Term 1 Week 10 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Messages

PARENT ENGAGEMENT EVENT (FREE EVENT) – DR. JUSTIN COULSON AT ST JOHNS COLLEGE

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT (CCSP) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of support for Catholic school communities. As part of this milestone, CCSP is bringing renowned presenter Dr. Justin Coulson on tour to rural and remote areas to engage with parents and carers.

We are pleased to share that St Johns College will be hosting this FREE event on Monday, 5th May 2025, and we are delighted to extend the invitation to all parents, carers, and family members of our school community. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from Dr. Coulson, an expert in parenting, relationships, and well-being, as he shares valuable insights relevant to families.

Further details can be found in the attached flyer, including the registration link via 123tix. Please note that this event is not publicly listed on 123tix, so registration must be completed using the link provided in the flyer.

We encourage all interested parents and family members to take advantage of this fantastic FREE event. For any further information, please contact St Johns College.

We hope to see many of our families there!

YEAR 2 AND 3 STUDENTS ENJOY A MAGICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE

Our Year 2 and 3 students had a fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC), where they watched Room on the Broom come to life on stage!

Based on Julia Donaldson’s beloved picture book, the performance captivated the audience with its vibrant mix of music, puppetry, and physical theatre. The students were completely engaged as the story unfolded, celebrating themes of friendship, sharing, and teamwork.

It was a wonderful experience that not only brought a favourite book to life but also showcased the power of storytelling through the arts. A truly memorable excursion for all!

YEAR 6 EXPLORES THE SCIENCE OF EARTHQUAKES

Our Year 6 students have been busy shaking things up in Science, diving into the fascinating world of earthquakes and seismology!

As part of their learning, they explored how seismic waves are measured and discovered the crucial role of seismologists in studying Earth's movements. Taking their learning a step further, students had the exciting challenge of building their own seismographs to record movement - bringing science to life through hands-on experimentation.

It was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with real-world science, developing a deeper understanding of how earthquakes are detected and studied. Well done, Year 6!

GARDEN CLUB: HANDS-ON LEARNING IN OUR SCHOOL GARDEN

Our students had a wonderful time getting their hands dirty in the veggie garden during Garden Club at lunchtime! This special opportunity, offered by our dedicated teachers, allows students to spend time in the garden during both Infants and Primary lunchtimes.

Students love exploring, watering, and caring for the plants, but their absolute favourite part is harvesting the fresh veggies they’ve helped grow. It’s a fantastic way for them to learn about nature, healthy eating, and the joy of gardening in a hands-on and engaging way.

We love seeing our students develop an appreciation for the environment and the food they eat - one seed at a time!

TERM ONE CATHERINE MCAULEY AWARDS

We gathered last Thursday for our last assembly for the term to give out the Catherine McAuley Awards. The recipients were recognised for the way in which they live out the values that are central to our beliefs as Catholics. Catherine McAuley founded the Mercy Sisters, who then, so very generously, endeavoured to live out their lives by enriching the lives of many. Our school was founded by the Mercy Sisters. The Catherine McAuley awards enable us to recognise and highlight the link between the works of the Mercy Sisters and Catherine McAuley and the words and actions of our students. The students were recognised for the way they care for others and are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of those around them. It was wonderful to listen to the accolades shared by their teacher regarding each individual student. It is important that we respond and celebrate as a school community the wonderful gifts that each of these students have and acknowledge how they enrich our school community.

Congratulations to the following students who received the Catherine McAuley awards last Thursday:

• Kinder - Airlie
• Year 1 - Aria
• Year 2 - Hazel
• Year 3 - Fred
• Year 4 - Milla
• Year 5 - Thea
• Year 6 - Brianna

EXCITING NEW ADDITION: OUTDOOR TABLE TENNIS TABLE

Thanks to the generosity of our P&F Executive and the wonderful support of our P&F community, St Laurence’s School has welcomed a brand-new outdoor table tennis table!

