Newsletter - 2025 Term 3 Week 9

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for the bright smiles and curious hearts of our children.

Bless our students as we celebrate Aggies Children’s Day and the book parade, that every book may open a new world of learning and that each child may grow in wonder, faith and love.

May the stories we share inspire them to be kind, honest and brave - just as Christ teaches us.

Keep our teachers, families and friends safe and joyful as we celebrate these precious moments together.

In Your holy name we pray
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,

What a wonderful way to start our Friday with our Book Week Parade! It was truly amazing to see all the imaginative costumes, from the beloved Cat in the Hat and Harry Potter characters to crayons, dinosaurs, and witches. A huge thank you to all the children for their fantastic effort and creativity. Your enthusiasm made it the best parade yet.

A special thank you to all the parents and families who joined us. Your presence made the parade and classroom activities extra special. We hope you enjoyed seeing the creativity on display and had fun taking photos with your children. We would also like to give a big shout-out to Mr Bagley and all the staff who helped prepare the parade and decorate our hall and library. Their hard work and dedication made the event a huge success.

World Children's Day at St Agnes’

This week was also filled with other wonderful events. We celebrated World Children’s Day, with our Year 6 leaders and teachers organising a fun day of activities and prizes for everyone. Thank you Year 6, for creating such an inclusive and enjoyable day for the whole school.

Trivia Night

To the SCF School Community Forum,

Thank you for organising such a fun and successful Trivia Night on Saturday! It was a wonderful evening, and the great turnout of 11 teams made it an exciting competition.

We especially want to thank the organisers - Tegan Bassett, Jenna Sales, Dominique Jackson-Hope, Ben McEntyre, Michelle Gerathy, Trish Todd and Donna Sprague for all their hard work in preparing and running the event. Your efforts created a fantastic night for our community. Congratulations to the Yellow Brick Road Team who took home the trophy and plenty of prizes. Hopefully we will see this as a regular event on the SCF yearly calendar.

Looking Ahead to a Strong Finish

As we head into our final week of Term 3, we encourage all students to remain focused and resolute. Let’s make our last week of term as strong as our first. We want to finish the term by being respectful, resilient and responsible. A reminder that the last day of school is Thursday 25 September with Friday being our Staff Spirituality Day.

Thank you to all our parents and families for your support throughout the term. We look forward to a successful final week and a well deserved holiday.

Peace be with you

Brendan Kiely

Assistant Principal - Mission

Sacrament of Confirmation

This week 22 of our children received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Gregory Homeming. The ceremonies were respectful and reverent with a focus from the Bishop on being loved and loving others.

Congratulations to Francesca C, Brodie D, Indiana F, William G, Beau J, Lucas K, Ari K, Charlotte M, Layla M, Harry M, Hadley M, Maja M, Amber N, Sadie O, Chelsea O, Evie P, Charlie R, Alexander R, Geroge S, Hiram W, Isobel W and Mahli-Lee W.

Thankyou to the staff who prepared the students and the families who supported them, continuing their faith journey with this second sacrament of initiation. Next Wednesday we look forward to celebrating these students at morning prayer, with a part to follow. Families of the candidates are invited to attend this celebration.

World Children's Day

Thank you to the amazing Year 6 Team for organising fun events to celebrate ‘Aggie’s Children's Day’. Younger students were heard saying ‘this is the best day ever’. The activities our students organised were fun and engaging. 

We will share some photos next week in our Week 10 Photo Gallery.

Fun and Faith Group

Zac Parnell is leading a Fun and Faith Group each Wednesday at Lunch 1 for our Year 5 and 6 students. This group provides students with the opportunity to play fun games, sing songs and ask questions about their faith.

Class Representative Badge Ceremony

Class Representatives are currently being voted for Term 4. Families of the successful representatives will be contacted and invited to be a part of the Badge ceremony on Monday morning after the Gospel and Homily on 20 October at 9:00am.

St Agnes' Uniform Expectations

Thank you to those families who consistently support our school’s uniform policy. Our uniform policy was previously outlined at the beginning of the year, with expectations for correct uniform and acceptable hairstyles. Most of these requirements have been the same as the ones agreed upon during the enrolment process at St Agnes’ Primary. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in parent contact via Compass outlining the breach with a request to rectify the issue.

Socktober

This year Catholic Mission are raising awareness and funds for communities in Zambia, to help ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future. The SRC will be sharing initiatives to promote Socktober next term.

