Term 2 Week 3 Newsletter 2025
Principal's Messages
A NEW CHAPTER FOR OUR CHURCH – WELCOMING POPE LEO XIV
Last week, Catholics around the world celebrated the joyful announcement of our new pope, Pope Leo XIV. As a school community, we join with the global Church in giving thanks for his election and praying for his leadership in the years ahead.
The phrase “Habemus Papam” – meaning “We have a Pope” – was proclaimed from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening Rome time (early Friday morning here in Australia), marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s ministry as the new spiritual shepherd of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
Pope Leo XIV is the direct successor of Pope Francis and continues the unbroken line of leadership that began with Saint Peter, the first pope appointed by Jesus. He now takes on the great responsibility of guiding the Church with wisdom, compassion, and courage.
At St Laurence’s, we pray that Pope Leo XIV will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit as he leads with faith and humility. May his words and witness continue to inspire our students, staff, and families to live with faith, hope, and love each day.
CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
This week, we 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 are hosting 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 is leading a lunchtime activity that reflects 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
Students in Years 5 and 6 are also taking part in special workshops presented by the Armed For Life team, focusing on topics such as resilience, decision-making, and preparing for high school.
In class, students are engaging in lessons that explore 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 be a special celebration of Miss Camilla Ireson’s retirement after her many years of service to Catholic Education. Following the liturgy, staff, invited guests, and attending parents are welcome 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 community together in a fun and joyful celebration. This year’s dress-up theme, chosen by student vote, is SPORTS-THEMED. Come dressed as your favourite athlete, sports team, or sporting activity! Whether it’s a soccer player, ballerina, cricketer, swimmer, gymnast, or even a referee – anything sporty goes! Jerseys, activewear, team colours, or costumes that represent a sport are all welcome. Be creative, comfortable, and ready to move!
Infants (K–2): 5:30 – 6:30pm
Primary (Years 3–6): 6:30 – 7:30pm
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.
A HEARTFELT CELEBRATION OF MOTHER'S DAY
This year, our school community came together to celebrate the wonderful women in our lives in a truly special way. We started the celebration with a beautiful Mother's Day Liturgy presented by our talented Kindergarten students. Led by Mrs. Gain, the liturgy was a heartwarming expression of gratitude and love, leaving everyone in attendance with a smile and a sense of warmth. The dedication and effort put forth by our young learners were truly impressive, and we are incredibly proud of them for creating such a meaningful celebration.
Following the liturgy, families enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sunshine. It was a wonderful time for students and their mothers and mother figures to share together, creating lasting memories in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this day so special. We hope all the mothers and mother figures present felt the deep love and appreciation their children have for them. It was a joyous occasion, and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate together as a community.
Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
HAVE YOUR SAY – ANNUAL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SURVEY
We’re inviting all parents to take part in our Annual School Improvement Survey. Surveys have been 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!
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES
We offer our deepest condolences to Julian (Year 6) and Oliver (Year 5) on the sad passing of their beloved grandmother (Nonna), Anna Rosa. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crisante, McKechnie, and Webber families during this time of loss. May the love and support of our school community bring some comfort as you remember and honour a cherished mother and grandmother.
UNPLUG CHILDHOOD – INSIGHTS FROM DR JUSTIN COULSON
Last week, I attended a free parent session led by renowned parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson at St John's College, and it was wonderful to see a number of our families also present for his valuable presentation, Unplug Childhood. The session explored the impact of excessive screen time on children and offered practical ways parents and carers can support their child to develop into healthy, happy, and connected human beings in a digital age.
Dr Coulson, who is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting voices. He holds a PhD in Positive Psychology and is the founder of happyfamilies.com.au – the source of the helpful articles we share each week in our school newsletter.
The topic of the session, Unplug Childhood, was highly relevant to the primary school age group. Dr Coulson spoke powerfully about the unprecedented challenges today’s children face due to social media and online content. He stressed that managing screen time is no longer enough - what families need is a clear and proactive strategy to navigate the digital world in which our children are growing up.
Today’s children are growing up in a world where they are constantly exposed to devices and screens, often at the expense of the things that matter most for healthy development: sleep, real play, and genuine connection with others. Excessive screen time has been linked to issues such as poor attention, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and reduced social skills.
