Newsletter - 2024 Term 4 Week 4

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From the Leaders

In this week’s Gospel, Mark explains that Jesus asks us to examine our motives for things we do. In the story of the poor widow, we learn that when we do something good, we must also think about why we do it. Before this Jesus had been criticising the scribes for being hypocritical in their actions, having great knowledge, but not following the spirit of the law when it came to the poor. At the temple Jesus noticed the rich would make splashy displays of almsgiving, whilst a poor widow made a small donation. Her donation was done with sincerity and generosity. Even if we don’t have much money, we can donate time, our talents and our energy.

Annual Parish Christmas Hamper Appeal

Each year our school, along with other parish organisations join together to provide hamper items for others in our parish. This aligns naturally with our whole school Mission goal and the Catholic Social Teachings of Human Dignity and Preferential Option for the Poor. Each class is allocated needed items to form these Christmas Hampers. We ask that the designated items be brought to school on our out of uniform day on Tuesday 3 December.

These Hampers will be put together by the SRC and family volunteers on Thursday 5 December from 9:00am to 11:00am ready for delivery that weekend. Please see the note below for further details.

Good Attendance in Primary School Will Be a Skill That Will Help Your Child Succeed in High School

Good attendance in primary school is a fundamental building block for academic success and overall wellbeing, and it sets the stage for success in high school and beyond. Primary school is the foundational stage of a child's education. Regular attendance ensures that children build a solid understanding of fundamental concepts and skills that serve as the basis for more advanced learning in high school.

By recognising the long-term benefits and reinforcing the importance of regular school attendance in primary years, students are better equipped to succeed in high school and beyond. Attending school regularly instils a sense of responsibility and work ethic in students and participating actively in class are essential components of success.

Bush Tucker and Damper Workshop

On Tuesday, the First Nations students in Stage 2 were fortunate to attend a Bush Tucker and Damper workshop hosted by Jess and Tristram Morris from Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services.

The students learnt how to make a simple damper and had the opportunity to taste a variety of local bush tucker. They were most impressed with the taste of the damper with a variety of toppings, golden syrup, lilly pilly jam, rosella jam or finger lime marmalade.

As a special treat the students then had time to learn traditional boomerang throwing. 

We would like to express our thanks to Tris and Jess and Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services for sharing their knowledge of our culture with the First Nations students.

Aunty Sharon and Aunty April

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Mr Clean and Rubbish Warriors

Congratulations to 1 Hope for winning the Mr Clean award this week. Each grade has an area to focus on in keeping our school clean, along with their classroom.

The Rubbish Warriors who keep an eye out for students who go out of their way to keep our environment tidy chose five students to recognise across the school this week. These students won a canteen voucher for their efforts. Congratulations to Jarred P, Bonnie C, Ethan B, Jude H and Joe O.

Parish Community Celebration

Please join us for the Parish Community Celebration on Sunday 24 November. Following the 10:00am Mass you are welcome to stay for fun activities and amazing food. This is a chance to join together as a Parish Community to connect with others and have fun. Come for a short while or stay for the duration. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Please RSVP via the flyer below.

St Agnes’ Primary will be facilitating Sand Art, this is always a favourite with children, young and not so young.

Next Monday afternoon Year 3 students are excited to work with Evronia, Jacob and Jaz (Youth Ministry Officers from our parish).

They will engage in fun activities encouraging them to reflect on their faith and friendships. Jaz and Jacob joined them this week for lunch time activities. We look forward to them working with other grades during the rest of the year. 

We ask for continued family support in ensuring all students are following the correct school uniform guidelines. This policy includes wearing the school hat, socks and sports shoes only on the designated days for each class, along with meeting the requirements for jewellery and hair styles. Students who do not have the correct uniform are required to bring a note from their parents or carers. Teachers will be in contact with families of students who do not follow these guidelines.

Term 4 eSafety Webinar

Join the eSafety Commissioner's expert education and training team for a FREE live webinar - our last one for the year, especially for CCSP parents and carers

Tuesday 12 November 12:30pm – 1:00pm 

'Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into high school'

This FREE webinar is suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary school (aged 11–12) and Year 7. It explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/707533969409578587

Library News

Inspired Readers Festival

Our students had the incredible opportunity to attend the Inspired Readers Festival run by Dymocks earlier in the week, where they were immersed in the world of storytelling and writing. They were captivated by inspiring talks from some of Australia's most beloved authors: Deborah Abela, George Ivanoff, Jacqueline Harvey, R.A. Spratt and Corey Tutt.

Each author shared fascinating insights into their books, creative processes, and the journeys that sparked their stories. From thrilling adventures to powerful messages about resilience and friendship, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the magic of writing and the art of bringing characters to life.

It was an unforgettable day that sparked imaginations and inspired our budding writers to dream big and write boldly!

