Newsletter 24 March 2023

Principal's Message

Friday 24 March 2023 - Term 1 Week 8

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you may have heard, I will be heading to Dorrigo next term to take on the Principal’s role at Mt St John’s Primary School. Advertising will commence shortly for Dorrigo and if someone can be found earlier, I will be back earlier, although I may be away until Christmas (which seems a long way away!). Naomi Loader will take on leadership of St Augustine’s and I’m sure she will do an amazing job. My role up on the mountain will involve teaching and managing the school in a tight-knit community, which will be a challenge and a good change. I’m not sure about Dorrigo winter playground duties, but I’ll make sure I invest in a new beanie!

Our school improvement goals for this term and next centre around refining and sharpening our approach to teaching and learning. Without getting too full of educational jargon, this is called the Pedagogical Framework and the work of distilling down what works and how we operate will be facilitated by our AP Learning Teaching, Michelle Scott. We will work through a process and share the outcome with families later in term 2. We are also creating a series of retreats for Years 3-6, so that all children can experience a time of reflection and personal development during the school year. These will be rolled out from term 3. 

We have new capital works happening shortly.

• The new roundabout wall and sign will have lettering installed and new plantings in the next few weeks;
• The hall doors are being replaced; 
• The Basketball hardcourt fence is being replaced in the holidays.

The planned new shelter area at the Albany St exit is on hold due to the possibility of expanding the project to include a revamp of the hall toilets and a covered walkway to the Kindergarten room. It will be a big job and only be able to be completed with external funding. 

Our Parish will be making Reconciliation (officially known as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession) available to all who want to take part on Friday 31 March from 3.00pm until 6pm. There will be 3 priests available in the Church in a friendly, private and completely confidential ritual. Also, there is a Lenten Taize and Adoration at 7pm Thursday 23 March. This is a relaxing service of prayer, beautiful music and contemplation. All are welcome. 

We will be having a review of our Homework Policy next term in response to the feedback in the ‘Tell Them From Me’ survey conducted last year. Homework is a contentious issue and the research is not clear about the difference it makes in primary school. It is a little more nuanced than ‘it’s good’ vs ‘it’s bad’ and very much age dependent. Until the review is complete, the current system continues. Remember it is on the intranet - so ‘the dog ate it’ becomes a little harder to justify. If you do nothing else, please, please, please, get your child to read every night, 7 nights a week. 

Grace and peace,

Peter Watts

Principal

Faith and Mission News

Holy Week Pilgrimage

On Thursday 6 April at 12 noon, our whole school will be involved in a Holy Week Pilgrimage. This special prayer experience will reflect on the events of Holy Week, including the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the Last Supper on Holy Thursday held in our school assembly area. From there, everyone will process in silence to the church where we will reflect on Jesus’ passion and death on Good Friday. Parents and carers are welcome to participate in this pilgrimage. Please note that seating will not be provided at school and visitors are asked to stand either on the Year 5 verandah overlooking the assembly area, or on the ramp or stairs that lead to the Year 4 classrooms. The Good Friday part that occurs in the church only lasts about 10 minutes and adults are welcome to stand in the side aisles if there is not enough seating.

Sacraments Program 2023

• Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Eucharis
  

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)

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 have been sent home. 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.

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. 

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

ANZAC DAY Tuesday 25th April

Dear Parents and Carers,

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

MINI VINNIES

Mini Vinnies were proud to announce their committee at our last assembly. The year 6 members will lead our team this year to support the members of our community. We will work together for the  common good of our community. They have already been busy this week with the launch of the Easter Guessing competition and raffle. This will be on sale until the Thursday before Easter. Tickets are available outside the canteen before school and at lunch and recess.

Harmony Day @ St Augustine's - 21 March

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

Sport News & Sport Calendar

March 2023

April 2023

Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials 

The Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials were held on Friday of Week 6. We had 20 students attend the trials and 11 students successful in making it through to the Polding Trials held in Term 2. Congratulations to the following students: 

Soccer - Hannah Burton, Pippa Dodd and Bronte Wall

Netball - Charli Warren

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

Hockey - Arlo Dent

Netball NSW Cup

On Tuesday 28 March, 42 girls will attend the Netball NSW Cup across four teams. We wish all the girls the best of luck and hope they have a wonderful time enjoying their netball with other schools from around our local area. 

Polding Touch Football

On Tuesday 28 March, Tillie Reibelt and Frankie Selmes will travel to Parkes to represent the Lismore Diocese in Touch Football and the Polding Trials. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing results from the day. 

CPS Polding Swimming Trials

Our talented swimming squad will travel to Sydney next week to represent the Lismore Diocese at the CPS Polding Swimming Trials on Thursday at SOPAC. This includes all four of our St Augustine’s Relay teams which is a huge achievement. Good luck to all. 

Basketball NSW Primary School Tournament (Years 5 and 6) 

St Augustine’s is calling for expression of interest for students in Years 5 and 6 who would like to trial for a position in either a Girls or Boys side to compete at the Basketball NSW Primary School Tournament on the 30th and 31st May in Penrith. Please see compass for further details and to register your interest in trialing for these teams. 

School Swimming Program 

Our Swimming Program with Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 continues through to the last session in Week 9. 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 make sure you have accepted the compass invitation to this compulsory event. 

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. 

Enrolling now for Kindergarten 2024

Canteen News

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 27 March 

• Monday - M. Mainey
• Tuesday - C Williams & C Burbridge 
• Wednesday - C Jones
• Thursday - J Murphy & D Kelly
• Friday - W McLean, K Cochran, HELP NEEDED 

Week beginning 3 April

• Monday - V Wall
• Tuesday -  J Ward & G Lee
• Wednesday -  P Duffy & B Symons
• Thursday - C Williams 
• Friday - Good Friday

Notices

WOOLGOOLGA

FUN RUNS

FOREST FOOT RACE
11.2km – Saturday 8th April, 3.00pm
**Start and finish Woolgoolga Flora Reserve**

SEASIDE SCAMPER
5km – Sunday 9thApril 8.00am

Start and Finish at Beach Reserve

BEACH BASH

2km – Sunday 9 th April, 8.45am

Start and finish at Beach Reserve

TINY TOT TROT

1km – Sunday 9th April, 9.00am

Start and Finish at Beach Reserve

$6 per adult for Forest Footrace or Seaside Scamper or $10 for both
$5 for pensioners & students for Forest Footrace or Seaside Scamper

$3 for everyone entering the 2km Beach Bash

$1 for Tiny Tot Trot