Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through Term 1. As per usual, we have hit the boards running with our teachers striving to achieve better outcomes for our students and provide a smorgasbord of additional activities. In every lesson, dance/choir rehearsal and every sporting team coached we are endeavouring to nurture our students to participate in all facets of school life. As always, we acknowledge and value the partnerships that exist between Calare and our parents/carers as you are an unrivalled resource of support which impacts on our students’ learning. 

NAPLAN 

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual, nationwide assessment. Next Wednesday, 12 March, marks the start of NAPLAN testing for our students in Years 3 and 5 and this will conclude by Monday 24 March. It is important to remember that these tests are not about passing or failing. They are about assessing learning progress. The best way to support your child is to encourage him/her to do the best they can on the day. 

JOGATHON ASSEMBLY 

Our Jogathon assembly will take place at 2.45pm next Wednesday 12th March in the bottom quad and parents are most welcome to attend. It was great to see the enthusiasm that our K-6 students displayed when participating in the jogathon last week, particularly with the hot weather conditions. Ms Parker made the Stage 3 team proud with her 9 laps. We expect 10 laps to be completed next year, Ms Parker! 

Plese keep sending your sponsorship money and booklets to the front office to be included in the prize draws.

Have an enjoyable fortnight.

Stephen Bingon

Proud Principal of Calare

Thank you for continuing to read our Newletter and keeping up to date with what is happening in our wonderful school.  If your child has moved on to high school or moved schools and you no longer want to receive our Newsletter, please unsubscribe or contact our office and we will remove you from the list.

Have you "LIKED" our Facebook page?  This is where the majority of our communication happens. From assembly photos and student achievements to finding out when your child will return from an excursion.  Jump on today and give us a like!

The Sentral Parent Portal App is a vital tool for our school communication.  You are able to communicate with teachers, explain student absences, receive permission notes and pay for excursions.  Ordering recess and lunch at the canteen is also through this app.  If you haven't accessed the App yet and are unsure how to, please see the office staff and they will help you set it up.

Below is a NSW Department of Education document outlining ways to contact our school.  Please have a read through so you are familiar with the expectations of our staff and families.

Will your child be going to High School next year?  Expression of Interest are now open.

Use the link below for all the information you will need to complete this part of the process.  Scroll to down to the heading Moving to High School and click on the link.  If you have any problems, please reach out to the office staff. 

https://calare-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Last Monday the annual Calare Swimming Carnival was held in beautiful summer weather.  All our students from Year 3-6 enjoyed a lovely day, some competing in the competitive events and some taking part in the novelty events.  It was great to see the older students encouraging the younger ones to "keep going, you've got this" as they made their way down that very long pool.  Thank you also to the Orange High students for helping on the day.

Swimming Carnival Results

Winning House - Pitta Pitta

Age Champions

Junior Girl - Charlotte Callaghan

Junior Boy - Cooper Loud

11 Yrs Girl - Philippa Bailey

11 Yrs Boy - Riley Loud

Senior Girl - Lara Hooper

Senior Boy - Levai Stowers

Records Broken

Chloe Hooper - 8 Yrs Girls Freestyle - previously held from 2020

Cooper Loud - 9 Yrs Boys Freestyle - previously held from 2015

The District Swimming Carnival was held last Thursday and we had 27 Calare students attend.

Cooper Loud came away with a broken record in the 9 Yrs Freestyle beating the standing record by 0.94 seconds.

Charlotte Callaghan was 3rd overall in the Junior Girl events and Riley Loud was 2nd overall in the 11 Yrs Boys events.

Well done everyone and good luck to our 11 students competing at Western Swimming on Friday.

SRE is important for social, emotional and spiritual development.

 Hi, my name is Gillian, I’m a Calare parent of 3 kids and I coordinate a group of 12 volunteer Scripture teachers who come into the school each Thursday afternoon for half hour lessons of Special Religious Education (SRE) with aged-based approved curriculum for Kindergarten-Year 6. The NSW Department of Education recognise spiritual wellbeing plays an important role in successful learning. SRE nurtures students’ sense of meaning and purpose and promotes positive connections with faith and community. For 137 years NSW Education has included lessons from faith organisations in the community. At present, Christian SRE is offered at Calare PS.

 Christian SRE offers a biblical worldview that teaches traditional ethics and values and fosters genuine tolerance towards those with a different faith heritage. Children are encouraged to ask questions, to understand the impact of Christianity on Western culture and to engage with members of the community who represent the local faith community that could be an avenue of support for your family. The classes are fun and engaging and each child is known and valued.

 We would love you to consider Scripture classes for your child as we all seek to help our young people be nurtured in their social and emotional development through their school years. Find out more and view the scope and sequence of the Christian SRE curriculum at https://whysre.com.au/

Reach out through the school office if you have further questions for the Scripture team or to obtain a form to update your child’s SRE enrolment details.