Newsletter - 2024 Term 2 Week 1

Calendar

From the Leaders

Sixth Sunday of Easter

In John’s Gospel this weekend we hear Jesus reassuring us that he loves us like God the Father loves him. It is important for Jesus to clearly communicate to his disciples and his Apostles the essential things they need to understand. His final words to the disciples are about love and that God’s love for us is unconditional and not based on our choice to do good things. There are no strings attached! 

Welcome Back to Term Two

Hello to our wonderful school community.

Welcome back to Term Two. We trust that you all enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing break.

This term we continue to strive towards all students engaging in a culture of being Respectful, Responsible, Resilient and Resolute. We look forward to working in partnership with families and our parish community to support our students growth in faith, learning and well being.

A reminder that our target attendance for all students is 90% and achieving this will ensure every chance of students reaching their full potential.

Mother's Day Celebrations

We warmly welcome all mothers and mother figures to join us at St Agnes' from 9:00am on Friday 10 May. Prepare to be entertained and acknowledged for the invaluable role you play in our lives.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion is the Catholic religious ceremony where we celebrate the first time parishioners accept the bread (also known as the Eucharist). On 21 and 25 May, or 2 June candidates in the St Agnes’ Parish will receive this sacrament. We look forward to journeying with them and thank the Year 4 staff and parents of the candidates for their part in supporting the next phase of the faith journey for these candidates.

Next week our candidates and their families will participate in a Narrated Mass to gain a deeper understanding of not only the Mass, but of the relevance of this special sacrament.

Learning Conversations

At the very end of last term, staff met to determine the best dates for Learning Conversations and during the meeting, the decision was made to increase the amount of time that these interviews are available.  As shared on Compass this week, we are excited to announce that starting next week, our teachers will be available for the first set of learning conversations for the year. These will run between Weeks 2-4. We will also run them again at the end of Term Three or beginning of Term Four. This means your opportunities to discuss your child’s progress will significantly increase this year. We hope that families enjoy these opportunities to discuss progress, set goals and share in their child’s school journey! 

This will mean that in 2024 the following opportunities for parent information about how your child's learning is progressing will occur in the following ways:

- Term One: Family Meet and Greet
- Term Two (Weeks 2-4): Learning Conversations
- Term Three (Week 1): Reports sent home
- End Term Three/Early Term Four: Learning Conversations
- End Term Four: Reports sent home  

We have already had learning conversations booked for 245 students which is amazing!

Please click here to book (code wss9j) a time over the coming weeks with your child's teacher for this very important partnership discussion. 

Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)

We remind Kindergarten families that the AEDC starts next week. During this time, Kindergarten teachers will complete a completely de-identified survey that supports future planning for Early Childhood Services across our local and national communities. All Kinder families have been sent a Compass notification with detailed information about the AEDC. Please know that all children are involved in this survey unless the parent decides to withdraw them. To withdraw your child, please click decline on the Compass event.

ANZAC Day

Last Thursday morning we were incredibly proud of the 50 plus students who marched behind the St Agnes’ Primary banner. These amazing children were also outstanding during the commemorative service. Thanks to Joe and Emily for representing our school at the 8:30am mass and also laying the wreath at the Cenotaph.

On Wednesday, we were grateful to Jason Gill, the President at the local RSL, who spoke to our school community about the importance of the ANZAC’s and instilled in us the sense of pride in being an Australian. His talk reminded us of the bravery, courage and selflessness of the men and women who have represented us in times of war.

Congratulations to Joe O’Brien who performed a wonderful rendition of the Last Post and the Rouse for us.

2024 Mission Goal

This term we continue with our 2024 Mission Goal of increasing our understanding of social justice. Our community focus will be to support Sr Marjorie’s work in the local soup kitchen. Each grade has identified areas to support this initiative through links in their Religious Education units and those in other Key Learning Areas. In Term Two, Years 2 and 6 will be conducting can drives and asking for baked goods to donate to the Soup Kitchen. Each grade will communicate specific details with families as the time draws closer. Other grades have identified activities for Terms Three and Four.

Child Protection

We remind all families that safety is paramount at St Agnes’ Primary School and that all staff are mandatory reporters and are regularly trained to ensure that our school is a safe place for all as per our Catholic School's Office, Child Protection Policies and Procedures. Please visit the school website for further information and view the Child Protection Policy on the St Agnes' Primary School Website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ginaya Yarnold, Kate de Bressac or Donna Sprague.

School Review

On Monday, we welcomed Virginia Ryan (employed externally by our diocese to coordinate the review), Joan Lancaster (Lead Religious Education and Catechesis/Mission Services), Katrina Ryan (AP Mission from St Francis Xavier Primary School in Woolgoolga) and Brother Michael Callinan a Marist Brother from Sydney and Randwick who gathered information for our Mission Review. The panel was able to provide commendations and recommendations to assist us in our future planning to support the culture and faith life of our wonderful school.

Panel feedback was based on documentation collated last term, and input from student, staff, parish and parent voice. Representatives from each grade and our Year 6 leaders were interviewed. We are grateful to all community members involved and look forward to sharing the results with you in the coming weeks. 

