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- Prayer Focus
- Leader's Message
- Parish News
- Seasonal Activities from Parent Assembly
- Sharing Our Learning
- Sport Spotlight
- Primary Inter School STEAM Challenge
- School Accounts
- 2022 Uniforms
- Sunshine Cafe
- Student Awards
- Changes to School Bus Numbers
- What's On Next Week ...
- Advance Dates for Your Diary
- Billboard
Colour Explosion
After much planning, weather watching, setting up and packing up, we were able to have our whole school participate in the long awaited Colour Explosion! It was a wonderful celebration of fun and colour, just what we needed after another interrupted year of community engagement. While we are sad that families couldn’t join us, our students, staff and P&F had a wonderful time, as you will see from our photo gallery.
Once again, I would like to acknowledge and thank our core P&F committee, who have continued to aim towards this lovely event, even when it seemed it was going to be too hard! Thank you Laura Bell, Melinda Robinson, Stephen Zerafa and Rebecca Newton for the organisation, set up and pack up before, during and after the event. Thank you also to Darren Gray for his work in the treasury for providing this free fun event for our students. I also would like to acknowledge the wonderful work behind the scenes of Aunty Heather, who ensures that P&F events and communication always reaches our parents.
We look forward to doing this again in 2022!
Special Awards
As part of our Thanksgiving Prayer Service, we recognised the achievements of those in our school through the first annual Mrs Saunders Star of the Year Award. We congratulate these students on being voted by their teachers and peers to show the qualities that were important to Mrs Saunders and to all of us at school today:
Kindergarten |
Ivy Cutler |
Emmeline Toole |
Year 1 |
Hannah Cooper |
Yzekiel Nieva |
Year 2 |
Cailin Daley |
Taylor Ashcroft |
Year 3 |
Hannah Tony |
Marielle Obeid |
Year 4 |
Charli Hoitink |
Violet Richardson |
Year 5 |
Isabelle Moane |
Jaskaran Saini |
Year 6 |
Matilda Kos |
Jack Cremins |
We are also pleased to announce at our service, the result of an initiative led by Mr Mark Spence, well known for his success with the St Agnes' Parish Drumline. Mark has been working with students in our school to learn drumming during 2021, as part of our Band Program. He has generously offered the gift of a scholarship to one of our students, to encourage the uptake of drums and percussion among girls. One of the most well known drummers to our children is Emma Watkins (aka: the Yellow Wiggle). This scholarship is for one year of free private drum tuition (which is vital for a student truly excelling in drumming and music). We are delighted to announce that the student who received this first award is Bronte Gawith (5L), who has already shown talent and promise.
Celebrating Our Faith
Christmas Mass Times
School Prayer
During the past two weeks, we have gathered to pray together outside, lighting a candle for the weeks of Advent, as we do in the Church. See if your child can tell you about the four coloured candles (and the white one) and what they mean….Hint: check last week’s newsletter…..
Thanksgiving Prayer Service
In Catholic tradition, one of the beautiful representations of our faith is in not just asking for God to be with us and answer our needs, but to give thanks and praise him for the goodness that comes to us.
While we have asked a lot of things of God this year, particularly considering the circumstances of our world and our desire for the uncertainty and fear to go away, we also can recognise the good that has been part of our lives.
On Wednesday, the students of our school gathered together to give thanks for the year that we have experienced. We are thankful for our parents and carers who support us, staff who help us learn and grow, friends and peers who work and play alongside us, a safe environment where we can largely go about our day in peace.
Learning Together
Water Safety Over The Holidays
As you plan your holiday adventures remember to keep water safety at the forefront of your mind. It is always a lovely time of year to enjoy the beach and pools together as a family. Here are just a few tips to assist over the holiday break:-
- CEO Supervision (Constant Eyes On) - Never turn your back on your child around water. It takes just seconds for him/her to be in serious trouble. Segment the supervision responsibilities so there are never questions about which adult is responsible for watching the child and be aware of the distractions unique to the summer months.
- Never swim alone - it is important to always swim with another person.
- If you are swimming in the ocean check for currents or rips.
- Enter the water slowly and feet first.
- Swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach.
- Check the depth of the water and look for submerged objects in inland waterways.
- Check the conditions.
