Newsletter - 2025 Term 4 Week 3

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Source of all goodness

We gather as a school community, united by your values of Faith, Hope and Love. We open our hearts to your presence in all that we do.

We pray for our Year 5 students who attended their retreat, that these special times of stepping away provided moments of deep Faith and reflection. We hope it strengthened their relationship with You and with one another. 

We lift up our youngest members, the Kindergarten transition students, and their families who began joining us this week. Give them Hope as they embark on this new journey, the hope of belonging, learning and friendship. 

For all the upcoming community engagement activities, we ask for a spirit of generous Love. Inspire us to look beyond our gates to see and serve our neighbours and to be a compassionate presence in the wider world. May our acts of service reflect Your light and mercy.

Lord, help us to live out our core values every day:

• To walk in Faith, trusting in Your plan and Your constant care.
• To be a beacon of Hope, especially for those who are struggling or uncertain.
• To lead with Love, treating every person with the dignity and respect they deserve.

May Your blessing rest upon our students, staff, families and all those who support our mission, now and always.

Amen.

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.

Principal Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we enter the final term of the school year, I have been reflecting on what truly makes an exceptional educator. An exceptional educator does far more than teach curriculum, they recognise that genuine nurture is not simply kindness or comfort, but the strength to guide, challenge and uplift each child in their learning and faith journey.

They recognise each student’s God given gifts, seeing potential even before the child recognises it themselves. Exceptional educators bring together knowledge, compassion and faith, creating classrooms where students feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes and celebrate success.

Often, as parents, we naturally hold ideas about what the ideal teacher might look like for our child, someone with a particular style, personality or approach. However, the reality is that what we as parents may first perceive as the “perfect fit” is not always what a child needs most to learn, grow and flourish. Sometimes the teacher who challenges, stretches or supports a child in unexpected ways becomes the one who helps them grow the most.

This is especially important to remember as teachers begin the process of class placements for next year. Our staff spend many hours thoughtfully balancing classes and ensuring that every child is placed where they will be best supported, academically, socially and emotionally. We ask that you trust in the professionalism and expertise of our teachers, who know our students deeply in the learning environment and always act with their best interests at heart.

I am continually uplifted by how deeply our students love their class teachers. It is a joy to see the trust, laughter and genuine affection shared in classrooms each day. Children notice when teachers care, when they listen and when they make learning meaningful and our teachers do this beautifully.

As parents, we play an important role in nurturing a positive partnership by speaking supportively about our children’s teachers. When children hear encouragement and respect for their teachers at home, it reinforces the strong partnership between school and family and helps them approach learning with confidence and pride.

Together, through faith, trust and shared purpose, we continue to nurture the hearts and minds of every child in our care. It is World Teacher’s Day and with this in mind, say a little prayer for your teacher for patience, wisdom and renewed energy as they continue their vital work of lighting the path of learning for your child.

Finally, a special thank you must go out to our wonderful School Community Forum (SCF) who recognised the dedication of our staff on World Teacher’s Day by treating them all to a fantastic coffee or drink from the Two Frogs Coffee van. This generous and thoughtful gesture was truly appreciated by all staff members!

Students not Returning in 2026

As we continue to prepare for the 2026 school year, we ask that parents of any students from Kindergarten to Year 5 (excluding Year 6 students) who will not be returning to St Agnes’ in 2026 to complete a departure form at the office.

School Uniform

We understand that it’s the start of a new term and everyone is settling back in after the holidays. However, we kindly ask that families take a moment to review and support our school’s uniform policy. Encouraging students to wear the correct uniform helps promote pride, equality and a sense of belonging within our school community. Please pay particular attention to our school socks, haircuts and the wearing of jewellery. If you’re unsure about any uniform requirements, please refer to the school’s uniform policy. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in helping our students start the term on the right note.

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.

Have a lovely weekend ahead

Brendan Kiely
Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

Grandparents, Godparents and Good Friends

Thank you so much to the numerous visitors who attended the Grandparents, Godparents and Good Friends Celebration last Friday. We hope you all felt the love and gratitude from the students and appreciated their artistic talents.

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Socktober

Congratulations to our Class Representatives who worked with our SRC to make sock balls this week in readiness for our soccer challenge on crazy sock day today.

Thank you to our families who have contributed $428 towards Catholic Missions and communities in Zambia in need of our support for basic essentials. The children thoroughly enjoyed their crazy sock day.

Year 5 Retreat

Feedback gave a 10 out of 10 for the food on the Year 5 Retreat.

