t wait for a red flag - be the safeguard they need today.

BE A PARENT,  NOT A BEST FRIEND

In a world where children face growing pressures and confusing messages, they don’t need another best friend - they need a parent. Parenting means:

• Setting boundaries
• Saying no when it matters
• Guiding with love
• Holding firm when it’s hard.

Being a parent isn’t always popular, but it’s always powerful. Children feel most secure when adults lead with strength, consistency, and care. Friendship can wait - what they truly need is your steady presence, your wisdom, and your courage to parent first to keep them safe.

Sonia Peck
Leader of Student Wellbeing

First Nations Education: Dhurany (News): Mrs Kylie Booth-Martinez

Term 2: Important Dates