Newsletter 10 April 2025

Principal's Message

Thursday 10 April 2025 - Term 1  Week 10

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the Easter break, I want to extend my warmest blessings to you and your families. May this holy season be filled with peace, joy, and the hope that Easter brings.

I also wanted to provide a quick update regarding the refunds for our unfortunately cancelled Big Banana waterslide event. We understand that many of you are still waiting for these to be processed. Please be assured that we have done everything within our power at the school level to expedite these refunds through COMPASS and we are waiting for them to provide refunds. We understand the delay is frustrating, and we want to assure you that the refunds are coming.

On a different note, I would like to express my sincere thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in our recent Year 3-6 swimming carnival. It was a fantastic success, with so many of our students participating with enthusiasm and great sportsmanship. A special congratulations to Red House, who emerged victorious in the end! It was wonderful to see such a display of school spirit and healthy competition.

I also want to reiterate a request regarding communication with our dedicated teaching staff. We deeply value their commitment to our students, and it's important that they have adequate time to rest and recharge outside of school hours. Therefore, we kindly ask that you refrain from calling or texting teachers in the evenings, on weekends, or during the upcoming holidays. If you have a non-urgent matter, email is the most appropriate form of communication, and teachers will respond during school hours upon their return.

Finally, you would have received a message from me yesterday regarding the ongoing funding for Catholic schools and the upcoming election. It is important to reinforce parental choice in education and to highlight the vital role that ongoing government funding plays in ensuring the continued success and accessibility of our school. It is crucial that politicians of all persuasions understand the significance of this funding for the benefit of our students and the wider community.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday, April 29th.

Grace and peace,

Peter Watts

Faith and Mission News

 First Reconciliation

Congratulations to all the students who received the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Wednesday. We keep these students and their families in our prayers as they begin preparations next term to receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time.

First Eucharist 

The preparation for First Eucharist will take place early in Term Two. The dates for First Eucharist are 21 and 22 June. Families will choose the Mass they would like to attend at the Passover evening on Wednesday 4 June at 6pm.

Confirmation

The Parent Information Evening for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be held in the assembly area on Wednesday 7 May at 6:30pm. 

Enrolments for students to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are now closed. Should you have any queries about enrolments, please contact Mrs Loader. 

Holy Week and Easter

Today the whole school participated in the retelling of Jesus' passion and death through acting, song and prayer. A most touching moment was when the students sang ‘Just Pray’ while looking at ‘Jesus’,  their best friend, who had just died on the cross to take away our sins and show His great love for us.

Join us on Tuesday 29 April at 2pm in the assembly area as we re-enact the events of that first Easter Sunday and explore how the Mass is connected to events that happened when Jesus appeared to His disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Altar Servers

Congratulations to all the existing and NEW altar servers who were commissioned into this special ministry at mass last Sunday morning. May their service help to bring others and themselves closer to Jesus.

Project Compassion Appeal 2025

Thank you to all those who donated  to help those who are struggling with poverty. This generosity can make a big difference in the lives of people who need help. If you still have a Project Compassion box at home it can be returned when school resumes next Term.

‘Pilgrims of Hope’

Many classes have begun their ‘pilgrimage’, working through the activities on the poster below. This pilgrimage will take almost all year to complete and we look forward to sharing some of the experiences that bring us closer to God.

Naomi Loader - Assistant Principal Mission
Maria Woods - Leader of School Evangelisation

Holy Week Gallery

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Project Compassion

A huge thank you to all the families who donated $5 towards a water tank for vulnerable families to have accessible clean water near their homes. A water tank (and other infrastructure) will save some families from walking more than 30 minutes to collect clean drinking water. 
A total of $755.00 was raised - amazing!  Together, we can make a difference.

Years 3 - 6 Swimming Carnival

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Year 3 Harmony Day

Year 3 held their Harmony Day Cultural Festival on Monday 7 April to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity. Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Our students loved researching their chosen countries and preparing their presentations which they shared with their peers. Many thanks to all our very generous Year 3 families for providing such an array of delicious national delicacies.