This was a wonderful experience for our Year 5 cohort with some students hesitant about their first ever sleepover and being away from their families. All students were grateful for the opportunity to participate in fun activities and challenges to promote their faith and leadership skills. Thank you to Joady Castles and her team of workers who provided for the every need of our students at St Francis Retreat. 

Over the two days, students spent time reflecting on and developing leadership skills needed as a Year 6 cohort next year and considering the qualities they will look for when voting in our 2026 student leaders in the coming weeks.

Creating sand sculptures in groups, problem solving games, physical challenges, team building activities, producing artwork, meditation, being grateful and reflecting on their relationship with God and others all featured in this short period of time. Thanks to Mrs Alchin, Mr Behan, Mr Brazel, Simon and Mrs Post for giving up their own family  time to provide this valuable opportunity for our students.

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Parish Community Day

On Sunday 23 November, all families are invited for a free family fun day with all members of the St Agnes’ Parish at St Joseph's Regional College. Students can join in the fun of a jumping castle, petting animals, face painting and other activities including sand art (led by St Agnes’ Primary Staff). Members of our Filipino and Indian communities will provide samples of traditional foods, along with BBQ and drinks provided by other parish groups.

This is a wonderful opportunity for all families to come together for a mass from 10:00am followed by a range of activities, dancing and music to celebrate Christ the King Feast Day and enjoy quality family time.

Fun and Faith

This week on Wednesday, Mia joined us for Fun and Faith as Zac Parnell was busy. Students from Years 3 to 6 learnt new games and had a discussion about ways they pray. Mia reminded us about the opportunity for students from Years 4 to 6 to attend the Youth Hub each Friday night from 5:30pm for dinner and games with students from other schools in the parish.

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

It has been a busy beginning to our term of learning. It is hard to believe that it is Term 4 already! We are working hard to support our students in working hard to finish the year in a positive manner. There is still so much to learn. It is the time of year where we begin to plan for transition into the next grade spaces. If you are concerned about your child during the lead up to transition, please contact your class teacher or Mel Walker.

ICAS Update

We have received notification from ICAS that the student certificates will start to arrive from 14 November. This means that they may not be ready to hand out to students until our Assembly in Week 7. We will update families via compass if they arrive sooner.

2025 Art Exhibition

Thank you to Mrs Kim Post for her amazing efforts in coordinating our 2025 Visual Arts Exhibition. The quality of the artworks continue to amaze us, highlighting the amazing capacity for creativity that our students have. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and visit the exhibition. For those of you who were unable to attend, we hope you enjoy these photos.

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Home Reading

We would like to reinforce the importance of home reading with families. Many teachers are reporting that their students are not practising their reading skills at home.  In order to allow your child to successfully master the foundational skills that will set them up for education success throughout their life, we require partnership from home.  

Children need a lot of practice to develop their reading skills to the point of fluency. Ten to fifteen minutes of daily reading at home with a supportive adult can make all the difference. This will enable children to apply the skills taught at school, and ensure that as they move through the grades, they continue to progress.  Reading at home should be a successful and positive experience for your child. If it is turning into a very stressful time, please consult your child’s class teacher for advice. 

We remind families whose older children have difficulty with reading, that all students have access to decodable texts via the Multi Lit e-library. Please contact your class teacher or Kate de Bressac if you are unable to access this excellent resource.

The following article provides evidence based hints and tips for supporting both young and older readers: 

https://fivefromfive.com.au/parent-resources/reading-with-children/home-reading/

Year 5 Science and Technology - Microbits

Reminder - Carpark Rules

Can we please remind all families that we cannot have cars parked across the pedestrian walkway at any time. We understand how frustrating it is to be asked to go around the block, but we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those walking along the pathway, and to ensure that the traffic keeps flowing to enable the local buses to run to schedule. Please be considerate of the staff who do these duties and follow all instructions.

Sports News

Zone Summer Sports Trials - Cricket, Tennis and Basketball

Over the past two weeks, our Year 4 and 5 students have been busy participating in the Zone Summer Sports Trials for their chosen sports. So far, cricket, basketball, and tennis trials have taken place, with touch football scheduled for Monday 3 November.

Best of luck to the twenty students heading to the Zone Touch Football Trials on Monday! A reminder to familes that the bus will depart for Kempsey at 8:00am and return in time for afternoon buses. If you are choosing to transport your child by private transport to the Touch Football trials, can you please email andrew.wilson@lism.catholic.edu.au or contact the office on 6583 7433. This will assist with a prompt departure on Monday morning.