Sunday Night Family Mass

St Agnes’ Primary will be hosting the Sunday night Family Mass at 5:00pm on Sunday 19 May.

We hope to have as many students and families join us to celebrate as a parish community.

Home Reading

We cannot stress enough the importance of engaging with reading at home for children’s development and love of reading. Our whole school agreement is that children will engage in a minimum of four home reading opportunities across the week, on days and times that suit your individual schedules. This is why we have changed our home reading processes, so that you can have the books over the weekend, to enable families to read when it best suits.

The Year 1 Team have taken a creative approach to this, with a little friendly competition. They are in a challenge to be the first class to reach 100! Stay tuned to find out the winners!

If you are having difficulty with reading at home or home learning, please contact your class teacher for support.

Puberty, Social Media, Respectful Relationships and Consent Resources for Parents

Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS) has purchased a subscription to the RealTalk online parent resource centre for all parents in our Catholic schools. All parents can now access a comprehensive online resource created by RealTalk Australia that provides access to a collection of resources to support parents and caregivers explore a diverse range of topics including:

• Puberty and personal development and identity
• Online safety
• Friendships
• Consent and respectful relationships
• Impacts of pornography
• For more information about how to access this resource see the flyer.

eSafety 101: How eSafety Can Help 

This webinar provides an overview of the eSafety Commissioner and supporting programs and resources for parents and carers, children and young people. Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school. 

Tuesday 14 May: 12:30 pm
Thursday 6 June: 12:30 pm

Register here for eSafety 101

Consent and Online Boundaries

As children begin to navigate the online world, they need to know how to make decisions around consent and boundaries. This webinar will outline strategies for parents and carers, as well as support those hard-to-have conversations. It is suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.

Tuesday 28 May: 12:30 pm
Tuesday 18 June: 12:30 pm

Register here for Consent and Online Boundaries

Setting your Child up for Success Online 

An overview of having conversations about tech and online interaction, putting boundaries and rules in place, using parental controls, and monitoring your child online. It's suitable for parents and carers of children primary school.

Thursday 30 May: 12:30 pm
Thursday 20 June: 12:30 pm

Register here for Setting your Child up for Success Online

2024 A4Art Prize Finalists Announced!

The 2024 A4Art Prize has once again sparked a surge of creativity across our six St Agnes’ Parish Schools, with over 480 participants - representing more than 10% of the student body - contributing to the event, marking yet another year of growth.

The caliber of artworks in this year’s competition is truly outstanding. We've witnessed a diverse array of genres, from painting and drawing to origami, digital art, and 3D works, each accompanied by thoughtful artist statements. It's remarkable to see such a wide range of creativity stemming from a humble A4 sheet of paper.

After careful consideration by expert judges, 143 finalists have been chosen across 14 categories spanning from Kindergarten to Year 12, along with a special category for St Agnes’ Education Staff. This number includes artworks that have also been chosen as Packing Room Finalists, a category created to highlight outstanding pieces that may not have made it to the finalist stage but were recognized by the Creative Arts Nest Team.

All finalist artworks will be featured in the A4Art Pop-Up Exhibition, visiting each of the St Agnes’ Parish Schools during Term 2. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award during the exhibition. Furthermore, the artworks will be showcased at ArtWalk 2024 on 7 June in the Creative Arts Nest Tent at PMQ Town Green.

428 artworks have been shortlisted and are now available for viewing online. Community members can cast their votes for the Community Choice Award at www.artsnest.com.au/submission

Category and award winners will be announced at the Finalist Awards Night on 17 June, with all winners having their pieces displayed at the Wauchope Creative Hub Art Gallery post-event.

The Creative Arts Nest extends its heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support including:

St Agnes’ Education - Toms Creek Nature Domes - Port Macquarie Surf School - Sunset Framing & Gallery - The Seed Creative Workshops - Wauchope Creative Hub - Stoney Park - Innervision Surf & Skate - Alice in Paperland - Drawn to Art - Eckersley’s Art & Craft - Wildnets Adventure Parks - Got Ya Back Productions - TwoTripleFour

Congratulations to all our St Agnes' students who entered the 2024 A4 Art Prize contest. After careful consideration and  judging, the following finalists have been announced. 

Sports News

Zone Cross Country

Next Wednesday, 50 students will travel to Kempsey to participate in the Hasting Zone Carnival. These students progressed through our school carnival last term and will now test their speed and endurance against others in the Hastings Zone. Our 8, 9, and 10 year old athletes will compete on a 2km track, and our 11 and 12 year old athletes will run a 3km track. 

There will be limited canteen facilities available to students at the venue. Students should wear their full school uniform and hat and bring a healthy lunch and plenty of water.

The team bus departs from the school at 8:15am sharp so students can walk the track and warm up before the first event. Thank you to Mrs Brazel and Miss Kershaw who will attend the carnival with our students.

