2024 Term 4 - Mid Term Newsletter

Principal’s Report

Dear Families,

Warm blessings,

Rachel

Assistant Principal Report

Welcome to the last term of 2024!

This year, our students and staff have focused on enhancing literacy through the Promoting Literacy Development Program. We have seen significant growth in our students and a high level of engagement. Our secondary classes run the program three mornings per week, and students show great commitment. This term, our primary classes will continue to consolidate their learning.

Our students have been fortunate to participate in an excursion to the Hunter Valley Zoo and weekly dance lessons, thanks to the Wellbeing Grant.

The excursion to the Hunter Valley Zoo was an amazing opportunity for our whole school community to spend time together in a relaxed environment. Many students and staff stepped outside their comfort zones and bravely interacted with the animals. Thank you to the parents who attended to support their children.

Our weekly dance lessons are facilitated by Miss Mel from Galaxy Talent Academy. Students enjoy following routines and dance sequences, which are good for both body and mind. We look forward to seeing their skills develop throughout the term.

Thank you to parents and external support for being patient as we navigate the new Personalised Planning Tool. We aim to send these to families in the coming weeks.

Teaching staff will be working on Semester 2 reports this term, which will be available to parents during Week 10.

We look forward to enjoying all the end-of-year celebrations.

Coordinators Report

Welcome to mid-term! What a roller coaster ride the beginning to Term 4 has been. Everyone has returned in high spirits and there has been plenty of activity across the school in all classrooms.

We have been blessed to have had several wonderful opportunities across the school curriculum to engage our students in a variety of activities. Miss Mel has returned for weekly dance lessons, primary swimming has been super exciting for everyone, and cricket begins next week. Secondary classes are busy chipping away at their Christmas Market items, cooking delicious treats for Cafe Club and canteen and participating in weekly community access.

Our new table tennis table and basketball tower has arrived, and the secondary students have assisted with some of the assembly. This was all thanks to the Port Waratah Coal grant that we received earlier this year. This has provided a great opportunity for our students to partake in a new physical activity whilst learning fundamental movement skills as well as demonstrating turn taking in a fun social environment.

All classes have the opportunity to participate in two sports programs running for 4 weeks each in the back half of the term. Each class will have a weekly 30min session lead by Cricket NSW coaches of Wednesday weeks 5-8 and NRL special Olympics coaches Fridays weeks 6-9. We look forward to seeing them all having a bat and bowl and a show of their ruby league skill with the help of the specialist coaches.

Last week we had the opportunity to visit the Hunter Valley Zoo, and I am sure you have heard all the stories and enjoyed the photos from the day. It was a big and exciting day for everyone and certainly contributes to developing a sense of community and fun across the school.

This week we were proud of the way our students participated in a farewell Liturgy for Steve Lemos and were able to interact, entertain and amaze us all with their openness and adaptability.

Secondary students have been working tirelessly on a range of projects that they are hoping to sell when they host their first ever Christmas Market stall for their parents and distinguished guests in a few weeks. More information on this will be sent out via compass.

As the term continues there will be highs and lows as we all go through the emotions of excitement for Christmas and holidays and the sadness that comes as students move on to new experiences and classes. It is a good time to remind ourselves to be grateful for the little class families and friendships that we have been part of this year and the need to cherish the days we have left together.

Andrew Drinkwater and Cate Chapman

Religious Education

Welcome to our last term together for 2024.

We have a jampacked term ahead of us with only five weeks left. We have already enjoyed celebrating our Head of Schools Mr Steve Lemos as we came together to farewell him from our diocese. We came together to pray, sing and even do a special drumming performance. We are currently in the middle of rehearsing our ‘Lighthouse’ song for a very special Diverse Learning mass coming up in December.

Staff have been working hard to differentiate the current RE curriculum through a special education lens. Students have been enjoying learning about stories of the bible through role play and tactile learning. St Dominic’s continues to explore their faith and spread the love of Jesus Christ through our school community.

Lil Maher 
RE Coordinator  

Blue

The beginning of Term Four has been an exciting and busy time. We have many interesting experiences planned for this term.

Religion-Remembering the Holy Family-The students will explore stories about the Holy Family as an example of a loving family. They will identify Mary as Jesus’ mother and explore how she and Joseph cared for Him. They will also learn that Christmas is a special time. A time for families and Christian communities to gather, remember and share in the ‘Good News’ of Jesus’ birth.

