Chisholm Catholic Primary School, Bligh Park 30 Collith Ave, Bligh Park NSW 2756 PH 02 4573 3200

Email: chisholm@parra.catholic.edu.au, Web: www.chisholmblighpark.catholic.edu.au Principal: Michael Mifsud

St Matthew’s Parish – Parish Priest: Father Robert William PH: 02 4577 3073

Chisholm Matters Newsletter of Chisholm Catholic Primary School, Bligh Park.

Volume 24 No.20 Thursday, 14 December 2017

Diary Dates

Friday 15 December Last day of Term 4

Mon 18 December & Tues 19 December

Pupil Free Days

Sundays Parish Mass 9:30am

in the MPA

Monday 25 December Christmas Day

NO Parish Mass at Chisholm

on Sunday 24 December

( Christmas Eve) Or

Monday 25 December ( Christmas Day)

See 2017 Christmas Masses on the back page

Monday 29 January MAI’s and Best Start

Tuesday 30 January MAI’s and Best Start

Wednesday 31 January Classes begin Year 1-6

Best Start

Thursday 1 February Best Start

Friday 2 February

Best Start

Monday 5 February Kindergarten Classes Begin

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends,

We celebrated our End of Year Mass yesterday and farewelled our Year 6 students. The children were reverent and respectful during this beautiful Celebration. Thank you to all of the parents who attended and then enjoyed a delicious morning tea provided by the staff.

Our Year 6 students were given a wonderful send off by their teachers after morning tea. Last night they attended their Year 6 Farewell dinner. They were a very excited bunch of children.

We welcome 4 new members of staff for 2018. They are Lauren Bennett (Leader of Learning), Sarah Gale (Year 3), Danielle Crothers (Year 5 with Samantha Naylor) and Alana Balzan (Year 6). I know you will welcome them as always with the respect and support they deserve.

It is with great pleasure I announce our Staff for 2018.

Office Staff Michelle Siegenthaler, Denise Argus and Kelly Milgate

Kindergarten Lyndal Dowd - Carmen Ford - Bernadette Rogers

Year 1 Jessica Triebe - Jan Ryan - Rosie Smith & Diane Jones

Year 2 Anna Dedovic - Leanne Hilder - Toni Mitchell

Year 3 Ashleigh Tabone - Sarah Gale - Maria Micallef

Year 4 Rebecca Cordukes - Rosemary Johnson – Michelle Feneley & Sue McNamara

Year 5 Kristina Dimech - Samantha Naylor & Danielle Crothers

Year 6 Alana Balzan - Jana Fizely - Maree McMahon

Teacher Assistants Catherine Conolly, Sandra Hanigan, Helen Hutton & Lorraine Pruss

Leaders of Learning &

Diversity (Coordinator 2)

Lauren Bennett - Natalie Colburt - Belinda Gatt - Nancy McGavin

Specialist Teachers

Merilyn Hancock - Music Fiona Lark - ICT (Coding)

Karen Baxter - Physical Education

Principal

Assistant Principal

Religious Education Coordinator

Michael Mifsud

Andrew Emanuel

Merilyn Hancock

We farewell many of our staff members who will embark on new chapters in their lives. We thank them for their dedication and service to Chisholm Catholic Primary school. We wish:

• Simon Crothers, Mark Galea, Michelle. Sultana, Rebecca Sidorenko and Michelle Stzelma all the very best in their new learning communities.

• Samantha Brimfield, fabulous adventures as she travels overseas

• Cathie Emanuel, Lisa Kay and Julie Grunberg all best for 2018

• Mary Sullivan, a wonderful year living in the country with her family

• Janet Young, happiness as she enjoys some quality time with her family.

• Sarah Watson, much love, health and happiness as she her new bundle of joy. This morning we celebrated with an Advent Assembly beautifully led by Kindergarten. Our audience were once again wonderfully reverent as they witnessed the youngest members of our community present a Nativity play. The assembly concluded with our School Choir ably led by Mrs Smith and Miss Triebe treating us to some Christmas Carols. I wish to sincerely thank our Chisholm Community Group (CCG) for their dedication to our school. They have shown commitment, energy and an enthusiasm that is second to none. I look forward to our strong partnership continuing in 2018.

Once again, I will reiterate that if you have any concerns to please make an appointment to see Andrew or myself. We cannot address any concerns unless you speak about them with us directly.

Thank you all for a wonderful year at Chisholm Catholic Primary school. You have made me feel very welcome.

My appreciation to you all for allowing me the privilege of welcoming your beautiful children to our school each day. I see a beauty and uniqueness in each and every one of them.

Life is a journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn,

but most of all, experiences to enjoy.

Love and Best wishes to all of you

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Michael

mmifsud@parra.catholic.edu.au

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

CHISHOLM STUDENT ATTENDANCE EVERY LEARNER EVERY DAY

This week’s overall attendance figure for Chisholm is: 84.8%

This is 5.2% below our Diocesan target and 2.8% above the Diocesan average of 82%.

