Newsletter 25 March 2022
- Principal's Message
- Faith and Mission News
- Learning and Teaching
- Sport News & Sport Calendar
- 2021/2022 Upcoming Events
- Trivia Night - Friday 1 April
- Parent Forum
- HPL Art Group
- Name Signs - Drive Through Pickups
- Mini Vinnies
- 2023 Kindergarten Enrolments
- Firefly Arts Festival - Save the Date!
- Canteen Menu for 2022
- Canteen Roster
- Seasons for Growth
- Parenting Ideas
- Community Notices
Principal's Message
Congratulations to our fantastic swim team!
Friday 25 March 2022 - Term 1 Week 8
Dear Parents and Carers
Congratulations to our mighty swimming team, who competed at the Polding trials and did incredibly well. Three relay teams are going through and 3 for individual events. Our fourth relay team placed equal third and then were pipped at the shoot out for a place in the final. Next step is the PSSA NSW finals, where the best athletes from all schools - Catholic, public and independent - all meet in Homebush for the state championships. Thanks to all the parents who get up early every morning, go to club meets then travel all over the state to compete.
The Parent Forum is organising a Trivia and Games night at school on Friday 1st April. It promises to be a lot of fun and a chance to meet other families and raise some funds for the work of the Forum. It’s the first parent/adult event held in a while so it would be great if you could come along. Fun for a good cause.
The Parent Forum now has three new members, following Pat Crockett, Peter Buckley and Dan Saban's decision to move on after quite some time of selfless contributions. I’d like to thank our outgoing members for their tireless work for the parents and kids over many years. A warm welcome is extended to Claire O’Halloran, Amy Mott and Neil Harrigan who have generously offered their time and expertise to serve our school community.
Cybersafety is a topic that nearly everyone thinks is important, especially in regards to children. I strongly encourage all parents to monitor and engage in your children’s usage. They’re not as yet equipped to fully understand the moral and ethical ramifications of their online world and need help from the adults. Chat groups, use of TikTok, Snapchat and other platforms are unregulated and whilst we teach students how to behave online and that nothing online is private, it is a message most effective coming from home. At school we are required to follow up any incident that causes distress to our students, even outside of school hours but it is difficult, time consuming and problematic launching investigations about what happens online at home. Your vigilance and engagement will really help.
With parents and carers now allowed onsite, don’t forget the LARC (library) is open before school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday if you’d like to pop in and read a story with your child. There are thousands of quality children’s books to choose from, so come in and enjoy.
Grace and peace,
Peter Watts
Faith and Mission News
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Catholics around the world are being encouraged to join their prayers with those of Pope Francis today as he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The act of consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary, the Mother of Christ, trusting in the power of her intercession. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.
Please click HERE to find a Google Slide to help lead your family in prayer. (There are separate prayers, a simple aimed at for K-2 children and one for 3-6)
Project Compassion Appeal 2022
Don’t forget to pop any small change into your Project Compassion box and bring it to the office by the end of the term. This money goes to Caritas, who help the needy here in Australia and overseas.
Sacramental Program 2022
Students who are making their First Holy Communion this year will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Tuesday 29th March. Please pray for them and their families at this time.
Our Year 5 and Year 6 students who have already received the sacraments in earlier years had the opportunity to experience God’s forgiveness in the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation over the past two weeks. Although this sacrament can be received at any time, we are especially called to focus on returning to God and repenting during the season of Lent.
Reconciliation is available to all parishioners on Saturdays 9:30am-10:30am and 4:30pm -5:30pm or via appointment with one of our priests (66510000).
Spotlight on Learning
Year 2
Year 2 Students have been learning about Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem and the crowds hailed Him as their King.
Kindergarten
Students in Kindergarten are exploring the parable of The Lost Sheep and the message it teaches us ‘Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He loves and cares for each and every one of us. He knows us by our name.’
A Family Prayer in Times of Trouble
Naomi Loader- Assistant Principal Mission
Dominique Montford - Leader of School Catechesis
Maria Woods - Leader of School Evangelisation
Learning and Teaching
Exciting happenings across the school!
Year 4 recently visited the National Cartoon Gallery as part of their Visual Arts program. The students have been exploring the big idea that different forms of art can be combined to create a piece of art. It was a wonderful learning experience so close to school. Thank you to the National Cartoon Gallery for helping to make this excursion happen.
Year 3 celebrated Harmony Day with a cultural festival and prayer reflection. In preparation for the day, students worked together to create stalls that would showcase the diversity of cultures within our cohort and wider school community. What a wonderful opportunity to learn about other cultures and celebrate the diversity of the St Augustine's school community.
