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Mrs Rosemary Saunders
This week we were saddened as a community by the news that Mrs Rosemary Saunders (2S) died on Monday evening. As the staff and students have been supported through the week, they have also been boosted by the many messages and well wishes from the wider community.
We hold the Saunders family in our thoughts and prayers and may we all continue to support them in this sad time. We extend our condolences to her children Emma, Jonny and Abby, her siblings and their extended families.
This week our students took many opportunities to remember Mrs Saunders very fondly;
- Thank you for being the best teacher ever.
- You are loving and kind.
- You are an amazing person.
- We will miss your smile and your bright, bubbly personality.
- It’s a struggle to say goodbye but you must know that you’ll be in our hearts and thoughts forever.
- Mrs Saunders would always go out of her way to make people happy.
- It’s so hard to forget a teacher who gave us so much to remember.
- Although you are not with us in person we know you are with us in spirit looking over us.
May the choirs of angels come to greet her.
May they speed her to paradise.
May the Lord enfold her in his mercy.
May she find eternal life.
Amen
Rosemary’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 8th December in St Agnes' Church at 9:30am.
A note regarding the details has been emailed to families today.
St Agnes' Uniform Store Summer Trading Hours
St Agnes' Uniform Store's last day of trading for 2020 is Saturday 19th December 2020 and will re-open on Monday 4th January 2021.
January Trading
Trading hours from 4th January to 30th January 2021
Monday to Friday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am - 12noon
Trading hours revert back to normal from Monday 1st February 2021.
Monday to Friday - 12noon - 5:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am - 12noon
New Mass Schedule and booking system
- Phone the Presbytery on 6583 1024
- Book online via the Parish Website (go to Mass Times then click on the 'Book into Mass here' button and follow the prompts)
If you can't make it to Mass in person, why not join Bishop Greg Homeming who celebrates Mass at the Carmelite Monastery in Goonellabah, at 8:00am each Sunday via live stream on the Lismore Diocese YouTube channel (click here to view the site).
The much anticipated event of establishing our Spoonville community took place on Friday 27th November.
The main aim of Spoonville was to provide students with a wonderful experience of decorating their own Spoonys and placing them in the Village - helping to instill hope, positivity and connection to others.
The excitement was infectious and every student spent careful time deciding not only where they wanted to place their Spoony, but also admiring and commenting to their peers on the other Spoonys in the village.
We hope that when you come to collect your children from homelines or go past the school that you will also get a big smile on your face when you see Spoonville and feel the hope, excitement and connection with our school community.
We will be registering our Spoonville community with Spoonville International.
For many, Christmas is not the happy time that we wish for everyone. Perhaps you might consider making your own Spoonville in your neighbourhood to inspire hope and connection.
A big thank you to all the parents and carers who sent in spoons for their children and to those that sent us in some extras - they we greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you to all the staff as well for supporting this initiative and inspiring your students creativity and wellbeing.
Finally to Mrs Davies and Luke Davies (5H) for compiling your amazing video!!! THANK YOU!!!!
Conversation with children about Grief and Loss
It is important that your child/children know and feel that they are heard and supported by you. The following thoughts are extracted from KidsHelp line:
- Try to be as honest and open as possible about what has happened.
- Use age-appropriate language so it’s easier for them to understand.
- Use concrete words – for example, say ‘died’ or ‘death’.
- Avoid using euphemisms like ‘gone to sleep’ or ‘passed away’.
- Listen to them - it’s ok not to have all the answers right now.
- Answer the questions you can in a calm and consistent manner.
- Be patient – they may need to hear the answers several times to process it.
- Use storybooks, toys and play to help explain what has happened.
- Let them know that they can talk to you at any time.
- Ask another trusted adult to talk to your child if you feel too distressed.
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/how-parentline-can-help-you
Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you wish further support in caring for your child.
Kelly Russell
Counsellor
Sharing Our Learning - Kindergarten
In Kindergarten we have had a special year full of wonderful learning experiences. The children have grown immensely and shown creativity and resilience to undertake new challenges.
