Newsletter 10 February 2023

Principal's Message

Friday 10 February 2023 - Term 1 Week 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

2023 has started at a cracking pace and it is wonderful to see the children settle down to work and play. 

This year our goals are centred on increasing our focus on learning and teaching. This may sound obvious for a school but the increased complexity of education and societal expectations can subtly move us away from the main game. Our commitment is to ensure every child grows, especially in Maths and English. We will be working with Lyn Sharratt, an internationally recognised education expert, to improve all aspects of our teaching and learning. We will review homework, student work habits, work expectations and communication with families about progress. A big agenda but it is all about getting the best possible education for the children in our care. 

The Parent Forum has made a productive and energetic start to the school year. The Forum operates as an advisory board to represent the voice of parents, advising on school direction, building community and fundraising. Many thanks to the dedicated team and congratulations to the new President, Claire O’Halloran (Lucy and Julian’s mum); Secretary, Nat Fogarty (George and Mill’s mum) and Treasurer Neil Harrigan (Billy and Louie’s dad). We have two vacancies on the Parent Forum - see previous email on how to nominate. The Forum has many events and goals for the year - too much for this newsletter - so a separate email will outline these and other matters in more detail next week.

We are currently experiencing a school uniform shortage, most likely because of parents spending up, using vouchers from the NSW Government. The uniform pool near the canteen is very low as well. We have some new students starting but they cannot get any shirts, skorts and shorts because the new supplies won’t be in for 6 weeks and that is where we need some help. If you have any unused uniforms in the back of the cupboard, would you please send them in so we can supply them to new families as they begin their St Augustine’s journey. 

Some quick points:

• Canteen. Thank you so much for our wonderful canteen volunteers. We are still short on some days and it is very difficult to run without help. Can you help?
• The Big Banana slide night is on Friday 17 February.  Siblings are welcome of any age under parental supervision. 
• Mobile phones, smart watches and personal devices should not be used to communicate with home during the day. All phones are kept in school bags and are not allowed out at school. Direct all communication to your child through the school office. 
• Road safety reminder - we have had a ‘near-miss’ in the Nimbin St car park at drop off where parents are letting their kids out to navigate where there are lots of moving cars. The Albany drive-through is much safer. 
• The new Parent Handbook will be published to the school website next week and it provides valuable information on who to go to if you need help and various school procedures. 

Grace and peace,

Peter Watts

Principal

Faith and Mission News

Sacraments in 2023 - Overview

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
For baptised students in Years 4, 5 and 6.

Friday 10 February - First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Enrolment via Google form sent home  

Friday 24 February  -Enrolments in the Sacramental Program are due

Wed 1 March - First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Commitment Evening @ 7pm 

Tuesday 28 March - First Reconciliation to be held in the church between 4:30-6:00 (Times to be advised)

Wednesday 9 August - First Eucharist Family Preparation Evening  (time to be advised)

August 26 and 27 - Sacrament of First Eucharist celebrated at ONE of the Parish Masses 

If you wish for your child to be enrolled in the First Reconciliation and First Eucharist program, 

please click HERE for more details. This document includes the Google Form for registration.

 If you would prefer not to register online, please contact us.

Confirmation
For baptised students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Friday 28 April -Confirmation Enrolment via Google Form sent home

Wednesday 24 May  - Confirmation Information Night @ 7pm 

July 19 and 20 July - Confirmation in the evening (time and day to be advised)

Leaders’ Induction 

Today, during our whole school assembly, our new Captains and Vice Captains were inducted into their roles. We took this opportunity as a school community to pray for each other as we begin a new year of learning and growing together.

Altar Servers

On Wednesday 15 February at 3:15 there will be a training session for new and existing altar servers in the church with Fr Joy. If there are any children who have made their First Holy Communion, whose families regularly attend Mass and would like to be trained as an altar server, please see Mrs Woods for a form to be completed or call into the Parish Office to collect the form.

Ash Wednesday 

Wednesday 22 February marks the first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. Our practice on Ash Wednesday includes being marked with ashes on our forehead, symbolising the dust from which God made us. Lent is a time of increased prayer, almsgiving, self-denial and deep contemplation about the mystery of God's mercy. 

A whole school Mass will be held in the church at 12 noon on Ash Wednesday, 22 February. Parents are welcome to attend.

