Newsletter 14 February 2025

Principal's Message

Friday 14 February 2025- Term 1  Week 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a wonderful start to the year, and I am pleased to share some important updates and reminders with you.

Focused Learning in the Classroom
One of our key goals this year is to increase sustained and focused time in class. We are already seeing great progress in this area, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing these habits at home. Encouraging your child to work diligently in class and linking their efforts to future opportunities will help build strong academic foundations and resilience for high school and beyond. Prioritising homework not only strengthens skills but also conveys the essential message that education is vital for their future success.

Parent-Teacher Meetings
Parent-teacher meetings begin on March 3, and instructions for online booking were sent out today. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to check in with your child’s teacher, share insights, and ensure the best possible learning experience for your child. Teachers will provide initial feedback on work habits and social interactions, while parents can share helpful information about their child's learning preferences and interests.

School Fees Update
Unfortunately, school fees have increased this year to cover necessary costs. Fees are determined by our head office and collected centrally before being distributed to schools. While federal and state governments fund approximately 80% of our running costs, your contributions help us maintain excellent facilities, programs, and support for our students. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, there are options available for reduced payments based on individual circumstances. Please contact the Fees Office for a confidential appointment.

School Photos
Say cheese! School photos are scheduled as follows:

• Monday: Years K-4
• Tuesday: Years 5-6
  Please ensure your child is in full school uniform on their designated photo day.

Canteen Helpers Needed!
We are in desperate need of canteen volunteers! If you can spare just two hours once a month, you can help keep this valuable service running. Fridays are particularly busy, and we need extra hands. Bring a friend and lend a hand—your help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your ongoing support in making our school a wonderful place for learning and growth.

Grace and peace,

Peter Watts

Parent / Teacher Meetings - Semester One 2025

Dear Parents/Carers,

Semester One Parent/Teacher meetings have been scheduled for Week 5 (03 March to 07 March 2025). 

Online bookings will open on Monday 17 February at 09.00am and will close on Friday, 28 February at 12.00pm with interviews commencing on Monday, 03 March 2025 and go to Friday, 7 March 2025. Some teachers may have some additional time available in Week 6.

The Parent/Teacher meetings can be booked via your Compass app or desktop in the Conference tab.  

The Parent/Teacher meetings are an important part of effective home-school communication and allow you to gain a greater understanding of your child’s progress.

If you have difficulty in making a booking, please contact the school office. 

Welcome to our new staff for 2025!

We are thrilled to welcome (L to R) Ambre Duffy, Brhiannon Ritchie, Maddison-Lee Bosshard, Shakirra Silvia-Peterkin, Shae Baker, Jillian Smith, Gemma Savari, and Gloria Mercy and Craig Warnes (not pictured) to the St Augustine's School family. They are working across the school in various roles including classroom teachers, teacher assistants, Aboriginal Education and pastoral care & wellbeing. Make sure you say hello next time you see them.

Faith and Mission News

First Eucharist and First Reconciliation

The information evening for parents of students who will be receiving these sacraments will be held in the assembly area on Wednesday 26 February at 6:30pm. Parent attendance at this meeting is important. If your child has not yet been enrolled in the preparation program, please do so via the GOOGLE FORM. Enrolments are due by Friday 21 February.

Confirmation

Although the students won’t begin preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation until next term, we ask that you fill in this GOOGLE FORM to enrol your child if you wish for them to receive the Sacrament this year.

2025: Jubilee Year of Hope

We are excited to announce that 2025 is the Jubilee Year of Hope, a significant occasion in the Church calendar that invites us to renew our faith, deepen our connection with God, and share the joy of hope with the world.

A Jubilee Year is a special time of celebration and renewal declared by the Church, rooted in the biblical tradition of jubilee as a time for restoration, forgiveness, and fresh beginnings. It is an opportunity for Catholics worldwide to reflect on God’s mercy and blessings while committing to living out the Gospel message with renewed vigour.

The theme of Hope is particularly meaningful as we come together to embrace Christ’s promise of new life and share His love in our families, community, and beyond.

Throughout the year, our school will mark this sacred time with a variety of events and activities designed to inspire hope and strengthen our faith.

Jubilee Information for Families

Parish Luncheons

Next Wednesday 19 February, 4 Blue will be attending the Parish Luncheon. All are welcome to attend.

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

Pastoral Care

A huge welcome to all of our students for 2025 especially our new students and delightful Kindergarten students. 

Below are some important Pastoral Care documents for your perusal. 

The Blue Sky course linked below may also be of interest to you:

Blue Sky Community Services is facilitating a range of upcoming parenting programs. These are free programs with refreshments provided and lunch provided for the Tuning Into Teens all-day session. There are online and face-to-face sessions available for the Teen Tactics, #Addicted, School Avoidance and the Age of Rage Programs.