Cricket Trials – Monday 20 October

Archie M, Liam O, Lachlan S, Miles G and Archie SB travelled to Kempsey to take part in the Zone Cricket Trials. Dressed in their whites, the boys were put through their paces in the batting nets and on the pitch under very hot conditions. All of our Year 5 boys gave their best effort and enjoyed the experience.

Congratulations to Liam O and Lachlan S, who were selected to represent the zone at the Diocesan Cricket Trials in Lismore on Friday 7 November. Well done to all the boys!

Basketball Trials – Monday 27 October

The basketball trials were held at the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium where Korbann J, Arie F, Dominic R, Hunter F, and Harrison F represented Aggies. The boys competed skillfully among some very talented players, all hoping for Diocesan selection. Although no Aggies players were selected this time, our students showed great effort and sportsmanship. A special thank you to the families who supported the boys, getting them to the trials before heading to camp that afternoon.

Tennis Trials – Monday 27 October

Also on Monday, Teddy H and Kade W attended the tennis trials in Kendall. The hot conditions continued on the courts, but both boys played well against strong competition from other Hastings Zone schools. The event followed a gala day format, with each player competing in four sets. The top three point scorers progressed to the Diocesan Trials. Teddy and Kade both enjoyed the experience, even though they missed selection.

NSW CPS Polding Girls Rugby League Pathways Development Day

Last Friday, Georgia W in Year 6 travelled to Sydney to play in the NSW CPS Polding Girls Rugby League Pathways Development Day. The day was an opportunity to train with some WNRL coaches and trial for the Polding Rugby League Team to play against MacKillop.

It was a massive day for Georgia, with training sessions in the morning, before playing five games of rugby league. She played tough and fair in hot conditions and enjoyed the experience of playing and training at a high level of league. Well done, Georgia.

Term 4 Coached Sport - Cricket

This Term, Cricket NSW will be sending coaches to St Agnes' to run clinics with our students. All grades will have the opportunity to attend the coaching sessions. This opportunity is provided to our school through money from the Australian government's Sporting Schools grants. The session aims to allow students to experience different sports, develop skills needed to play the game and learn some of the rules. We hope our students enjoy the opportunity to play cricket and thank Cricket NSW for making it possible.

Aggies Swimming Carnival Update

The Aggies Swimming Carnival is on track for Monday 24 November! The carnival is a fun, inclusive day that encourages everyone, from all grades, to participate. 

Last week, event signup forms were shared with families via the Compass app. Two separate Google Forms were posted — one for Year 2 students and another for Years 3 - 6.

In previous years, 8-year-old Year 2 students were permitted to remain at the pool if they were competing in events other than the 50m freestyle. However, this arrangement created supervision challenges between grades and resulted in a very long day for our younger students. This year, the school has decided that all Year 2 students will attend the Infants Carnival and return to school at 10:45am Under this new format, Year 2 students will still have the opportunity to compete in the 50m freestyle and novelty events before heading back to school.

Through the Google Forms, Year 2 students can sign up for the 8-Year Freestyle events. Years 3 - 6 can sign up for the following events:

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

Attached is a program for competitive events. We will do our best to stay on time with events; however, as with all carnivals, times should be used as a guide only.

Please take time to talk to your children about which events they wish to enter, and ensure they understand they should be able to swim the distance without assistance or stopping. If your child only wishes to participate in the non-competitive events, there is no need to complete the Google Forms. The closing date for events is 10 November. After this date, students will not be able to enter events.

If you're available to lend a hand, 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

Pastoral Care

Build the Habit of Regular Attendance

Missing 5 days per term means your child misses 10% of their learning, leading to cumulative gaps in knowledge. Consistent attendance is crucial for academic success, as every school day provides valuable opportunities. If your child is reluctant to attend, addressing it early is key.

Artist - Lennox 8 years old.

Empowering Parents: Anti-Bullying Information Session Wrap-Up

Thank you to all the parents who joined us for an important Anti-Bullying Parent Information Session on Monday 20 October at the School Community Forum Meeting.

The session was presented by Mrs Bronwyn Shipton (Pastoral Care Officer for the Hastings) and offered valuable insights into a complex topic.

Key concepts covered included:

• Understanding the "Why": Discussing the potential underlying reasons and motivations that can lead to bullying behavior.
• School-Wide Prevention: A look at the proactive, whole-school approaches we use to prevent bullying and foster a positive, inclusive environment.
• Student Learning: An outline of the specific anti-bullying curriculum and lessons students will engage with at school to develop empathy, resilience, and positive social skills.
• Parent Strategies & Supports: Practical advice and proven strategies parents can use at home to support their child, whether they are being bullied or are struggling with their own behavior.