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Book Week

It was wonderful to finally be able to celebrate Book Week today. The effort that goes into costumes every year astounds us. Thank you very much to all of the parents who joined us and who stayed to share in reading with the classes. In this digital age, the power of rich quality literature cannot be taken for granted for developing minds. We hope that you enjoyed it also and we encourage everyone to take this book week as a reminder to share in stories just for fun.  Mr Darren Bagley has done a wonderful job of preparing our Book Week celebrations and we thank him for all of his efforts.

We will share extra photos in our Week 10 Photo Gallery.

Year 6 Art Work

Year 6 have been creating stunning sculptures in Visual Arts with Mrs Post. The children chose an inspirational quote to bring to life. Take a look at the detail in some of their works. We have incredibly talented students in our school.

CAPA Spectacular

We cannot believe that we have come to the end of such a huge term of learning. We have certainly fit a lot into 10 weeks. Our Creative Arts Spectacular was the culmination of a whole year’s worth of work by our incredibly talented committee. We love celebrating the arts with all of our students who are interested in performing. These beautiful performers are headed for the dance eisteddfod next week and we wish them all the very best. 

Australian Catholic Education Conference

This term, some of our leadership team had the privileged opportunity to attend the Australian Catholic Education Conference. With the theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’, the conference focused on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access. It featured a broad range of speakers, presentations and workshops focused on Catholic identity, mission and formation; learning and teaching; leadership and governance; parent engagement; parish and community engagement; resourcing and infrastructure; advocacy and marketing; and more. 

The conference included an incredibly moving mass that involved hundreds of students from schools in the Archdiocese of Cairns. Their music ministry was inspirational, and a reminder of the hope for the future that the beautiful students in our Catholic Schools hold. 

The quality of learning included; Dr Steve Constantino who is a nationally recognised leader, educator, speaker, and best-selling author, known for his groundbreaking work in family and community engagement; Dr Simon Breakspear-researcher, advisor, author and speaker on educational leadership, policy, and change and Sr Nathalie Becquart who is the Undersecretary for the General Secretariat of the Synod, Vatican

It was a learning and teaching highlight that we were fortunate enough to have spent a full day with Professor Dylan Wiliam as he shared updates to his learning on assessment for learning. Professor Wiliam has previously worked with our diocese and is internationally renowned for his work in academic research. This was a very affirming and thought provoking experience as we continue to work towards excellence and equity for all at St Agnes’.

Congratulations Kenzi!

We are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Kenzi in Year 1 for being selected as a finalist in the prestigious Diocese of Lismore Jubilee Art Prize! Kenzi’s artwork, inspired by the theme of hope, beautifully captures faith when community members are faced with the natural disaster of floods.

Both Kenzi and her family have been invited to attend the official presentation and opening of the exhibition in Lismore in December, where her piece will be on display alongside other outstanding works. We are immensely proud of Kenzi, and celebrate her artistic journey, which serves as a powerful reminder of how creativity can illuminate our world with hope.

Sports News

Evie and Hermione Shine At Polding Athletics

Congratulations to Evie D and Hermione P who travelled to Glendale on Friday 12 September, to compete in the Polding Athletics Carnival. At this level, they were up against some of the top emerging Catholic school athletes from Northern Sydney to the Tweed.

Evie qualified for two track events and had a big day, competing in both the 800m and 1500m races. She placed 12th in the 800m, setting a new personal best time of 3:04.45 and came 10th in the 1500m, an outstanding achievement at such a high level of competition.

On the field, Hermione took part in the senior girls’ long jump and high jump. In the high jump, she finished equal 14th with a jump of 1.15m. She placed 9th in the long jump with an impressive jump of 4.03m.

Both girls were proud of their efforts and enjoyed the experience of competing at the Polding Carnival.

Well done, Evie and Hermione!

NSW Netball Gala Day – Years 3 and 4

On Wednesday 10 September, 85 students from Years 3 and 4 took part in the NSW Netball Gala Day. This was a non-competitive event, designed to include players of all experience levels. Teams were mixed in ability, with a focus on participation, fun, and trying something new.

Despite the wet weather, our students were not discouraged. They played through heavy rain in the morning — and did so with style, enthusiasm and big smiles. Reports from the courts were all positive, with students enjoying the opportunity to either try a new sport or showcase their existing skills.