Literacy-Students are continuing to use spelling lists, handwriting and fluency reading as part of our morning session. As a class we are focusing on editing writing for it to make sense and concentrating on being consistent with punctuation, remembering capital letters for names and places and ensuring sentences begin with a capital letter. We are also working on the importance of finger spaces and full stops. Throughout the term we will be reading and completing a variety of activities focused on these brilliant books:

• Let’s Get a Pup written by Bob Graham
• Josephine Wants to Dance written by Jackie French
• How to Catch a Star written by Oliver Jeffers
• Christmas Bear Stays up for Christmas written by Karma Wilson

Maths -Students continue to order, read, represent and count numbers forwards and backwards. They are learning to model and describe 'odd' and 'even' numbers. As a class we will sequence numbers and arrange them on various number lines.  Students are working with concrete materials, visuals and numbers to add and subtract. They will begin to use the symbols for plus (+), take away (–) and equals (=) Blue class will participate in a variety of hands-on activities to sort and describe two dimensional objects. We will be introduced to reading analog and digital clocks using the terms ‘o'clock’ and ‘half past’

Science- The Earth and Sky-In this unit, students investigate observable changes that occur in the sky and on land.  As a class we will describe the Sun’s path in the sky and the appearance of the Moon and stars at night.  We will observe and record seasonal and daily weather changes and identify how they influence our daily lives.

During Our Geography Unit- The People Live in Places, Part Two, the students will investigate 3 key questions 

What are the features of, and activities in, places?

How can we care for places?

How can spaces within a place be used for different purposes?

This term Caleb, Ash, Mateo and Sonny have been working well as a team. They especially enjoy their time together in The Movement Room creating amazing obstacle courses!  Mrs D and I are both very impressed with their progress academically and socially.

Thank you all for your support.

Lime

As I look at my Term 4 calendar, I have mixed feelings. To think we are nearing the end of another year is a little overwhelming. I reflect on the abundant learning opportunities the students in Lime Class have courageously engaged in; some willingly, others not so willingly.  I have taken time to look at the multitude of photos we have taken of your children over the course of the year. I have enjoyed every day with your children and sincerely hope that it has been just as pleasing for my Lime Class Musketeers.

Term 4 promises to be very busy. We have already had the wonderful opportunity to engage in a whole school excursion to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. This week sees us continuing our Tuesday Dance classes with Miss Mel as well as beginning the Friday swim program. As we move through the term there will be further opportunities for our students to be involved in various sporting programs. Phew!
Religion

We continue our journey of learning about living in community. This term the curriculum delves into our Celebrating Community. We are learning about the significance of communal prayer and worship. Students will explore how the Church celebrates Jesus’ life, death and resurrection through its liturgy, seasons and feasts.

English

Each morning, we begin our day with a PLD lesson. The students have progressed at their own pace, with everyone showing growth in all areas. After this lesson, we move into a more traditional lesson where students engage focus areas which supports their growing knowledge and understanding of oral language and communication, vocabulary, print conventions, creating written texts and understanding and responding to literature. In Lime Class we have been exploring what jobs words have and how we can use them for different purposes such as informing, instructing and imagining.

Maths

This term in maths, we have already been exposed to adding three-digit numbers, collecting and analysing data, as well as combining and separating quantities. This week we will be exploring two-dimensional spatial structure. Ask your child what they know about polygons. You may be surprised. Moving forward we will be engaging in learning about geometric measure, representing whole numbers and volume.

Science

One of my favourite topics is being explored this term. The Earth and Sky provides opportunities for students to examine observable changes that occur in the sky and on the land. Students will learn about the seasons in further detail and changes that affect the Earth’s surface.

Creative Arts/PDHPE

Students have already begun an integrated unit encompassing dance with Miss Mel. As the term draws closer to Christmas break, students will engage in creating decorations and cooking for their families.

Aqua

We have made a brilliant start to Term 4 in Aqua Class with students settling in quickly to our final term of the year. The start of this term has been a time of reflection and has certainly been bittersweet. We are committed to celebrate all successes, looking fondly back on our time together in preparation for the end of the year. The students have made huge growth both socially and emotionally which has ensured a settled learning environment and enabled us to successfully access our learning. As a result, the students are producing pieces of work to a high standard. This has continued at the start of this term with students accessing the curriculum and achieving many outcomes with extensive supports and adjustments.

