Newsletter 10 March 2023
Principal's Message
St Augustine's wins Clarence Zone Swim Shield!
5 Blue - Clean Up Australia!
Friday 10 March 2023 - Term 1 Week 6
Dear Parents and Carers,
Over the last three days I have been in attendance at the Priests-Principal-Catholic Leaders conference for the Diocese. The Diocese covers 45 schools with 18000 students from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads. There have been many discussions and workshops on the various challenges facing schools and debate over how to use the funding we have wisely. Most of the topics centre on governance, as we move to a more compliant and efficient model, where the education and welfare of the student is at the centre of decision making. We also have been working with Price, Waterhouse, Coopers on workforce strategies, as across the state there is a teacher shortage, with more leaving the profession than coming in and working on solutions to this problem.
Thank you to all parents who have prepared their children for the swimming program. Some children swim daily although some have rarely been in the water. It has become apparent that we are still dealing with the fall-out from COVID, with many younger children missing personalised lessons (which are the most effective way to learn) and a large group of children who can’t swim the distance required to save themselves. The availability of the pool is also an issue so we made the difficult decision to prioritise those of the greatest need and add Year 2 students but leave out Year 6.
If you missed out on attending the Parent-Teacher meeting this week, I encourage you to make time to catch up with the teacher by emailing them or calling the school. These meetings keep you informed of what is going on socially and academically for your child, so that you’re not relying entirely on your child’s perspective. As much as we respect children’s views, sometimes the retelling of events can be abbreviated or told from one perspective, so it is important for the adults to speak. To help fill out the picture of what is going on each week, we are creating an outline of units for every week for the home. It is a work in progress but if you go to the Parent Intranet Page (you will need your child’s log in), you will find teacher emails, homework and outlines in one spot.
NAPLAN begins for Year 3 and 5 next week and tests English skills (reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Maths (basic and advanced problem solving). Most of the testing is online via a laptop and is machine marked. Individual results are helpful for teachers and parents to understand strengths and weaknesses of your child. The overall results help us target certain areas where we need to give greater focus. Remember, when interpreting whole grade results do not interpret this as school effectiveness. The best schools are the ones that grow their students the most, not by comparing grade averages. Also, remember that while English and Maths are vitally important, children need to sing, play, act, run, jump, create, discern, analyse and socialise if they are to have a quality education.
Harmony Day will be onTuesday 21 March and is a chance to celebrate the multi-cultural diversity of Coffs and our country. Children are welcome to wear traditional cultural dress or free dress, hopefully with a touch of orange, the colour theme of the day. Our region has changed a lot over the last few years and it is a positive aspect we all acknowledge.
Grace and peace,
Peter Watts
Principal
Faith and Mission News
SAPS Mass 9am Sunday 12th March
This Sunday 12th March the St Augustines commmunity is reponsible for all the ministries at the 9am Mass. Many of our children are helping with the readings and the singing. Everyone is welcome to attend. There will be childrens liturgy for all primary school aged children during the Liturgy of the Word. Everyone is invited to stay for a cuppa after the mass.
Sacraments in 2023
- Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Students who are making their First Holy Communion this year have begun learning about God’s forgiveness and how we turn back to him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They will receive this healing sacrament on Tuesday 28th March. Please pray for them and their families at this time.
- Sacrament of Confirmation - For baptised students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
On Friday 28 April, a Google Form will be sent out via Compass to enrol students in the Sacramental program of Confirmation.
Please note there is a Parent information evening that will be held on Wednesday 24 May at 7pm.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by the Bishop on 19 & 20 July (time and day to be advised)
Student Discipleship- Incitare
On Tuesday 7 March, a group of Year 6 students attended the student discipleship day: Incitare. The aim of the retreat is to build up faith; Incitare means to stir up, incite, urge. The retreat inspires students to be more confident in speaking up about their faith in the world today. Students participated in faith-nurturing activities and learned skills to encourage and empower them as faith leaders in our school community.
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.
St. AUGUSTINE’S ADORATION CHAPEL
Could you not watch one hour with me? Matthew 26:40
We are blessed to have a Perpetual Adoration Chapel in our parish open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Our Chapel is located at the Curran Centre (Parish Office) on the opposite side of the Church carpark.
The Chapel is a place for silent prayer and reflection. Similar to Church, eating and drinking are not permitted.
If one of your Lenten goals this year is to pray the Rosary or read the Bible more often,
then committing to a regular time to visit the Chapel each week
is a perfect way to help you stay on track with your Lenten promises.
Every hour the Chapel is open we have a volunteer “Guardian” who is present,
so the Blessed Sacrament is not left alone.
A vacancy has just become available for a Guardian for 2pm Mondays.
We would like to see if any parents/grandparents/carers from the school community
would like to take on this 1 hour role, which will be finished by 3pm, for school pickup time.
This role can be shared amongst family/friends to share the load if someone is away and
also to benefit from the graces received from spending silent time together in the Chapel.
Parents/carers are also encouraged to bring their children to the Chapel before or after school.