Project Compassion Appeal 2023

The theme of Project Compassion 2023 is ‘For All Future Generations’. It is an expression of hope and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues. 

During the season of Lent, students and staff are encouraged to discover the power of giving and the impact that their contribution, however big or small, can have in the lives of others. When we lend a hand to someone in need, they will go on to help others and make better opportunities for future generations. Compassion is contagious and creates a ripple effect of kindness and prosperity. 

During Lent we encourage our students to be the pebble that enables Caritas Australia to create the ripples that will improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, supporting them to flourish and create opportunities for future generations to live to their full potential and thrive. We encourage our students and families to come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Together, we can make a difference. 

Project Compassion boxes will be going home in Week 4. Please give generously and return the boxes to school by the end of term.

Reconciliation Times in our Parish are as follows:

Coffs Harbour, St Augustine’s Church : Saturday 9:30am-10:30am and 4:30pm -5:30pm

Woolgoolga, St Francis Xavier’s Church : Sunday 8:15am - 8:45am

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

Learning & Teaching

New Staff in 2023

MAI Testing

You may have heard from your child/ren that they have been ‘doing the MAI’. Here’s a little more information about what that is and why we do it. All students across the Diocese of Lismore are expected to complete the MAI (Mathematics Assessment Interview) at the commencement of each school year. The MAI is a one-to-one Mathematics assessment. Students are asked questions across 4 domains: counting, place value, addition and subtraction and multiplication and division. Some questions require written answers however, most require students to solve the answers without pencil and paper, but rather solve a problem in their heads by using all they know and have learned. The answers a student gives to the questions inform teachers about their understanding of concepts including gaps and areas of strength. This data is analysed by teachers to inform their practice.

At St Augustine’s, our students participate in the one-on-one MAI throughout Week 2 and Week 3.  Kindergarten complete the MAI as part of their Best Start before commencing school.

Kindergarten 2023 Info Night - Wed 15 Feb

Kinder 101 Night

All Kindergarten parents and carers are encouraged to attend the Kinder 101 night on Wednesday 15 February at 7 pm. This is an important night where you will learn more about the new K-2 English and Mathematics syllabus and the things that students need to know and understand by the end of the year as confident and successful learners. Homework, home reading routines and expectations along with Tier word routines will be explained. Parents and carers will also learn more about our approach to wellbeing and pastoral care, including the St Augustine’s Key. The night is expected to draw to a     close by 8:15 pm.

Michelle Scott - Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching

Year 1 and Year 2 New English and Mathematics Syllabus Information Night

All Year 1 and Year 2 parents and carers are encouraged to attend an information session on Feb 22 at 7 pm, that explains the new K-2 English and Mathematics syllabus. These are new syllabuses that K-2 teachers must implement this year (2023) and there are a number of changes that affect all stakeholders; teachers, students and parents.

You will find out more about the learning that students will need to know and understand by the end of each year as confident and successful learners. Homework and home reading routines will also be explained. Parents and carers will also have an opportunity to look around the Year 1 and Year 2 learning spaces which have changed this year. The night is expected to draw to a close by 8:15 pm.

A flyer will be sent home to Year 1 and Year 2 families next week reminding them of the night.

Parent Support: Homework

There may be times when your child accidentally leaves their homework at school, can’t locate it or the squashed banana makes it unreadable. We’re working on a solution that should make solving problems like these a little easier. From Week 4 parents will be able to access a copy of their child’s homework on their cohort intranet page which is located on our school’s website. The page will detail our school homework policy expectations and instructions from teachers about the homework tasks and when homework is due back at school. More information about this will be made available next week including detailed instructions about access. Pages are currently under construction but will be fully operational by Monday Week 4.

Seesaw

St Augustine’s School will continue to use Seesaw school-wide as a strategy for building partnerships between learning at school and home. Seesaw encourages conversations between students and families that centre on learning. 

What is Seesaw? 

Seesaw is a student-driven digital portfolio; a simple way for students to record and share what's happening in the classroom. It gives students a place to document their learning, be creative and learn how to use technology. Each student gets their own journal and will add things to it, like photos, videos, drawings, or notes. Most importantly, Seesaw gives your child an authentic audience for their work, and their family, which motivates them to do their best.  Up to ten family members can stay in the loop using the Seesaw App  (iOS, Android) or on the web. 

