Newsletter 8 March 2024

Principal's Message

Friday 8 March 2024- Term 1 Week 6

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thanks for your support with our latest student behaviour initiative. We are working hard to help children embed habits of greetings and manners at school as well as being a good sport - abiding by the rules, the umpire’s decisions, being humble in victory and gracious in defeat.  

Today we will draw out 3 more prizes for students ‘caught being good’, for the 2nd week, with next week the last in the random draws. We will soon move our focus from outside to inside the classroom and teachers will be working for the next two staff meetings to narrow the scope, to ensure students can work without unnecessary distractions. Prime of our concerns will be the wellbeing of students and getting the balance right between ensuring uninterrupted learning times without causing additional anxiety and stress. It will also be age appropriate, as Kindergarten is very different from Year 6 and expectations need to be different.  

Congratulations to our great swimmers who competed with great spirit at the recent Diocesan carnival in Macksville. Every child tried their best and it was very pleasing to hear comments from other schools about how our students cheered on everyone and were great sports. 

We have new protocols about concussion, which require us to manage it carefully. If your child suffers a head knock outside of school hours, please contact us as we will need to make sure we make adjustments to PE lessons and play to reduce risk. 

Thanks to everyone who came along to the parent-teacher meetings this week. If you couldn’t make it or it is too hard to visit, don’t hesitate to make contact with the teacher for a phone catch-up. This will keep you in the loop so we can work together for your child's success. 

Grace and peace,

Peter Watts

Principal

PS. A shout out to Rod from Highgrove Bathrooms who recently donated 20 basketballs to the school. Much appreciated!  

Faith and Mission News

INCITARE 2024 

Last Tuesday, 25 Year 6 students attended the ‘Incitare’ retreat along with other students from Catholic schools in the region. This retreat enabled students to build their discipleship skills and deepen their faith through a variety of fun activities and reflection.

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross will be held in St Augustine’s Church at 8:30am every Friday in Lent finishing on Friday 22 March at St Augustine’s Church. On Good Friday - 29 March - the Stations of the Cross will be held at 9am at both St Augustine’s Church and also at St Francis Xavier Church, Woolgoolga. Stations of the Cross booklets are now available at the back of St Augustine’s Church.

Lenten Retreat

Do you crave for some time to just sit in God’s presence? Come along for plenty of silence, some short scripture readings and beautiful chants in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. See the flyer attached for details.

Kinder Spotlight - A tour of the Church

Sacraments in 2024 - Overview

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Tuesday 12 March

First Reconciliation to be held in the church between 4:30-6:00 (Suggested times 4:30pm 4B, 4G & 5:15pm 4Y, Year 5 & 6)

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 

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)

‘Tap’itas

If you haven’t already done so, please consider returning your water drop with a donation of $5 to help families in Samoa have a water tank installed near their homes. Thanks to all the families who have already sent in their water drop. Our wall looks terrific!

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 went home in Week 3. Please give generously and return the boxes to school by the end of term.

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

Project Compassion - Water Tank Fundraiser

In week 4 students took home a water drop with instructions on the back, giving families the opportunity to contribute to the wonderful work that Caritas Australia does.

Please see the flyer below for details.

Thank you to all those families who have already supported this fundraiser.

If you would like to help, please check your child's bag for their water drop or collect one from the school office.

Donations close 28 March 2024.

Harmony Day - Friday 22 March 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

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. 

Students are encouraged to wear something orange on Friday, 22 March 2024 to celebrate Harmony Day. This can be clothing or accessories. It is not compulsory, and there is no cost. Instead, it is a recognition of the wonderful cultural diversity in our school. 

Students with traditional cultural clothing/accessories may wish to wear these. However, for Years 3 and 5, we appreciate that this may be difficult with swimming also on and is optional for all students.

The actual date of Harmony Day 2024 is Thursday 21 however, we will celebrate on Friday at school as we will also have some members of our school community performing traditional songs and dances from their culture. 

