Newsletter 22 March 2024

Principal's Message

Friday 22 March 2024- Term 1 Week 8

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a wonderful celebration of St Augustine's multicultural diversity we had with Harmony Day today. The school, along with the whole city, has changed over the last few years and we are very blessed to have students from all over the world work and play together here. We have a diverse range of cultures and languages (34 at last count) at school. What a gift!

This week at the Parent Forum there was an involved discussion about the various aspects of school life and how to make it a great experience for your children.  At the meeting the new project of landscaping the area on the hill near the field (below the boat) was discussed, with initial designs being considered. The swimming program, homework and possible modifications to the girls’ uniform were also talked through, with each of these areas being investigated. The purpose of the Forum is to represent the voice of the parent community, discern and advise on strategic direction, build community and raise funds. It is a small and diverse representative group of parents that speak for all families of St Augustine's. We have a vacancy on the group and after Easter, nominations will be called for and details will be explained further. 

Students at St Augustine’s generally behave very well at school and the expectations here are high. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement and hence our recent focus on transitions between spaces, manners and being a good sport, which has helped enhance the school to continue to be a calm, safe and respectful environment. Next week we will begin a new focus on learning in the classroom, particularly practising sustained, focussed, quality work. It will happen gradually and great examples will be rewarded as teacher expectations rise for quality work. 

Next week is what Catholics call Holy Week, beginning on Palm Sunday this weekend. It marks the beginning of a week dedicated to reflection on Jesus and culminates in Jesus’ death on Good Friday and his rising on Easter Sunday. Catholics are often referred to as ‘Easter People’ as it is the most important and sacred time in the Church calendar, enabling our own personal and spiritual renewal. My hope is that you can have some down-time to relax and experience the joy of Easter.

Blessings for all the family,

Peter Watts

Principal

Faith and Mission News

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross will be held in St Augustine’s Church at 8:30am every Friday in Lent finishing today, 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.

Spotlight on 6B Religious Education - Stations of the Cross

In preparation for Holy Week, 6B visited the church to pray and reflect upon the Stations of the Cross. They chose a station that resonated with them and created an artwork.

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6Y at the Parish Luncheon

On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, everyone is invited to our St Augustine’s parish luncheon. Last Wednesday 6Y with Miss Maguire attended. The students recognised some parishioners from Mass and made new friends. They showed them some work samples that they are proud of and enjoyed  each other’s company.

Kinder and Year 6 Buddy Time

Year 6 spent some time with their Kinder buddies hearing the story of what happened to Jesus as he made his great entrance into Jerusalem. The crowds shouted ‘Hosanna! Hosanna to our king!’, waved palm branches and threw their cloaks down for Jesus to ride over on his donkey. I’m sure this experience has helped the Kinder children to remember the story. Thank you Year 6 buddies!

Sacraments in 2024 - Overview

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

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)

Project Compassion Appeal 2024

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.

Parish Picnic 

The St Augustine's Parish is holding a Parish Picnic on 6 April commencing at 11am at the Park Beach Reserve. All St Augustine's School families are invited to come along. A sausage sizzle will be provided and some of the parishioners have volunteered to organise games for the children.

For catering and organisational purposes, please indicate your family's attendance by filling in the Google Form HERE or contacting Samantha at the Parish Office on 66510000.

If anyone would like to join the organising committee, contact Samantha.

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

Project Compassion - Water Tank Fundraiser DONATIONS CLOSE 28 MARCH 2024

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 Gallery

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Learning and Teaching

Professional Learning for Teachers

Emeritus Professor Peter Sullivan from Monash University collaborated with our K-6 teachers last week. Through a series of workshops, Professor Sullivan and our teachers delved deep into the new NSW K-6 Mathematics syllabus and rich tasks. This collaboration will strengthen our teachers' understanding of the curriculum and equip them with refined teaching skills. Ultimately, this will benefit all our students by improving their learning outcomes in Mathematics.

Did you know…at St Augustine’s, we have a 5th teacher in every grade K-6 at 3 days per week You might be wondering what the role of the 5th teacher is.

The 5th teacher….

• is an integral part of our response to intervention for our students with a disability
• leads small group intervention for students who would benefit from additional time to consolidate a concept.
• mainly focus on the syllabus areas of English and Mathematics
• work with High Potential Learner students to extend their learning 

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!!

Mini Vinnies - Easter Guessing Competition

Mini Vinnies is currently holding a Mega Easter Raffle and Easter Egg Guessing Competition. 

