Newsletter 24 February 2023

Principal's Message

Friday 24 February 2023 - Term 1 Week 4

Dear Parents and Carers,

Over the last two weeks we’ve had the Kindergarten 101 and Yr 1 & 2 Syllabus evenings, which were full of practical tips and information on how to assist the school in implementing the new English and Maths curriculum. It is a major change in direction for the whole state and is highly prescriptive on what, how and when you teach which has advantages and drawbacks. The new documents are available online if you would like more detail (see NSW Education Link below). We are carefully balancing this in each lesson and using our ‘fifth’ support teacher to fill in any gaps in understanding. If you would like more information on how you can support your child or on the new syllabus, please contact the office. 

Smart watches are great technology however, as with all devices, they need to be used well. If your child has one of these make sure you educate them in their proper use at school. In order to build resilience and problem solving, no communication during the school day and no accessing the internet or games is allowed. You may be able to program the settings so the temptation is not available. We prefer that usage is managed and we don’t want to ban them but we will if it is in the best interests of the children. 

Communication between school and home and vice versa is important to ensure we are aligned and your child does not miss out. As we have a few platforms we use, we have limited the essential information to COMPASS and email. Please do not send messages or feedback via the public FaceBook page, or SeeSaw. It’s tempting on the FaceBook page to press the ‘send a message to St Augustine’s’, but understand that it is not private and is for all parents and the world to see. I also encourage all parents to carefully read the notifications so you know and understand what is happening at school. We have had a recent legal directive that we cannot let any child go to any event outside the school without prior permission, even if it is a short walk away. Unfortunately if you do not give permission via the app we do not have the time or staff to chase you on the morning of the event and your child will not be able to attend. 

Our Swimming Program starts next week, which should provide great skills and fun for the students. Due to booking availability we were only able to secure 5 weeks, culminating in the fun carnival for Yr 3-6 on Monday 3 April. Note that Year 2 and 3 will be on Thursdays and Year 4 and 5 will attend on Fridays. Year 6 will not attend this year. 

We need some help from parents to volunteer for the Playground Committee. The main task is to select and organise the purchase of new play equipment. The team will also advise on where new work needs to happen around the school. Ring the office if you are interested, or you can nominate someone else (eg husband, wife or partner!).

Grace and peace,

Peter Watts

Principal

Faith and Mission News

Sacraments in 2023 - Overview

Please note that enrolments for the sacramental program 

for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are due today.

Click HERE for details.

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)

Kinder Church Tours 

Kindergarten were delighted to meet Father Joy on Tuesday. Father Joy showed the children how to enter the church using Holy Water to make the sign of the cross. He showed them around the altar and Tabernacle and they even got a sneak peak of the priests’ vestments behind the altar! We thoroughly enjoyed our first tour of the Church and can’t wait for our next visit!

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. 

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

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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 went home on Wednesday. Please give generously and return the boxes to school by the end of term.

Are you interested in joining a Lenten Group?

Joining a parish Lenten Reflection group is a wonderful way to grow your faith throughout Lent in a small supportive group environment. You are warmly invited to join a Lenten Group at 2pm each Thursday (starting 23 February) in the room under the Adoration Chapel at the Curran Centre (Parish Office), 12 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour. Please call the parish office on 6651 0000 if you would like further information or just turn up next week. No commitment to attending each week in Lent, just come when you can.

The Lenten reflection booklets (pictured below) are available from the Parish office at a cost of $10 if you are unable to attend the Lenten Group but would like to explore the sessions at your own pace. 

Stations of the Cross

Every Friday morning during Lent, the ‘Stations of the Cross’ will be prayed in the church from 8:30am. All are welcome to join in for all or part of this special prayer. The parish Mass will follow at 9:15am and of course, everyone is welcome to stay for this as well. 

Year One Church Tours

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

K-2 Parent Information Nights

Thank you to everyone who attended the K-2 information nights held over the past 2 weeks. They were a great success. As there was a great deal of information shared on each of the nights a link to the slides is provided below for you to re-look at. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Term 1 Parent-Teacher Meetings

Parent-Teacher meetings will be held in Week 6, Term 1. Please check your Compass notifications if you have not yet booked a meeting time with your child/ren’s teacher. At the Parent-Teacher meetings, teachers will discuss initial academic progress, any social or emotional concerns, relevant sacramental programs, and Deadly Learning Plans. Should your child have a disability, this and any relevant adjustments in place will also be discussed. Parents and carers are encouraged to also share any information that will support teachers in building strong learning and pastoral relationships.

K-2 Parent Storytelling

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.

St Augustine's 2023 Golf Day

GREAT GOLF - WONDERFUL SPONSORS!

The St Augustine's Golf Day held last Sunday was once again a great success despite the heat. Many thanks go to Paul McAra and the committee for organising the day and to all our wonderful sponsors & participants, particularly Faircloth Reynolds and Daikin. Congratulations to the winning team on the day - Rowe Communications.