Learning and Teaching

Student Digital Technology User Agreement + Release of Information Reminder

This is a reminder to families to please complete the attached Parental Consent and Student Digital Technology User Agreement 2024 sent out via Compass last week. It provides our families and students with the processes to build responsible digital citizens and helps students understand the expectations when using digital technology throughout the school year.

Please take the time to read through the attached Digital Technologies User Agreement with your child. You can locate the agreement by clicking on the following links: 

If you have more than one child at St Augustine's, you must complete the appropriate form for each of your children. 

• K - 4 students:  https://dlcsl.jotform.com/team/application-team/COFHP-K-4-DTA2024
• 5 & 6 students: https://dlcsl.jotform.com/team/application-team/COFHP-5-6-DTA2024

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!!

Photo Club

Photo Club is for Year 6 students who have an interest in taking photos and thinking creatively. Each week the students are given a new photography challenge.

Term One is based on colours, so each week has a different colour challenge. 

Students who are interested are shared the Google Slide show, where they upload their photo by the Monday morning. We join together in Kinder Blue and discuss the photos- what worked, why it worked, or what they thought could be improved. 

Happy snapping

Mrs Wray

Colour Green - Max Brindle, Maya Hitti, Harper, Ella Vu. Colour Red Maya Hitti

Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Regular school attendance is vital for your child's academic success and overall development. Consistent attendance ensures that your child receives the necessary instruction and support and fosters a sense of routine and discipline crucial for future success. School is not just a place of learning; it is a community where social skills are honed, friendships are formed, and a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning is laid. Students attending school regularly are more likely to stay engaged, participate in class discussions, and build meaningful connections with teachers and peers.
Should you have any concerns about your child's attendance, please do not hesitate to talk to their class teacher or the Pastoral Care Team via naomi.loader@lism.catholic.edu.au

LARC NEWS

CELEBRATING DR SEUSS DAY in the LARC

Hey friends, it's time to cheer,

Dr Seuss Day is finally here!

In our school, we've made a display,

To celebrate in a Seussian way!

Characters from his books so bright,

Filled with colour and pure delight!

Come explore, let your imagination play,

In the world of Seuss, all through the day!

So join in the fun, come take a look,

Let's celebrate with a rhyme and with a book.

Happy Dr Seuss Day to all,

Let's read and laugh, big and small!

TERM 1 CANTEEN SPECIALS

This term the Canteen is holding two ‘whole school’ special lunch days,
rather than the cohort lunch days (sausage sizzles & burger days) that we have had in the past. These special lunch days are detailed below.

Please note that these special lunch days can only
be purchased online via Flexischools.

Sport News

SPORT CALENDAR 2024 TERM 1

CLARENCE ZONE SWIMMING TRIALS

Our amazing swim team competed at the Clarence Zone Swimming Trials in Maclean last week bringing home some fantastic individual results as well as podium finishes for our relay teams.

1st - Junior Girls

3rd - Junior Boys

1st - Senior Girls

1st - Senior Boys

Congratulations also to our Age Champions:

Junior Girl - Hope Mengel

11 Yrs Girl - Ariana Yaya

Senior Girl - Pippa Keshk

Senior Boy - Noah Keshk

Well done to all our swimmers who qualified for the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Trials:  

Nate Butcher, Michaela Canty, Stella Dobson, Grace Duede, Harrison Howe, Evie Hunter, Finnley Johnson, Brooklyn Kennedy, Pippa Keshk, Noah Keshk,  Alahni Kirkaldy, Ciara Kirkaldy, Hope Mengel, Cohen Straw, Poppy Warren, Ben Wilson, Reuben Wong, Ariana Yaya, Tahina Yaya.

LISMORE DIOCESAN SWIMMING TRIALS

The fantastic results continued for our Super Fish at the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Trials last Friday.  Congratulations to our relay teams again!  First place for our Junior Girls, Senior Girls and Senior Boys! And to our Age Champions: Hope Mengel (Junior Girl) and Pippa Keshk (Senior Girl).

