Newsletter 21 September 2023
Principal's Message
Under the Sea SOCIALS
Understanding Teenagers - Parent Workshop
Thursday 21 September 2023 - Term 3 Week 10
Dear Parents and Carers,
Socials
Last week’s socials were a great success, and our student’s behaviour was outstanding. Their enthusiasm and joy for dancing (and singing loudly) was great to see. Thursday night's parent education session with Chris Hudson from Expecting Teenagers was also a great success, and there were many positive comments made by the parents who attended. During the workshop, Chris shared valuable insights and practical approaches in an engaging and lighthearted manner. My main takeaways from the session were the importance of responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively and consistently placing a high priority on nurturing strong relationships with our children. I would like to thank Christine Morrison from the Catholic School's Parent Assembly and our school representatives, Amy O'Brien and Lauren Oppy, for organising this event. Chris has shared his slides, and you can access them in the PDF below.
New Uniform
I would like to thank the Uniform Committee, who worked with Mr Watts last year and earlier this year to finalise a new sports uniform and a jacket. We are thrilled to announce that these will be available for purchase through Cabas Drapery from December onwards this year. We will phase out the old sports uniform over the next two years and aim for all students to wear the new sports uniform at the commencement of 2026. (See samples below)
Please note that the existing jumpers remain an option to purchase, and the Soft Shell Jacket (below) is optional for the cooler months (available February 2024). Both of these can be worn on any day.
We have limited stock of the existing sports shirts for sale through the School Office at a discounted price of $15.
Year 6 2024 keepsake sports shirts will be offered to Year 5 to be ordered early next term.
Enrolments
St Augustine's is excited to welcome new families into our community and looks forward to welcoming our 2024 Kindergarten cohort for their orientation days next term. We ask our current families to inform the school as soon as possible if you anticipate withdrawing your child from St Augustine’s in 2024. This information is crucial as we plan class and staffing arrangements. Your input will assist us in making well-informed decisions in this regard and ensure that any new enrolment applications can be considered.
As we end another term, I’d like to thank you again for your support and encouragement of our school community and wish all of our students and staff a safe and enjoyable holiday.
We look forward to welcoming our students back for their first day of Term 4 on Tuesday 10 October and our wonderful Grandparents here for Grandparents’ Day on Friday 13 October.
Kind regards,
Naomi Loader
Acting Principal
Faith and Mission News
RE Spotlight - Kindergarten
Through the Old Testament stories of Moses and Jonah, the Kindergarten children explored how God sent people to share the special message of His love and to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus, His Son.
Parish Luncheon
On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, a social parish luncheon is held in the Curran Centre at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to come along and meet some other parishioners and have a chat. A plate to share is welcome, but not essential. Pop in for a quick cuppa if you don’t have time to stay for lunch.
Dominique Montford - Acting Assistant Principal Mission
Maria Woods - Leader of School Evangelisation
Learning and Teaching
2023 Clarence Schools Regional Public Speaking Competition
We were thrilled with the efforts of all of our students who represented St Augustine’s Primary School at the recently held 2023 Clarence Schools Regional Public Speaking Competition hosted at St John Paul College. Our young orators showcased remarkable talent and poise, making us exceedingly proud of their achievements.
In particular, we congratulate our Year 3 representative, Alannah Guselli, for securing a well-deserved runner-up title.
All our speakers exhibited quality performances, captivating the audience with their eloquence, confidence, and passion for their topics.
Participation in such events not only allows our students to enhance their public speaking abilities but also fosters a sense of confidence. We commend each participant for their dedication and applaud them for representing our school so proudly.
2023 Regional Speech Reps, Alannah, Iris, Eric and Johan
Grandparents' Day - An Invitation
St Augustine’s Grandparents Day is not far away!
On Friday, 13 October 2023 our school community will be coming together to celebrate Grandparents Day.
The morning will commence with a whole school liturgy at 9am followed by an open morning across the school where Grandparents and families can work with their children in various activities. A cuppa will be provided to Grandparents during this time.
Grandparents and families are most welcome to stay and join their children for a picnic lunch (BYO) from 10:55-11:40am.
We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you.
'Under the Sea' Socials
The Toads
DJ Captain Kerr
So many creatures! So much FUN!
Our UNDER THE SEA Socials saw an amazing collection of jellyfish, lobsters, mermaids, pirates and all things ocean going - thank you to all the families who provided such wonderful costumes for their children.
A huge thank you to The Toads [ Kinder and Y1 & Y2 ] for your wonderful song based games and epic energy... our Stage One children loved your show!
Many many thanks also go to our amazing DJ Captain Kerr for 'steering the ship' at the 3/4 and 5/6 discos - we appreciate everything you do for our school! Thanks also to Inspired Audio Visual and all our staff who attended the socials to supervise... and dance!
We have a selection of photos from each social below or you can find more on our school facebook page.
Kindergarten Social
Year 1 & Year 2 Social
Year 3 & Year 4 Social
Year 5 & Year 6 Social
K-2 Parent Storytelling Dates Term 3 & 4
Save the Dates: K-2 Parent Storytelling dates for Term 3 and Term 4
Click on the Google Form to let us know you will be there.
Sport News & Sport Calendar
Primary Schools Touch Football Gala Day
Last Tuesday St Augustines fielded 4 sides in the Touch Football Gala Day held in Toormina. All teams were mixed, with two junior (Year 3 and 4) sides and two senior (Year 5 and 6) sides taking the field. It was a great day of friendly competition against some of the other local schools in our area. It was wonderful to see the teams show excellent teamwork and great sportsmanship in all of their games. A huge thank you to Judith McNeill and Jason Rooney for volunteering their time to coach, train and referee on the day, as well as Ms Laura Marsden and Mrs Sue Wilson.
Lismore Diocesan Football Final
Unfortunately the Diocesan Football Final had to be postponed due to extreme heat conditions. The new date has now been confirmed and will be held on Wednesday 25 October.
Summer Sports Trials
Trials have begun for some sports back at school for students in Years 4 or 5. These trials are only undertaken at school level if the number of interested students exceeds the limit of students we are allowed to nominate. The school trial for Touch boys and girls will be held early in Term 4. We wish all trialists the best of luck.
SPORT EVENTS CALENDAR - TERM 4
St Augustine's Out of School Hours Care
We are very excited to announce that St Augustine’s Out of School Hours Care is commencing Before School Care (BSC) from the 10th October 2023, Term 4.
Before School Care Hours of Operation: 6:30am - 8:30am, 5 days a week
Daily Fee: Permanent Session $18 or Casual Session $21
The BSC program will be filled with fun and exciting games and experiences for all ages. Breakfast will be available for all children attending Before School Care and we cater for children with dietary needs or allergies.
Please email cofhp-oshc@lism.catholic.edu.
Canteen News
Canteen Roster
Week beginning 9 October
- Monday - L Seccombe
- Tuesday - C Williams
- Wednesday - HELP NEEDED
- Thursday - J Wood
- Friday - W McLean, K Cochran,Week beginning 18 September
Week beginning 16 October
- Monday - D Budden
- Tuesday - E Taylor
- Wednesday - C Jones, N Oaskland
- Thursday - C Williams
- Friday - L Knight, W McLean, L Lawler, K Cochran
Notices