What can parents expect?

Year 1 to Year 6 students will begin posting on Seesaw in Week 5 this term. From there, posts will be once per week. However, there may be times when students will post more frequently depending on what they are learning and doing. More information on the first Kindergarten posts will be provided shortly. 

How do parents use Seesaw?

• When logged into the Seesaw app, you will be notified of any updates in student’s learning journals
• Parents and family members can leave voice or text comments on weekly posts. It is a great chance to celebrate with your child the great things they are doing at school 
• Parents are requested not to message the teacher directly on the app but rather via email or a phone call
• Parents are requested not to copy or publish group photos or tasks that are posted on Seesaw

What happens now?

We have rolled over all students new and old into their new 2023 Seesaw Classes.  

• For parents previously connected to Seesaw: You remain connected and can use the login you created to access your child’s Seesaw Learning Journal via the Seesaw App or in a web browser at Seesaw.me in 2022.

• For new parents to our school in Grades 1 to 6: Over the next few weeks you will receive an email from Seesaw that will enable you to connect with your child’s learning journal on Seesaw. Please follow the links to connect to your child’s learning journal. You will notice that the email has been sent by Tracey Catling, our Leader of Learning technologies, sent on behalf of your child’s teacher. 

• For 2023 Kindergarten Parents: Over the coming weeks students will bring  home a Family Seesaw Invite with a QR code and instructions on how to connect. Please follow those instructions and let us know if you need any support. 

Please note that you still have access to your child’s previous year Learning Journals whilst they are enrolled at St Augustine’s.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your class teacher or Michelle Scott ( Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching)

Covering Student Books

Over the next week, books will be sent home with an option for covering. Should you wish to cover the books, please ensure the student’s name and subject can be clearly seen. The colour of the contact is at your discretion.

K-2 Parent Storytelling

Exciting news! Parent Storytelling will soon start again. With the success of the initiative in 2022, we want to continue making reading a fun and enjoyable experience for parents and students alike. Parent Storytelling is voluntary and open to any of our parents, carers, grandparents and family friends who are able to spend 20-30 mins reading with K-2 students on a Friday. Toddlers are most welcome and can sit with the parents/children during storytelling time. A note will be sent out via Compass next week with details including dates and times. The note will also have a link to a Google form where you can indicate your availability. You can nominate for any or all of the dates and any and all of the K-2 grades.

Here’s how it works:

• The storytelling begins at 9 am and finishes by 9:30 am. 
• Parents who wish to be part of the storytelling meet Mrs Scott outside the front office at 8:55 am where you will be set up and ready for the students to arrive at 9 am. Please bring a picnic blanket to sit on. 
• Students will be put into small groups and sit with you whilst you read to them. We will provide you with picture books, however, if you have a favourite book at home, do not hesitate to bring it with you. 
• A bell will ring after 10 mins and the students will move to the next group.
• The students head back to class by 9:30.

 The first parent storytelling for 2023 is with Year 2 on March 3 at 9 am.

Kindergarten 2023 - First Day!

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Fees

This is an important message from the fees office:
 Your invoice for Term 1, 2023 Tuition Fee is now available on your Compass App. As BPay is the preferred payment method, if you are a new family to the school, please email cofhp-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au to request your reference details. The other payment option is through the Compass App however you are unable to set up recurring payments through this option.  Your next Statement will be emailed to families the first week of March, not this week as previously advised and we apologise for this error. For fee related enquiries and payment plan assistance, please contact the Catholic Schools Office by email: cofhp-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au

Sport News & Sport Calendar

February 2023

March 2023

April 2023

Polding Summer Sports Trials (Basketball)

Today the following students travelled to Lismore to compete at the Polding Basketball Trials. 

Grace Davis, Harley Ritchie, Blair Hoffman, London Lacey, Grace Duede, Aisha Murphy, Archie Shannon. 

A huge congratulations to all for making it such a high level in basketball and we look forward to hearing results from the day. 

School Sport   

Hockey, Cricket, Athletics and Cross Country Preparation

This Term we are lucky to have Hockey Development Officers coming to work with Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 (Boys). Year 6 Girls will also be treated to a special program run by local Cricket Development Officers. 