Year 2 have been reading Roald Dahl’s Charlie & The Chocolate Factory to help them learn more about how authors persuade and entertain the audience. This much-loved story was brought to life in a Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Day celebration of all things mysterious and magical in the land of snozzberries and everlasting gobstoppers, not to mention oompa loompas and golden tickets.
Sleep and Learning
We know how important a good night’s sleep is for all of us. According to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (Department of Health 2017, 2019a) 5–13 year olds need 9 to 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. For children, sleeping well means they can concentrate in the classroom and engage in the learning process more effectively. Nightly bed routines are important. A good book to read going to bed is a great way to settle into a good night’s sleep. Here are a few titles that the Sleep Health Foundation recommends:
LARC Update
Parents are welcome to come visit the LARC before School from 8:30 am Tuesday to Thursday.
Each week all students across the school have the opportunity to browse and borrow books from the LARC. This may happen as part of their Circle Time LARC rotations or after recess on the day of Circle Time.
The LARC rotation consists of a 20 minutes focus on literacy which includes exploring books, borrowing, reading as well as browsing and logging Premier’s Reading Challenge lists for grades 3 to 6. Followed by 15 to 20 minutes of building digital technology skills.
Borrowing in the LARC
All students are asked to bring a library bag when borrowing books, to ensure the safe transport of books to and from school and home. We do have loan bags available should a student forget their library bag.
- Kindergarten students can borrow a maximum of two books at any one time from the book racks on display.
- Year 1 can borrow a maximum of two books at any one time, from the Junior Fiction Boxes and the white shelf.
- Year 2 can borrow a maximum of two books at any one time, from the Junior Fiction Boxes, white shelf and the Junior fiction shelves.
- Years 3 to 6 students can borrow 3 books to read at home and 2 IPICK books for reading in the classroom, allowing for a maximum of 5 books borrowed in their name at any time.
What is an IPICK?
An IPICK is a ‘good fit’ book a student chooses to read based on the following criteria:
I - choose the book
P - Purpose (reading in the classroom during IPICK times)
I - Interest (the book interests the student)
C - Comprehend (understand the words and what they are reading)
K - Know most of the words (students are allowed to have 3 attempts on any one page)
Students are supported in choosing the IPICKs and are encouraged to choose a variety of books. When choosing these books they are asked to read the blurb to see if the book will interest them and then read the first two pages to check for errors and comprehension. Graphic Novels and Comics are not allowed for IPICKs, instead students are encouraged to borrow books to build themselves as a reader.
Oliver Library Catalogue
Oliver is the system we use to catalogue and borrow books. Parents and students are welcome to browse the catalogue.
Simply visit: https://library.cofhplism.softlinkhosting.com.au/oliver/home/news ensure you choose ‘St Augustine’s Primary Coffs Harbour’ from the drop down box.
Students can log in if they want to reserve books, but do not need to log in to browse books in Oliver.
Overdues
Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 borrow for two weeks, with Year 3 to 6 being allowed to borrow for 3 weeks. When books are not returned or reborrowed in that time we issue an overdue notice.
Over the next week your child may bring home an overdue notice home from the LARC. This is a reminder to look for and return those books.
Beginning next term, we will be chasing up the cost of books that were borrowed last year and have not yet been returned and may be lost. When you pay for a lost book, you will be issued an receipt from the LARC and if the book turns up at a later date we can refund your money.
Sport News & Sport Calendar
LISMORE DIOCESAN SUMMER SPORTS TRIALS
Touch Football
Well done to our students who travelled to Illuka to attend the Lismore Diocesan Touch Football trials last week. Congratulations to Ruben Simpson who has been selected to represent the Lismore Diocese at Polding Touch Football in Tamworth next month. Good luck Ruben!
Cricket
Good luck to Riley Wood and Parker Swan who will attend the Diocesan Cricket Trials on the 29 March.
LISMORE DIOCESE WINTER SPORTS TRIALS
Netball
Congratulations to Mia Henry and Jennifer Martin who have been selected to represent the Lismore Diocese in Netball.
Rugby League
Congratulations to Alexander Radalescu and Frankie Selmes who have been selected to represent the Lismore Diocese in Rugby League.
Soccer
Congratulations to Pippa Dodd and Liana Montgomery who have been selected to represent the Lismore Diocese in Soccer.
Rugby Union Trials were postponed to Term 2. Date yet to be determined.
We wish all these students the best of luck.
