School Community Forum (SCF)

October SCF Meeting

Please join us on Monday 20 October at 5:45pm for the October Meeting - all are welcome! The agenda is attached below.

School News

Spring Has Sprung!

With the completion of Aggies' Veggie Patch, some of our Year 5 students with the greenest of green thumbs have been excited at the prospect of getting their hands dirty with some real-life planting of seeds.

During the final week of last term we used egg cartons to plant a variety of seeds from watermelons and sugar snap peas to squash and tomatoes. The students carefully positioned the egg cartons, and summoned Mr Kiely to inspect their work.

On their first day back they eagerly inspected the cartons for any signs of growth, and were pleased to see that some of the seeds had sprouted  and we discussed why some hadn't, and why gardening sometimes involves a little patience! 

This connection with the natural world is incredibly beneficial for a lot of students, with the opportunity to grow and nurture their own vegetables and flowers very much appealing to their sense of purpose and directly contributing to healthy wellbeing.

Watch this space for Aggies' Veggie Patch updates this spring and summer!

Port Macquarie Dance Eisteddfod

Congratulations to all our students who participated in the Port Macquarie Dance Eisteddfod during last term. All our students received a highly commended ribbon for their performance. They were all very excited today to finally come and gather as a group and receive their ribbons.

Move Media captured some amazing moments from this event and the photo gallery is now live! You can view, purchase, and instantly download high-quality images of your performance using the link below:

Photo Link: https://movephotography.net/eisteddfods/porr-macquarie-2025/ 

Password: pmdes25

Video Link: https://movevideo.net/collections/port-macquarie-2025

Thank you to all those families who have sent back to school their child’s costume. If you still have costumes at home can you please return them back to school as soon as possible.

Sports News

2025 Summer Sports Trials - Cricket, Touch Football, Tennis and Basketball

Good luck to the students selected to compete at the upcoming Summer Sports Trials! This event will be held over various dates and at different venues, running from 2025 into 2026. All Year 4 and 5 students were invited to participate in the initial school selections. The school trials for Basketball and Touch Football were held last term and the successful students have already been announced. For Tennis and Cricket, students who regularly train or play in competition were moved directly through to the zone level.

Congratulations to the following students who will represent the school in their chosen sports:

Cricket: Monday 20 October - Verge Street Cricket Nets, Kempsey

Archie M, Liam O, Lachlan S, Miles G, Thomas B and Archie SB

Boys Basketball: Monday 27 October - Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium, Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie

Arlow F, Korbann J, Arie F, Dominic R, Hunter F and Harrison F

Tennis: Monday 27 October, Kendal Tennis Courts, 3 Orara Street, Kendall.

Dreigh T, Teddy H and Kade W

Boys Touch football: Monday 3 November, Verge Street Playing Fields, Kempsey.

Hunter F, Van M, Dominic R, Noah B, Kruze D, Harrison F, Jho’Arryn C, Parker B, Arie F and Jaxson F

Girls Touch football: Monday 3 November, Verge Street Playing Fields, Kempsey.

Norah M, Sienna L, Annie L, Ivy G, Mia B, Aisha M, Pippa T, Charlotte M, Ella M and Zuri T

2025 St Agnes' Swimming Carnival

Let's make a splash!

The Aggies Swimming Carnival is scheduled for Monday 24 November! This is one of the biggest and best events on our school's sports calendar and it's designed to be a fun, inclusive day that encourages everyone from all grades to participate. 

Early preparations have already begun, and to ensure the day goes smoothly, we need a little help from our school community. If you're available to lend a hand and support our students on 24 November, please reach out! We need support setting up marquees in the morning and timekeeping of events throughout the day. If you can help, please reach out to Renee in the office or Drew Wilson.

• Contact Drew Wilson at andrew.wilson@lism.catholic.edu.au
• Contact Renee Shaw at renee.shaw@lism.catholic.edu.au

Previously, we have used School Interviews to register students for events. As we no longer use this platform, Renee in the office has designed a Google Form. This is in the testing phase and will be sent out to families via Compass in the coming weeks. Students have the option to compete in the following events:

50m Freestyle (8yrs, 9yrs, 10yrs, 11yrs and 12yrs)
100m Freestyle (open - all ages)
50m Backstroke (junior, 11yrs and senior)
50m Breaststroke (junior, 11yrs and senior)
50 Backstroke (junior, 11yrs and senior)
4x50m Individual Medley (open - all ages)

Please take time to talk to your children about which events they wish to enter, understanding that they should be able to swim the distance without assistance or stopping. We can't wait to see you there!