Tickets are on sale outside the canteen before school, during lunch and recess. $1 per guess /ticket$2 per 3 guesses/ tickets

Drawn next Thursday after recess before Easter break.

All funds raised will go to Caritas for Project Compassion

Mother's Day - Save the Date - May 10

More details coming soon!

Photo Club

Black and White (Sophie and Maya) Yellow (Skyla)

Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

This is a reminder to mark Tuesday, 28 May, on your calendar for our parent information session with Kirra Pendergast, the founder of Safe on Social. 

Safe on Social, the largest privately-owned trust and safety education and consulting group worldwide, operates independently. This independence ensures an unbiased and dedicated approach to fostering a safer, more compassionate online environment.

This is a parenting session not to be missed.

Kirra shares some of her parenting tips for anyone with children using the game Roblox.

Here's what to do

 Talk!!!!

Drill into your kids the real dangers of talking to strangers and oversharing online....please know that in every session I host with kids they are encountering rubbish behaviour on this game.

 Watch them like a hawk!

Know what they're playing, who they're chatting with, and where they're hanging out on Roblox.

 Lockdown the Controls

Activate every single safety feature. Roblox has them; make them work for you.

 Boost Their Smarts

Teach them to question every interaction and piece of content.

 Report, Then Report Some More

Spot something off? Report it. Keep Roblox accountable for our kids' safety.

 Report to your local law enforcement if you even slightly suspect online grooming.

 We've got to keep our children's online playgrounds as safe as we demand the real ones to be.

LARC NEWS

Borrowing

The LARC is open before school from 8.30am Tuesday -Friday and at lunchtime Monday-Friday. All students are welcome to return and borrow books at any of these times. They do not have to wait until their next Library lesson to change books over. Students are encouraged to change their books as frequently as required, we just want students reading.

Overdue Notices

These are printed out periodically and are a reminder of what books students may still have at home.  If your child believes they have already returned the books please ask them to come and let us know.

Happy Reading

Sport News

SPORT CALENDAR 2024 TERM 1

SPORT CALENDAR 2024 TERM 2

St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials 

The St Augustine’s Cross Country Trials are taking place this year at Geoff King Motors Oval on Monday.  

We wish all of the runners the best of luck! If your child is running in the cross country event please make sure they have a packed lunch rather than ordering lunch. It is also a good idea to take a second drink bottle to ensure they stay hydrated. 

Students may pack an extra shirt to run in if they wish. All students must arrive in full school sports uniform.

Year 2-5 Swimming Program 

This week was the final week of our 5 week school swimming program. It has been incredible to see how much the students have progressed in only 5 weeks. Please consider continuing lessons outside of school to keep the good work going!

Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival 

Our Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival is just around the corner on Friday 5 April. This will be a fun filled day and a chance for students to showcase their fantastic swimming skills. Please encourage your child to enter as many races as they can. Students are welcome to choose between 25m and 50m in the different strokes. We also have novelty events in the indoor pool for our non-swimmers. 

Students are encouraged to get into the house spirit and wear a plain shirt in their house colours and our parents and carers are warmly invited to attend. We may even have time for a parents and teachers race so don’t forget to pack your swimmers and show the kids up! 

Clarence Zone Rugby Union Trials 

Last Monday, St Augustine’s hosted the Clarence Zone Rugby Union Trials. We would like to commend all of the students on their exceptional efforts. The standard of rugby on display was exceptional. Congratulations to the following students who will now attend the Lismore Diocesan Rugby Union Trials held in Grafton on Friday 17 May. 

Noah Keshk, Braxton Sharpley, Zack Harris, Mitchell McKenzie, Jack Hammond, Mayson Doughney, Louis Harrigan, Max McCarthy, Nate Butcher, Hugh Morgan, Riley O’Brien, Lachlan Speirs and Finnley Johnson. 

TERM 1 CANTEEN SPECIALS

On Wednesday 13 March our amazing Canteen volunteers once again served up a storm... of delicious Nachos! 
The Canteen's second ‘whole school’ special lunch day will be a HOT DOG DAY held on the last day of Term 1 - Friday 12 April. Please note Hot Dog orders can only be purchased online via Flexischools (orders close 9am Wed 10 April) and no other lunch orders will be available on the last day of term.

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 25 March

• Monday -  D Budden
• Tuesday -   M & M Black 
• Wednesday - J Hay, C Jones 
• Thursday - 
• Friday -  Good Friday

Week beginning  1 Apri

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

Notices