10 February 2025

Principal’s Report

Welcome to 2025!

This year, we are delighted to welcome many new faces to our community. We eagerly anticipate accompanying you on your journey throughout your time at St Catherine's Catholic College.

Setting the Bar High: Upholding Standards in Uniform and Technology at St Catherine's Catholic College

At St Catherine's Catholic College, we believe that high expectations lay the foundation for a thriving educational environment. This year, as we continue to cultivate a culture of excellence, we want to highlight the significance of maintaining high standards in two essential areas: uniform and the use of technology and mobile phones.

Uniform Standards: A Reflection of School Pride

Our school uniform is more than just a dress code; it is a symbol of our identity and a reflection of the pride we take in our school community. By wearing the uniform correctly and with respect, students not only present themselves in a positive light but also contribute to a sense of unity and belonging.

Key expectations regarding uniform include:

• Neatness and Cleanliness: Students are expected to wear their uniforms neatly, ensuring all components are clean and well-maintained. Formal uniform is worn on all days apart from those designated for practical PDHPE/PASS/Sport and Agriculture lessons.
• Adherence to Dress Code: Specific uniform requirements must be followed, including appropriate shoes, socks, and accessories. Non-uniform items, such as hoodies or non-school hats, are not permitted during school hours.
• Presentation: Hairstyles should be tidy, and any jewelry or makeup worn should be minimal and in accordance with school guidelines. 

By upholding these uniform standards, students demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, and the broader school community.

Technology and Mobile Phones: Fostering Responsible Use

In an age where technology is integral to our daily lives, it is crucial to foster responsible and respectful use of digital devices. At St Catherine's Catholic College, we recognise the importance of integrating technology into the learning experience while ensuring it enhances, rather than disrupts, the educational journey.

Key expectations regarding technology and mobile phones include:

• Appropriate Use During Class: Mobile phones and personal devices should be used for educational purposes only during class time. Unauthorised use for social media, gaming, or other distractions is strictly prohibited.
• Designated Usage Times: Students are to have devices (including phones, earphones, etc) out of sight and switched to silent mode unless they have the explicit permission and direct supervision of a staff member. This is from the first time they enter the school grounds in the morning until after they are dismissed at the end of the day.
• Digital Etiquette: Students should practice good digital citizenship by respecting the privacy and intellectual property of others. Cyberbullying or sharing inappropriate content will not be tolerated and will be addressed in accordance with school policies.

By adhering to these guidelines, students can make the most of technology's benefits while maintaining a focused and respectful learning environment.

At St Catherine's Catholic College, we are committed to setting high expectations that support the growth and success of our students. By adhering to our uniform and technology guidelines, students contribute to a positive school culture that values respect, responsibility, and excellence. Together, we can create an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

New Staff

We welcome the following new faces to our school for 2025:

Primary

• Claire Griffiths (Year 1)
• Kayla Arthur (Year 6)
• Kathleen O'Brien (Learning Support Assistant)
• Brooke Surawski (Learning Support Assistant)
• Justine Birt (Learning Support Assistant)
• Declan Meagher (Learning Support Teacher)
  

Secondary

• Kelly Pearson (Secondary Assistant Principal)
• Justine MacCormick (Leader of Learning - TAS)
• Scott Berry (Learning Support Teacher)
• Ross Bowerman (Physics/STEM/Science)
• Connor Edwards (PDHPE)
• Isabelle Miller (HSIE)
• Maddison Edwards (English)
• Kymberly Barnes (Library)
• Sarah Cooper (HSIE)
• Carla Wright (HSIE)
• Hannah Atkinson (HSIE/RE)
• Kathy Hamer (Science)
• Rachel Richardson (Learning Support Assistant)
• Claire Upward (Learning Support Assistant)
• Bailey Abela (Library Assistant)

We wish them well as they begin their journeys as part of our community.

School Fees

Diocesan school fees for 2024 were required to be finalised by 30 November 2024. Unfortunately, a number of families have not finalised their commitments to date. We are confident that all parents of our students appreciate the necessity of maintaining a healthy cashflow for the school, as it is our children who benefit. Non-payment impacts future planning, developments, and resourcing.