New Sporting Equipment - Thank you School Community Forum

We extend our sincere gratitude to the SCF for their generous funding, which has enabled the significant purchase of new sporting equipment for our students.

This investment directly enhances the quality of our Sport and Physical Education program. Teachers now have access to a broader range of resources, allowing for improved instruction and more dynamic lessons. The new equipment will also be available for use by all students during playtime.

Specific Purchases

The funding has allowed us to acquire a comprehensive set of sporting resources for the students:

• 30 size 4 soccer balls
• 10 size 3 soccer balls
• 30 rugby league balls
• 15 basketballs
• 15 netballs
• New tennis balls
• 250 field markers
• 24 soft play balls
• New Whistles or staff

In addition to the sporting gear, a portion of the funding will be used to complete the representative uniform and support school events:

• The purchase of football/soccer shorts and socks to perfectly match the "Aggies" representative jerseys the Community Forum provided last year.
• The acquisition of a second St Agnes' Primary Marquee.

We deeply appreciate the School Community Forum's continued and valuable support of sport at St Agnes'.

Aggies Park Run Team

We have maintained strong representation at the Port Macquarie Parkrun throughout the end of Term 3 and the holidays. It has been impressive to see the resilience of our students and their supportive parents show up each week and try for personal bests. To date, we have had 27 students and 23 Aggies Adults attend at least one Parkrun. The students push themselves over the 5km course, but always find a breath to support each other. There is always time for a coffee and a play in the park after.

Park run begins every Saturday at 7:00am. The Aggies crew meet at 6:40am near the cafe. All are welcome.

Pastoral Care

Build the Habit of Regular Attendance

Arriving on time each day ensures students don’t miss valuable learning opportunities, setting them up for success by maximising engagement and building strong academic foundations.

Indigo explained, ‘You will miss out on heaps of fun learning opportunities to grow and inspire other people and learn so when you’re an adult you can get a job and teach other people how to learn.

Artist - Indigo 12 years old.

New Resource for Families: Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss

We know that grief and loss can be some of the most difficult experiences for children to face. To support families in having these important conversations, a series of videos and resources has been created for parents and carers.

These resources, which focus on bereavement, are now available in the Diocese of Lismore Parent Resource Centre Link.

We encourage you to explore these materials and use them to support your child during times of loss. If you have any concerns about how your child is coping, please share them with us so we can work together to provide the care and support they need.

School Calendar

To access the School Calendar on Compass:

- Using a mobile phone: Click on the Calendar tab at the bottom of your Compass home page. You will have the option to view the calendar as daily or weekly. To see future dates, click on the small calendar at the top right hand side.

- Using a computer: Click on the Calendar icon at the top left hand side next to the Compass logo. You will have the option to view the calendar as a day, week, month or term.

Assistant Principal - Mission

Grandparents, Godparents and Good Friends

We are honouring these special people in our lives who play an important role in our lives providing us with love, guidance and friendship in so many ways. We look forward to celebrating with many of these special people next Friday.

Always Remember

This afternoon over 60 guests attended the Staff memorial for one of our founding Principal’s Mr Des Grissel and a long serving staff member Jeanette Reynolds. Family members along with current and ex-staff gathered for a Memorial Service and unveiling of plaques which we will lay in the garden around the St Agnes’ statue. This was not just a celebration of their lives and contribution to our school and parish, but recognition of the wonderful culture and traditions that have been created over many years.

St Agnes' Hosting Sunday Youth Mass - 19 October at 5:00pm

We warmly invite everyone to come along to help celebrate and participate in the 5:00pm Youth Mass on Sunday.

In addition to hosting Mass we have the opportunity to lead the music ministry. We ask our choir and band members; if possible, to assist with this. We will be meeting at the Church at 4:00pm for a warm up. If you are unable to stay for Mass, please collect your child at the conclusion which will be approximately 6:00pm. Zac Parnell from and our Parish Music Ministry team will be assisting us.