NETBALL NSW SCHOOLS CUP
Well done to our students who attended the Netball NSW Schools Cup last week. Our Year 3/4 team had a great day of success winning all games and our Year 5/6 team finished in second place, qualifying them to compete in the Regional Finals Day in Port Macquarie in August. Congratulations girls!
Sporting Achievements
ST AUGUSTINE’S CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS
We are hopeful that our St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials will be held on Monday. If Brelsford Park closes we will move the event to Jetty Beach. Please monitor emails and the school Facebook page for any postponements and change of location. Good luck to all. Back up dates are Thursday 7 April and Thursday 28 April. Successful students will attend the Zone Cross Country in Grafton on Wednesday 4 May.
NSW CPS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS- POLDING
We were very privileged to be able to witness our talented swimmers in the pool on Tuesday via live streaming. Our students were exceptional on the day with many PB’s and excellent placings. Congratulations especially to Coco Becker and the Junior Girls Relay Team who broke records on the day. The following students will now return to Sydney Aquatic Centre on April 4 for the PSSA Swimming Championships.
Individual Events:
Coco Becker, Hope Mengel, Luke Wilson.
Relays:
Junior Boys: Cohen Straw, Finnley Johnson, Harrison Howe, Billy Backhouse
Junior Girls: Pippa Keshk, Brooklyn Kennedy, Grace Duede, Coco Becker
Senior Girls: Liana Montgomery, Savannah Newman-Doves, Hannah Burton, Lily-Mei Wong
Junior Girls Relay
Junior Boys Relay
Senior Girls Relay
Senior Boys Relay
ST AUGUSTINE’S RUGBY UNION- Training is underway!
We are looking forward to another fun filled rugby season in 2022. If you are a returning player please make sure you are on the correct ‘What’sApp’ group for the team you will be playing with this year.
If you are a new player please contact me on 0438 427670 so I can put you in touch with your team manager. You are also encouraged to follow the Coffs Harbour Crusaders Junior Rugby Facebook page as well as the SAPS Rugby Facebook page.
Some notes for the diary:
- GET INTO RUGBY- weather permitting- Friday 25 March at the Woolgoolga Sports Ground from 5.30pm to 7pm. All new and returning players are encouraged to attend with lots of fun and prizes on offer. Please check Coffs Harbour Crusaders Facebok page for cancellations.
- Training each Thursday. Students walk down to fields straight after the bell. Parents are to collect students by 4.30pm. Please check ‘What’s App’ and St Augustine’s Rugby Union Facebook page for cancellations. Always have a back up plan for your child to get home in case of cancellations please.
- First game is Friday 29 April. Most games are at Rugby Park, Toormina. Some away games are in Grafton and Dorrigo throughout the season.
Registration- Please register ASAP
Cost: $150
First 100 receive a Crusaders Jacket. (St Augustine’s Colours)
How To Register:
1- download your active kids voucher
2- download the ‘rugby explorer’ app or visit the webpage
3- choose club ‘Coffs Harbour Crusaders Junior Rugby Union Club’
4- select ‘player’ then ‘XV’ then ‘season’.
Please contact us if you have any trouble registering.
Rugby Gear
- Headgear, mouthguard and boots.
- SAPS rugby shorts and socks from Slick Sportswear.
- Jerseys will be allocated at training.
Candice Butcher
St Augustine’s Sport Coordinator
Sport Calendar
| March 2022 | |
| 28 | St Augustine's Cross Country (Brelsford Park or Jetty) |
| 29 | Diocesan Summer Sports Trials - Cricket (Lismore) |
| April 2022 | |
| 1 | Polding Touch Football (Tamworth) |
| 4-5 | NSW PSSA Swimming Championships (Homebush) |
| 7 | Back up date - St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials (Brelsford Park) |
| TERM 2 | |
| April 2022 | |
| 28 | 2nd Back up date - St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials (Brelsford Park) |
| May 2022 | |
| 4 | Zone Cross Country (Grafton) |
2021/2022 Upcoming Events
March 2022
| 30 | Year 4 Sealy Lookout and Macauley's Headland Excursion |
April 2022
| 1 | Swimming Program - Years 5 & 6 |
| 1 | St Augustine's Trivia Night |
| 7 | End of Term Sausage Sizzle day |
| 7 | Last day Term 1 for Students |
| 8 | Staff Development Day - No Students |
| 26 | Staff Development Day - No Students |
| 27 | First Day Term 2 for Students |
May 2022
| 4 | Kindergarten 2023 Information Evening |
| 10-13 | Naplan |
| 13 | Kindergarten 2023 Enrolment Applications Closing date |
| 16-20 | Naplan |
Trivia Night - Friday 1 April
Parent Forum
With only 1 week to go until our Trivia Night we have been so excited to see the ticket numbers and tables rolling in! If you haven’t booked your ticket or table yet please get in quick. Tickets will only be available until Wednesday night so we can finalise numbers and preparations for the evening. Be sure to bring your own food and drinks as well as any cutlery etc you will need. Wear something warm if the weather is a bit cool/rainy as the evening is being held in the top undercover AstroTurf area. Keep an eye on Facebook pages and emails for any updates late in the week. We look forward to seeing you there!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/
At our most recent meeting we had a great discussion around the school’s goals for this year, particularly an improvement in reading. We talked at length about how we as a parent community can support this goal and help to build a culture reading and love of books amongst our children. We shared lots of great ideas and would love your help. Stay tuned for more info about this project!