Kindergarten meet their Year 6 Buddies

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Sport News & Sport Calendar

February 2023

March 2023

April 2023

Polding Summer Sports Trials (Basketball)

Well done to our students who competed at the Polding Basketball Trials in Lismore last week. 

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

Big congratulations to Grace Davis and Archie Shannon who have been selected to attend the NSWPSSA Basketball Championships in Tamworth next term!  This is an exceptional achievement for these students! We wish them all the best competing at this high level in their sport. 

Clarence Zone Winter Sports Trials 

Well done to the following students who attended the Clarence Zone Winter Sports Trials this week.

Soccer

Jackson Ambrosini, Max Crowley, Oliver Hammond, Jack Hammond, Noah Keshk,  Georgia Burrell, Hannah Burton, Pippa Dodd, Isla Hottes, Pippa Keshk, Rosemary Nealand, Bronte Wall, Mia Williams and Reef Winkler.

Netball

Brooklyn Brown, Sway Butler, Harper Campbell, Ciara Kirkaldy, Madeleine Ward, Charli Warren and Sophie Williams.

Rugby Union

Hamish Armstrong, William Backhouse, Preston Burbridge, Alexander Greenwood, Eric Greenwood, Knox Hamilton, Zack Harris, Thomas Joyce, Mitchell McKenzie, Coby Miller, Willem Rowbotham, Frankie Selmes, Albie Webb, Luke Welsh and Luke Wilson.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to attend the Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials:

Soccer - Hannah Burton, Pippa Dodd, Pippa Keshk, Bronte Wall, Max Crowley, Oliver Hammond, Jack Hammond and Noah Keshk.

Netball - Sway Butler and Charli Warren.

Rugby Union - Preston Burbridge, Zack Harris, Mitchell McKenzie, Willem Rowbotham, Frankie Selmes and Luke Welsh.

Good luck to the following students who will also be attending the Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials:

Hockey - Arlo Dent

Rugby League - Joey Galvin, Braxton Sharpley and Beau Sutherland

Lismore Diocesan AFL Trials - (Grafton)

Leo Opitz, Cohen Straw and Luke Welsh attended the Lismore Diocesan AFL Trials in Grafton today. We look forward to hearing the results.

St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials 

Today the St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials were held at Brelsford Park today,

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified to attend the Clarence Zone Cross Country Trials in Grafton next term.

8/9 Years Girls - Hope Mengel, Evie Hunter, Stella Dobson, Pippa Rowbotham, Sienna Forbes

8/9 Years Boys - Tre Grant, Ollie Chiswell, Ben Burton, Beau McMillan, Vinnie Fensom

10 Years Girls - Valentina Mason, Ariana Yaya, Sophie Ferguson, Maddox Bartlett, Naya Watson

10 Years Boys - Hugh Morgan, Angus Morgan, Jack Tyler, Parker Murphy-Moore, Edison Hay

11 Years Girls - Pippa Keshk, Grace Duede, Grace Davis, Tahina Yaya, Chella Burke-Dixon  

11 Years Boys - Eric Greenwood, Noah Keshk, Jack Hammond, Reuben Wong, Thomas Joyce 

12 Years Girls - Hannah Burton, Reef Winkler, Billi Smith, Fleur Keating

12 Years Boys - Max Crowley, Nicholas Dobson, Oliver Hammond, Tanner Gillespie, Harry Mackay

 School Sport   

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. 

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

Where: Coffs Harbour Memorial Pool 

Students are placed in groups according to the information we have received about their swimming ability. These groups are flexible and changes are often made if instructors feel they are better placed in a different group. 

Please remember to pack swimmers, goggles, towel and a plastic bag on the day your child has swimming. 

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. 

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. Please note that there is a limit of the number or players we are allowed to register per team. If you haven’t already registered please do so ASAP to secure your place. 

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 who 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. 

Representative Sport Pathway Explained

Schools in the Clarence Zone 

Our Zone includes the following schools:

• St John’s Primary Dorrigo
• St Mary’s Primary Bellingen
• Mary Help of Christians Sawtell
• St Augustine’s Coffs Harbour
• St Francis Xavier Woolgoolga
• St Joseph’s Primary South Grafton
• St Mary’s Primary School Grafton
• St Joseph’s Primary Maclean
• St James Primary Yamba
  

If students are successful in their chosen sport at Zone they progress to the Lismore Diocesan Trials.

Schools in the Lismore Diocese 

The Lismore Diocese includes schools east of the Great Dividing Range, as far north as Tweed Heads and as far south as Laurieton. 

Our Diocese is broken into the following Zones: 

• Tweed
• Clarence
• Richmond
• Hastings 

If students are successful in their chosen sport at the Diocesan Trials, they progress to the Polding Trials. 

Polding/Mackillop 

Catholic Schools NSW is divided into two halves. 

• The Polding area is from the North of Sydney through to the Queensland Border. 
• Mackillop includes the South of Sydney through to the Victorian Border. 

Our Diocese is in the Polding region. Students who are successful in their chosen sport at the Polding Trials progress to the NSW PSSA State Championships. 