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Year 4 ACCENDERE Retreat

Our Year 4 students participated in a spirituality retreat on Wednesday 9 April called 'Accendere' (meaning to ignite or to spark the flame). The retreat's theme was centred around FRIENDSHIP and a variety of activities promoted a positive atmosphere for students to share their faith. Song, dance, drama, games, a 'graffiti' wall and prayer all contributed to the students gaining new insights into friendship while having a fun day.

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ANZAC DAY MARCH

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are encouraged to represent St Augustine's in the ANZAC Day march each year. If your child can march with our school, please meet outside Genesis Gym in full school uniform, including your school hat, at 8:45 am on Friday, 25 April. It is advisable for students to carry a drink bottle.
 Students will march with school staff. At the end of the march, parents may collect students before they are seated at the cenotaph or after the ceremony. Students will remain with staff until a parent collects them. 

2026 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS ARE NOW OPEN

Our Kindergarten 2026 Enrolments are now open!
 Please pass on this information to any family or friends who may be interested in enrolling their child in St Augustine's. All children must have an enrolment form submitted, including siblings of existing students. Enrolments for Kinder 2026 close on May 16 2025.
 Enrolment applications are available on the school website: http://www.cofhplism.catholic.edu.au/

 A Kindergarten 2026 Parent INFORMATION EVENING will be held on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 7pm. The evening will start in the school hall and will move to the Kindergarten rooms, where there will be an opportunity to learn about the educational opportunities and unique experiences for your child at St Augustine's. Please see the flyer on this post on how to RSVP or via this google form.

SJPC Year 7 2026 Enrolment Period

MINI VINNIES EASTER COMPETITIONS

Our Mini Vinnies Easter Competitions were finalised and judged this afternoon with some very happy people taking home the prizes for the colouring and guessing competitions. Congratulations to our winners and runners up! The judges had some tough decisions in finding the winning entrants! The list of prize winners are below. All money raised... almost $300, will go with our school contribution to Project Compassion to support Caritas.
Thank you to everyone that supported our Mini Vinnies.
Happy Easter.

2025 MOTHER'S DAY - Friday 9 May 2025

You are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with us at St Augustine’s School on Friday, May 9, 2025. Like last year, our Learning Journeys will be part of our Mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations rather than separate events.

The morning is outlined below. You can opt into whatever parts work for you.
7:30 am-8:30 am Breakfast and cuppa for families (including children) supplied by the school (Top area) 
9 am Whole school liturgy (Top area)
9:45 am (approximately) Learning Journey - Student-led tour of classrooms where students will share some of their learning with you. Families will have an opportunity to visit the classrooms of their children.
10:55 am-11:40 am Lunch break - BYO picnic or order the special canteen order online via Flexischools.

Once you, our special guests, have departed, the students can purchase a gift for you from the Parent Forum Mother’s Day Stall. Gifts are $5 each - cash or eftpos are now available.

 We will compile a Mother's Day slideshow to play during our breakfast and celebration. If you would like to be included, please email a photo of your child with their Mum or mother-like figure to be included in the slideshow. Photos should be emailed on or before Wednesday, 23 April  to naomi.loader@lism.catholic.edu.au  

We can’t wait to celebrate this special day with you.

Pastoral Care

Seasons For Growth 2025

Everyone is affected by change and loss at some point in their lives. At St Augustine’s, we recognise that when changes occur, such as separation, divorce, death, school transitions, and natural disasters, young people may benefit from learning the skills to manage these changes effectively. We are, therefore, offering an education program called Seasons for Growth, which will commence in Term 2. Members of the Pastoral Care Team, including our Student Wellbeing Officer, Miss Amber Scanes, will run the program. 

This program is facilitated in small groups of up to 7 participants and is based on research highlighting the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on building skills such as managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and developing peer support networks.

Participation in the program can promote improved self-esteem and self-confidence and give young people the opportunity to find their own voice amid change.

If you think your child or children would enjoy joining the Seasons for Growth program, we encourage you to talk to them about it. We are pleased to offer this successful program and are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those involved. 