Lismore Diocese Rugby Union Challenge

On Friday 7 June the Lismore Diocese Rugby Union Challenge will be held in Coffs Harbour. It is a competitive opportunity for our Rugby Union players to show their skills on the field. Mr Brazel is currently working on selections, and a team will be announced in the coming weeks. The competition is full contact, and students require a mouth guard and proper footwear; headgear is recommended. The gala day is an opportunity for progression and the successful team moving on to play against other Diocese in NSW. 

Netball NSW Schools Cup (Years 5 and 6)

This year St Agnes' will participate in the Netball NSW Schools Cup. Held at the Port Macquarie Netball courts on Tuesday 18 June, the gala day is open to all Year 5 and 6 students in Catholic and non-Catholic schools. The competition comprises of competitive and non-competitive leagues and is an opportunity for students to experience playing netball for the first time, or showcase their skills on the court. 

Last term we took nominations from students who wished to participate. Approximately 90 students are attending the day. We will send 3 competitive teams and 7 non-competitive teams. For the competitive teams, there is the opportunity for future progression if our netballers make the final. More information regarding the Netball NSW Schools Cup will be coming in the future weeks.

A Year 3 and Year 4 netball gala day is scheduled for later in Term Three.

Athletics Carnival

Our School Athletics Carnival has been set for Friday 21 June (Week 8). Students 8 years and older can participate in the 100m, 200m, 1500m, long jump, discus and shot put events. High jump is also available at a zone level for students who have trained with a certified coach.

In preparation for the carnival, students will have the opportunity during lunchtimes to practice and receive coaching from staff for the 100m, 200m, shot put and long jump events. Through Physical Education, students will also learn the fundamental movement skills of running, leaping and jumping. 

Future Dates

Term 2

• Wednesday 8 May - Zone Cross Country, Kempsey (bus departs at 8:15am)
• Friday 17 May - Diocesan Rugby Union Trials, Grafton
• Tuesday 21 May - Diocesan Cross Country, Grafton
• Friday 7 June - Diocesan Rugby Union Gala Day, Coffs Harbour
• Tuesday 18 June - NSW Netball School’s Cup Years 5 and 6 Gala Day
• Friday 21 June - School Athletics Carnival

Student Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have reached 200 Dojos:

Alex A, Fritz T and Indi F

Congratulations to the following students who have reached 100 Dojos:

Aanshi P, Alaura M, Alba W, Alyse V, Aston G, Brodie C, Chloe L, Clayton U, Dean C, Duke W, Edward M, Eleanore M, Emersyn F, Frankie C, Gabrielle R, Grace L, Harriet M, Imogen W, Isla W, Jack C, Jackson L, Jai C, Kanata N, Keyana W, Kobi W, Logan S, Lucas K, Marcella J, Matilda W, Maxwell S, Rachel H, Riley O, Ryuta F, Sophia S, Taya M and Willow H

Addison H, Alba W, Archer M, Asha G, Ava W, Bailey B, Benjamin C, Charlotte M, Daniel I, Elloise G, Enzo W, Evangel A, Flynn A, Fritz T, Grayson B, Hallie T, Harper W, Hayden R, Huxley G, Ivy C, Jack A, James D, Jasper M, Kasper S, Kaushik M, Lachlan S, Lucky S, Louis R, Lucy D, Mahli N, Maia C, Marcella J, McKenzie H, Migha A, Nate M, Nina T, Parker C, Peyton T, Riley O, Sandeep M, Sharni D, Shivanya R, Skylah N and Thea D

Positive Behaviour Support

Welcome to Term Two. This week our PBS focus on being Resolute. I embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. As we begin Term Two, students are provided with an opportunity to pause and think about what changes they may want to make and also, to set new goals. The purpose of this lesson is to teach students about goal setting, setting positive habits to reach their goals, and developing a growth mindset.

PBS Focus: RESOLUTE: I embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. 

Catholic Social Teaching: The Common Good

The common good is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world.

Family Resources:

Sites to check out

St Agnes' Primary School Community Forum

Canteen News

Parish News

Key Enrolment Dates For 2025

Kindergarten Information Sessions

• St Agnes’ Primary School – Saturday 18 May 2024 – 9:30am
• St Peter’s Primary School – Saturday 18 May 2024 – 9:30am
  
• St Joseph’s Primary School – Saturday 18 May 2024 – 9:30am

Primary School Tour for Kindergarten

• St Agnes’ Primary School – Saturday 1 June 2024 – 2:00pm
  
• St Peter’s Primary School – Saturday 1 June 2024 – 2:00pm
  
• St Joseph’s Primary School – Saturday 1 June 2024 – 2:00pm

Year 7 Enrolment Information Session

• St Joseph’s Regional College – Tuesday 7 May 2024 – 5:00pm to 7:30pm
• MacKillop College – Monday 6 May 2024 – 5:30pm to 8:00pm

Year 11 Enrolment Information Session

• St Joseph’s Regional College – Monday 29 July 2024 – 6:00pm
• Newman Technical College – Tuesday 30 July 2024 – 6:00pm
• MacKillop College – Wednesday 31 July 2024 – 6:00pm

Community News