Newsletter Week 2, Term 1 2025

Principal's Messages

HI Everyone,

        It is so great to be back (as great as holidays are!). For us we spend so long preparing for the first day it still has that excitement and anticipation when it finally comes around.

The excitement....and the nerves were abundant on Tuesday, coming back through the gate and getting back into schoo life can be a little daunting. We are thrilled that we have a school full of students ready to go and excited to be in their new classes.

Once again, a big thank you to our teachers for their incredible work in transforming classrooms from construction zones into vibrant learning spaces in just a few short hours. Their dedication, alongside the hard work of our cleaners and builders, has set the stage for a fantastic start to the year.

For our Kindergarten students, tomorrow marks the beginning of their school adventure! They’ve already been warmly welcomed during orientation and with great support from their Year 6 buddies, we’re looking forward to seeing them flourish in the months ahead!

Communication From School

Here are the other ways we keep parents informed:

Regular Communication Channels

• Newsletter: Published fortnightly on Wednesdays.
• What's On: Published on Sunday afternoons.
• Parent Planner: Shared at the start of each term.
• Curriculum Note: Released in Week 2 each term (Week 4 for Term 1).
• Parent Information Evening: Wednesday, 19 February (More details in the newsletter and Compass).
• Parent-Teacher-Student Goal Setting Meetings:
  • Years 1–6: Week 6 (Monday, 3 March – Friday, 8 March)
  • Kindergarten: Week 10 (Monday, 31 March – Friday, 4 April)
  • Booking times will be available in Compass closer to the date.

Parent Input Surveys
At the start of each year, we invite parents and caregivers to share important information about their child/ren with classroom teachers.

• Survey links are class-specific and have been published via Compass today.
• Please take the time to share any relevant details with your child's teacher.
• There will also be an opportunity for interviews/goal-setting meetings later in the term.

Parent Information Evening - Wed 19 Feb

 Parent Information Evening & BBQ 

We invite all Corpus Christi families to join us for our 2025 Parent Information Evening. This is a great opportunity to connect with classroom teachers, ask questions, and see your child's classroom.

Date: Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Start Time: 5:20 PM (Food service begins)
RSVP: Available via Compass (required for catering)

Classroom sessions:

• 5:45 PM – Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 6
• 6:05 PM – Year 2, Year 3
• 6:25 PM – Year 4, Year 5

Supervision available for Corpus Christi students during classroom sessions. No child is to attend without a parent or carer.

We look forward to seeing our families there!

Sports Update

Norths Region Swimming Carnival

We are proud to have 30 students representing Corpus Christi at the Norths Region Swimming Carnival next Wednesday at Stockton Pool. Congratulations to all students who have qualified!

Those who succeed at the Regional Carnival will advance to the Diocesan Carnival on Wednesday, 26 February, at The Forum.

Age Champions and medal winners will be announced at our Week 4 Assembly on Thursday, 20 February. Parents will be notified before the assembly.

Good luck to all our swimmers!

Volunteering

Our school community relies on the generosity of volunteers, and we welcome your support in a variety of ways. Volunteers are regularly needed in the canteen and uniform shop, as well as for classroom projects, excursions, athletics and swimming carnivals, gala days, and other sporting events.

To volunteer, you must be registered with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. If you are not yet registered, please visit our the Diocesan website for more information on the process.

Canteen

The school canteen will reopen on Monday, 10 February.

• Qkr! Orders: Online orders via Qkr! will be available from Friday.
• Volunteers Needed: The canteen relies on volunteers to operate. If you are a registered volunteer and can assist, even once per term, please email admin@waratah.catholic.edu.au.
• If we are unable to secure enough volunteers, the canteen will not operate that day.
• New Volunteers: If you are not yet registered as a volunteer in the Diocese, see the Volunteering section above details.
  • Fridays are the busiest days—help is especially needed.
  • Canteen operates from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
  • Assistance from 10:00 AM to help pack lunch orders on a Friday would be greatly appreciated.
  • Duties involve preparing and packing online orders—no over-the-counter service.
    

Code of Conduct

At the start of each year, we share the Code of Conduct as a reminder of the expectations within our school community. Our school rules and student expectations are based on this Code, which also outlines the responsibilities of parents and volunteers in a Catholic school setting.

This information is acknowledged upon enrolment, and we provide updates annually to ensure a shared understanding. Thank you for supporting a positive and respectful school environment.

Parents and Friends Association - P&F

The February P&F Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 11 February, at 6:30 PM in the school library.

This meeting will include a discussion regarding the transition to the Family and Community Engagement Forum (FACE).

Following extensive consultation, the FACE Forum Guidelines were launched by Bishop Michael Kennedy at the Federation of P&F Association’s AGM in December 2024.

 Key Changes:

• From 2026, the FACE Forum will be the only approved Family Engagement model in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
• In 2025, school communities can choose to operate a Parents and Friends Association (P&F Association), , or FACE Forum.
  

For more information, visit the Diocesan website here.

Important to note that when P&F transitions to the FACE Forum, the current Uniform Committee remains committed to the school-based operation of the service, which relies on volunteers. This service operates with minimal profit to the school, keeping item prices as close to cost as possible to support families.

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is open for online orders and in-person shopping on Friday mornings from 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM.

• Online orders can be placed via Qkr! and close at 8:00 AM on Fridays.
• Any online orders will be sent home with students.

Thank you for your support!

Upcoming Events and Reminders

Please note the following events at our school over the next two weeks

Week 2:  

Thursday 6 February:   

• Kindergarten First Day 

Week 3: 

Tuesday 11 February:   

• P & F February Meeting 6:30pm – School Library  

 Wednesday 12 February:   

• North Region Swimming Carnival (Representative) - Stockton Pool 

Week 4: 

Wednesday 19 February: 

• Opening School Mass 9:15am 

• Parent Information Evening (Information to follow) 

Thursday 20 February: 

• Assembly 2:15pm

School TV - School Transitions

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means that the children are growing up! However, for many it may also be a very anxious and stressful time for both parents and children. Parents need to be aware of their child's feelings during any school transition and minimise anxiety so the process is an enjoyable experience for all. It is important for children to attend transition or orientation programs offered by schools. Familiarisation is often key to reducing stress levels. It is also important for parents to talk to their children about their expectations and being more responsible for their own needs.