This fantastic addition will provide students with another engaging option for play, promoting movement, fun, and friendly competition during break times. By participating in activities like table tennis, students are not only staying active but also building friendships, developing hand-eye coordination, and enhancing their overall wellbeing.

We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing commitment of our P&F, whose efforts continue to enrich our school environment and provide valuable opportunities for our students.

PRINCIPAL’S FEATURE ARTIST WALL CELEBRATES STUDENT CREATIVITY

The Principal's Feature Artist Wall is a special showcase that highlights the artistic talents of students at St Laurence’s School. One student from each class is selected to have their artwork displayed in the Principal's office, where it is beautifully framed and admired by visitors and staff.

This initiative provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate student creativity and artistic expression. The artwork is rotated each term, ensuring that different students have the chance to see their pieces proudly exhibited. The joy and pride on the faces of the selected students were unmistakable as they saw their work prominently displayed for all to enjoy.

Congratulations to Amelia, Max, Lily, Orla, Harry, Kenzie and Lawson for being my feature artists for Term One.

I look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating the artistic talents of our students throughout the year!

STUDENTS BUILD EMOTIONAL REGULATION SKILLS WITH ZONES OF REGULATION

Over the past few weeks, our students have been actively developing their emotional regulation skills using the Zones of Regulation framework. This program helps students understand their emotions and equips them with practical strategies to manage different emotional states effectively.

As part of their learning, each student has created a personalised toolbox filled with strategies to support their self-regulation. These toolboxes provide students with tailored techniques to help them recognise and respond to their emotions in positive ways.

It was a pleasure to visit classrooms and engage with students as they shared their insights and discussed how these strategies are making a difference in their daily experiences. We look forward to seeing our students continue to build these essential life skills!

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HAVE YOUR SAY – ANNUAL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SURVEY

We’re inviting all parents to take part in our Annual School Improvement Survey. Surveys will be sent out to all staff, parents, and Years 5 & 6 students on Thursday, 8th May (Week 2, Term 2).

This is a great chance for everyone in our school community to have their say. We genuinely value your feedback - it helps us understand what’s working well and where we can improve. Your insights play a big role in shaping our plans for the future and ensuring we continue to grow as a school.

This is just an early heads-up - we’ll send reminders as the survey date gets closer.

Thank you in advance for your time and input!

CATHOLIC EDUCATION BENEFITS ALL AUSTRALIANS

Catholic schools are Australia’s largest non-government education provider, offering families choice, affordability, and quality education.

With the upcoming federal election, parents may be interested in learning more about school funding and its impact. The National Catholic Education Commission has provided a helpful short video explaining how school funding works. You can find it, along with further information, at https://ncec.catholic.edu.au/2025-federal-election/.

ANZAC DAY: LET'S MARCH TOGETHER

We will commemorate ANZAC Day as a school on Friday the 25th April as we march together. We encourage all our students to join us. Students attending must wear their full summer uniform. We will meet in front of Centrelink in Wingewarra Street at 9:45am. The march starts at 10:15am. All Catholic schools will march together, one after the other, under the school banner. Students will need to be signed in on arrival and signed out when collected. Please ensure that students are signed in and out, otherwise we will have to make a phone call to ensure that they were picked up. Staff will be available to supervise and support students during the march. We will meet parents at the end of the service at the Cenotaph to collect students.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS: SETTING STUDENTS UP FOR ACADEMIC AND LIFE SUCCESS

Regular school attendance establishes a strong foundation for academic growth and paves the way for future achievements and enhancing life opportunities.

Regular school attendance is not just about meeting a requirement; it is a fundamental building block that sets the stage for academic growth, personal development, and the pursuit of life's opportunities. It lays the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational journey.

Consistent school attendance is a key factor in preparing students for success in college and future careers. Employers and higher education institutions value the dedication and commitment demonstrated through regular attendance.

Expect that your child attends and actively participates in their school community.