Yet the heart of Dr Coulson’s message was one of hope and empowerment. He assured parents that it’s not too late to make changes that will support their child’s wellbeing and development. In fact, the sooner we act, the better the outcomes.
Strategies and Practical Advice
Dr Coulson offered a range of strategies for families seeking to reduce screen time and re-prioritise what matters most in childhood:
Delay Device Introduction
Why: The earlier a child is introduced to devices and social media, the higher the risk of negative outcomes like poor sleep, anxiety, and attention difficulties.
How: Hold off on smartphones and social media until at least high school (many recommend 14+ as a minimum age).
Tip: Use basic mobile phones or smartwatches with limited capabilities if needed for communication.
Prioritise a Play-Based Childhood
Why: Free play supports creativity, resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills far more effectively than screen time.
How: Encourage outdoor play, imaginative games, sports, arts, and building things.
Tip: Schedule in boredom—don’t feel pressure to fill every moment with structured activities.
Build a Supportive Community
Why: Children benefit from peer groups and adults who uphold shared screen-time values.
How: Connect with like-minded families to create tech-free playdates, shared expectations at parties, and device-free zones.
Tip: Consider forming a local “Tech-Free Childhood” agreement between parents in your school community.
Introduce Tech Mindfully and Age-Appropriately
Why: Tech literacy is important, but exposure should match developmental readiness.
How: Co-view and co-play digital media with your child, and set clear expectations.
Tip: Use trusted, high-quality apps and programs (e.g., ABC Kids, Reading Eggs), and always avoid unsupervised YouTube browsing.
Model Healthy Technology Use
Why: Children mirror adult behaviour. If you’re always on a screen, they’ll follow.
How: Set boundaries for yourself: no phones at the dinner table, regular digital detoxes, and dedicated screen-free family time.
Tip: Talk aloud about your tech decisions, e.g., “I’m turning this off now so I can focus on you.”
Focus on Connection, Not Control
Why: Trust and open communication are more effective than rigid rules alone.
How: Discuss digital dilemmas with your child, ask for their opinions, and invite them to co-create boundaries.
Tip: Use moments of poor tech choices as learning conversations, not punishments.
Dr Coulson encouraged families to visit unpluggedchildhood.org and explore the free resources available. By taking even small steps - like leaving devices out of bedrooms or agreeing on screen-free family times - families can help their children reclaim childhood and develop healthier habits for life.
He also reminded us that cultural change doesn’t happen overnight - but it does start with us. If 25% of families in a school or community commit to unplugging childhood, research shows it can tip the balance and create lasting, positive change for everyone.
CRAZY CAMEL ART FUNDRAISER – A CREATIVE WAY TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL
We’re excited to announce that our P&F are launching the Crazy Camel Art Fundraiser – a fun and creative initiative that turns your child’s artwork into beautiful, personalised keepsakes and gifts!
As part of the fundraiser, your child will be working with their teacher to create a unique artwork at school using a special template. This artwork can then be printed on a range of products such as calendars, diaries, greeting cards, sketchbooks, tea towels, and more - perfect for Christmas or birthday gifts for family and friends.
A flyer will be sent home soon with details on how to place an order, including the variety of available items. If you’d like to see what the products look like, we have samples on display at the school office - feel free to pop in and take a look.
If you have a younger sibling at home, or if your child would like to create a second artwork with you at home, we have spare templates available from the office. Simply collect a blank template, complete the artwork at home, and return it to school for inclusion in the fundraiser.
Crazy Camel Fundraising is an Australian-based, family-run business that specialises in transforming children’s artwork and family photos into treasured keepsakes. It’s a meaningful and rewarding way to support our school while creating something special that your family will cherish for years to come.
Thank you for supporting this creative and valuable P&F fundraising initiative. We look forward to seeing the beautiful artworks our students create!
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE CEDB NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK MASS
We warmly invite all parents, carers, and members of our school community to attend the National Reconciliation Week Mass at St Brigid’s Church in Dubbo on Friday 30th May at 10.30am. This special Mass marks a significant step in our Diocese’s commitment to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal culture and spirituality within our Catholic tradition.
Bishop Michael McKenna has approved two annual Diocesan Masses to be held each year to acknowledge key dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These Masses will rotate around the Diocese, involving local schools, staff, students, families, priests, and communities.
