Newsletter 13 September 2024
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Principal's Message
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The Wonderful Musical: A Hint of Snow White
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Faith and Mission News
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Grandparent's Day - Friday 18 October 2024
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K-2 Parent Storytelling 2024
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2024 Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition
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St. Augustine's at Coffs Harbour Running Festival
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Sport News
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CANTEEN NEWS
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Notices
Principal's Message
Friday 13 September 2024- Term 3 Week 8
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and important information for the coming weeks.
The Wonderful Musical: A Hint of Snow White
First, I would like to congratulate our students, staff, and volunteers on the outstanding success of our recent musical, A Hint of Snow White. The performances were nothing short of magical, with our talented students bringing this unique take on a classic story to life. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved truly shined through, and the positive feedback from families and the community has been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful production!
Terracing the Hill
In the final week of school, the field will be closed for landscaping work to begin. This includes terracing the dusty/muddy area near the playground boats and replacing the bottom retaining wall, which is currently leaning and at risk of failing. This is a major project, funded by the Parent Forum along with your school fees. The contract also includes the renewal of the vegetable gardens.
For the safety of our students, we have removed several trees from the school grounds. After a number of near misses, it was determined that these trees posed a significant risk. While we value the beauty of our green spaces, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Rest assured, we will be planting new, more suitable trees to ensure there are shaded areas for the children to enjoy.
Awards Day – Date Change
Please note that our Awards Day has been rescheduled to Monday, December 16. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and we look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements on this special day. More details about the event will be shared soon.
I’ll be on Long Service Leave for the last 2 weeks of school so if you see me on the beach with my dog and a coffee, you will know why. Naomi Loader will be Principal in my absence.
Grace and peace,
Peter Watts
Principal
The Wonderful Musical: A Hint of Snow White
Faith and Mission News
Guiding Our Children in Their Search for Truth, Meaning, and Purpose
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, our children are navigating a landscape filled with endless information, diverse opinions, and constant distractions. Amidst this whirlwind, they embark on a profound journey - a search for truth, meaning, and purpose. As parents, educators, and members of the Catholic community, it is our sacred duty to guide them on this path, providing the support and wisdom they need to discover the profound answers they seek.
Seeking Meaning
Children and young people are on a search for meaning. They want to understand their place in the world and how their lives contribute to a greater purpose. This search is a vital part of their spiritual development and personal growth.
As parents, we can help our children find meaning by connecting their everyday experiences with the broader narrative of God's plan. Encouraging them to participate in community service, join youth groups, and engage in the sacraments can provide them with a sense of belonging and purpose. By witnessing our own commitment to living out our faith, we serve as role models, demonstrating how a life centred on God brings fulfilment and joy.
Discovering Purpose
Purpose is the driving force that compels us to act and live intentionally. For young people, discovering their purpose involves understanding their unique gifts and how they can use them to serve others and glorify God. As parents, we can take a strength-based approach to our interactions with our children and encourage them to identify and use their gifts. This will give them a deeper sense of purpose.
Leading Them to God
Ultimately, the search for truth, meaning, and purpose ends in the search for God. Our role as parents is to facilitate this spiritual journey, creating an environment where our children can encounter God personally.
Encouraging daily prayer and regular attendance at Mass helps to cultivate a habit of seeking God's presence. By making our homes and schools places of faith, love, and acceptance, we create the fertile ground needed for their spiritual growth.
Parish Luncheons
On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, a class attends the Parish Luncheon where they meet some parishioners and enjoy each other’s company. Everyone is welcome to attend as per the details in the flyer below.
Naomi Loader - Assistant Principal Mission
Maria Woods - Leader of School Evangelisation
Grandparent's Day - Friday 18 October 2024
K-2 Parent Storytelling 2024
2024 Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition
A huge congratulations to Jaxen Moore and Sachin van der Walt in Year 6 for their fantastic achievement in the 2024 Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition! Both students finished among the top performers and have been invited to attend a special award ceremony to celebrate their success. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. Well done, Jaxen and Sachin!
St. Augustine's at Coffs Harbour Running Festival
This year, St. Augustine's Primary School proudly participated in the Coffs Harbour Running Festival, with an enthusiastic group of students, staff and families taking part in the 3K Fun Run. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather conditions.
Our students gave it their all and enjoyed the fun and camaraderie of the day. It was pleasing to see the enthusiasm and effort, and it was a fantastic opportunity to encourage healthy living and physical activity.
Thank you to all who participated, supported, and cheered on our runners. A memorable event for St. Augustine's, and we look forward to even more involvement in next year's festival!
Sport News
SPORT CALENDAR 2024
Week 9 | |
Wed 18 Sep | Barney Barselaar Football Cup (Woolgoolga) |
Thu 19 Sep | Todd Woodbridge Tennis Cup (England's Park, Coffs Harbour) |
Week 10 | |
Wed 25 Sep | Lismore Diocesan Netball Knockout (TBC) |
Touch Football Gala Day
Last Tuesday, St Augustine’s students from Year 3 and Year 4 had a fantastic time at the NSW Touch Football Gala Day. With a total of 11 mixed sides, St Augustine’s was well represented and kept the teachers busy with a jam packed draw. Each side was a mixture of experienced and novice players, and it was wonderful to see our students helping their peers along the way. I’m pretty sure there are many students who have now found a love for a new sport! We would like to sincerely thank the parent helpers and student referees who helped to make it a very successful day of touch.
Polding Athletics
The following students competed at the Polding Athletics Championships at Glendale today. We wish them all the best and can’t wait to hear the results!
Nate Butcher, Grace Duede, Yuan Grandeza, Riley O’Brien, Tillie Reibelt, Pippa Keshk and Poppy Warren.
CANTEEN NEWS
Canteen Roster
Week beginning 16 September
- Monday - C Williams
- Tuesday - M & M Black
- Wednesday - C Jones
- Thursday - J Murphy, D Kelly
- Friday - W McLean, K Cochran, Hana
Week beginning 23 September
- Monday - B Rae
- Tuesday - M & M Black
- Wednesday - B Symons
- Thursday -
- Friday - W McLean, L Lawler, C Williams