 TUNING INTO TEENS (All Day Session)

 Thu, 27 Feb, 9am - 3pm 

Tuning into Teens (3 x 2 hourly sessions)

 Thursday, 6th March, 10am - 12pm

 Thursday, 13th March, 10am - 12pm

 Thursday, 20th March, 10am - 12pm 

Teen Tactics: Navigating teenage defiance, peer pressure and risk-taking

Mon, 17 Mar, 10am - 12pm AEDT(Opens in new tab) 

Mon, 17 Mar, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEDT(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 19 May, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 19 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST 

#Addicted: Raising teens in an age of social media addiction

Mon, 24 Mar, 10am - 12pm AEDT(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 24 Mar, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEDT(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 5 May, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 5 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST 

School Avoidance: Overcoming school-related stress and anxiety

Mon, 7 Apr, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 7 Apr, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 12 May, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 12 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST 

Age of Rage: Responding to your teen's anger and aggression

Mon, 3 Mar, 10am - 12pm AEDT(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 3 Mar, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEDT(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 26 May, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)

Mon, 26 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST

Welcome to our 2025 Kinders!

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School Photos Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 Feb

K-2 Parent Storytelling 2025

NEWS FROM THE LARC

If your child has borrowed one of these spare library bags please return it to the LARC so other students can also use them.

LARC borrowing days:

Monday -Kindergarten

Tuesday -Year 1 and Year 4

Wednesday -Year 2 and Year 6

Thursday -Year 3 and Year 5

2025 KINDER INFO NIGHT - Wed 19 FEB

St Augustine's Golf Day 2025

GREAT GOLF - WONDERFUL SPONSORS!

The St Augustine's Golf Day held last Sunday was once again a great success on a perfect day. Many thanks go to Paul McAra and the committee from Coffs Harbour Golf Club for organising the day and to all our wonderful participants and sponsors, particularly Faircloth Reynolds and Daikin Australia.

Sport News

Polding Summer Sports Trials  

Last Friday, Nate Butcher (Basketball), Ariana Yaya (Basketball) , Rylee Cutler (Basketball) , Jade Causley (Basketball) , Riley O’Brien (Tennis), Angus Morgan (Tennis) represented the Lismore Diocese at the Polding Trials in Tamworth. 

We are very excited to announce that Nate Butcher, Riley O’Brien and Angus Morgan have been successful in gaining a position on the Polding teams to compete at the NSWPSSA championships in their respective sports. Congratulations boys! 

Winter Sports Trials 

Nominations have now closed for the Winter Sports Trials (Hockey, Netball, Football, Rugby League and Rugby Union). This week we conducted trials at school for Netball and Boys Football (soccer). Nominations for those successful at these trials as well as those who nominated for all other sports have now been passed on to the conveners. Best of luck to all! 

Diocesan AFL Trials 

Nominations have now closed for the Diocesan AFL trials (boys). Please keep an eye on correspondence from the Diocese for further information. Girls have the opportunity to trial later in the year and this will be advertised through notices. 

Rugby Union 

We are on the countdown to the start of rugby season again at St Augustine’s, with training commencing on Thursday 6th March. 

U8’s Coach and Manager positions available!!

This year we are on the lookout for some new coaches/managers for our U8’s side. (Players turning either 7 or 8 this year). Coaches are well supported with optional coach training available. All training gear is provided for you, so all you have to do is focus on the team! Training commences at 3.15pm on Thursdays, however times are flexible and can work around our coaches. Please contact Candy Butcher on 0438427670 if you would like to join our team of coaches. :) 

If you are new to rugby this year (any age) please contact the coach/manager for your team before registering to have your name and number added to the team What’s App group. 

U8’s (Players turning 7 or 8) Coach/Manager TBC 

Please contact Candy Butcher as SAPS Club Manager on 0438 427 670

U9’s (Players turning 9) Heath Murphy  0428 638 763

U10’s (Players turning 10) Graeme Doyle 0412 452 927

U11’s (Players turning 11) Dan Burbridge 0449 594 140 

U12’s (Players turning 12) Paul Butcher 0488 650 129 

Free Cricket Clinic for Girls 

This is a very exciting opportunity for our girls starting in Week 4, especially after a very successful campaign of our Australian Women’s side over England! Simply use the QR code below to register. 

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Roster

Week beginning 17 February 

• Monday - C. Williams  
• Tuesday -   M & M Black  & K Humm
• Wednesday - S Rowan 
• Thursday - V Paul 
• Friday -  W McLean, C Rose, B Symons

Week beginning  24 February

• Monday - M Mainey
• Tuesday - M & M Black
• Wednesday - S Rowan   
• Thursday -  B Symons 
• Friday - W McLean,  C Williams, R Felton

Notices