Newsletter - 2024 Term 1 Week 6

Calendar

From the Leaders

In this Sunday’s Gospel John says “Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believed in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.” These words remind us the reason Jesus came into the world was not to die but to love. In his Resurrection, he demonstrated that God’s love is so strong that even death can not overcome it. We aren’t forced to do anything God asks of us, but he hopes we will choose ‘good’. Whatever we do, he doesn’t stop loving us and inviting us to come back to him.

Harmony Week

During Harmony Week (18 - 24 March) we will have opportunities to recognise and celebrate the beautiful ways cultural diversity enriches our community. Learning about different cultures recognised in our school will take place prior to our Harmony Day Celebration on Friday 22 March. Students are invited to wear either an outfit in line with their own cultural background or something orange on that day.

Easter Hat Parade

This year we will be holding our Easter Hat Parade and Easter Raffle after Easter. The parade will take place at 9:00am on Tuesday 2 April and the raffle draw later that day.

Easter Egg Raffle

Families are asked to donate easter goodies to be used in the annual Easter Egg Raffle. These can be taken to the front office where a ticket will be given to your child to go into the draw. Tickets will be available for sale at 50cents each from outside the front office at Lunch 1 each day from Monday 18 March. All proceeds will be donated to Caritas and also the Soup Kitchen.

Sister Marjorie’s Soup Kitchen

Last week, Mrs Post, Mrs Todd and Mrs Sprague had the privilege of attending Sister Marjorie’s Soup Kitchen to see first hand the wonderful work being carried out in our parish. Several generous volunteers worked to provide breakfast and lunch for those in need. The soup kitchen not only provides a hot meal, but groceries, clothing, haircuts and companionship. The Soup Kitchen is going to be our whole school focus for acts of service this year. This falls in line with our Mission School Improvement goal of Increasing Social Justice and links The Catholic Social teaching of Human Dignity. We look forward to Sr Marjorie visiting St Agnes’ Primary soon to share her story.

TAP-ITAS

This week the class in the lead with the most ‘waterdrops’ for providing homes in rural communities in Samoa with hygienic toilets is 4 Love.

Caritas - Human Dignity

This week we continue to focus on Catholic Social Teaching principles (CSTs) which offer guidance on how we do this in ways that are good for people and our wonderful planet. These principles support the work to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity for all.

What is Human dignity? Human dignity is the foundation of all the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. It reminds us that all people are created in the image of God and are, therefore, valuable, all equal and worthy of respect.

A person’s dignity does not depend on:

• birthplace
• skin colour
• body type
• beliefs
• money
• ability

Dignity is a quality of being human. Human dignity is challenged when resources we need to thrive are not shared by all people and when people are treated unfairly by others.

(Derived from Caritas Australia)

It is important to have a strong understanding of the needs and priorities of the community. The survey link below is for anyone in our community to provide their feedback and ideas about our current or future active transport networks within our Local Government Area.

As a valued member of the community, the council would like iformation about improving safety and accessible footpaths for cycling and walking to the school. Many of our families have openly discussed their concerns about improving the safety relating to parking in and our children walking and riding along Boronia Street. 

Build The Habit Of Good Attendance

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Help your child to learn that going to school on time, every day is important.

Reinforcing the idea that attending school regularly is crucial for a positive school experience. Foster a love for learning by encouraging your child's natural curiosity. 

Help your child to see school as a place to explore new ideas, discover interests, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Foster positive social connections at school by encouraging friendships. Knowing that they have friends to look forward to can motivate children to attend school regularly.

Come Pray With Me

Families are welcome to join their children in celebrating Masses and Liturgies at Christ the King Chapel each Thursday at 10:15am. The children always appreciate this special time with their grade and we encourage any family members to join us.

NAPLAN- Important Reminder

With NAPLAN starting next week, we ask all families in Years 3 and 5 to check your child has a working set of headphones at school.

We remind all families that if your child requires adjustments, the permission forms must be returned ASAP.

Sports News

Diocesan Swimming

Last Friday, 13 St Agnes' students attended the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Macksville. The weather was perfect for the event, and our students gave it their best. On the day, we had students in almost every event. The swimming was fast, and for many of our swimmers, it was a big step up and a good learning experience for higher level competition and regulations. Unfortunately, none of our athletes were successful in gaining selection to the Polding trials. Congratulations to all our swimmers for making it to a Diocesan level of competition.

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials - Hockey

On Wednesday 6 March, Ethan Favaloro travelled to Grafton to compete at the Diocesan Hockey Trials. Ethan spent the morning doing drills and then played a trial game to end the selection process. Competing against the best hockey players in the Lismore Diocese is always a big challenge, and Ethan demonstrated the skills and sportsmanship needed to gain selection for the Polding Trials. He will now travel to Tamworth on Thursday 2 May for two days to compete against hockey players from all NSW Catholic primary schools.

Congratulations to Ethan for your selection.

School Cross Country Carnival

We have locked in Tuesday 26 March as our school Cross Country Carnival. For the carnival, students 8 years old (this year) and older can compete in the competitive events for Zone Selection. Children aged 8 to 10 years will complete a 2km course (four laps of the bottom field), and 11 and 12 years a 3km course (six laps). Children have the option of competing in competitive events or non-competitive events.

The Primary carnival will begin at 9:00am and run through to Lunch 1. The infant's carnival will be held after Lunch 1. We invite all families to join us for the event and stay for a picnic lunch between 11:00am and 11:40am. A presentation for age champions will be held under the shelter at 2:15pm. 

A program of events is attached to help families plan their day.

KM Club

Our KM Club continues to add kilometres to our quest. Many students join the club Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for laps around the bottom oval with their friends. This has also been an excellent opportunity for students to get in some practice ahead of our Cross Country Carnival. 

Future Dates

Term One

• Tuesday 26 March - School Cross Country Carnival
• Tuesday 9 April - Polding AFL Trials, Newcastle
  
• Thursday 11 and Friday 12 April - NSW PSSA Swimming, Homebush Aquatic Centre

Term Two

• Friday 3 May - Polding Winter Sports Trials, Tamworth
• Wednesday 8 May - Zone Cross Country, Kempsey
• 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

Postive Behaviour Support

This week we continued our focus on learning about how we can use the 4R’s every day in keeping our school clean and tidy,  be respectful and responsible in our environment and the toilets.

Student Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have reached 100 Dojos:

Ethan W, Indi F, Julian K and Melissa M

Canteen News

Parish News

Key Enrolment Dates For 2025

Kindergarten Information Sessions

• St Peter’s Primary School – Saturday 18 May 2024 – 9:30am
• St Agnes’ 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 Peter’s Primary School – Saturday 1 June 2024 – 2:00pm
• St Agnes’ 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