Good luck to our swimmers who qualified for the Polding Swimming Championships to be held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre later this term:

Stella Dobson, Evie Hunter, Grace Duede, Brooklyn Kennedy, Hope Mengel, Pippa Keshk, Ciara Kirkaldy, Alahni Kirkaldy, Tahina Yaya, Ariana Yaya, Finnley Johnson, Cohen Straw, Ben Wilson, Noah Keshk, Harrison Howe.

LISMORE DIOCESE WINTER SPORTS TRIALS

This week saw the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials held in Grafton. Well done to the students who attended.

Hockey - Sonny Dent, Olivia Patricks

Netball - Harper Campbell, Pippa Keshk, Ciara Kirkaldy, Poppy Warren

Football - Harrison Deans, Jack Hammond, Isla Hottes, Noah Keshk, Charlie Maxwell, Hope Mengel, Rosemary Nealand, Jack Tyler, Ariana Yaya, Tahina Yaya

Rugby League - Joey Galvin, Zack Harris, Parker Murphy-Moore, Braxton Sharpley, Ben Wilson.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for the Polding Winter Sports Trials:

Sonny Dent (Hockey)

Pippa Keshk (Netball)

Charlie Maxwell (Football)

Zack Harris (Rugby League) 

Joey Galvin (Rugby League)

LISMORE DIOCESAN AFL TRIALS

Well done to Matthew Welsh and Ben Wilson who attended the Lismore Diocesan AFL Trials. Congratulations to Matthew who was selected to attend the Polding AFL Championships!

NSW PRIMARY SCHOOLS RUGBY 7’S TOURNAMENT

Last Tuesday, St Augustine’s took two U10 sides and three U12 sides to the Coffs Harbour Rugby 7’s Gala Day. The day was lots of fun, with some students playing their first ever game! There were lots of tries scored and tackles made, and all teams played with excellent sportsmanship and great team work. The U10’s teams were untouchable, scoring some impressive tries. Our three U12’s sides were very successful, finishing 1st, 3rd and 4th! We would like to thank our volunteer coaches, Paul Butcher and Dan Burbridge for helping us out on the day. 

YEARS 2-5 SWIMMING PROGRAM

Our Year 2-5 Swimming Program continued this week with a change of venue to the Coffs Harbour  Memorial Olympic Pool.

Instructors are overwhelmed with the students’ progress in their swimming skills as well as their exceptional behaviour. Well done everyone! 

It is important to remember that these lessons are designed to supplement your child’s lessons outside of school. 

ST AUGUSTINE’S CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS

The St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials will take place on Monday 25 March at Geoff King Motors Oval. This event is for competitive runners wishing to trial for the Clarence Zone Cross Country. The distances for each age group are as follows:

8/9 Year (combined age group)- 2km 

10 Year- 2km 

11 Year- 3km

12/13 Year (combined age group) - 3km

A Google form has been sent to all parents of students from Year 2 to Year 6 to nominate for this event. Nominations are due by Tuesday 12 March.

A Compass invitation will be sent to students who have been nominated by their parents. 

If you are after some extra training, please come along and join the Run Club, which is open to students from Years 2 to 6 on Wednesday and Friday mornings on the school field from 8.20 am.

RUGBY UNION

The 2024 Coffs Harbour Crusaders Junior Rugby Union Competition will begin in Term 2 on Friday nights. Please see the flyer attached for further details or contact the following coaches/managers. 

Training started on Thursday afternoon at St Augustine’s from 3.15-4.15pm. It is not too late to register! Please see below for age groups that are looking for some extra players. 

U8’s Craig Landrigan 0406 884 504 Spaces available! 

U9’s Graeme Doyle 0412 452 927 Spaces available! 

U10’s Dan Burbridge 0449 594 140

U11’s Candy Butcher 0438 427 670

U12’s Peter Readett 0499 267 776  Spaces available!

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 11 March

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

Week beginning  18 March

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

Notices