As we approach the end of another fantastic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the term and share my gratitude. Stepping into the role of Assistant Principal for the term has been an absolute privilege, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working in our vibrant and supportive school community in a different space. 

To all the amazing parents, thank you for your continued support, partnership, and trust throughout the year. Your dedication to your children’s growth and learning has been truly inspiring and plays such an important role in our school’s success.

Semester 2 Reports: Student academic reports for Kindergarten to Year 6 will be available on Compass from Friday, 13th December. You will be notified via Compass when the reports are accessible on your child’s profile.

Years 1–6: Reports provide an overview of achievement levels based on the NSW syllabus outcomes, with grades allocated using the Common Grade Scale. A C grade indicates a sound level of achievement, meeting expected outcomes. Descriptions of the scale are included below.

Kindergarten: Kindergarten reports are ungraded, using descriptors Basic, Sound, and Thorough to highlight progress and achievements across all Key Learning Areas.

Optional Parent Teacher Interviews: In Week 10 optional parent-teacher interviews will be offered for any parents wishing to discuss their child’s report. If you wish to book an appointment to meet with your child’s classroom teacher, please contact them via the school email: info@smtdow.catholic.edu.au

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS NEWS: Our new respect focus is: The fairer you play, the more fun you’ll have in your day!

We’re delighted to share the positive changes we’ve seen over the past few weeks! Students have been using playground equipment safely and responsibly, ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy it. Games such as handball and soccer have showcased fair play and good sportsmanship, with students taking turns respectfully and making efforts to include others. Across all playground areas, students are resolving differences calmly, showing kindness, and making the most of their time together.

Exciting Playground Updates!

The introduction of free-choice playgrounds has been a hit! Each class now has their own soccer ball, and our playground tubs are overflowing with exciting new additions. We’ve also introduced a passive play area, where students can enjoy quieter activities like chess, snakes and ladders, or card games. This space has become a popular choice for those who prefer a calmer environment during playtime.

To ensure fairness, we’ve implemented a soccer roster so every class has access to the soccer field. Additional nets have opened up spaces for mini soccer games, freeing the basketball court for class basketball games.

Playground Highlights:

Bottom Playground: Volleyball, our kitchen and milk bar, a blackboard area, sensory play activities, and the ninja course.

Top Playground: More space for cricket and handball, providing plenty of opportunities for active play.

Extra Activities: Hall games on Mondays and Tuesdays, the Kindness Club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the passive play area for quiet games and relaxation.

With so many options available, students are having more fun than ever! Whether they’re engaging in active sports, enjoying quieter games, or trying out new activities, there’s truly something for everyone. 

Kindergarten: 68%

Year One: 77%

Year Two: 62%

Year Three: 56%

Year Four: 48%

Year Five: 95%

Year Six: No data due to Jamberoo

So the Gold Waste Free Warriors for Week 7 are: Year 5 and the Silver Waste Free Warriors for Week 7 are: Year 1. Congratulations to these 2 classes. 

Year 6 end of year fun @ Jamberoo Recreation Park: During Week 7, Year 6 visited Jamberoo and had an incredible time filled with fun and excitement! It was a fantastic experience and a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. We’re excited to share some of the highlights with you! 

As we enter the festive season, I wish you all a joyful, peaceful, and holy Christmas. May this special time be filled with rest, love, and quality moments spent with your families. Thank you for a wonderful year, and I look forward to all that lies ahead in 2025!

Chelsea McLeod - Acting Assistant Principal 

NEW FAMILIES TO OUR SCHOOL

School Fees are invoiced as an annual account, due for payment in full 30 days after invoicing. However, many families elect to pay their school fees by regular instalments as as a new family to our school, we would like to offer you this option. If you wish to take up this offer, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request, either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit it at the school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2025 school fees. Your school fee statements are emailed to you and they will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date.

IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment, eg, weekly, fortnightly etc.

EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITH INSTALMENTS

If you are currently paying by instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments, eg. weekly to fortnightly.

EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITHOUT INSTALMENTS

If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2025 and have not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalments Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit it at the school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2025 school fees. Your school fee statement will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date depending on the frequency you have chosen. Eg, fortnightly, monthly etc.

IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment, eg, weekly, fortnightly etc.