Religious Education

Gospel Focus

Journeying Through Holy Week

As we enter Holy Week, we are invited to walk alongside Jesus in His final days, reflecting on His love, sacrifice, and triumph. From the joy of Palm Sunday to the solemnity of Good Friday and the glory of Easter Sunday, this is a time to deepen our faith and open our hearts to God’s grace.

May this sacred week remind us of the hope found in Christ’s resurrection and inspire us to live with love, compassion, and gratitude.

Holy Week and Easter Liturgies 2025 (Parish)

* Holy Thursday 17th April
~ Mass of the Lord's Supper at 6pm in St Brigid's Church, followed by Veneration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel

* Good Friday 18th April
~ Public Stations of The Cross Mugga Hill at 10am (or join with pilgrims by walking from St Brigid's Car Park, leaving at 8:30am)
~ Celebration of the Lord's Passion at St Brigid's Church at 3pm

*Holy Saturday 19th April
~Morning Prayer of Waiting at St Brigid's Church at 10am
~ Easter Vigil Mass at 7pm

*Easter Sunday 20th April
~St Laurence's Church at 7:30am
~St Brigid's Church at 9am and 6pm

*Easter Monday 21st
~St Brigid's Church at 9am 

Term 2 Events Upcoming 

MASS TIMES: St. Brigid’s: Saturday - 6:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday - 6:00pm.

St. Laurence’s Church: Monday- 9:30am, Wednesday - 9:30am, Friday -12 noon and Sunday - 7:30am

SJC YEAR 7 2026

Sports

Eugene Shines at NSW Catholic Primary Schools Competition

Congratulations to Eugene on a fantastic effort at the New South Wales Catholic Primary Schools event on Wednesday. She swam brilliantly in the Senior Girls 50m Butterfly, facing tough competition from across the Polding Diocese.

Eugene showed great sportsmanship throughout the event and represented the Bathurst Diocese with pride. Well done, Eugene - we are all so proud of you!

Bike Safety Day

Last Thursday, students enjoyed a day of bike safety, learning important road and safety rules. Kindergarten to Year 6 students loved riding their bikes and scooters around the car park, using the pedestrian crossing and road signs. Thank you to Year 6 for hosting a fun day for all grades. Thank you also to Miss Donoghue for coordinating this event.

Mudgee Netball Gala Day

Our Year 3 - 6 girls had a great time at the Mudgee Gala Day last week. The girls all showed great sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the day. Congratulations girls, you all represented St Laurence's with pride. Thank you to Mrs Trimboli, Mr Inglis, Miss Glynn and Miss Monaghan for accompanying the girls on this excursion. Thank you also to parents who attended to cheer the girls on. 

Coolah Cross Country

A reminder to those students who will be competing at the Coolah Cross Country on Tuesday 6th May (Term 2, Week 2) that registrations need to be completed on the CSNSW website.

Awards

Super Spellers

We are thrilled to celebrate our Super Spellers with certificates awarded to students who have achieved a benchmark score of 92% or higher across 30 lessons (6 tests). It's fantastic to see the progress our students are making in their spelling, and we’re excited to acknowledge their hard work and dedication!

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

As part of our ongoing commitment to Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) each class spends time reviewing and learning about the expectations in specific areas. The focus can be developed from feedback and data. This week our focus is the trampoline.

Being safe on the trampoline means:

• We only have one person on the trampoline at a time
• We keep the zipper closed while it is being used
• We stay away from the edges
• We take our shoes off when we use the trampoline
• We jump safely without flipping

Being responsible on the trampoline means:

• We wait our turn patiently in the line

Being respectful on the trampoline means:

• We stop when our time is up (30 seconds)
• We go to the end of the line if we want another turn
• We treat the equipment with care

Canteen

Thank you to our wonderful parent helpers who have heard our call for help and put their hands up to volunteer on Friday's in our school canteen.

We are still looking for volunteers for Term 2. A note was sent home with students a couple of weeks ago. If you are able to volunteer please complete and return the note or contact the office to discuss.

Any assistance will be much appreciated to ensure our canteen is able to continue functioning for our students.

Dates to remember

Birthdays

Community News