Term 4 Week 8 Newsletter 2024
Principal's Messages
YEAR 5 STUDENT WINS DUGALD SAUNDERS' CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
St Laurence's School had the pleasure of welcoming Dugald Saunders MP to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Year 5 student, Brianna. She was awarded a special certificate and a $200 gift voucher for winning Mr Saunders’ annual Christmas Card Competition.
This year's theme, Your Favourite Sporting Christmas, inspired Brianna to create an incredible artwork that will feature on Christmas cards sent to thousands of households across the region. We are immensely proud of her creative talent and congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment.
SPELLING BEE REVIEW AND UPDATE
This year, we undertook a review of our Spelling Bee competition processes to ensure the event remains an engaging and positive experience for all students in Years 3–6. We sought input from parents via a survey to help guide our decisions moving forward.
Currently, the Spelling Bee involves all students in Years 3–6. Each student practices a set list of words and participates in elimination rounds within their Stage group, with class teachers serving as judges. The top 10 students from each Stage advance to the Stage Final, held in the school hall in front of Years 3–6. Winners and runners-up then represent our school at the Diocesan Spelling Bee in Wellington.
In the survey, we asked for feedback on whether to:
- Continue with current practices – All students from Years 3–6 participate in their Stage group elimination rounds, with finalists progressing to the Stage Final.
- Allow students to nominate – Students from Years 3–6 could nominate themselves to participate in their Stage group elimination rounds, qualifying for the Stage Final if successful.
- A combination approach – All Year 3 students participate in the class elimination round to gain experience, with self-nomination for the competition beginning in Year 4.
We only received 28 responses to the survey, representing 18.7% of our 150 families. The feedback showed the following preferences:
- 42.9% supported continuing with current practices.
- 28.6% favored student nomination for participation.
- 28.6% supported the combination approach of compulsory participation in Year 3 and self-nomination from Year 4 onward.
After reviewing the survey results and discussing the matter with staff during a recent professional development session, we decided to maintain the current practices for the Spelling Bee. This decision aligns with the majority preference in the survey and ensures the inclusivity of all students in Years 3–6.
For students with additional needs, participation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with parents and the Support Team. One adjustment to the process is that the Stage Finals in the hall will now only be attended by the classes within that Stage, creating a more comfortable environment for our students.
We thank all families who took the time to share their feedback. Your input is invaluable in shaping programs that support and challenge our students. We look forward to another exciting Spelling Bee and celebrating the enthusiasm and talents of our students as they engage in this fun and educational competition!
YEAR 6 STUDENTS PREPARE FOR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION
Last week, our Year 6 students enjoyed a successful second orientation day at St John's College, where they had the opportunity to experience high school life and engage in a variety of exciting activities. Among the highlights, students were particularly impressed by the innovative sandbox in HSIE, which uses lights to display terrain and topography, creating a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Of course, the canteen also received rave reviews!
This morning, the transition team from St John's College visited our school to continue preparing our Year 6 students for their move to high school. The session, titled "Hit The Ground Running", was filled with practical advice and activities to help students feel ready and confident.
A special moment during the visit was the appearance of two of our former students, Rusty and Dylan, who are now thriving in Year 7 at St John’s. They shared their insights and personal tips with our Year 6 students, offering valuable advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities of high school.
We are grateful to St John’s College for their continued support and dedication to ensuring a smooth and positive transition for our students.
ZOO ADVENTURES FOR ST LAURENCE'S STUDENTS
Last week, our Year 1, 2, 3, and 4 students had the exciting opportunity to visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo, engaging in fun and educational experiences that brought them closer to nature and wildlife.
Stage 1 Adventures
On Thursday, our Year 1 and 2 students explored the wonders of the Zoo during their visit to the Education Centre for the Bush Buddies experience. The students enjoyed hunting for insects, patting a turtle and a lizard, and learning about the unique Australian platypus at Platypus HQ. They were also fascinated by a real-life operation in the Zoo’s hospital, where a cockatoo was receiving care.
Stage 2 Experiences
The Year 4 students had an unforgettable overnight adventure with the Zoo Snooze at Billabong Camp. This special experience helps prepare students for future overnight excursions in Stage 3, such as the Great Aussie Bush Camp and the Canberra trip.
On Friday, Year 3 students joined Year 4 at the Zoo for a day of exploration and learning. In the Education Centre, they got up close with a python, a frog, and stick insects, sparking curiosity and wonder about these fascinating creatures.
We were fortunate with the weather, as the rain stayed away, allowing everyone to enjoy the excursions fully.
A heartfelt thank you to our teachers for their meticulous planning and organisation, and to the aides and staff who accompanied and supported the students throughout these enriching experiences.
It was a week full of adventure, learning, and memories that will stay with our students for years to come!
2025 CLASS TEACHERS
Teachers have been allocated for each class for 2025. Further appointments will be notified as they are finalised.
KINDER - Mrs Carmen Gain
YEAR 1 - Mrs Kellie Rowe
YEAR 2 - Mrs Claire Bynon
YEAR 3 - Ms Monique Donoghue & Mrs Jo Trimboli
YEAR 4 - Mrs Alicia O'Connor & Mrs Jo Tegart
YEAR 5 - Mr Jack Inglis
YEAR 6 - Mr Andrew Long
100, 150, 200, 250 & 300 NIGHTS OF READING SUPERSTARS
More students happy to be checking off 100, 150, 200, 250 and now 300 nights of home reading last week! We love celebrating reading at St Laurence's and encourage our students to develop a love and enthusiasm for reading. When students achieve 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 nights of Home Reading they are rewarded with a special book prize from my Book Box.
Religious Education
Alicia O'Connor - RE Coordinator
Gospel Focus
Prepare the Way of the Lord
In Luke 3:1-6, we hear John the Baptist's call to "prepare the way of the Lord." John reminds us that Advent is a season of preparation, not just for Christmas, but for Christ’s presence in our hearts and lives. Just as valleys are filled and rough paths made smooth, we are called to reflect on what needs "smoothing out" in our lives—perhaps through forgiveness, kindness, or acts of service. As we prepare for Jesus’ coming, let us open our hearts to God’s grace, so we may bring His light and hope to others in this joyful season of waiting.
Term 4 Events
| Week 9 | End of the Year Graduation Mass at St Laurence's Church |
| Week 9 | Assembly and Catherine McAuley Awards (Friday 13th of December) |
| Term 1 2025 | Save the date for our Opening School Mass 2025 (Wednesday 12th February @ 9:30 am) |
MASS TIMES: St. Brigid’s: Saturday - 6:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday - 6:00pm.
St. Laurence’s Church: Sunday - 7:30am
Sports
Music/Band
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 respectful in the classrooms.
Being respectful in the classroom means:
- We raise our hand to speak and wait our turn
- We stay on task
- We behave respectfully for all staff
- We do as we are asked straight away
- We show respect to all by actively listening
- We wait until others finish their conversations before speaking
Library
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.
The roster for Term 4 is available by clicking the link below: CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS ROSTER - TERM 4 2024
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
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students proudly display their artwork and writing projects, demonstrating impressive progress in both their artistic expression and literacy skills throughout Term 4.