As we continue through Lent and approach the end of the school term and Easter we continue to pray for those affected by the floods in our diocese and for all those affected and displaced by conflict, here and around the world.
Take care and God bless,
Fran Davis
HPL Art Group
Our Year 5-6 HPL art group have been working hard for weeks preparing their entries for the Ferry Park 8x8 Art Exhibition. Ten artists worked tirelessly on their canvases, giving up recess breaks and lunchtimes as well as their HPL art time with Ms Perkins to create amazing works. The exhibition runs from 1-30 April at the Ferry Park Gallery near Maclean. We wish all of our artists the best of luck in the judging and congratulate them on being exhibiting artists.
Name Signs - Drive Through Pickups
When using either of the drive-through pickups in the afternoons displaying your child's surname on the visor makes it easier for staff to quickly ensure that your child/children are ready to be collected. If you require a name sign for your car, please let the office know, and we will send one home with your child. If you require multiple, for other family or friends who collect, that is no problem. Please indicate this when contacting the office via phone or email.
Thank you
Naomi Loader
Assistant Principal Mission
Mini Vinnies
Last week our Mini Vinnies Committee was announced for 2022 following an online voting platform. The new committee will receive their badges blessed by Father Joy at our next assembly in Week 9.
2023 Kindergarten Enrolments
Firefly Arts Festival - Save the Date!
Firefly Arts Festival - Wednesday 25 May 2022 @ 6:15pm
COVID restrictions halted our 2021 Firefly Arts Festival in August of last year. We hope to share this celebration of the arts with our school community on Wednesday 25 May 2022 - so SAVE THE DATE! Watch this space for more information in the coming weeks.
Canteen Menu for 2022
- SUSHI WEDNESDAYS
A reminder that we cannot accept sushi orders on Wednesdays - please order by the Tuesday prior - by 2pm for a paper bag order or 8pm for an online order. Thank you. - CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS
We really need help with our SPECIAL LUNCH DAYS which fall on alternate Tuesdays and the last day of every term. Helping in the canteen is a great way to meet other parents, support your child and our school. Please contact the school if you can spare a few hours on these busy days. Thank you.
Canteen Roster
Week beginning 28 March
- Monday - A Smith
- Tuesday - M Black, M Black,
- Wednesday - C Jones, A McCann
- Thursday - J Martin, C Williams
- Friday - W McLean, G Franklin - Help Needed !
Week beginning 4 April
- Monday - Help Needed !
- Tuesday - M Black, M Black, M Mainey
- Wednesday - C Jones - Help Needed !
- Thursday - L Horne
- Friday - P Duffy, W McLean, K Cochran
Week beginning 25 April
- Monday - V Wall
- Tuesday - M Black, M Black
- Wednesday - P Duffy, B Symons
- Thursday - C Williams - Help Needed !
- Friday - G Dodd, L Knight, W McLean - Help Needed !
Week beginning 2 May
- Monday - L Seccombe, S Forbes
- Tuesday - M Black, M Black, C Williams
- Wednesday - J Martin, N Flintoff
- Thursday - S Crawford, M Van Den Boom
- Friday - P Duffy, W McLean, D McNeill, K Cochran
Canteen News
Canteen helpers are always required, especially on Wednesdays as this is our sushi day, and on Fridays. Help is needed for three hours from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon once every four weeks. Grandparents are very welcome also. If you are able to help in the Canteen on any day please call us on 6652 1204.
Alicia Betland & Rosa Thomas - Canteen Managers
Seasons for Growth
This Term, we will be running the Seasons for Growth Program. Seasons is an innovative grief and loss program that uses the imagery of the seasons to illustrate the experience of grief. Mrs Eve Louden, School Chaplain, will be running the program. If you feel that your child would benefit from this program, please email naomi.loader@lism.catholic.
Parenting Ideas
Community Notices