For more information please contact our Chapel Committee members
Maurice on 0407 934 088 or Doreena 0481 764 164.
The 2022 First Eucharist candidates in the chapel praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament during their retreat day.
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 4 RE Spotlight
Year 4 studied the psalms and the different forms they took. They then wrote their own psalms in response to their own wonderings about God’s great gift of Creation.
Oh Lord you’re my strength
created glory to the heavens and earth.
You are my hands and heart.
You created me and the seas.
You created sea creatures and the land.
You breathed in air and out stars, the sun and moon.
Ivy Hottes
Holy Lord, you are the God that created us,
the wonderful animals that roam the land
and the beautiful landscapes that I have seen.
Nothing is even close to our wonderful pets that couldn’t get any better.
Thank you for protecting us from danger and giving us food to eat and water to drink.
You are the best.
We couldn’t have anything better.
Thank you.
Kyden Partridge
From the hands of God you created the world.
You set the boundaries for the land and the water.
You created life in different ways.
You made life in animals. You made life in humans.
You have the world in your hands.
Maxwell Cochcran
Oh Lord, Oh Lord we praise you because you made the trees, grass, ground and us.
You made us who we are today, so because You love us, we love You.
You are amazing and You are the best.
When we look at You we see love, kindness and strength
because that is who You are in our hearts.
Zoe Weber
Glory to the Lord.
I will thank you for the spirit of you is with me.
From the hands of the Lord I thank you for creating earth and us
as I have a wonderful family.
I praise you for the mountains and the skies.
You created the heavens and you always look after us for we are your creation.
All you had to do was think and believe and you created our home.
Thank you God as you created the beach and the sea with our marine animals.
Sophie Beckhouse
Thank you for the earth. Thank you for the heavens.
Thank you for the water. Thank you for the mountains.
Thank you for the food. Thank you for the animals.
Thank you for me and all the other people in the world.
You, O mighty God; thank you for all the things you have done for us.
We will protect your creation.
Jacob Dozdzewski
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
The Phonics Phone: A fun way to help your child practice their sounds
What is a phonics phone and can I make one at home?
A phonics phone is a simple tube shaped like a 'telephone' receiver, often made from plastic PVC pipe. They are simply hollow tubes that allow a student to speak quietly on one end and hear their own voice through the other.
How to make a Phonics Phone
- Purchase a 3/4″ PVC pipe and 3/4″ elbow joints (you will need 2 for each phone)
- Cut PVC pipe into 3 1/2 inch sections.
- Put an elbow joint on each end of the pipe.
- You might like to add colourful duct tape wrapped around the centre of the pipe for fun.
Seesaw Posts
All students K-6 are now posting on Seesaw at least once a week. Keep an eye out for your child's post and we encourage you to comment on their work. You can write your comment or record it. It's a great way to see what’s happening in the classroom and a topic of conversation for home. The students also love to hear and read your messages of encouragement.
School Website Update
You will notice a small change on our school website. Up to this point you have clicked on the 'm' to access the school intranet. This has now changed to an 'i'. When you click on the 'i' you will be taken to the landing page of our school intranet where parents and students can access homework.
HPL Artists: 'Small Wonders'.... Big Talent!!
Our HPL Artists from Years 5 and 6 are currently creating artworks for an 8x8 Small Works Competition and Exhibition to be held at Ferry Park Gallery. The works are based around the theme 'Small Wonders'. Each student has created a mixed media response to the theme and they are looking amazing. With one week to go before they are submitted, we are getting excited to see the end results. Ms Perkins is so pleased with the students dedication, creativity and passion for their works. We wish each of them the best of luck in the competition and in the first exhibition of their work.
'Small Wonders' | Ferry Park Gallery | 31 March to 30 Arpil 2023
'Small Wonders' Works in progress
Harmony Day @ St Augustine's - 21 March
Harmony Day celebrates Australia's cultural diversity. It's about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. We are incredibly proud and honoured to have students from many different cultures belonging, learning, believing and achieving at St Augustine's.
To celebrate Harmony Day, students are encouraged to wear something orange on Tuesday, 21 March 2023. This can be clothing or accessories. Students with traditional cultural clothing/accessories may wish to wear these. It is not compulsory, and there is no cost. Instead, it is a recognition of the wonderful cultural diversity in our school.
Enrolling now for Kindergarten 2024
Sport News & Sport Calendar
March 2023
| 10 Mar | Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials(Grafton) |
| 28 Mar | Netball NSW School Cup (Coffs Hbr) |
| 28 Mar | Polding Touch Football (Parkes) |
| 30 Mar | CPS Swimming Championships (Sydney) |
April 2023
| 3 Apr | Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival (Coffs Hbr) |
| 4 Apr | Polding AFL Trials (Bateau Bay) |
| 5 & 6 Apr | NSWPSSA Swimming Championships (Sydney) |
Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials
The Lismore Dicoesan Winter Sports Trials were held today in Grafton and Maclean. We wish the following students all the best and look forward to hearing results from the day.