Our English Program has been centred on creative writing, using fairy tales as a stimulus. The students have enjoyed the genre, particularly the ‘twisted’ versions in which fairy tales are turned upside down. The class have written some highly entertaining pieces which they thoroughly enjoy sharing with their peers. Our Promoting Literacy Development (PLD) program continues to be utilised and targets specific skills to ensure students receive support in the right areas. We have seen good progress across the class, and they should all be congratulated for their efforts to improve.

Once again, students have been given plenty of opportunities to experience learning across a variety of settings. Our weekly dance sessions have been great fun and allowed students to express themselves in different ways. The whole school excursion to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park was a huge success and proved to be a one of the highlights of the year. This excursion played a crucial link in allowing students real world experiences of in class learning. It supported our Maths Program, particularly our work on time, maps, timetables and money to name but a few. Students were highly engaged in the build-up to the day and enjoyed the collaborative nature of planning our route around the park.  All students represented themselves and the school impeccably and we were proud to see how far they have come.

We look forward to rounding off what has been a highly successful year in Aqua Class and will continue to support students to reach their full potential!

Pink

Pink Class has made a pleasing start to the term. All boys have shown resilience and maturity when developing new relationships and trying new things.

In our Promoting Literacy Development (PLD) students have been exploring some tricky diagraphs, extending their high frequency word lists and becoming fluent and independent in reading and comprehending dictation passages. Students have enjoyed listening to and retelling the story based on the text of the week. They can sequence the story using visual prompts and referring to the text.

In Math lessons we have covered a lot of content in addition, subtraction and multiplication. The boys particularly enjoy using concreate materials, interactive games and Jack Hartman songs. The boys have eagerly tested out many scenarios based around data collection and probability.

Our Religion topic is -Encountering the Presence of God. These lessons explore our feelings, thoughts and wonderings about the way we encounter Jesus in the people we interact with every day. Through play, modelling and prayer we have been able to share how we can be Jesus to those we are friends with.

The Hunter Valley Zoo trip was a huge success for all our class members. They bravely faced walking around a park filled with lots of new sights and sounds. They overcame some initial anxiety and then embraced the experience and fun- well done!

All the boys jumped in the pool this week and showed off some impressive moves. This is a fantastic way to end a busy week, and it looks like it's going to be a highlight of the term.

Thank you for all the support you have shown the Pink staff and we are looking forward to a fabulous end of Term 4.

Secondary

Class Teachers          

Term 4 has certainly started with a bang in Secondary.  Our community access program began in Week 1, with students exploring the beautiful Nobby’s Break wall and even being lucky enough to spot a mum and pup seal sunbathing and frolicking on the rocks. With community access being a rich activity to consolidate learning across the KLAs, it is always exciting to plan, engage with and reflect upon our awesome adventures.  The behaviour of our students whilst out in the community is to be commended.  

Gold Class continue to take leadership in weekly shopping trips to Coles, with teacher input being reduced over the weeks, allowing students to extend their skills and prepare for life post school.

With a very exciting project in the works across all of secondary (watch this space), our students have been planning, creating and beginning a marketing campaign to showcase their amazing work.  There have been a lot of new skills being taught across the classes, including French knitting, sanding, cross-stitch and designing large outdoor games.  Perhaps ask your child what new skills they could demonstrate for you!

From all the Secondary staff, we look forward to a wonderful final term of 2024.

Pastoral Care

Welcome to midway through Term 4 2024, end of the year is getting closer.

Our cookie dough fundraiser raised $280 going toward new equipment for our lunch club. I want to thank you all who supported us. The cookie dough will be delivered to the school on Tuesday 29^th November please keep a look out on compass for more information in the coming weeks.

During the recent school holidays, we utilised funds raised from our last two fundraisers to create a sensory box for each class. The contents of these boxes feature items such as fidget spinners, sensory putty, bubble wands, squish balls, sensory bin sets, shape shifters, stretchy bands, sensory noodles, pop tubes, and more. Both teachers and students have provided positive feedback, and we plan to keep replenishing these boxes with fundraising funds.

I am looking forward to the start of the Christmas season and celebrating this with the students.

Safeguarding

Online safety webinars

Parents and carers webinar ‘Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into high school’

Date:                    Tuesday 12 November   
 Time:                  12.30pm-1.00pm
 Presented by:     eSafety Commissioner and the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT  
 Cost:                    Free
 Register:             https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/707533969409578587

This 30-minute webinar is suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary school (aged 11-12) and Year 7.

The webinar will explore:

• the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school.
• practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.