In preparation for our school Cross Country (Term 1) and Athletics Carnivals (Term 2) students will also experience a taste of sprinting, long jump, throws and distance events. 

School Swimming Program (5 week program for all students in Years 2, 3,4 and 5) 

This year is the first year we have included Year 2 in the School Swimming Program. The program is aimed at providing a water safety experience as well as giving students small group lessons provided by swimming instructors. 

We strongly recommend that students continue their own private swimming lessons outside of school hours as this program is designed to support rather than replace your child’s regular lessons. Please keep an eye on COMPASS for more details. 

When: Thursdays (Year 2 and 3) and Fridays (Years 4 and 5) in Weeks 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. 

Action Required: You will be sent a Google Form (to gather information about your child’s swimming ability) as well as a Permission Request via Compass.

Please note:  Years 2 and 3 will be required to wear their sport uniform on Thursdays 

(not Fridays) for Weeks 5,6,7,8 and 9. 

Other Upcoming Events Explained 

Term 1 is going to be another bumper term for St Augustine’s in Sport. 

Below are some important upcoming events with a brief explanation of who each event involves and how to get involved in those events. 

Polding Summer Sports Trials 

For students who were successful in progressing from the Diocesan trials at the end of 2022. (Years 5 and 6 students) 

Zone Winter Sports Trials 

Open to students in Years 5 and 6 wanting to trial for Netball, Football (soccer), Rugby Union, Rugby League (11’s and Opens) and Hockey. 

It is expected that nominated students have representative experience in these sports. Parents of students in Years 5 and 6 received a Google Form calling for nominations. (Now closed). 

Parents of nominated students will receive a permission request with further information via Compass. Please note if nominations from across the zone are low in numbers, students will automatically progress to Diocesan Trials. 

If nominations for St Augustine’s exceed numbers allowed by the zone, a school trial will be held. More information will be provided if these trials need to be conducted at school. 

Diocesan AFL Trials 

Nominations were called for at the end of 2022. Open to boys in Years 5 and 6. 

(Nominations now closed). Trials for girls will be held later in the year. 

 School Cross Country 

Open to students from Year 2 to Year 6. Students must be nominated by parents via a Google Form emailed to all parents. (Nominations now closed). Students should be able to run continuously over 2km (8/9 combined and 10 year olds) and 3km (11, 12 and 13 year olds) before nominating. Parents of nominated students will be sent a permission request via compass. Successful students progress to the Zone Cross Country held in Grafton. 

Clarence Zone Representative Swimming Trials

Our school representative swimming trials were held at the end of 2022. Successful swimmers will be sent a permission request via Compass to attend the zone trials.

St Augustine’s Rugby Union 

St Augustine’s is looking forward to another fun filled year or Rugby. This year the local junior Rugby Union Competition (Coffs Harbour Crusaders)  is broken into individual age groups, rather than two year brackets. 

If you are a returning player please ensure you register your son/daughter as soon as possible and make sure you are on the correct ‘WhatsApp’ group for communication purposes. 

Any new players wishing to register please follow the prompts below and make contact with the coach/manager of their team. Please register your child in the team of the age they are turning this year. So a child you will turn 10 in 2023 will register with the U10’s. The only exception to this is the U8’s who remain a two year bracket, combining 7 and 8 year olds. 

Season Starts: Friday 28 April 

Home games are held at Rugby Park, Hogbin Dr Toormina 

Training Starts:  Thursday 2 March at 3:15pm on the St Augustine’s fields

Managers contact details:  Please contact your manager if you need to be added to the WhatsApp group for your team. 

U8’s (7 and 8 year olds) Graeme Doyle - 0412 452 927

U9’s:  Dan Burbridge - 0449 594 140 

U10’s: Candy Butcher - 0438 427 670

U11’s: Vanessa Joyce - 0428 616 228 

U12’s: Sarah Armstrong - 0425 375 508 

How to Register: 

St Augustine’s plays under ‘Coffs Harbour Crusaders’. 

1. Go to the ‘Rugby Explorer’ app or webpage (www.myaccount.rugby.com.au) 
2. Select Club: Coffs Harbour Crusaders Junior Rugby Union Club 
3. Registration Type: ‘Player’ followed by ‘XV’s’ and ‘Season’. 
4. Follow prompts to complete registration. 