We request that these overdue fee accounts are finalised as a matter of priority. If you are unable to finalise your 2024 balance by Monday 17 February 2025, please contact our Finance Office to make an appointment with me to make firm payment arrangements.

2025 school fees will be levied during February and families will receive their updated fee statements in the first week of March. Families requiring payment plans need to have these renewed each year so circumstances can be ascertained. Please make an appointment through our finance office to discuss if you have not done so already.

We look forward to working with families in 2025 in supporting our student's education.

Take care and God Bless

Dave Crawford
Principal

Student Spotlight

Elsie Howard

During February, Elsie from 5 Navy will be swimming in the Starlight Super Swim for the Starlight Children’s foundation. She has been training extremely hard right throughout the school holidays. 

Elsie has pledged to swim a minimum distance of 14 kilometres (quite a feat for a 10-year-old) and has set a goal of raising $1,500 for her swim. Elsie has already met her fundraising target, with her total currently standing at $1,800.

She is incredibly passionate about her swimming and her fundraising for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. If you would like to support Elsie and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, please click on the link below:

• Is your child excelling in an activity outside of school? We would love to hear about it and share it with our College Community. To be featured in ‘Student Spotlight’ please send an email with the details including a photo to gina.kellner@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Upcoming Events

• Please note that these dates and times are subject to change and that all efforts will be made to communicate this through the College communication platforms.

Term 1 2025

Awards

Primary

Primary students are acknowledged for both academic achievement and effort, and for positive contributions to the life of the College. Teachers individually award Encouragement Awards (white awards) to students throughout the term. Students accumulate these awards to achieve higher levels of recognition. If your child receives the following number of awards, please send them in to Student Services for recognition of the next level of awards. 

 4 Encouragement Awards             =        Merit Certificate
4 Merit Certificates                         =        Certificate of Excellence
3 Certificates of Excellence             =        Certificate of Distinction

Students also earn ‘Gotchas’ for exhibiting Positive Behaviours for Learning.

*Please note the following awards were given at the end of Term 4 2024. The year group listed is the student's 2024 year.*

Distinction

Excellence

Merit

Kinder

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 6

Canteen

Canteen Roster

Canteen Staff

Uniform Shop

The uniform shop will continue to operate using appointments and a drop-in system. The appointments are for uniform fittings for families who need to try on uniforms and drop-ins are for families who know what they need to purchase or are picking up orders. 

For your convenience, the uniform shop is located on site with access via the small Queen Street gate. 

Opening hours throughout the school term are as follows:

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Fourth Saturday of the month

Alternatively, uniforms can also be ordered online and delivered to your child’s classroom (primary) or student services for secondary. 

For appointment bookings and online orders please visit:  

Carley Vaughan
Uniform Shop Supervisor

Parish

2025 Parish Sacramental Program

Expression of interests are being sought for children in Year 3 and above in 2025 who are ready to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion. Please email the parish office with your child’s name, date of birth and parish they wish to receive their sacraments in singleton.branxton@mn.catholic.org.au.

All Parish news and events can be found on the website:

As always, we welcome you to Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Singleton, St Brigid’s Church, Branxton, St Catherine’s Church, Greta and St Paul’s Church, Glendonbrook. For Mass times, please click on the link below to take you to the Parish Calendar:

Fr Thomas Chirackal
Parish Priest

Community Notices

TRY Taekwondo WITH MR RICHARDSON

What: Taekwondo – Korean Art of Self Defence and Modern Olympic Sport

Mr Richardson is a fully qualified 7^th Dan Black Belt JiDoKwan Taekwondo Master with well over 35 years experience. He is registered and fully insured through Australian Taekwondo and is a member of Taekwondo NSW and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). Mr Richardson also represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in the Taekwondo Management Team.

Please see Mr Richardson for an application form. Be quick, strictly limited to 30 places maximum.

Email: nigel.richardson@mn.catholic.edu.au for an information sheet to be sent home with your child.