- Self-rescue Skills - Teach young children self-rescue skills.
Please visit the Swim Australia site for more information.
https://swimsafer.org.au/parents-resources/
Year 5 Retreat
Our Year 5 students have completed the Exuro program over Thursday and Friday this week, a retreat experience with a focus on discipleship. The two days focused on our abilities to help others using our hands, eyes and feet despite being young. It is in the little things that we can make big things happen!
Here are excerpts from some of our Year 5 students
"I loved all the learning and fun activities. We didn't let the rain ruin our day and thank God for the sun we had".
"I was nervous at first today but now I'm not! I'm very glad I learnt about Exuro and how to light the world on fire by being disciples of Jesus. It was so much fun. The activities were so much fun and the food was amazing".
"I loved all the fun activities and especially the drama play".
Star Fisherman
Congratulations to Blake Herbert (4MG) for winning trophies for the Male Small Fry Angler Most Tag and Release Points at the NSWGFA State Championship.
Hastings Zone Basketball
Congratulations to the following boys who have been nominated to attend the Hastings Zone Basketball tryouts this Friday: Harry Hoade (4MG), Hudson Alexander (4MG), Charlie Burns (4MG), Liam Jones (4MG), Maddyx Gray (5S) and Xavier Mat (4MG). We wish them the best of luck.
Tennis
In Week 9 we welcomed Greg Alchin from Port Macquarie Tennis Club. He has spent the last two weeks developing our Kinder to Year 6 students with skills in Tennis. Through the Sporting Schools funding we have been able to purchase tennis nets, racquets and low compression balls.
Tennis is a great sport for maintaining health, fitness, strength and agility. It also has social and psychological benefits and you can play it with a club or with friends and family for the rest of your life.
Leah Toole and David Lynch
Sports Coordinator and Assistant Sports Coordinator
Primary Inter School STEAM Challenge
During Week 7 and 8 some of our students from Year 3 to 6 participated in an Inter School STEAM Challenge with students from St Agnes' Port Macquarie, St Joseph’s Laurieton and St Peter’s Port Macquarie.
Using their prior knowledge and research they were challenged to design and create an artwork using a chosen force that was judged by Ann Thurgate from CSO Lismore. The winning teams each received a Micro:bit. All students had the opportunity to participate and produce an artwork that was then judged by their peers with the winning artworks being submitted to the final judge.
Thanks to all our students who participated and challenged themselves. Congratulations to the following students who made it to the final stages of the competition and only just missed out on winning their category.
Year 3 | |||
Noah Alchin | Archie Holloway | Taz Gawith | Sunny Stapleton |
Ruby Gilbert | Dakota-Rose Fletcher | Marielle Obeid | Lylah Robinson |
Year 4 | |||
Chloe Widdison | Olivia Austin | Evie Johnson | McKenzie Newton |
Charlotte Pascua | Sophie Hollis | ||
Year 5 | |||
Joseph Hunt | Matilda Coleman | Isabelle Moane | Imogen Mulligan |
Siya Modi | Jaina Thakrani | ||
Year 6 | |||
Tori McGrath | Savanna Cunneen | Riley Robinson | Jhett Moore |
Phoenix Charnock |
Sarah Blundell
Leader of Digital Pedagogies/STEM
We have now billed for 2022 Student Book Packs and for the Year 6 2022 Leadership Shirt. These amounts are not due until the end of Term 1 2022.
These statements are separate to the school tuition fees collected by St Agnes' Parish Administration. Thank you to the families that have paid their accounts in a timely manner. If you haven't already, we kindly ask that you finalise your school accounts as soon as possible. If you have a plan in place with the school, the statement is for your records only.
A hard copy of your statement has been sent home this week with your child.
Antoinette Smith
Administration - Finance
VOLUNTEERS FOR 2022
At this stage it looks like it will be possible to have volunteers back in the Canteen on a more permanent basis from the beginning of next year. I am looking forward to welcoming new helpers and seeing those of you who have been in to help before again, it has been too long!
If you would like to come in to help, could you please fill in the form below and I will be in touch with you soon to organise a roster for next year. The children love seeing your familiar faces behind the counter of the Canteen too.
