Term 2 Week 2 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Messages

EASTER LITURGY: A CELEBRATION OF HOPE AND NEW LIFE

Last week, our school community came together to celebrate the Easter season with a special liturgy that honoured the resurrection of Jesus. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the central message of Easter - that through Christ’s rising from the dead, we are given the gift of hope, joy, and new life.

The liturgy was beautifully presented by our Year 5 students, who led the community with reverence and faith. We thank Mr Inglis, Mrs Ravot and Mrs O’Connor for their support in helping the students prepare, particularly given the short time available on the first day back of term.

During the liturgy, we were reminded that no matter the challenges we face, God’s love is stronger, and Jesus is always with us. It was a time for prayer, reflection, and rejoicing as we embraced the enduring message of Easter: that life triumphs over death, and love conquers all.

As part of our celebration, we also remembered Pope Francis in our prayers. In this season of resurrection, we gave thanks for his faithful leadership and prayed that he now shares in the fullness of Christ’s promise - eternal life.

The Easter liturgy was a beautiful expression of our faith and a powerful reminder of the hope that guides us as a Catholic community.

For more photos, see our FaceBook page.

ANZAC DAY LITURGY: REMEMBERING THEIR SACRIFICE

Our school community came together last week to commemorate Anzac Day with a reverent and moving liturgy that paid tribute to the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country.

The liturgy was led by our Year 6 students, who carried out their roles with great respect and dignity. A highlight of the service was a stirring performance of The Last Post and Reveille by Lawson, one of our talented Year 6 students, which added to the solemn and reflective tone of the occasion.

Thank you to Mr Long, Mrs Dickerson and Mrs O’Connor for their support in helping the students prepare. Their guidance ensured the students were confident and respectful in honouring such an important part of our national history.

As we reflected on the sacrifices made by the ANZACs, we were reminded of the enduring values they represent - courage, pride, mateship and a deep commitment to peace. These values continue to inspire us as a community to live with compassion and integrity.

Lest we forget.

ST LAURENCE'S SPELLING BEE SUCCESS

Congratulations to our Stage 2 and Stage 3 Spelling Bee winners and runners up, who have qualified to represent St Laurence’s at the Diocesan Spelling Bee next month.

After a competitive round of finals involving ten Stage 3 and nine Stage 2 students, the following students achieved outstanding results:

• Stage 3: Brianna (Year 6) – Winner, Harry (Year 6) – Runner Up

• Stage 2: Nash (Year 4) – Winner, Olivia (Year 4) – Runner Up

These students should be very proud of their achievements, having performed exceptionally well in what was a highly competitive and challenging event. All finalists are to be commended for their effort, preparation and enthusiasm throughout the competition.

We wish Brianna, Harry, Nash and Olivia all the very best as they take the next step and compete at the diocesan level.

JOIN US FOR OUR P&F GENERAL MEETING – TUESDAY 6TH MAY

Our next P&F General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th May at 6:30pm via Zoom. All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend, and we would love to see as many people as possible join us online. The Zoom link will be shared via Compass the day before the meeting.

One of the key items on the agenda will be the adoption or amendment of the new P&F Constitution. If you would like to read through the proposed constitution ahead of the meeting, please see the link below.

We will also begin planning for our upcoming Soccer Gala Day, which is always a much-anticipated event in our school calendar.

Your input and support are highly valued, so please consider joining us for this important meeting. We look forward to working together to continue strengthening our school community.

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.

Thank you in advance for your time and input!

KEEPING OUR STUDENTS SAFE: DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES

The safety of all students is our highest priority, and we thank families for supporting safe and respectful practices during drop-off and pick-up times.

We remind all parents and carers that the school car park is not to be used for drop-off or pick-up before or after school. This includes driving through or parking in the car park, as it presents a serious risk to student safety, particularly for those walking through the area to enter or exit the school grounds. Additionally, the disabled parking space in the car park is reserved solely for families who require it for daily access. Please do not use this space unless you are authorised to do so.

Parents driving their children to school are asked to use the Jubilee Street Gate drop-off/pick-up zone. Another option is to drop off on Tamworth Street near the church gate, where students can use the sectioned pedestrian crossing to enter the school via the car park gate. Families may also choose to drop off on Fitzroy Street, where students can walk along the footpath to the main entrance gate.

In the afternoons, parents may also choose to park near McAuley Hall in Fitzroy Street and walk into the school grounds to collect their child, who will be waiting on the seat outside the Year 3 classroom.