We look forward to seeing you and listening to the beautiful voices and music of our children and we thank the children for their dedication and commitment.

Term 4 Class Representatives

Congratulations to our Class Representatives for Term Four.

Kindergarten - Dash D, Maisyn F and Boston F
Year 1 - Annabelle S, Hartley O and Erinn L
Year 2 - Harper C, Tilda R and Liam C
Year 3 - Elkana J, Maja M and Elsie K
Year 4 - Daniel I, Mia C and Annie L
Year 5 - Nikita S, Deina D and Francesca C
Year 6 - Emme C, Sunday A and Alba W

These students will receive their badges after Monday morning’s Gospel and Homily.

Thinking About Becoming Catholic?

Journey into the Catholic Faith for Adults (JCFA) is an experience designed for adults of all ages who feel called to explore and embrace the Catholic faith. Each week, you'll join a small group of fellow seekers to discover the rich teachings, traditions and spiritual depth of Catholic life.

If you're ready to take a step toward becoming Catholic, JCFA offers a clear and welcoming path forward. Expressions of interest can be registered by completing this online form

For enquires, please email vanessa.denham@stagnesparish.org.au

Socktober

The SRC will be holding a Crazy Sock Day on Friday 31 October for a gold coin donation. Funds raised will be donated to Catholic Missions for families in Zambia facing a severe hunger crisis threatening the wellbeing of millions.

Students are invited to bring in recycled items to be made into sockballs, like children in Zambia play with. Some of these will be used in the Staff versus Year 6 students challenge at lunchtime on that day. Items requested are unmatched socks, old clothes, plastic or paper shopping bags, newspaper and string to tie them together with.

Term 4 Liturgies

Please join us for any of these prayer and Liturgy opportunities:

Encounter Kids

Encounter Kids is being launched this Friday. Year 5 and 6 students are invited to attend the Youth Hub between 5:30pm and 6:30pm. They will join the Encounter Youth participants for sign-in, some games, dinner and some prayer from time to time, but for the most part, will have their own activities.

Prayer

Please keep our students in your prayers as they begin their HSC exams this week.

Lord, we ask for your blessing on our students undertaking HSC examinations over the coming weeks. 

Grant them the confidence they deserve from their years of diligent study. 

Grant them the ability to comprehend questions and effectively plan and articulate their responses. 

May they be enriched by the gifts of the Holy Spirit with wisdom, understanding, fortitude and knowledge. 

May their faith and piety give them the strength to face these examinations and the satisfaction of achieving their best. 

We ask this through Christ Our Lord. 

Amen 

Community News

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details. 

If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Canteen News

Parish News

Principal Message

Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome back to Term 4! It has been absolutely wonderful to hear the happy buzz of our students back on the playground and in the classrooms, excitedly sharing stories about their holiday adventures. There’s nothing quite like the energy a new term brings and as the final chapter of the school year, Term 4 is always a special one!

This term promises rich learning, fun activities and exciting opportunities for every student to shine. We can’t wait to see what our students accomplish in the weeks ahead. Join me as we all embrace this term with positivity, curiosity and a love for learning.

Sun Safety Reminder

As the weather quickly warms up, please remember that we are a Sun Smart school. This is a friendly reminder that all students are required to wear a school hat during outdoor play and activities. Please help us by checking at home to make sure hats are clearly labelled, in good condition and by encouraging sun safe practices both in and out of school.

Gratitude for Our School Community

As we head into these final weeks, I’ve been so pleased to hear the incredibly positive feedback about St Agnes’ from many parents and community members. Hearing both new and existing families express their desire for their child to be part of a school like ours is immensely gratifying for me as Principal.

This positive reputation is built on the efforts of our entire community. I want to sincerely thank our staff for their daily dedication, our children for their great attitudes and you, our parents and carers, for being so supportive, offering valuable feedback and highly valuing your child's education.

Our Shared Goal: Nurturing Happy and Kind Children

We understand that in a school environment, especially one with young people still learning social and emotional skills, not everything goes smoothly every day. However, please know that the school is extremely committed to assisting all children and families when challenges arise.