The jobs you would be helping with are simple tasks and I will always be here to help you. If you would like to help with another parent/carer who you are friendly with, please let me know that in the comments. The more the merrier!
Click here for Volunteers Form
End of year orders
As we get closer to the end of the year, I will be running down stock levels on some items. You may find that when you go to place your order in Flexischools that some items will be unavailable but I do update the Flexi system daily so it is the best way to know what you can choose from and what is available to order.
I have also placed limits on some items on Fridays as it is my busiest day and I simply can not fit any more items in the ovens. This might mean that if you leave ordering to the last minute that you miss out on your first preference and will need to select a different item so please order early to avoid disappointment.
LUNCH ORDERS
Canteen lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools or by dropping them in the basket on the counter each morning.
Flexischools is our preferred method for submitting lunch orders.
Reminder - Cutoff time for online orders is 8:30am
- Download the Flexischools app from the App Store or from Google Play.
Note: for iPhone and iPad please select ‘Allow’ notification - Click “Register Now” to create account
- Top-up your balance
- Start ordering immediately
- Alternatively Go to www.flexischools.com.au or you can find the link on the school website.
Don’t forget you can place your online orders days or even weeks in advance, making the morning rush even easier!
Kim Goldie
Canteen Coodinator
KBC | Claire Leonard | Leilani Mani | Lacey Lawrence |
1B | Hamish Brockenshire | Sarah Koning | Logan Reilly |
1R | Flynn Loosemore | Ethan Tony | Matihias Bridger |
3D | Zoe Lawrence | Ollie McCormick | Rhys Cutler |
3H | Toby Smurthwaite | Millie Schneider-Smith | Lily Skinner |
4F | Lucy Bennett-Tonkin | Sebastian Bennett-Tonkin | Sophie Hollis |
Ruby Holmes | Lucas Lynch | ||
4MG | Xavier Mat | Oscar Peirce | Luna Tyson |
5S | Maddyx Gray | Millahni Moore | Zali Roberts |
6B | Ysaac Nieva | Jack Cremins | Analiese Bishop |
Sienna Edwards |
For those children who catch school buses to or from school, from 30th November 2021 all school buses will have new route numbers to become part of a state-wide standardised program. These changes include bus routes for Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Wauchope and Kempsey regions.
New school bus route numbers will start with ‘S’ (for school bus), followed by a three-digit route number. For example, S100.
To find the new route number of your school bus:
- see the attached list of bus route number changes;
- check the Busways website at busways.com.au/portmacquarie; or
- contact Busways on 02 6583 2499.
For more information on school bus services, visit transportnsw.info.
Week 11 - Term 4 2021 |
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Week 1 - Term 1 2022 |
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Week 2 - Term 1 2022 |
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Please note these dates can change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances and we will endeavour to advise you of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. Our school Google calendar can be accessed via this link for additional advanced dates -
For your convenience 2022 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.
TERM 1 2022
School Administration Day (Pupil Free) - Friday 28th January 2022
School Administration Day (Pupil Free) - Monday 31st January 2022
Year 1 to 6 Maths Assessment Interviews - Tuesday 1st February to Thursday 3rd February 2022
Kindergarten Best Start Interviews - Tuesday 1st February to Friday 4th February 2022
Year 1 to 6 commence classes for Term 1 - Friday 4th February 2022
Kindergarten commence classes for Term 1 - Monday 7th February 2022
Last day of classes for Term 1 - Friday 8th April 2022
TERM 2
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes for Term 2
Tuesday 26th April 2022
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 2
Friday 1st July 2022
TERM 3
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes for Term 3
Monday 18th July 2022
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 3
Friday 23rd September 2022
TERM 4
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes for Term 4
Tuesday 10th October 2022
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes for Term 4
Friday 16th December 2022
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Monday 19th December 2022
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Tuesday 20th December 2022
Other Holidays in 2022
Australia Day – 26th January (Public Holiday)
Good Friday – 15th April (Public Holiday)
Easter Monday – 18th April (Public Holiday)
ANZAC Day – 25th April (Public Holiday)
Queen’s Birthday – 13th June (Public Holiday)
Labour Day – 3rd October (Public Holiday)
Christmas Day - 25th December (Public Holiday)
Boxing Day - 26th December (Public Holiday)