Congratulations to our Year 1 and Year 2 students who are our high achievers in attendance for our final week of the year with 88.1% & 88.0% respectively.

Let’s aim for higher attendance rates for all grades in 2018.

Attendance EVERY DAY is important.

Prayer Space Please keep in your thoughts and prayers members of our Chisholm community including; Will Taylor (Year 5),Sarah Brewerton (Gabrielle Kerry Year 6), Mr Crothers (Grandmother unwell).

UNIFORM REMINDER 2018 A reminder to all Parents and Carers that it is an expectation that all students who attend Chisholm Catholic Primary School to adhere to our Uniform Requirements from the first day of school to the last day of school each year. Please contact me if you have any questions relating to these expectations.

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS Our school is transitioning to a new Finance system as well as updating our email contact details for all parents and carers. We ask you to complete the following form (one for each family unless the circumstances differ in your situation) as soon as possible. Please complete this form ASAP if you haven’t already done so.

Chisholm Parent/Carer Email Contact Information

Thank you

Michael Mifsud – Principal

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

BACK TO SCHOOL 2018

Parents, if you intend travelling overseas or interstate during the Christmas holidays and your child/children will be returning to school late in 2018 due to extended holidays or any other reason, could you please notify the office, in writing, that this will be happening noting the date your child will be returning for the 2018 school year. This information impacts on the February Census and our funding. On a personal note I would like to thank all our parents and families for their ongoing support throughout the year. I hope you all get to spend some quality family time together over the Christmas break and I look forward to working alongside you again in 2018. Kind regards

Andrew Emanuel – Assistant Principal

FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Teachers have been encouraging children to put Christ into Christmas through lessons and praying in our Advent assemblies. Each week the Chisholm community prepares for Christmas by having an Advent Assembly where students proclaimed the Sunday readings. In the last Assembly (Week 4 of Advent) on Thursday 14th December, Kindergarten retold the story of Jesus’ birth.

Please note the Mass times for Christmas Day for this parish in this newsletter. Celebrate the wonder and abundant joy of this Christmas season with your family and friends. I wish you many blessings and may the peace and beauty of Christmas be with you all year.

May your Christmas be filled with the true miracles and meaning of this beautiful time.

In Christ,

Merilyn Hancock – Religious Education Coordinator

SPORTS NEWS

Chisholm Swimming Carnival Congratulations to the Chisholm students from Year 2 - 5 who participated in the swimming carnival on the 1st December. It was a wonderful day and the students took part in a variety of events and activities. Thank you to the staff for your support leading up to and on the day. Thank you to the parents that officiated as recorders, time keepers and place judges. A huge thank you to the Bede Polding students who acted as life guards and helped to keep our students safe in the pool. Everyone who assisted helped to make it a successful fun day for all involved.

Congratulations to the following age champions: Junior Boy Jacob Beattie Junior Girl Emma Withers 10 Years Boy Nate Gill 10 Years Girl Chelsea Privitera Senior Boy Toby Camilleri Senior Girl Sienna Millar Congratulations to the following: House Championship Trophy - Red House Team Spirit Trophy - Green House The Zone team will be announced next year. The children must meet the qualifying times in order to compete at the Zone Carnival.

Parent Helpers Thank You Once again thank you to all of the parents who have assisted throughout the year with sport whether at a carnival, gala days or coaching after school. All your assistance has been appreciated by both the children and staff at Chisholm. To those of you who are leaving you will be missed. To the remaining parents I look forward to working with you again next year.

Karen Baxter – Sports Coordinator

GENERAL NEWS

Reading Recovery and EMU Congratulations to the Reading Recovery and EMU students. We are so proud of the amazing learning that you have all achieved this year. You are incredible Mathematicians and readers!

SOCIAL JUSTICE In Term 4, Chisholm raised money for Catholic Mission and collected for Christmas hampers. We collected enough items to donate over 100 green bags to St Vinnies. Thank you for the overwhelming support with these fundraisers.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chisholm community for all of your support this year for all of our fundraisers. Jana Fizely on behalf The Social Justice Team

Congratulations to our School Leaders for 2018 Rylee McKeon, Jade Zammit, Phebe Dalton, Scott Adam, Ricardo Jelinek and Ethan Wallace.

and to our Sport Leaders for 2018 Blue House: Jacinta Brincat and Logan Gruppetta Red House: Silvanna Virzi and Toby Camilleri Green House: Brayden Waters and Grace Scala Gold House: Eesha Chand and Dylan Bryan

Maths Assessment Interview

Monday 29 January and Tuesday 30 January

Don’ forget to book your son/daughter’s Maths Assessment Interview (MAI).

Clicking on the following link and enter the school event code 3ht5g. www.schoolinterviews.com.au Bookings close Wednesday, 24 January.

SCHOOL ZONES A reminder to all our parents ahead of the Christmas holiday break at the end of Term 4 that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families.

School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even pupil free days.