Sports News

Zone Summer Sports Trials - Cricket and Touch Football

On Monday, 24 Aggies students travelled to Kempsey to participate in the Zone Cricket and Touch Football Trials. Our athletes did their best on the field despite extremely hot and humid conditions.

The boys' touch football competition was intense, with skilled teams playing fast-paced games. Our Aggies players worked hard throughout the pool matches with Beau L and Zane B advancing to the final selection game. The girls' team also displayed impressive skills in their matches. Ivy G, Stella D, Norah M and Mia B all made it to the finals, with Mia, Stella, and Ivy earning spots in the Diocesan Trials, which will take place in Lismore on Thursday 28 November.

Four students attended the cricket trials to compete for selection. They participated in drills focused on batting, fielding and bowling and all performed exceptionally well. Two students, Archie M and Liam O, advanced to the Diocesan Trials scheduled for next Monday in Lismore. Well done, boys!

Congratulations to all the students for their dedication and achievements in representing our school.

Touch Football

Girls: Norah M, Keyana W, Mia B, Ivy G, Georgia W, Jade J, Emily K, Stella D, Ruby H and Macy C

Boys: Maxwell S, Noah B, Patrick M, Jack C, Zane B, Reagan C, Ryan C, Beau L, Dominic R and Oliver W

Cricket

Liam O, Miles G, Archie M and Lachlan S

Congratulations to the following students for the selection to the Diocesean Summer Sports Trials.

Basketball: Emily K, Mila S and Macy C

Touch Football: Mia B, Stella D and Ivy G

Cricket: Liam O and Archie M

Aggies Swimming Carnival

Competitive events are now open for the Aggies Swimming Carnival, scheduled for Friday 6 December. This is a key event in our school’s sporting calendar and includes all grade levels. The carnival aims to provide a fun and inclusive experience that encourages everyone to participate.

Students aged eight and above can enter the competitive events. The available races include 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, and 50m backstroke for each age group. Additionally, there are 100m events for Junior students (ages 8–10) and Senior students (ages 11–13), along with an all-ages option for butterfly. To register your child for events, please visit schoolinterviews.com.au and use the code
ca2ty.

Before entering events, please ensure your child can swim the chosen distance without stopping. For students who prefer not to compete in the main events, there will be various other swimming activities, including 25m races, novelty events and free swim sessions.

We’re grateful to the community members who have already volunteered to assist with the event. If you would like to support our students, please contact Drew Wilson at andrew.wilson@lism.catholic.edu.au or Renee Shaw at renee.shaw@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Further information, Compass permission notes and a full event schedule will be posted in the coming weeks.

Future Dates

• Monday 11 November: Diocesan Cricket Summer Sports Trials - Jim Roder Oval - Brewster St, Lismore
• Tuesday 26 November: Diocesan Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 Basketball and Tennis)
  
• Thursday 28 November: Diocesan Summer Sports Trials - Touch Football - Lismore
  
• Friday 6 December: St Agnes' Swimming Carnival - Port Macquarie Town Pool

Positive Behaviour Support

This week we continue with our focus on being Resolute.

I am resolute and can plan and finish the term strong. This focus introduces students to the idea of being resolute and persevering to finish the term and year strong and positive.

Catholic Social teaching: We should commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the good of all, to stand in solidarity with our one human family.

Family Resources: 

https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/children-positive-attitude?srsltid=AfmBOopIwE4wdepsm5-rpSng08X72OlcJBY8mmMHbsYGmSZd8jSPgLvB

https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/connecting-communicating/bonding/parent-child-relationships

Books to Share:

St Agnes' Primary School Community Forum

Please follow the link below to view the minutes of the October SCF meeting. 

The final meeting for the year will be held on Wednesday 20 November at 5:45pm in the staffroom. This meeting will focus on SCF planning for 2025. All parents and carers are very welcome to attend. If you would like to contribute to this planning but are unable to attend the meeting, please get in touch prior by emailing pandfstagnes@gmail.com.

Canteen News

Parish News

Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into high school. This webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences. It is suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7. This Webinar will be on 28 November at 12:30 pm Registration link - https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5292449078565496666

eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you. An overview of The eSafety Commissioner and supporting programs and resources for parents and carers, children, and young people. It is suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school and will be on Wednesday 4 December at 12:30pm Registration link - https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4429149931214716000

Community News

The Birds of Australia Storybox - Town Green
The Birds of Australia STORYBOX is a digital storytelling cube to discover the world of Australia's birdlife. Birds hold a sacred place in First Nations cultures, featuring in songlines, ceremonies, and as spiritual totems. The Story box will be touring Town Green, Port Macquarie courtesy of Australian Museum for 3 months.
Be sure to head in town and check it out through engaging, interacting and learning! Scan the QR code to unlock a treasure trove of interactive content, including First Nations stories, bird calls, in-depth profiles, and hands-on activities that bring these remarkable stories to life. 16 October 24 - 2 February 2025
Venue: Town Green, Port Macquarie (Outside, near CWA hall)