Please note that staff are not rostered for supervision before 8:20am. If you need to drop your child off earlier, ensure they enter the grounds safely. Students arriving before supervision begins are expected to sit quietly until duty commences at 8:30am.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to maintain a safe and orderly environment around our school.

CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK – WEEK 3

In Week 3, we will join Catholic schools across the Diocese in celebrating Catholic Schools Week, a time to recognise the unique mission and spirit of Catholic education. This year’s theme, ‘Guided by Faith, Inspired by Hope, Committed to Learning’, highlights the values that shape everything we do at St Laurence’s - nurturing faith, fostering a hopeful outlook, and striving for excellence in learning.

Catholic schools play a vital role in forming young people who are compassionate, resilient, and deeply aware of their responsibility to others. At St Laurence’s, we are proud of the way our students are supported not only in their academic development, but also in their growth as people of faith and service.

Throughout the week, we will host a number of special events and activities that showcase the vibrant learning, leadership, and community spirit that exists in our school every day. Each Student Representative Council (SRC) ministry will lead a lunchtime activity, reflecting their role and focus within the school:

• Religion Ministry – Lunchtime colouring-in competition

• Environment Ministry – Class recycling competition

• Sports Ministry – Ninja Warrior Course during play times

• Public Relations Ministry – Student surveys to help choose songs for the school dance playlist and select a dress-up theme

In addition, Year 5 and 6 students will take part in special workshops presented by the Armed For Life team, focusing on important topics such as resilience, decision-making, and preparing for high school.

In class, students will also engage in a series of lessons exploring key aspects of Catholic education and the impact Catholic schools have in shaping lives.

Two key events will take place on Thursday:

• We will gather for a Catholic Schools Week Liturgy, which will also serve as a special celebration of Miss Camilla Ireson’s retirement after her many years of service. Following the liturgy, staff, invited guests, and attending parents are invited to join us for a luncheon in her honour.

• On Thursday evening, we look forward to our annual School Dance, a much loved tradition that brings our school community together in a fun and joyful celebration. This year’s dress-up theme, chosen by student vote, is SPORTS.

  • Infants (K–2): 5:30 – 6:30pm

  • Primary (Years 3–6): 6:30 – 7:30pm

We also warmly invite all families to join us again on Friday 9th May, beginning with our Mother’s Day Liturgy, followed by Open Classrooms. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important women in our lives and for families to visit their child’s classroom and see some of the fantastic learning taking place.

We look forward to a wonderful week of celebration, reflection, and community spirit as we mark Catholic Schools Week together.

SCHOOL DANCE - PARENT HELPERS NEEDED

We are looking for a group of 5 or 6 parent helpers to assist with distributing refreshments to students at the school dance on Thursday, 15th May, between 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Each child will receive a popper, Zooper Dooper, and a piece of fruit, and we need volunteers to help hand these out from the hall kitchenette window. If you are available to assist, please contact Sharon Taylor at s.taylor@bth.catholic.edu.au before Thursday of Week 3.

MOTHER’S DAY LITURGY, LUNCH & OPEN CLASSROOMS – FRIDAY 9TH MAY

We warmly invite all mothers, grandmothers, and mother-like figures to join us for a special Mother’s Day Liturgy on Friday, 9th May, at 12:45 pm in St Laurence’s Church. Kindergarten students will be presenting the liturgy, and we are excited to celebrate the important role that mothers and mother-like figures play in our lives.

Following the liturgy, we invite families to join us for a BYO picnic lunch in the school grounds. This will be a lovely opportunity to relax and spend time with one another.

We will also be starting our Catholic Schools Week activities on this day with Open Classrooms during lunchtime. Parents and families are encouraged to visit their child’s classroom and see the exciting work students have been doing. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the learning happening at school and share in the pride our students have in their achievements.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the special role of mothers and mother-like figures in our lives.

A WARM WELCOME TO A NEW FAMILY 

We are delighted to warmly welcome the Jacob family to our St Laurence's community! Daniel has joined us in Year 1, and Abel is now part of Year 4. We are excited to have them as part of our school and look forward to getting to know them better as they settle in.

Please join us in making the Jacobs feel at home here at St Laurence’s!

PARENT LINE - FREE SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

Parent Line NSW is a free telephone counselling, support and referral service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in New South Wales. 

Whether you need some help or just want someone to talk to, the qualified and experienced counsellors are available seven days a week to support you.

What Can I Talk to Parent Line NSW About?