When issues occur, we truly appreciate families who show patience, kindness and compassion. We share the same goal: that our children grow up to be well adjusted, happy and kind boys and girls. By working together in partnership, we ensure this goal remains our focus.

New Process for Calm Transitions: 'Stop. Drop. Line Up.' 

This week, we successfully launched our new, simple process for moving students from the playground back to class at the end of break times. It's called 'Stop. Drop. Line Up.'

This procedure is designed to help students transition back to learning in a calm and orderly way, helping to minimise rushing and negative behaviours.

When the bell rings, all students should:

• Stop: Immediately freeze and stop playing.
• Drop: Crouch or sit down to show they've stopped and are ready.
• Line Up: Move quickly and calmly to their designated teacher to form a single line.

This simple routine has been highly successful at other schools in creating smoother transitions, and we are already seeing a positive impact here at St Agnes'! Thank you for discussing this with your children and reinforcing the importance of listening for the bell.

Consistent Expectations: Clear Consequences

We wish to  inform you of an important update to our school's behavioral policy, effective immediately. 

To ensure a consistently safe and focused learning environment for all students, any occurrence of the following serious behaviors will now automatically incur a mandatory in-school suspension .

• Acts of Physical Aggression (e.g. hitting, punching, kicking, pushing).
• Use of Sexually Explicit or Offensive Language.
• Use of Racist Language.

This change is designed to clearly align consequences with the most serious infractions, providing students with immediate, firm accountability for their actions. We are committed to working with you to reinforce high standards of conduct both at home and at school.

The purpose of the suspension is to give the school time to develop a clear plan to re-teach and reinforce the desired positive behaviours upon the student’s return. Please note that for behaviours deemed extreme, consequences may differ.

These clear expectations ensure a safe and positive learning environment for everyone in our school community. Thank you for your continued support!

Class Placement - 2026

As a staff, we give significant time and consideration to your child’s class placement each year. We look at the academic, social and emotional needs of all the children within our school and work on creating the most positive class groupings. This will ensure that each child will transition well into their new class and flourish throughout the 2026 school year.

I am very grateful that, for the most part, our parents trust the staff and the decisions we make for their child’s class placement. Children will be asked to complete a sociogram to identify friendships they believe they work well with and teachers will ensure that every child is placed with at least one of their friends. Considerations include, but are not limited to, assessment data, peer dynamics, learning and behavioural needs and the ratio of boys/girls within classes. Teachers on specific classes will not be known at this time and requesting a classroom teacher for your child cannot be assured.

If you believe that teachers need to consider a specific factor for your child to be a successful learner in 2026, please submit a written response to the Principal by Monday 17 November 2025. You can email this to: brendan.kiely@lism.catholic.edu.au

Please understand that requests from previous years will not be referred to and only written responses received by Monday 17 November 2025 will be considered.

Celebrating Our Aspiring 2026 Leaders

In the coming weeks, we will be making the exciting announcement of our 2026 School Captains and Sporting Captains.

This leadership selection process is a significant milestone and we extend our sincere congratulations to the Year 5 teachers who have expertly guided and prepared our students for this opportunity. Equally, we celebrate the students themselves for their outstanding commitment and the hard work they have put in to be eligible for consideration to represent our school next year.

As was clearly articulated to all Year 5 families last term, the process is now moving into the final stages. We wish all the children the very best of luck as they prepare their speeches for presentation to the school.

Preparing for 2026: A New Journey Begins

Finally, please keep all families with children commencing Kindergarten next year in your thoughts and prayers. Their important journey begins this term with the commencement of our St Agnes' Juniors program and various learning experiences for both parents and children. Also Year 6 students as they finish their final term as a primary school student and we wish them well as they prepare to transition into high school.

Here’s to a fantastic Term 4!

May your spirit shine brightly!

St Agnes' Photo Gallery - Term 3

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Leader of Pastoral Care

Build the Habit of Regular Attendance

Every school day provides a unique opportunity for students to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Consistent attendance ensures that students make the most of these opportunities, laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational journey.

School Calendar

To access the School Calendar on Compass:

- Using a mobile phone: Click on the Calendar tab at the bottom of your Compass home page. You will have the option to view the calendar as daily or weekly. To see future dates, click on the small calendar at the top right hand side.