We asked all our Kindergarten students to share what they liked best about their first year of school. Here are their responses:
Matihias |
Writing |
James H |
Reading groups |
|
Hamish |
Reading Groups |
Ethan |
Free play |
|
Isabella |
Elf on the Shelf |
Evie |
Christmas decorating |
|
Hannah |
Teddy Bear Picnic |
Koen |
Colouring in |
|
Eli |
Elf on the Shelf |
Jenson |
Reading groups |
|
Lewis |
Swimming |
Zoe |
Elf on the shelf |
|
Cleo |
Tennis |
Elijah |
Earning MJR’s |
|
Oliver |
Elf on the Shelf |
Aibel |
Making superhero art |
|
Harry |
Swimming |
Grace |
Learning about Jesus |
|
Braxton H |
Tennis |
Islah |
Mrs Currall teaching me |
|
Sarah |
Teddy Bear Picnic |
Leo |
Ice blocks and birthdays |
|
Flynn |
Elf on the Shelf |
Blake |
Maths |
|
Lexie |
Writing |
Karla |
Mrs Currall |
|
Harper |
Religion |
Wyatt |
Reading groups |
|
Jade |
Playing with my friends |
Molly |
Colouring in |
|
Oscar |
Free Play |
James T |
Free play |
|
Mia |
Elf on the Shelf |
Zeke |
Writing |
|
Harvey |
Free play |
Braxton |
Making new friends |
|
Logan |
Swimming |
Lincoln |
Art |
|
Emmett |
Drama |
Jay |
Everything and everyone |
|
Jack |
Laptops |
Anika |
Play time |
|
Ashvik |
Science |
Jacob |
Maths, religion and sport |
|
Kathleen |
Elf on the Shelf |
Buddy |
Reading groups and writing sentences |
|
Emerence |
Elf on the Shelf |
Hudson |
Maths games |
|
Liam |
Elf on the Shelf |
Nyah |
Seeing my teachers |
Amara Crutcher (5G) and Sofia Atkinson-Blundell (6H) are performing at the Players Theatre tonight and tomorrow. See below flyer for details.
Yours in Creative and Performing Arts
Leah Toole
Are You Moving During The Holidays?
If you are leaving Port Macquarie and your child/children will not be returning to St Joseph’s in 2021 please ensure that you have notified us as we have families looking for enrolments for next year. If you are just moving house or changing your work place within Port Macquarie please ensure that you give us up-to-date contact details before the start of the school year. You can email us at sjpport@lism.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for your assistance in this regard.
Student Activity Statements were emailed to families last week. These statements are separate to the school tuition fees collected by St Agnes' Parish Administration.
Thank you to those who have already finalised these accounts. If you have not already done so, please make payment of any outstanding amounts as soon as possible.
Please note that Student 2021 Book Pack costs have been billed to your school based activity account. This expense is not due until the end of Term 1, 2021.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact myself or Mrs Tess Koning at the school office on 6583 3848.
Antoinette Smith
Finance Officer
VOLUNTEER NOTICE
We are unable to have volunteers in our canteen for the remainder of Term 4 however I am starting to plan for next year and am really excited about having volunteers back for Term 1, 2021.
If you have never helped out before, are new to our school, or have been helping for years and want to come and help again, please fill out the online form via the link below and I will be in touch with you soon to work out the roster for next year.
Volunteer form link - https://forms.gle/q4e2ZbthyFvKQQzi7
Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you in 2021!
LUNCH ORDERS
The canteen is operating as usual and lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools or by dropping them in the basket on the counter each morning.
Don't forget you can order online by 8:30am- it's so easy!!
- 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
Kim Goldie
Canteen Coordinator
Sports Star of the Week
Congratulations to Hardy Lin in Year 1!
For the huge growth in his confidence and swimming abilities.
Infants Swimming Carnival
After two weeks of working hard every day in Intensive Swimming lessons, our students in K-2 were able to swim in and enjoy their own Swimming Carnival. Students swam races in strokes such as Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke, as well as fun, novelty races. A big thank you to the staff at the Port Pool, Mrs Bancroft and our Sports Captains for running such a wonderful event. Our students' swimming confidence and skills have improved so much in two weeks and we are so proud of them.
Multisports Week
Our Year 6 Sports Captains are running a whole school Multisports Event Week in Week 9 (next week), to allow our Sport Leaders an opportunity in Term 4 to lead with team spirit and fun after some activities needed to be cancelled during the year.
Due to recent events the Multisports timetable for Week 9 (next week) has needed to change. Please note below on the updated timetable which day your child’s Year group will participate in the Multisports so they can wear their House colours and/or sports uniform. Thank you for your understanding.