We are honoured that St Brigid’s Church will host the first Diocesan Aboriginal Mass for 2025 as part of National Reconciliation Week, and we are proud that our school will participate alongside others in this important celebration.
Our school will be represented by myself, Alicia O’Connor (Religious Education Coordinator), Courtney Monaghan and Sarah Goodwin (Aboriginal Education Officers), our Year 6 School Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Student Representative Council members from K-Year 5, and all of our Aboriginal students.
The Mass will be a joyful and respectful reflection of Aboriginal culture and spirituality, and we encourage all families to join us in standing together for truth, justice, and reconciliation.
We hope to see many of you there as we gather in faith and unity.
MAGGIE DENT LIVE IN DUBBO – HELP ME HELP MY TEEN
We are pleased to share that St John's College will host a live event with renowned parenting educator Maggie Dent on Sunday 30th June from 6:30pm–8:30pm. This powerful and practical session, titled “Help Me Help My Teen”, is based on Maggie’s latest book and is designed to support parents, carers, and educators of teens and tweens.
Known as the “queen of common sense,” Maggie Dent draws on decades of experience to offer clear, compassionate, and reassuring advice on some of the most challenging aspects of raising adolescents. During this two-hour event, she will address sensitive topics such as:
Technology and social media
Sex, drugs and alcohol
School refusal and dropping grades
Mental health and identity
Maggie will equip attendees with practical tools and strategies to help young people navigate adolescence and grow into confident, capable adults, all while fostering stronger, safer connections within the family.
Please note: Due to the nature of the topics discussed, teens aged 13+ may attend with a parent or carer at their discretion. All attendees must have a ticket.
📅 Date: Sunday 30th June
🕡 Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
📍 Venue: St John’s College, Dubbo
🎟️ Tickets: $40
🔗 Click here for tickets and more information
This event offers a valuable opportunity for parents, carers and educators seeking practical tools and insights to support the young people in their lives as they navigate the teenage years.
Religious Education
Alicia O'Connor - RE Coordinator
Gospel Focus
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a simple but powerful command: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” This love isn’t just about being nice—it’s about choosing kindness, patience, and forgiveness, even when it’s hard.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, we’re reminded that our schools are places where we are Guided by Faith, Inspired by Hope, and Committed to Learning. When we love like Jesus, we bring faith to life, give hope to others, and build a strong, caring community.
Let’s keep looking for ways to show that love in our words and actions this week.
Please join us for our Catholic Schools Week Liturgy this THURSDAY
We warmly invite all families to attend our Catholic Schools Week Liturgy on Thursday, 15 May at 12:15pm.
During this special celebration, we will also take the opportunity to recognise and give thanks for the many years of dedicated service Miss Ireson has given to Catholic education.
We look forward to sharing this meaningful occasion with our school community.
Confirmation Enrolment Weekend
17th & 18th May – During Weekend Masses at St Brigid’s Church
Mass Times: Saturday 5:00pm | Sunday 9:00am | Sunday 5:00pm
All Year 6 students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged to attend one of the parish Masses this weekend to formally enrol for this important step in their faith journey. Enrolment will take place during the regular weekend Masses at St Brigid’s Church.
We look forward to supporting our students as they prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through this special sacrament.
If you are unable to attend this weekend, you may instead enrol during the Week 4 Confirmation Enrolment Weekend on
24th & 25th May – during the same Mass times at St Brigid’s Church.