If you feel the Seasons Program would suit your child/ren, please register them by emailing the school at cofhp@lism.catholic.edu.au or by completing the Google form HERE.

Please note that depending on the number of students nominated, not all applications may be placed in a group in Term 2, but we will continue to run the groups in Term 3 and beyond.

ADHD- A Different Perspective with Dr Ben Balzer

Thank you for attending last Tuesday night's Zoom meeting, ADHD- A Different Perspective with Dr Ben Balzer. 
In case you missed it or would like to rewatch the Zoom, the link is here (apologies for the delayed start in recording - I missed pressing record!):https://lismcatholic.zoom.us/rec/share/KAk972rf2j1u6YcKiwAKY1V4jHva6kRkXkcAcrXA2CZUkYoJg0-UuqVKt0z0O-r9.rwAeteWge9bYzg8k
Passcode: 1aN*?Dy.

Thank you again to our Parent Forum for hosting the event and to Dr Balzer for volunteering his time and sharing his extensive knowledge and experience in this area with us. 

K-2 Parent Storytelling 2025

FIREFLY Arts Festival - Wed June 25

SAVE the DATE!

News from the LARC

All students are encouraged to read during the holidays. If your child finishes their books you could take them to a Coffs Harbour Library branch to borrow some more books. The local library has a wonderful World of Imagination -Autumn School Holiday Program with many free activities. Click here to see what is available.

Happy Reading

Chantal Warnes

Sport News

Diocesan Football Trials

Congratulations to Darby Wall on his selection to compete at the Polding Football Trials next term!

NSW CPS Swimming Championships

Well done to our swim team who competed at the NSW CPS Swimming Championships last week - Stella Dobson, Finnley Johnson, Alahni Kirkaldy, Hope Mengel, Hugh Morgan, Josephine Nealand, Riley O’Brien, Billie Turner, Poppy Warren, Ben Wilson, Ariana Yaya.

Congratulations to the following swimmers who placed in their events and will now compete at the NSW PSSA Swimming Championships.

GOLD - Josie Nealand (Multi-Class Junior 50m Backstroke)

SILVER - Josie Nealand (Multi-Class 10 Years 50m Freestyle)

SILVER - Senior Boys Relay Team (Finnley Johnson, Hugh Morgan, Riley O’Brien, Ben Wilson)

PSSA Swimming 

Let's go Josie, let's go!!!!
Today we were very excited to watch Josie swim her 50m freestyle live at the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships. Josie knocked another two seconds off her time. Congratulations Josie. What a swim! 
Josie will return to the pool tomorrow for her 50m backstroke, alongside our talented Senior Boys relay team. Go SAPS! 

Years 3 - 6 Swimming Carnival 

This week saw the sun shining for our Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival and what a day it was!  House cheer, exceptional swimming, fabulous relays and great participation from all students.

Congratulations to Red House who came home with the win!  And congratulations to everyone who tried a new stroke, longer distance or braved the big pool for the very first time.  It is wonderful to see the benefits of all the hard work our students have put in with our swimming program this term. 

Polding AFL

Well done to Matthew Welsh competing at Polding AFL in Newcastle this week. 

AFL Paul Kelly Cup

We had three teams enjoy a day of fun at the AFL Paul Kelly Cup this week.  Well done to all students on their exceptional sportsmanship and game play. Congratulations to our girls team who came away with a win in the grand final and our boys who finished as runners up.  Thanks to our coaches Mrs Orton, Mr Bamford and Mrs Parsons.

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 28 April 

• Monday - Staff development day  
• Tuesday -   K Hunn, M & M Black 
• Wednesday - S Rowan
• Thursday - V Paul  
• Friday -  W McLean, C Rose, B Symons 

Week beginning   5 May 

• Monday - M Mainey 
• Tuesday -   M & M Black  
• Wednesday - S Rowan, A Obrien  
• Thursday - B Symons 
• Friday -  W McLean, C Williams, R Felton 

Notices