A big thank you to our Year 3 and 4 teachers — Mrs Dew, Miss Boller, Mrs O’Brien and Chris — for braving the rain with the students. We also extend our thanks to the generous parent volunteers: Mrs Ehlers, Mrs McMahon, Mrs Ritchie and Mrs Lutton. The students truly enjoyed having your support on the courts.

Finally, a special thank you to our fantastic Year 6 Leaders — Macy C, Stella D, Georgina F, Imogen H, Ava S, Asha W and Alba W — for your efforts in umpiring and coaching. The day simply wouldn’t have run without your help.

Well done to all the players for showing such fantastic Aggies Spirit throughout the day!

Future Dates

Term 4

• Monday 27 Octobr: Zone Summer Sports (Basketball and Tennis, Port Macquarie)
• Monday 3 November: Zone Summer Sports (Touch and Cricket, Kempsey)
• Monday 24 November - Aggies Swimming Carnival
• Tuesday 25 November - Dio Summer Sports (Tennis & Basketball - Lismore)
• Thursday 27 November - Dio Summer Sports (Touch Football - Lismore)
• Friday 28 November - Dio Summer Sports (Cricket - Lismore)

Leader of Pastoral Care

Build the Habit of Regular Attendance

Daily attendance maximises students' learning opportunities, enabling them to actively engage in lessons, build a strong academic foundation, and make steady progress. Being present allows students to ask questions, seek clarification, and collaborate with peers, enhancing their understanding and skills.

Creative Arts News

Eisteddfod Update

Next Thursday our Dance groups from our Creative Arts Spectacular will be representing our school at the Port Macquarie Eisteddfod. All details for this event are outlined in the note on Compass. As some of the students will be getting into their costumes at school they will need to bring a pair of thongs, slides or crocs so they have something easy to slip on and off their feet when travelling to the Glasshouse. 

Please see a copy of the running order for each section that our dance groups are in.

Primary Boys: Years 3-6

Year 1 Group: Munchkins

Year 2 Group: Ease on Down

Years 3-4: Popular

Year 5 and 6: Yellow

Student Awards

Assembly Awards

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

Aiva A, Alba W, Alira S, Alyse B, Alyssa D, Amahli B, Amber N, Amelia M, Amirah T, Andrew H, Angelina T, Angus F, Annabelle H, Annabelle S, Ara J, Ariah A, Ariah A, Aubree S, Aurora S, Ava Q, Aylah H, Beau L, Billie J, Boston F, Braxton H, Brisha C, Carol T, Carolina H, Cedar B, Charlie T, Charlotte B, Charlotte D, Charlotte F, Charlotte M, Dash D, Diyana S, Duke W, Eli B, Ella M, Elsie M, Emilia T, Erinn L, Flynn N, Georgia W, Hailey J, Harley R, Harrison J, Harrison S, Hazel G, Huxley G, Indi S, Indiana F, Indiana F, Isobel W, Isolde O, Jack D, Jack S, Jaxton N, Joshua A, Kaito S, Keeley C, Kobi W, Koby S, Lachlan C, Lakey G, Layla M, Liam J, Lucas K, Malakai C, Marcella J, Marcus G, Marley L, Mia B, Mia C, Mia F, Mila M, Miles G, Molly B , Nate B, Nikita S, Nikita S, Nina T, Noah F, Noah U, Norah M, Patrick J, Peyton T, Pippa T, Rachel H, Ranuga V, Reginald F, Ruben D, Sadie S, Scarlett E, Sophia S, Tamara J, Tate A, Thomas B, Thomas B, Utah E and Vera M.

Dojo Awards

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 500 Dojos:

Julian K, Mike R, Tara A and Utah E

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 400 Dojos:

Airlie B, Angelina T, Antonio J, Arie F, Aubree D, Benjamin B, Benjamin C, Billie P, Bonnie M, Brisha SC, Cade S, Charlie R, Deina D, Ella M, Elsa G, Hallie T, Henry B, Jackson R, Jannah S, Jaxon S, Jayden J, Jenine J, Kanata N, Lacey W, Leo H, Leo R, Lisa V, Logan S, Louis R, Mikayla O, Molly B, Oscar H, Rory C, Serah N, Shivonne S, Tilda R, Vivienne L and Zali T.