Term 2 Events
| Week 4 | YEAR 5 and Kindy Parish Mass ( Friday 23rd May @ 12 noon to be held in St Laurence’s Church) |
| Week 4 | Confirmation Enrolment Weekend ( 24th & 25th of May as part of weekend Masses to be held in St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 5 | National Sorry Day (Monday 26th of May) |
| Week 6 | YEAR 6 & YEAR 1 Parish Mass (Friday 6th of June @ 12 noon to be held in St Laurence’s Church) |
| Week 7 | KING’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Monday 11th of June) |
| Week 7 | Preparation Sessions for Confirmation (Tuesday 10th of June @ 6:15pm after 5:45pm Mass, Wednesday 11th of June @ 4:30pm & Sunday the 15th of June @ 10am after 9am Mass to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 8 | Making Jesus Real (MJR) Visitor - Peter Mitchell (Tuesday the 17th of June) |
| Week 8 | Year 6 RE TEST (Wednesday the 18th of June) |
| Week 8 | Preparation Sessions for Confirmation (Tuesday 17th of June @ 6:15pm after 5:45pm Mass, Wednesday 18th of June @ 4:30pm & Sunday the 22nd of June @ 10am after 9am Mass to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 8 | Enrolment for First Holy Communion (Saturday 21st and Sunday the 22nd of June be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 8 | Whole School Meet 4 Mass (Sunday 22nd of June to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 9 | Preparation Sessions for Confirmation (Tuesday 24th of June @ 6:15pm after 5:45pm Mass, Wednesday 25th of June @ 4:30pm & Sunday the 29th of June @ 10am after 9am Mass to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 9 | Enrolment for First Holy Communion (Saturday 28th and Sunday the 29th of June be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 10 | NAIDOC Day and Celebrations: Liturgy (Thursday 3rd of July to be held in St Laurence’s Church @ 9am) |
| TERM 3 | Celebration of Confirmation 26th/27th July with Bishop Michael McKenna 2nd/3rd August with Parish Priests |
MASS TIMES: St. Brigid’s: Saturday - 5:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday - 5:00pm.
St. Laurence’s Church: Monday- 9:30am, Wednesday - 9:30am, Friday -12 noon and Sunday - 7:30am
School Fees
Term 2 School Fees
Term 2 School fees were issued last week. The Term 2 instalment is due for payment by the 23rd May.
Please contact the office if you need to discuss further.
Sports
DIO CROSS COUNTRY SUCCESS
Congratulations to our dedicated team of athletes who travelled to Coolah on Tuesday to compete in the Diocesan Cross Country. They represented our school with pride and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day.
A special congratulations to all students who gave it their all around the challenging golf course track. We are proud to announce that two of our students have qualified for the next level in Sydney.
- Lawson G achieved an impressive 3rd place in the Senior Boys 3km run.
- Lucy W placed 7th in the 10-Year Girls 2km, securing her spot at the next level.
- Arianna S also performed exceptionally, finishing 10th, making her a reserve for the 10-Year Girls category.
Well done to all participants on their incredible efforts!
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Our Athletics carnival will be held in Week 9 - Wednesday 25th June. Nomination notes will be sent home this week. Nomination forms are due back by Friday 6th June.
BOYS DIO RUGBY UNION TRIALS
Wishing Lawson, Tucker, Eddy and Archie all the best at the boys Diocese Rugby Union Trials this Friday in Bathurst.
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 being safe in all settings.
Being safe in all settings means:
- We keep our hands, feet, mouths and other objects to ourselves
- We use equipment safely
- We walk safely around the school
- We are in the right place at the right time
- We walk on all hard surfaces
- We stay in bounds
Library
BOOK CLUB
The latest Book Club issue went home with students last week. Orders are due online by 19th May 2025
How parents order from Book Club online
- Log in, or create a new account at LOOP
- New parents can follow the Wizard to set up a child's profile
- Click the ORDER tab, and select the child's school and Issue of Book Club
- Select your child's name
- Enter the product item number from the Book Club catalogue
- Apply promotional codes that children may have earned from previous issues
- Make a payment via credit card
- Feel great about the Scholastic Rewards that have been earned from the school!
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.
Helping in the canteen involves serving students at the canteen window, helping sort and organise the lunch orders, cooking food for lunch orders, washing up and cleaning up.
Our meal break times are:
Recess 10:50 - 11:10am;
Infants Lunch 12:40 - 1:20pm;
Primary Lunch 1:10 - 1:50pm.
Any assistance will be much appreciated to ensure our canteen is able to continue functioning for our students.
Dates to remember
Birthdays
Curriculum Corner
YEAR 2
Year 2 has had a great start to Term 2. The class love doing art and have produced two awesome artworks already. A beautiful vase with sunflowers they created with Miss P using bright colours glued onto a black backdrop. I think you will agree they look amazing. Secondly we created a wash background of the sky and coloured hot balloons. We then took photos of what our body and face might do if we were actually in a hot air balloon. The results were awesome!
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!
