Newsletter 9 February 2024

Principal's Message

Friday 9 February 2024- Term 1 Week 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

A huge welcome to Kindergarten parents and to new families this year. After a wet couple of days it is great to get the students out in the sunshine to play today and have fun. Overall, the year has started very well, with the school quickly developing momentum for quality learning in classrooms. 

Congratulations to our new school captains Cohen Straw and Brooklyn Kennedy and our vice captains Charlie Chiswell and Grace Davis. Yesterday we had our Leaders Induction Liturgy where students, staff, parents, relatives and friends witnessed them pledge to service in their roles. It is quite a responsibility but I have great faith these leaders are up to the task. The Student Leaders are selected by their own age level peers after a long preparation process. None of the teachers or adults vote and it is gratifying to witness how the students make great choices. 

Our new approach to student behaviour is starting to settle in and it has resulted in some gains in improving our already calm, safe and respectful environment. It was wonderful to see when it was wet yesterday and areas of the school were crowded, everyone moved well, even our new, young members of the school. Pretty amazing for their second day. Lots of time is spent in class being positive and proactive and rewarding good choices. Rest assured we still want St Augustine’s to be a warm and nurturing place for your children and boundaries and routines are part of our desire to assist you in developing independent and respectful teenagers then adults. Next week the focus will be the same: walking on paved areas; moving to class straight after the bell; walking on the left side of the stairs and not jumping down multiple stairs; calm and orderly Circle Time transition (moving between PE, Music, Drama and Library); transitions to buses, top and bottom pickups at 3pm and excellent behaviour with visiting casual teachers. 

Just a quick reminder that we don’t provide supervision for children before 8.15am. There are many children getting here earlier and earlier and it is creating a safety concern for us. The good news is our Out of School Hours service offers a before school service if you need assistance with childcare before school starts. 

Help!  Please update your child’s class when ordering via Flexischools for the canteen. It is causing a big headache as lunches go to the old grade and then your child is rushing to find their order, eat and play (gobbled food and less play). Also, we are very short of volunteers in the Canteen on Fridays. If you can spare a couple of hours once a month, it would be greatly appreciated.

Grace and peace,

Peter Watts

Principal 

NEW 2024 CANTEEN PRICE LIST

The 2024 Canteen Menu is below.
Please note there have been minor price increases on some items.

Don't forget to update your child's year and class in the profile section of FlexiSchools as, unfortunately, this does not happen automatically, and lunch orders could be placed in the wrong basket, causing some confusion.

Kind regards

Naomi Loader

Faith and Mission News

Sacraments in 2024 - Overview

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

For baptised students in Years 4, 5 and 6

Monday 5 February

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Enrolment via Google form  

Friday 23 February 

Enrolments in the Sacramental Program are due

Wed 28 February

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Commitment Evening @ 6:30pm (Top Assembly Area)

Tuesday 12 March

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

Wednesday 29 May

First Eucharist Family Preparation Evening  (celebration of the Passover) @6:30pm (Top Assembly Area)

Friday 14 June

First Eucharist Retreat for students at St Augustine’s School and Curran Centre

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June

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 the PDF below. 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

Monday 29 April

Confirmation Note and  Enrolment via Google Form sent home

Wednsday 5 June

Confirmation Information Night @ 6:30pm 

Sunday 4 August (TBC) and Monday 5 August 

Sacrament of Confirmation (time and day to be advised)

Leaders’ Induction 

Yesterday, 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.

Ash Wednesday 

Wednesday 14 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 Liturgy for Years 1 to 6 will be held in the church at 12 noon on Ash Wednesday, 14 February. Parents are welcome to attend.

Project Compassion Appeal 2023

The theme of Project Compassion 2024 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 3. Please give generously and return the boxes to school by the end of term.

Altar Servers

On Wednesday 21 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 or a form can be collected from Fr Joy on the day.

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.

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

Learning and Teaching

Welcome Letters and Term Overviews

You should have received an email via Compass containing a letter from your child's grade. This letter outlines essential information about routines such as homework and library borrowing for Sports Day. Additionally, you received a Term Overview, which provides insights into the learning focus for your child's year group. These overviews are detailed and align with the new English and Mathematics syllabus. Notably, the overviews also include information about the wonderful literature that will be used throughout the term. There is a lot for your child to learn, and attending school regularly is crucial for their ongoing academic and social growth.

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 have 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. 

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. 
• Messaging has been disabled, meaning parents are to contact their teacher directly 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 2024 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 2024.