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 300 Dojos:

Abhinanda S, Addison Q, Airlie B, Alexander M, Alfred S, Amahli M, Amal M, Amber N, Amelia C, Amelia S, Amelia W, Amirah T, Ande S, Annabelle B, Annabelle H, Ara J, Archer M, Asha GR, Audrey F, Ava C, Beau J, Benjamin M, Bonnie M, Boston F, Bridger D, Bridie W, Charlotte M, Clare M, Elsa G, Elsie M, Emmett B, Ethan W, Eva D, Evie E, Flynn A, Georgia B, Hadlen S, Harrison F, Hartley O, Hudson M, Hunter F, Imogen S, Indi F, Ira SM, Ishan J, Jack D, Jack S, Jai C, Jude H, Keeley C, Lachlan C, Layla M, Mia M, Michael L, Migha A, Mila M, Miles G, Murray B, Nate B, Nicholas H, Nikita S, Noah E, Oscar D, Paityn P, Patrick A, Patrick J, Poppy C, Raphael C, Roman S, Rory C, Rose M, Sadie O, Scarlett G, Serah N, Sienna vL, Slayter G, Sophia S, Sophie J, Taya M, Thomas B, Tiger Lily R and Zali T.

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 200 Dojos:

Alba W, Alexander B, Alyssa DM, Angel S, Ari K, Arliah F, Asha W, Ava S, Avery C, Banjo T, Beau L, Benjamin D, Billie B, Bracen S, Brayden W, Bryce L, Casey C, Charlie T, Charlotte D, Charlotte E, Charlotte M, Charlotte W, Chase O, Chloe L, Cruze M, Deion D, Dominic R, Dreigh T, Eli M, Ella M, Emily K, Emmanuel S, Evie P, Flynn A, Fritz T, George S, Georgia S, Georgia W, Georgina F, Gillyanna V, Hadley M, Hailey J, Harper C, Harrison B, Harrison F, Harrison S, Harry M, Hunter F, Imogen H, Indiana F, Isobel W, Jada U, Jannah S, Jayde B, Jho'Arryn C, Kaiden D, Kalari D, Keeley C, Kitt Q, Kobi W, Layla M, Levi W, Lexie M, Liam B, Lilyana P, Lola F, Louis S, Lucas G, Lucas K, Lucas R, Lucy D, Macy C, Madelyn F, Marley L, Micah vL, Michael L, Mila M, Nirvik K, Noah F, Noah U, Norah M, Olive G, Parker B, Reagan C, Ruben D, Ruby H, Sam B, Sienna L, Sienna T, Slayter G, Sophia H, Sunday A, Tabitha B, Thomas BH, Thomas E, Tyler C, Wyatt B, Xavier H and Zuri T. 

Congratulations to the following students who recently received 100 Dojos:

Carol T, Darling L, Grace L, Jade J, Jenson T, Maxwell S, Michael T, Myles R, Owen N, Patrick M and Poppy C.

School Community Forum

Dear Parents and Carers

It has been a big few weeks for the School Community Forum. Thank you to all involved! 

Father’s Day Stall – Thank you!

A special thank you to the amazing parents, grandparents and aunties who donated their time to order the gifts, set up, run the stall and help the children choose their gifts – your support made the day such a success!

Special mention to Genevieve Walsh and Elise Gardiner as well as Colleen McQueen, Tegan Bassett, Emily Lipscombe, Nora Swain, Grainne Ducat, Julie McDonald, Gillian Millard, Kirrily Pollock, Michelle Gerathy and Dominique Jackson-Hope.

Trivia Night – Thank you!

The response to the Aggies’ Trivia Night was fantastic, and what a night it was! The hall was alive with 11 teams of parents, grandparents, staff and non-Aggies’ friends. A clever team of staff took the honours and now have their names engraved on the Thomas Crapper Memorial Trophy!

Congratulations to the Yellow Brick Road team!

Thank you to Tegan Bassett, Jenna Sales, Dominique Jackson-Hope, Ben McEntyre, Michelle Gerathy, Trish Todd, Donna Sprague and Groundsman Dave for the huge amount of work they put into the event. Thanks also to the sponsors and everyone who attended for supporting the SCF and St Agnes' Primary. Together we raised just over $3500 which has been donated to the school to purchase much needed Chromebooks for students.

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Aggies’ Golf Fundraiser – Friday 21 November

Just 24 of the 144 playing spots remain. If you are keen to play, get in quick!

To sponsor, donate or play please email lachlan.bassett@gmail.com

September SCF Meeting

Please see below for the minutes from last Monday’s Meeting.

Allison Ritchie
Chairperson
St Agnes’ Primary School Community Forum

E: pandfstagnes@gmail.com

Canteen News

Parish News

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