DIGITAL CHILD SAFETY HANDBOOK – SUMMER EDITION 2017/18

Over the last 5 years many children and parents would have received hard copies of the NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook. This valuable safety resource is now available in digital format with expanded safety and content videos. The summer edition of this valuable safety resource is now valuable online with updated safety content.

All parents are urged to download this handbook and discuss the safety content with your children.

The safety content will be updated each July and January and is now available across 3 digital platforms.

Digital Handbook

IOS App / Android App

childsafetyhub.com.au

BEGINNING OF SCHOOL 2018

Term 1 Week 1

Monday 29th January - Year 1- 6, Mathematics Assessment Interviews by appointment Kindergarten, Best Start Early literacy and numeracy assessments by appointment

Tuesday 30th January - Year 1-6, Mathematics Assessment Interviews continue by appointment Kindergarten, Best Start Early literacy and numeracy assessments continue by appointment

Wednesday 31st January - Year 1-6, Classes begin for 2018.Classes begin for 2018 Kindergarten, Best Start Early literacy and numeracy assessments continue by appointment

Thursday 1st February – Friday 2nd February Kindergarten, Best Start Early literacy and numeracy assessments continue by appointment

Term 1 Week 2

Monday 5th February -Kindergarten, Classes begin for 2018. Please note: Kindergarten, Best Start times were booked at the Kindergarten Orientation, a reminder for this will be sent home in January. Year 1-6, Mathematics Assessment Interviews are to be booked online. Booking details have been sent home.

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 1

Wednesday January 31 Santana Ayoub

Thursday February 01 Coralie Livingston

Friday February 02 Tami Adams, Elizabeth Williams

Monday February 05 Alanna Carstairs

Tuesday February 06 Sarah Kelly

Wednesday February 07 Gabby Mifsud

Thursday February 08 Alana Schroder, Andrea Deters-Horan

Friday February 09 Kristen Broadfoot, Kristina Anderson

Due to price increases and the new return and earn (NSW Container Deposit Scheme), we have had to increase our drink prices. There is a copy of the 2018 Price list attached and on the school website.

The full 2018, Term 1 Canteen Roster can also be found on the school website.

We are always looking for helpers so if you can spare a day please come and see me.

Thank you to all my helpers old and new for 2017, the children and myself thank you for your help and hard work. Wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday.

Sandra Goldsbrough - Canteen Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students who celebrate their birthday over the coming weeks and in the holidays:

Liam Jongkryg, Sherice Bartolo, Casey Phipps, Jack Taylor, Damian Sultana, Jacob Tabone, Ryley Hamilton, Jessica Bosque, Lachlan Gatt, Azaylea Toms, Jessie Wilson, Blake Talbot, Georgia Welding, Josiah Staples, Jessica Brunner, Sally Galea, Nicholas Gatt, Cameron Owen, Charlotte Vella, Breanna Monaghan, Harrison Cusack, Susannah Cody, Isabella Johnston, Oliver Abraham, Annalise Grima, Emma Withers, Dylan Gow, Sienna Vella, Brodie Miljkovich, Mia-Rose Christiansen, Christian Hanson, Bella-Rose McKeown, Paige Bryan, Isaac Buttsworth, Sofie McKeown, Samuel Burk, Emily Wilson, Jai Walker, Harrison Hayek, Aleisha Cipriano, Brielle Wild, Billy Taggart, Sienna Rapson, Ethan Hartog, Brodie Richards, Damon Jones, Bianca Szyszka, Brie Mitchell, Christian Sultana, Storm Kennedy, Isabella Cody, Isabella Ross and Lily Sharp.

A special thank you to Alanna Carstairs and Amy Zammit

who volunteer their time every week to process the Student Banking.

Uniform Shop

The Uniform shop will re-open in 2018 on Monday 29 January 2018. It will be open from 10.30am until 3.00pm.

Learning Matters

END OF YEAR EVENTS, 2017

Each year Chisholm students participate in Advent events

to bring Christmas joy to others.

The Chisholm Choir sang at the Hawkesbury

Living Aged Care facility in Richmond. The

residents were most impressed with our students.

Our Social Justice team also visited and took

morning tea and craft activities for the

residents.

Each week the Chisholm community prepares for

Christmas by having an Advent Assembly and

students proclaim the Sunday readings. In the last

Assembly (Week 4 of Advent) on Thursday,

Kindergarten will retell the story of Jesus’ birth.

Throughout Advent each class has been collecting

non-perishable food items for St Vincent de Paul

to be put into Christmas Hampers for needy

families. This was organized by Miss Fizely and

the Social Justice team.

At the End of Year Mass Year 6 students and

several teachers were farewelled. The Year 6 boys

brought the Gospel to Father Robert in the Gospel

Procession. A group of Year 6 students reflected

on their time at Chisholm by a liturgical movement

to True Colours.

WISHING EVERY FAMILY THE JOY OF

CHRISTMAS AND BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW

YEAR.