• For new parents to our school in Grades 1 to 6: 

You should have already received an email from Seesaw enabling 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 Michelle Scott, Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching, on behalf of your child’s teacher. 

• For 2024 Kindergarten Parents 

Over the coming weeks, students will bring home an invitation 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's 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)

Tell us About Your Child In a million words or less

As we embark on a new school year, we are excited to get to know your child and support their individual learning journey. To help us understand more about each student, please complete the information sheet sent home today. The prompt, "Tell Me About Your Child in a Million Words or Less," emphasises the importance of your insights into your child's personality, learning preferences, and any specific needs they may have. This collaborative effort between parents and teachers is instrumental in creating a supportive educational environment that caters to the unique strengths and challenges of each student. Your input will give us insights that only parents and carers know and foster a sense of community where every child thrives. Thank you for your support. Please return the form to your class teacher by Wednesday 21 February.

K-2 Parent Storytelling returns in 2024

Our Parent Storytelling initiative, a success since 2022, will continue in 2024, offering parents a chance to foster a love of reading in K-2 students. We aim to build a strong reading culture in our school, making reading an enjoyable activity for students.

Here's a quick guide to Parent Storytelling for new and returning families. It's a voluntary activity where parents, caregivers, or grandparents can read to small groups of students. You can join on certain weeks, skip a week, or opt-out as needed. Bring toddlers along if you'd like. Storytelling happens from 9 am to 9:30 am, with parents meeting at 8:55 am outside the front office. You don't need to sign up; just show up with a blanket if you'd like to participate. Your involvement is appreciated for the positive impact on our community.

We can’t wait to see you there!!

Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Pastoral Care and wellbeing are a key focus at St Augustine’s. The following two pages help families know who is on the Pastoral Care team and the process for accessing support if you or your child has a concern. Throughout the year, we will be offering fortnightly Pastoral Care and well-being information as part of this newsletter, as well as offering parent education sessions to support families. 

Welcome to our new staff!

We are thrilled to welcome Allie Anderson, Amy Carroll, Sue Demery, Molly Hayward, James McMillan, Amber Scanes and Kathryn Woodward to the St Augustine's School family. They are working across the school in various roles including classroom teachers, pastoral care & wellbeing, grounds & maintenance and teacher assistants. Make sure you say hello next time you see them.

Safer Internet Day (Feb 6)

Tuesday 6 February was Safer Internet Day, a global campaign dedicated to creating a safer online world for everyone. This Safer Internet Day promotes three simple actions when approaching online safety:  Connect. Reflect. Protect.

Online Safety for Every Family
Connect with what your child or young person is doing online. Explore what apps, social media and games they regularly use. Start the conversation about safe online behaviour.

Reflect on your family’s online habits. Is your family's screen time balanced and healthy?

Protect your child or young person with the tools they need to stay safe online.

 
Learn about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your information and report harmful content by using The eSafety Guide. Go to: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

SAVE THE DATE: 
Kirra Pendergast from Safe on Social will be at our school on May 28, working with students and staff and running a parent session. This is a parent info session not to be missed! Please mark it on your calendar.
 
Kind regards,
Naomi Loader
Assistant Principal Mission

LARC NEWS

We are making room for new books in the LARC and students are welcome to take the old books home to keep. If your child brings home a book that has the school barcode blacked out, you do not need to return it.

HAPPY READING!!! 

2024 School Leaders Induction

On Thursday 8 February we held a special School Leaders Induction Liturgy where our captains officially accepted their role as school leaders for 2024. We look forward to working with these wonderful young leaders throughout the year to come. Fr Joy blessed the school leaders' badges and candles and asked that our leaders to 'keep this flame alive in your heart and the hearts of all students of St Augustine's School in 2024.'

Welcome to our 2024 Kindergarten!

We were delighted to welcome our Kindergarten cohort for 2024.
They were amazing and loved their first day.

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Kindergarten Information Night - 13 Feb

Kindergarten Parents and Carers are invited to our
Kinder 101 Info Night Next Tuesday 13 Feb.
If you require childminding, please contact the office on 6652 1204
or complete the google form. 

Save the Date - school photos 19 & 20 Feb

Order forms coming home soon!

Save the Date - Big Banana Waterslide Night

Join us for Big Banana Waterslide Fun Night on Friday, 23 February 2024, with two sessions: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm and 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm. Tickets are $17 each (non-sliders free) and can be purchased through Compass Tix here

As a bonus, Friday night dinner will be sorted, with a BBQ available for purchase on the evening. If you can help out our Parent Forum by assisting with setting up, cooking, and/or serving on the BBQ, please add your name to a time slot here. Cash and eftpos will be accepted.