Mental health webinars

Parents and carers webinar ‘Strengthening teens against anxiety’ with Karen Young

Date:                    Wednesday 11 December   
 Time:                  7pm-8.30pm
Presented by:     The Federation of P&F Associations
Cost:                     Free
 Register:             http://mn.shor.tn/KarenYoung

If you are unable to take part in the webinar at the designated time, you are still encouraged to RSVP. Approximately one week following the webinar, a recording will be made available to everyone who has RSVPd and they will have two weeks to watch it.

Anxiety can be tough for anyone but add in the whirlwind of changes that come with adolescence, and anxiety can intrude on young lives more than it deserves to. If left unmanaged, anxiety can limit their reach into the world and their discovery of their very important place in it. It can also leave the adults in their lives who care about them feeling helpless - but it doesn’t have to be this way. Anxiety is manageable, and our teens have a profound capacity to shift anxiety out of their way and move forward with strength.

In this presentation, we will discuss:

• A new, empowering way for adolescents to think about anxiety and how to use this to manage anxiety;
• How anxiety can interfere with learning and performance, and how to get anxiety out of the way;
• The changes in the adolescent brain that can make teens more vulnerable to anxiety;
• Proven, practical ways to calm and strengthen an anxious brain;
• The power of parents to move young people towards brave, and how to do this
• How to build solid neural foundations that will strengthen the adolescent brain against anxiety, and how to engage young people in the conversation and behaviours that will make a difference;
• Why new behaviours take time, why old responses can feel tough to change, and the simple explanation for teens that can build resilience and grit.

Please see attached flyer for more information.

Neurodiversity information sessions

Parents and carers webinar ‘Converting neurodiversity into neuro-advantage’ with Andrew Fuller

Date:                    Wednesday 20 November    
 Time:                   7.00pm-8.00pm
Presented by:      The Federation of P&F Associations
Cost:                     Free
 Register:              mn.shor.tn/AndrewFuller

Everyone’s brain processes information differently, it is as unique to an individual as their fingerprint.

In this session, parents and carers will learn the superpowers and learning strengths of brains with:

• Autism Spectrum
• Oppositional Defiance
• ADHD
• Dyslexia

Andrew will also cover the methods, interventions, apps and tech that can help these young people to not only survive in school but thrive in life.

To increase your learning from this event, you are encouraged to complete an analysis of your own learning strengths ahead of time at www.mylearningstrengths.com

Please see attached flyer for more information.

About the presenter: Andrew Fuller is an Hon. Fellow at the Uni of Melbourne, a scientific consultant for the ABC and a regular presenter on Radio National. He has established programs for neuroscience and education, neurodiversity and the promotion of mental health in schools,

Administration / Finance

Finance

Thank you to those families who have made full payment or have set up regular payments towards extinguishing their school fee account. All accounts are expected to be at a zero balance by the 30^th November 2024. If you are experiencing any difficulties in meeting your payment obligations, please contact our office immediately.

Uniforms

Orders can be placed at any time directly with our uniform supplier, BJs Workwear by completing an order form and submitting to newcastle@bjsworkwear.com.au

BJ’s Workwear will close on the 23^rd December 2024 and re-open on the 2^nd January 2025. Please call 4967 1432 if you have any uniform queries.

Important Dates and Reminders

TERM 4 

IMPORTANT DATES
St Dom's Bites Canteen - every Tuesday
10th December - Awards Ceremony
11th December - Yrear 12 Graduation 
18th December - Students Last Day 

Week 6
18th - 22nd November
Tuesday - Dance Program 
Wednesday - Cricket program 
Wed, Thurs & Fri - Primary Swimming 
Wednesday - Kinder 2025 Orientation
Friday - Rugby League Program

Week 7
25th - 29th November
Tuesday - Dance Program 
Wednesday - Cricket Program 
Wed, Thurs & Fri - Primary Swimming
Wednesday - Kinder 2025 Orientation
Wednesday - Market Stall
Friday - Rugby League Program

Week 8
2nd - 6th December
Tuesday - Dance Program 
Wednesday - Cricket Program 
Wed, Thurs & Fri - Primary Swimming
Wednesday - Kinder 2025 Orientation
Friday - Rugby League Program

Week 9
9th - 13th December
Tuesday - Dance Program 
Tuesday - Awards Ceremony
Wednesday - Cricket Program 
Wed, Thurs & Fri - Primary Swimming
Wednesday - Year 12 Graduation 
Friday - Rugby League Program

Week 10
16th - 20th December
Wednesday, 18th December - Students last day of school for 2024