Players need to be registered before training commences. 

Gear

Players will be given a jersey to borrow for the season. Parents need to go to Slick Sportswear (1/10 GDT Seccombe Close, Coffs Harbour NSW) to purchase maroon rugby shorts and socks. Players also require boots, mouthguard (compulsory) and headgear. 

LARC News

Library Borrowing

Borrowing of books has begun for the year with all years having an opportunity to borrow, including our new Kindergarten students. 

Students are encouraged to have a library bag to ensure safe passage of books, we do offer spare library bags for students to borrow and return on their next visit. All students are able to borrow and return when the LARC is open before school or 2nd lunch, especially if they miss the LARC Circle rotation that week. 

Books within the LARC are categorised into sections, according to age recommendations and where they are on Premier’s Reading Challenge. These Sections are:

• Junior Fiction Boxes - K to 2 Picture books and Junior Non-Ficiton books are also found in the boxes.
• Junior Fiction White Dots - Early Reader small chapter books.
• Junior Fiction Blue Dots - books aimed at Years 3 to 4 students, we allow year 2 to borrow some of these books later in the year.
• Senior Fiction Red Dots - books aimed at Year 5 and 6 students.
• Senior Fiction Yellow Dots - books aimed at Year 6 students as they are often considered for Years 7 to 9.
• Senior NonFiction - Information books aimed at Years 3 to 6.

All Kindergarten classes attend LARC during Circle rotations each Monday. They are able to borrow two picture books from the Junior Fiction Boxes. Books are borrowed for two weeks at a time.

All Year 1 classes attend library either during Circle rotations or after recess if they miss LARC rotation. They are able to borrow books from the Junior Fiction Picture Boxes and Junior Fiction White Dot shelf. Books are borrowed for two weeks at a time.

Years 2 to 6 will borrow for home during LARC rotations in Circle Time, however the class that misses this rotation is encouraged to visit the LARC before school or at second lunch. Books are borrowed for three weeks at a time.

Year 2, 3 and 4 are able to borrow picture books and Junior Fiction Blue dot books. Later in the year, Year 4 will begin to borrow from the Senior Fiction Red Dot section. 

Year 5 & 6 can borrow from all sections, but Year 6 students will be allowed to borrow the Yellow Dots. 

Big Banana Waterslide Night - Fri 17 Feb

We will be holding a Big Banana Waterslide Fun Night at the Big Banana on Friday 17 February 2023. Tickets are $15 each (non-sliders free) and can be purchased via the link here. Tickets are limited!!

Please note that children must be 3 years + and 1.2m or taller to ride on all slides. Children over the ages of 3 years but less than 1.2m are able to ride on the smaller rides/children's splash zone area. Please note that 0-3 years are only permitted in the children’s wading pool area and are free of charge.

Gates will open at 5:00 pm. Sliding will start at 5.30 pm and finish at 7 pm and as a bonus, Friday night dinner will be sorted with a BBQ available for purchase on the evening. This is always a fun night and a great opportunity for the kids to meet outside of school and the adults to mix and mingle as well.
We hope to see you there!

School Photos - 20 & 21 Feb

Our school photos are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of Week 4 (20 and 21 February). In preparation, your child will bring home a School Photo envelope from the School Photographer today. Please complete the order form and return it to school before or on Monday, 20 February.
Should you wish for your children to have a sibling photo, a sibling envelope can be collected from the school office.

The schedule requires flexibility. However, we have classes allocated to the following days:
Monday 20 Feb - Years K-4 class and individual photos; sibling photos
Tuesday 21 Feb - Years 5-6 class and individual photos; sibling photos

Although late orders for individual and class photos will be accepted online at The School Photographer, there are no late orders accepted for sibling photos.

Canteen News

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 13 February 

• Monday - V Wall
• Tuesday - J Ward
• Wednesday -  P Duffy, B Symons
• Thursday - C Williams - Help Needed !
• Friday - G Dodd, L Knight, W McLean - Help Needed !

Week beginning 20 February 

• Monday - L Seccombe
• Tuesday -  C Williams
• Wednesday -  N Flintoff
• Thursday - S Crawford, M Van Den Boom
• Friday - W McLean, K Cochran

Notices