Don't miss this fun opportunity to socialise outside of school. See you there!

Mini Vinnies Pancake Tuesday - 13 Feb

SHROVE TUESDAY - Mini Vinnies Pancakes on Sale!
Tuesday 13 February 2024

What a wonderful start to Mini Vinnies for 2024 with our first meeting on Wednesday. We were so excited to see how many children turned up to be part of our team this year.

The first thing on our agenda was to discuss Pancake Tuesday which will be next Tuesday 13 February. Pancakes will be on sale at Lunch for K-2 children and Recess for Years 3-6 children in the Wet Weather area outside the canteen. Pancakes will be 50c plain or $1 with a topping.

We have asked our Mini Vinnies team members to help by cooking and donating pancakes to sell. Pancakes can be brought to Mrs Yole's room (1 Red) before school on Tuesday morning. Thanks in advance for your help. All money raised will go to Project Compassion.

It is going to be a great year helping those in need!

The Mini Vinnies Team

Sport News

SPORT CALENDAR 2024 TERM 1

Clarence Zone Representative Swimming Trials 

Congratulations to the following students who will be representing St Augustine’s School at the Clarence Zone Representative Swimming Trials to be held in Maclean on 26 February:

Michaela Canty, Evie Hunter, Hope Mengel, Alahni Kirkaldy, Stella Dobson, Ariana Yaya, Poppy Warren, Pippa Keshk, Ciara Kirkaldy, Grace Duede, Tahina Yaya, Brooklyn Kennedy, Liam Murphy, Conor Kelly, Henley Lassau, Benjamin Burton, Paddy Hammond, Oscar Wilson, Finnley Johnson, Riley O’Brien, Nate Butcher, Noah Keshk, Cohen Straw, Reuben Wong, Harrison Howe.

Polding Summer Sports Trials (Tennis and Basketball)

Congratulations to the following students who attended the Polding Summer Sports Trials today. Results will be posted in our next newsletter. 

Riley O’Brien (Tennis) 

Chella Burke Dixon, Grace Davis, Grace Duede, London Lacey, Coby Miller, Cleo Rooney, Tahina Yaya (Basketball) 

Year 2-5 Swimming Program 

Our Year 2-5 Swimming Program commences on Thursday 22 February. This year the program will be conducted at the Sawtell Pool for the first two weeks and then at the Coffs Harbour Memorial Pool for the remainder of the program. 

The Swimming Program is during school time for five weeks. 

• YEAR 2 & YEAR 4 -Thursdays- (commencing Week 4, 22 February 9.00am-1.00pm) 

• YEAR 3 & 5  - Fridays - (commencing Week 4, 23 February 9.00am- 1.00pm) 

Please note that this will mean Year 2 and Year 4 will wear their sport uniform on Thursdays for the five week swim program. All other students will continue to wear sport uniforms on Fridays. 

All families from Year 2 to 5 have been sent a Compass invitation. Please accept the invitation which also includes a questionnaire detailing your child’s swimming ability. 

Rugby Union 

The 2024 Coffs Harbour Crusaders Junior Rugby Union Competition will begin in Term 2 on Friday nights with training to commence at St Augustine’s on Thursday 7 March. Please see the flyer attached for further details or contact the following coaches/managers. 

U8’s Craig Landrigan 0406 884 504

U9’s Graeme Doyle 0412 452 927

U10’s Dan Burbridge 0449 594 140

U11’s Candy Butcher 0438 427 670

U12’s Peter Readett 0499 267 776 

Schools in the Clarence Zone 

Our Zone includes 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 and 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. The Lismore Diocese is broken into the Tweed, Clarence, Richmond and Hastings Zones. 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.

NSWPSSA 

NSWPSSA championships combine the top athletes from the  public school, independent school and catholic school pathways. 

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

Dates for all events from school level through to 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). 

School Carnivals and Trials 

St Augustine’s School 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 bracket is 8/9 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 back at school

St Augustine’s Athletics Carnivals (Term 2) 

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 back 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 and St Augustine’s Swimming Trials (Term 1 and Term 4) 

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

The St Augustine’s 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 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. 

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 12 February

• Monday -  B Rae
• Tuesday -  M Black , M Black 
• Wednesday -B Symons, P Duffy
• Thursday - 
• Friday -  W McLean, L Lawler 

Week beginning  19 February 

• Monday - L Seccombe
• Tuesday - M Black, M Black
• Wednesday -  
• Thursday - J Ward
• Friday - W McLean, K Cochran, L Horne

Notices