We cannot have spectators on site, but will take lots of pictures to share. It will be held in our school playground for each Year group at the following times:
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
9:00am - 11:00am |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 6 |
||
11:40am - 1:40pm |
Year 4 |
Kinder |
Year 3 |
Year 5 |
For each of the Multisports Event sessions students will be split into their House groups and play a range of sports. Students are invited to wear their House colours or sports uniform on their allocated day next week. Please no hair colouring or writing on their body. The normal uniform routine applies for the days the students are not allocated to their Multisport day (ie. Kinder wear summer uniform on Monday and Wednesday, sport uniform or House colours on Tuesday and sport uniform on Thursday and Friday). All children will need to make sure they have their drink bottle, hat and sunscreen.
House Colours:
Hastings - Green Macquarie - Yellow Mitchell - Blue Oxley – Red
Many house points will be awarded for participation, teamwork and sportsmanship.
We look forward to this fun, end of term event.
Yours in Sport
Leah Toole
KM | Islah Kingsmith | Braxton Beresford | Jay Tymerski |
KS | Braxton Hoitink | Matihias Bridger | Hamish Brockenshire |
1B | Savina Fernando | Sam Ocean | Ivy-Lea Harris |
1R | Nevaeh Fletcher | Sonny Hancock | Harry Slater |
2T | Lucy Styles | Jazmine Taylor | Advik Thapa |
3BH | Xavier Mat | James Reilly | Luna Tyson |
4B | Mia Basanovic | Jaina Thakrani | Gene Smith |
4F | Asia Stienhour | Amelia Thompson | Willa Corless-Brown |
5H | Ella Moore | Caleb Edkins | Jasmine Howell |
6HL | Harlie Flemming | Noah Davey | Grace Chuwen |
Week 9 - Term 4 2020
|
|
Monday 7th December |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday 10th December |
|
Friday 11th December |
|
Sunday 13th December |
|
Week 10 - Term 4 2020 |
|
Monday 14th December |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Sunday 20th December |
|
Week 1 - Term 1 2021 |
|
Wednesday 27th January |
|
Thursday 28th January |
|
Friday 29th January |
|
Week 2 - Term 1 2021 |
|
Monday 1st February |
|
Tuesday 2nd February |
|
Wednesday 3rd February |
|
Thursday 4th February |
|
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 2021 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 2021
School Administration Day (Pupil Free) - Wednesday 27th January 2021
Year 1 to 6 Maths Assessment Interviews - Thursday 28th January and Friday 29th January 2021
Kindergarten Best Start Interviews - Thursday 28th January to Wednesday 3rd February 2021
Year 1 to 6 commence classes - Monday 1st February 2021
Kindergarten commence classes - Thursday 4th February 2021
Term finishes – Thursday 1st April 2021
TERM 2
Term commences - Monday 19th April 2021
Proclaim Lismore 2021
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Wednesday 5th May 2021
Term finishes – Friday 25th June 2021
TERM 3
Term commences – Monday 12th July 2021
Term finishes - Friday 17th September 2021
TERM 4
Term commences – Tuesday 5th October 2021
Term finishes - Friday 17th December 2021
Other Holidays in 2021
Australia Day – Tuesday 26th January 2021 (Public Holiday)
Good Friday – Friday 2nd April 2021
Easter Monday – Monday 5th April 2021 (Public Holiday)
ANZAC Day – Sunday 25th April 2021
Queen’s Birthday – Monday 14th June 2021 (Public Holiday)
Labour Day – Monday 4th October 2021 (Public Holiday)
Christmas Day - Saturday 25th December 2021
Boxing Day - Sunday 26th December 2021
2021 MAI online interview booking information
Having a conversation with your child about Grief and Loss
UPDATED TIMETABLE - Multisports Event Week
Funeral arrangements Rosemary Saunders
2020 Christmas Celebration Performance - Year 2
2021 Enrolments Now Open!
2020 has been an interesting year, with lots of challenges that we've had to overcome together. Even so, we've loved every minute of our time with you, and we hope to spend even more time with you in 2021!
As well as keeping all our current classes running, we've added some new ones as well. New classes include Acting for Fun, Singing for Fun, and even an Adult Improv class. To find out more about our classes, see the timetable on our website.
Enrolments are already open, so sign up now!
If you have any questions, please reply via email, phone or Facebook
Kindest regards,
Theatre Oz
Port Macquarie
0490 441 724