Parent Line counsellors can help to support you, offering advice and guidance on concerns such as …

• Child and adolescent mental health
• Friendship issues and bullying
• Social media and increased screentime
• Anxiety in children
• Child and behaviour development
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Support during family separation
• School transitions
• Family violence 

Call Parent Line NSW on 1300 1300 52 to access free and confidential counselling. 

Open Monday to Friday (9am to 9pm) and Saturday & Sunday (4pm to 9pm).

You can also visit parentline.org.au to find parenting tips.

NEW CCSP WEBSITE

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT is proud and delighted to provide you with the link to their new website.

CCSP is committed to being recognised as a strong voice that advocates for families in our Catholic schools. As part of their current strategic plan, one of their aims was to 'create a new multilingual and easily accessible website, so all parents and carers are aware of the work of CCSP and are able to contact us through the website'. 

CCSP has created a website that can be translated into over 140 languages and offers easily accessible ways for parents and carers to stay in touch with the team. The site features interactive maps that link to information about CCSP members, dioceses, and numerous resources and links for families and schools. 

Please take a moment to click on the link below and have a look around!

https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/

CCSP SPECIAL EVENT

Religious Education

Gospel Focus

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” What a beautiful reminder that we are known, loved, and protected by Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Just as He cares for each of us, we are blessed by the love and care of our mums, grandmothers, and all those who nurture us. This Mother’s Day, we give thanks for their constant support, their gentle strength, and the way they reflect God’s love in our lives. May all mothers feel deeply appreciated and richly blessed today.

As we reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we also hold in prayer those discerning a vocation to priesthood and religious life. We keep the faces of our seminarians in the forefront of our minds, asking God to guide and strengthen them. May our prayers encourage others to listen for God’s voice and respond with generous hearts.

PARISH NOTICE: If you attend Mass this Sunday please bring a posy of flowers to be laid before Mary Mother of God if you are able. 

DURING WEEK 3 WE WILL CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL'S WEEK
Soon Catholic School's Week will be celebrated in Catholic schools throughout the Bathurst Diocese from Monday 12 May through to Sunday 18 May. This annual event is an opportunity for schools to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in these schools every day. The theme for this year’s celebrations is: Guided by Faith. Inspired by Hope, Committed to Learning.

In the words of our Executive Director of Schools, Christina Trimble,
“Catholic schools stand as a beacon in our society, for their contribution to the common good and to the nation’s social capital. They have helped to nurture a more just, tolerant and cohesive society”.

There are 33 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bathurst that educate around 9000 students and most will celebrate Catholic
Education Week in some way. Our school is planning a number of activities during week 3. 

Term 2 Events

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

Sports

COOLAH CROSS COUNTRY

Good Luck to the following students who will represent our school at the Bathurst Diocese Cross Country on Tuesday in Coolah; Edward, Flynn B, Eldho, Sophia, Ada, George C, Max C, Archie, Maddi, Jonti, Sophie G, Lawson, Tessa, Miles, Lachlan M, Isaac M, Oscar M, Brianna, Arianna, Elijah S, Elijah W, Lucy W, Hudson W, Eden, Airlie W.

BATHURST DIOCESE RUGBY UNION 

Notes for the upcoming Bathurst Diocese Boys Rugby Union trials have been sent home. If your child received a note please ensure they register on the CSNSW sport site by Friday 9th May. Trials will be held on Friday 16th May in Bathurst.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Our Athletics carnival will be held in Week 9 of this term. Nomination forms will be sent home in the coming weeks.

WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

Walk Safely To School Day is on Friday 16th May. If able, children are encouraged to walk to school that day. If they aren't able to walk the whole way you may wish to park a block away and walk together from there.

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 before and after school.

Being respectful BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL means:

• We follow the teacher’s directions
• We are polite to the bus driver

Being responsible BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL means:

• We move to the correct area quickly after the bell

Being safe BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL means:

• We remain seated until the teacher is on duty
• We wear our hats 
• We walk to our set lines
• We stay in our set lines
• We keep our hands and feet to ourselves

Lunchtime Clubs

Canteen

Dates to remember

Birthdays

Curriculum Corner

YEAR ONE

Year One have had a busy start to Term 2. We have been amazing mathematicians, revising a variety of mathematical concepts.

We have also celebrated Easter and ANZAC Day with our Liturgies. Year One took some time learning about the great things Pope Francis did for everyone. We reflected on how we can be just like Pope Francis.

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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!

Happy Families

Community News