NSW PSSA 

NSW PSSA Championships combine the top athletes from Public School’s, Independent School’s and Catholic School’s pathways. 

How and when should my child trial for their chosen sport? 

Dates for all events from school level through to NSW PSSA can be found on the St Augustine’s School Calendar (please note that some dates may change and it is important to keep an eye on the school newsletter and revisit the calendar). 

St Augustine’s School Carnivals and Clarence Zone Representative Trials 

St Augustine’s Representative Cross Country Trials (Term 1) 

Trials are open to any students aged 8 and above who feel they can comfortably run the distances for their age groups. (Please note that the youngest age group is 8/9 years combined). Successful athletes from this event progress through to the Clarence Zone Cross Country Trials. All students take part in cross country practice on sport days at school. 

St Augustine’s Athletics Carnivals (Term 2) 

Athletics Carnivals are broken into the K-2 Carnival and the 3-6 Carnival. 

The K-2 Carnival is a fun non-competitive event with no progression. 

The 3-6 Carnival is usually held off site. The shot put and long jump events have preliminaries held at school before the carnival. 

Year 2 students who are turning 8 are timed at school and invited based on times for the 100m. Successful athletes progress to the Clarence Zone Athletics Carnival.  

Please note that high jump and discus are not included until the Diocesan level and students must nominate heights and distances for these events from their coaches. The 1500m event begins at Zone level and students must nominate for this event. 

St Augustine’s Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival (Term 1)

A fun carnival for all Year 3-6 students is held in Term 1. This includes age races and novelties. 

St Augustine’s Representative Swimming Trials (Term 4) 

The St Augustine’s Representative Swimming Trials are held at the end of Term 4 and are open to students aged 8 and above in the year following these trials. Successful students progress to the Clarence Zone Swimming Trials. 

Clarence Zone Summer Sports Trials: 

Cricket, Softball, Basketball, Touch Football, Tennis (Term 4) 

Trials are open to students in Year 4 and Year 5 (who will then be in Years 5 and 6 the following year). Students are expected to be at a representative level in their sport before nominating. Only exceptional students in Year 4 will be considered. Where numbers exceed nomination limits, trials will be held at school. Trials can be held at various locations around the Zone. Successful students at the Zone Trials progress to the Lismore Diocesan Trials for that sport. 

Clarence Zone Winter Sports Trials (Term 1) 

Trials are open to students in Year 5 and Year 6. Students are expected to be at a representative level in their sport before nominating. Only exceptional students in Year 4 will be considered. Where numbers exceed nomination limits, trials will be held at school. Trials can be held at various locations around the zone. Successful students at the Zone Trials progress to the Lismore Diocesan Trials for that sport. 

Other Sport Trials 

Some sports such as AFL have trials starting at either the Diocesan level, Polding level, or require nomination straight to NSWPSSA. These trials are on the school calendar and are advertised through the school newsletter and school notices. 

Diocesan Gala Days (Rugby Union, Soccer and Netball) 

At various stages throughout the year a senior St Augustine’s team is selected in Netball, Soccer and Rugby Union to compete against other schools in the Clarence Zone in a knockout Gala Day. The winning schools then go on to compete at a Lismore Diocesan Gala Day. In Rugby Union the successful team at the Diocesan level then competes in a Polding Championship. 

Gala Days Run By Independent Sporting Organisations 

At times, various sporting organisations conduct their own inter-school gala days. Some gala days are a knockout event with progression through to regional and state level events while others are non-competitive. Teams are selected at school by various teachers and coaches. Most gala days are open to Year 5 and 6 with some sports also including Years 3 and 4. 

LARC News

EX-STUDENT AUTHOR BOOK DONATION

It’s always great to hear from ex-students and the impact they make. Dr Ellen Paton (previously Hedditch) attended St Augustine's Primary School many years ago. She left Coffs Harbour after finishing at St John Paul College to study medicine in Sydney. Dr Ellen Paton is now a GP/mum/author (with her extended family still based in Coffs).

FROM THE AUTHOR:
“I have just published a book called ‘The Day the Sky Went Away’ to help children with grief and loss. Working at the frontline of the pandemic has been heart breaking. We have lost many people, without the chance to say goodbye. This book is designed to help children process the death of a loved one, with additional art therapy activities which could be incorporated into library or lesson plans.” Dr Ellen Paton has kindly donated a signed copy to our library.

“St Augustine's has always held a special place in my heart, and I hold vivid memories of my library days there.” - Dr Ellen‘s The Day the Sky Went Away’ is now available to borrow. Many thanks to Dr Ellen for her wonderful story and kind donation.

Canteen News

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 27 February 

• Monday - M Mainey 
• Tuesday - C Williams, C Burnbridge
• Wednesday -  C Jones 
• Thursday - J Murphy, D Kelly
• Friday - W McLean, K Cochran, L Horne

Week beginning 6 March

• Monday - V Wall
• Tuesday -  J Ward, G Lee
• Wednesday -  P Duffy, B Symons
• Thursday - C Williams 
• Friday - L Knights, G Dodd, W McLean

Notices