- Using a computer: Click on the Calendar icon at the top left hand side next to the Compass logo. You will have the option to view the calendar as a day, week, month or term.

Assistant Principal - Mission

Thank you so much to the families in Year 3 who generously donated items for the Toiletry Drive for the Homeless Collective. These were delivered this week and greatly appreciated by the organisers.

Des Grissell and Jeanette Reynolds Memorial Service

There will be no assembly in Week 1 next Term. On that Friday afternoon, after school there will be a celebration of  the life and contribution of two of our long serving staff members Des Grissell and Jeanette Reynolds with a Memorial Service and Plaque unveiling in the garden around our statue of St Agnes’. Families of these much loved members of our community and staff who taught with them will be attending and we will need to have the school hall set up for the event.

Year 5 and 6 First Aid Training

On Wednesday some of our Year 5 and 6 students participated in a CPR course as an opt in event. 100 students listened attentively to Cameron who praised our students for their wonderful manners, respect and participation. 

Notice of Upcoming Footpath Construction Works - Boronia Street

Location of activity?
Construction of new footpath will be undertaken between 36 to 50 Boronia Street, Port Macquarie.

When is the activity scheduled to occur?
The works are planned to commence 30 September (weather permitting) and expected to take approx 4 weeks to complete. Works will commence on the northern end of the footpath (closest to St Agnes Primary School).

 How will traffic be affected?

• Traffic control will be on site throughout the works and will implement short stoppages to traffic if required.
• On street parking will be restricted at the work zone (parking lane will be closed) between 36 and 50 Boronia Street.
• Speed reduction will be in place (40km/h) at the work zone.
• Where vehicle access to driveways will be affected, individual property owners will be contacted by Council staff prior to commencement of works.
• Motorists are encouraged to allow additional travel time and exercise caution when travelling through the site.
• Pedestrian movements will be managed by our crew on site to ensure safe access along this section of Boronia Street.
• Works have been scheduled to commence in the spring school holiday period in order to minimise traffic disruptions, however crews may remain on site at the southernmost end of the work site in the first two weeks of term four. Parents and students are advised to take caution around the work site.

Red line shows new path to be constructed.
Green / Pink line is existing footpath.

Prayer

Prayer for School Holidays

Loving Father, we thank You for the blessings of this term and for the growth of each child, teacher and family in our school.

As we go on holiday, grant us safe travel, peaceful rest and joyful moments together.

Keep our doors and hearts protected and let the love of Christ renew us so that we may return refreshed to serve You and one another.

Through Christ our Lord, we pray.

Amen.

Community News

We’re excited to announce that during the Term 3 School Holidays, the NRL Game Development Team will be running a fun-filled School Holiday Clinic in Port Macquarie! 

When: Thursday 9 October

Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm

 Ages: 5–12 years

 Cost: $59

 Where: Wood St Playing Fields (Port Macquarie)

It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills, make friends, and have an awesome day playing footy! 

Register now to secure your spot: https://shorturl.at/bx4sV

Canteen News

Parish News

Principal Message

Dear Parents and Carers

As we reach the end of Term 3, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. This term has been full of energy, learning and growth and I’m incredibly proud of our students, our staff and our whole school community.

First and foremost, thank you to our amazing students. Your hard work, curiosity and positive attitudes have been inspiring. From your focus in the classroom to your efforts in sports, performing arts and other school activities, you have shown remarkable dedication. We've celebrated many successes this term and each personal achievement, big or small, is a testament to your efforts and resilience.

To our parents and carers, thank you for your unwavering trust and support in the school. It is a true privilege to partner with you in your children's education and development. Your involvement, encouragement and daily commitment make a real difference and we are so grateful for the strong and caring community we have at St Agnes’.

Finally, to our incredible staff - your tireless efforts and commitment to our students go above and beyond. You not only provide an outstanding education but also create a nurturing environment where every child feels seen and supported. Thank you for your passion and for everything you do to help our students thrive in all aspects of their lives.

As the spring break begins, I hope you all have a chance to rest and recharge. Take this time to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and the gifts that surround us. Whether you're staying close to home or venturing out, please be safe and make wonderful memories with your loved ones.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful two week break.

With gratitude,

Brendan Kiely
Principal