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, Billy Backhouse, Frankie Selmes and Luke Welsh.
Hockey - Arlo Dent
Rugby League - Joey Galvin, Braxton Sharpley and Beau Sutherland
Mid North Coast Primary Rugby 7s Competition
On Monday 39 students attended the Mid North Coast Primary Rugby 7’s Competition at Rex Hardaker Oval. St Augustine’s entered three U12 sides and one U10 side. We are proud to say that St Augustine’s Maroon won the U12 division and St Augustine’s U10’s also won the U10’s division. It was a fantastic day to play Rugby 7’s with a variety of other schools from around the local area. A big thanks must go to our coaches on the day, Matt Rowbotham, Peter Readett, Paul Butcher and Sue Wilson. The U12 Maroons and U10 sides will now progress to a regional final held later in June.
Lismore Diocesan AFL Trials
Congratulations to Luke Welsh who has been selected to attend the Polding AFL Trials at Bateau Bay on the 4th April.
NSW AFL Primary All Schools Girls Selection Trial
Yesterday we had two girls trial for NSW AFL All Schools U12 Girls Side in Woolgoolga. Congratulations Elise Franklin and Aisha Attia who have both progressed to the next level.
Clarence Zone Representative Swimming Trials
23 St Augustine’s students competed at the Clarence Zone Swimming Trials in Maclean last week. We are thrilled to announce that 21 students qualified for the Lismore Diocesan Representative Trials! Many swimmers qualified for individual events as well as our four relay teams who all brought home the blue ribbons! Four students were also awarded Zone Age Champions and St Augustine’s School the winning point score. Congratulations to all!
Zone Age Champions:
Ariana Yaya, Cohen Straw, Coco Becker and Luke Wilson.
Clarence Zone Age Champions!
St Augustine's wins Clarence Zone Swim Shield!
Lismore Diocesan Representative Swimming Trials
Last week, the St Augustine’s swim team travelled to Kempsey to compete in the Lismore Diocesan Representative Swimming Trials. St Augustine’s swimmers dominated the pool once again and led the Clarence Zone convincingly to win the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Shield. All four relay teams have been successful in progressing to the CPS Polding Championships as well as numerous individual swimmers, making up an overall team of 17 students. A fantastic result.
Congratulations to the following swimmers who have qualified for the Catholic Primary Schools Swimming Championships:
Evie Hunter, Alahni Kirkaldy, Hope Mengel, Poppy Warren, Ariana Yaya, Coco Becker, Pippa Keshk, Ciara Kirkaldy, Hannah Burton, Finnley Johnson, Ben Wilson, Nate Butcher, Riley O’Brien, Cohen Straw, Billy Backhouse, Noah Keshk and Luke Wilson.
Special congratulations also to the following students who were awarded Age Champions and Runners Up on the day.
Junior Boy Age Champion Runner Up - Finnley Johnson
11 Year Girl Age Champion - Coco Becker
11 Year Girl Age Champion Runner Up - Pippa Keshk
11 Year Boy Age Champion Runner Up - Cohen Straw
Senior Boy Age Champion Runner Up - Luke Wilson
Lismore Diocesan Age Champions & Runners Up
School Swimming Program
Last week we began our 5 week Swimming Program with Years 2, 3, 4 and 5. Students have been placed in groups with instructors. Students’ ability levels will continue to be monitored and students will change groups where necessary. 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. Learning to swim is vital in keeping children safe around water, particularly where we live.
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
Please remember to pack swimmers, goggles, towel and a plastic bag on the day your child has swimming.
St Augustine’s Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival
On Monday 3rd April St Augustine’s students from Years 3-6 will take part in a fun swimming carnival to battle it out between our four houses, Red, Gold, Green and Blue. The carnival includes novelty events, 25m events and 50m events. Please save the date and keep an eye out on Compass for further information.
St Augustine’s Rugby Union - Friday Night Competition
Training is now underway on Thursday afternoons. Please remember that students are not allowed to train without a mouthguard and they should always pack a change of clothes. (No training in uniforms).
If you haven’t already please make sure you contact your team managers below to be added to the What’s App group for your child’s team.
We are still looking for more players in the U11’s division. If your son or daughter is turning 11 this year and would like to join the team please contact Vanessa Joyce (number below).
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
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
New Stories Every Week!
Keep an eye on the 'new books' stand in the LARC...
New titles are previewed on the stand first, then are available to borrow the following week... so many amazing stories!
Canteen News
Canteen Roster
Week beginning 13 March
- Monday - L Seccombe, S Forbes
- Tuesday - C Williams
- Wednesday - N Flintoff
- Thursday - S Crawford
- Friday - W McLean, K Cochran, HELP NEEDED
Week beginning 20 March
- Monday - D Budden
- Tuesday - E Taylor
- Wednesday - C Jones, N Oakland
- Thursday - C Williams
- Friday - L Knights, W McLean, L Lawler, K Cochran
Notices