A recurring and crucial theme of the evening was the importance of partnership. The most effective way to support our students is by working together at school and home to implement consistent strategies and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone.

If you were unable to attend and would like more information, please see the Practical Strategies below: 

Student Awards

Assembly Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received an award at today's assembly:

Aila N, Ashton M, Billie P, Bonnie C, Charlie E, Charlie J, Charlotte B, Charlotte H, Charlotte W, Damien B, Emilia A, Emmanuel S, Emmanuel S, Faraday W, Fletcher S, Gillyanna V, Hamish D, Hannah B, Hermione P, Hiram W, Jacob B, Jeffrey W, Karvella I, Layla R, Leila L, Liam B, Liam O, Lola F, Luca B, Lucas K, Lucas S, Maja M, Molly B, Molly B, Myles R, Oakley A, Olivia C, Piya V, Riley G, Riley O, Ruby W, Ryan C, Scarlett G, Sophia S, Sophie H, Stella S, Thomas B and Vivienne L

Dojo Awards

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 500 Dojos:

Brisha S, Deina D, Elijah N, Elsa G, Henry B, Jayden J, Kanata N, Mikayla O and Rory C

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 400 Dojos:

Aanshi P, Adelaide W, Aiden V, Amal M, Annabelle B, Ariette S, Arthur V, Aston G, Athena T, Audrey F, Bailee C, Billie J, Bonnie C, Bridger D, Brodie D, Charlotte B, Claudia F, Daisy S, Damien B, Daniel L, Dash D, Dominic R, Dreigh N, Edison L, Eleanore M, Eli M, Emerson S, Emersyn F, Evelyn J, Felix F, Frankie C, Gemma W, Grace M, Hadlen S, Hannah B, Harper W, Hayden N, Henley C, Jai C, Jiya R, Jude H, Maisyn F, Marcella J, Margaux R, Matilda H, Micah van L, Michael V, Migha A, Nate B, Nikita S, Nina T, Olivia C, Owen J, Phoenix N, Poppy C, Ranuga V, Riley O, Ryan F, Ryker D, Ryley W, Scarlett G and Sharleigh F

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 300 Dojos:

Aanshi P, Aemy M, Aila N, Aiva A, Alexander R, Amelia S, Andrea A, Ariana F, Aurora M, Ava Q, Cassidy H, Caylee O, Charlee C, Charlotte L, Cruze M, Daizjah S, Deion D, Emily T, Georgia B, Georgia S, Habel S, Hamish D, Hiram W, Hudson M, Isolde O, Ivy C, Jho'A, Jiya R, Jorgie P, Kalani J, Karvella I, Kruze D, Lawson M, Leighroy D, Levi S, Liam B, Lily J, Lucey B, Madelyn F, Michelle A, Noah B, Noah U, Phebe C, Prisca K, Reginald F, Riley O, Sam B, Shivanya R and Sienna van L

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 200 Dojos:

Abhyukth S, Charlotte D, Chloe L, Emily K, George S, Kitt Q, Lucy D, Macy C, Noah F, Rita B, Ruby H, Sienna T, Sunday A, Thomas E, Tyler C, Van M, Wyatt B and Xavier H

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 100 Dojos:

Andrew H

School News

School Community Forum (SCF)

Thank you Teachers!

Today is World Teacher's Day and a great opportunity to thank the incredible teachers and staff at St Agnes' Primary for all they do for our children. The School Community Forum organised a coffee van to shout staff their morning coffee today. Staff were also surprised with a small gift at assembly on behalf of all students, parents and carers. Happy World Teacher's Day!

SCF Meeting

Please see below for the Minutes of the October SCF meeting.

Our final SCF meeting for the year is on Monday 17 November and will focus on planning for 2026. All parents and carers are invited to attend. 

Aggies' Golf Fundraiser - Friday 21 November

Just 3 weeks away! With over 120 players registered, it is sure to be a success! All parents and staff (whether playing or not) are invited to come along to Port Macquarie Golf Club for a drink or dinner and attend the presentation and auction.

• Tee-off 4:30pm
• Presentation and auction from 6:30pm

If you are still hoping to play, would like to donate a prize or have any questions, please contact Lachlan Bassett on lachlan.bassett@gmail.com or 0421992699.

Canteen News

Community News