Newsletter - 2024 Term 4 Week 3

Calendar

From the Leaders

People often asked Jesus questions to trick him. In this Sunday’s Gospel, the man who asked Jesus the question of which is the most important commandment, he was being sincere. He truly believed in God and was wanting to learn from Jesus. Jesus said to the man ‘Love God, and love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ When the man heard Jesus’ response, he congratulated Jesus and said he had answered well.

High School teacher visit

This week, Year 6 were treated to having teachers from St Joseph's Regional College work with them on games and activities to assist them in their transition to high school next year. Whilst Mrs Jensen, Mrs Joseph and Mr Calchbauer facilitated the fun activities, Mrs Furney and Mrs Handley learnt more about our students from the Year 6 Teaching Team.

ICAS Competitions 

We congratulate the following students on their outstanding results in these recent competitions. Certificates were handed to them today at Assembly.

Digital Technologies

Credit - Michael L and Rocky W 

Mathematics

Distinction - Dominic R

Credit - Flynn A, Alex B, Lachlan F, Teddy H, Daniel I, Michael L and Joe O 

Merit - Rocky W 

English

Distinction - Emily K, Michael L and Dominic R

Credit - Sienna H, Joe O and Justine R 

Merit - Alex B 

Science

Credit -Lachlan F,  Daniel I, Emily L, Joe O, Dominic R and Dreigh T

Merit - Nicholas B, Teddy H, 

Writing

Distinction - Scarlett F

Credit - Daniel I and Justine R

Merit - Joe O and Emily K

Spelling Bee

Distinction - Sienna H

Credit - Michael L, Emily L, Dominic R and Justine R

Mr Clean and Rubbish Warriors winners
Congratulations to 2 Hope on winning this week’s Mr Clean award. Thank you to this class, for not only making sure their classroom is tidy, but the area their grade has been allocated in the Sensory Garden and Passive Play. SRC representatives are continuing to hand out tickets to students and staff to go into the draw for the chance to win canteen vouchers.

Year 1 Early Bird Reading Club

Year 1 Reading Club has been continuing each morning in the Library. We have welcomed Year 1 students to join us to develop their reading skills and love of reading. We would love to see more parents or grandparent volunteers!  You will need to be available between 8:10am and 8:50am, on a given day of the week. If you are interested in volunteering to help with reading with our Year 1 students, please contact Lisa James lisa.james@lism.catholic.edu.au or a member of the Year 1 Teaching Team, or just drop in! 

Thank You

Thank you to our amazing parent helpers who have been volunteering their time in Kindergarten reading group time. Our Kinder students are always eager to have their turn to play 'tricky word bingo' or memory with our helpers.

Welcome New Students

We are always excited to welcome new students to St Agnes’. This week we would like to introduce and welcome:  Patrick and Veda

Night of the Notables

On Wednesday evening a group of Year 4 and Year 5 students presented a speech about a notable person who has impacted the world we live in. This was the culmination of a lunch time public speaking opportunity where the students attended each week and worked with a teacher to research and prepare for the evening. Congratulations to all who participated, your outstanding performances truly captivated the audience and showcased your incredible talent, creativity and confidence.

Everyone is invited to attend our Parish Community Celebration on Sunday 24 November. This is an opportunity to come together and celebrate with Mass at St Joseph’s Regional College and stay for festivities including delicious food, live entertainment and fun kid’s activities as well as meet new and old friends and build community.

We are inviting you to register to attend, or to volunteer to assist.

We look forward to celebrating with you.

We encourage everyone to consider registering to attend, getting an act together to perform, or join in by serving on the day. 

Just follow the link below to RSVP or express interest in performing/serving. 

• RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVHLs6l4maH1SLraeGfWRLxZfm9XPh-hF8-aJoyE8GFgQ7dQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
• Performances:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLHwDM74MlbsNzsM6lzE8eE-vrNVHZNHerNrD33VKnbWTScw/viewform?usp=sf_link
• Serve:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLIxpbEnuVX6s8sX1f73tbPZAZmDI4jgtcb-tJEREG0aua5Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Aggies' Veggie Patch

Both Year 4 and Year 5 Green Teams have begun assembling Aggies’ Veggie Patch and it is so exciting to see their hard work begin to take shape!

The beginning of Term Four has seen us shift the timber sleepers into a more accessible location, closer to our chosen area, and the teams have needed to put into practice their teamwork skills, as well as their ability to work autonomously.

The structures are in place and our next steps will be to dig footings for each of the corner posts and joining posts so we can concrete them into place next week.

Following that will be the arrival onto site of our leaf mulch, which will fill the bottom half of the beds, and then the planting medium. Stay tuned for further updates and pictures!

The Green Teams are still in need of financial sponsorship, and appreciate the donations made by some families already. If you would like to contribute to our major project this year, sponsorship packages are being offered from as little as $25 and will be appreciated by not only the students themselves, but also the wider school community. For any enquiries, please email Simon Hersee, our Green Team Co-ordinator at simon.hersee@lism.catholic.edu.au or contact our school office.

We hope to welcome you as a financial sponsor soon!

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Class Representatives and the SRC met this week to plan one of the end of term treats for all students. We were grateful for their input into the event.

We look forward to students entering Family Feud in their Social Circle groups later in the term.

Encounter Youth and Encounter Parents Night

Year 6 students are invited to join Encounter Youth this term to get a taste of what faith can look like in high school. We are hosting an Encounter Parents night, as an opportunity for parents to come together while the kids are at youth group, get to know each other, hear about who we are, what we do, and why we do it, as well as ask any questions or provide some suggestions. We will meet at the Youth Hub for the first half of the night (5:30pm-6:30pm) and parents are free to head back home, grab a treat, or stay at the Hub until 7:30pm. Light refreshments will be available, and younger children are more than  welcome to join you.

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.

Grandparents Day

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Would you like to win a Family Diary for 2025?

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT are giving away 100 diaries to the first families in NSW and ACT to complete this link.

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT has created the diary with parents and carers in mind. The pages are organised by school terms with school holidays highlighted, with lots of room to write all the family’s appointments and activities. 

Want to know more about  The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT ? Click here to read Parent Talk 2024 Issue 4.

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

If you are looking for something to do on Saturday come along to Town Green to celebrate the Diwali Festival.

Student Awards

Adelaide W, Alex A, Alexa M, Alexander R, Angel S, Antonio J, Archie S, Arrabella D, Avinav S, Beau J, Braxton H, Brodie D, Charlotte B, Charlotte D, Charlotte M, Diya J, Edward M, Emily K, Erinn L, Ethan F, Evana A, Evie P, Flynn L, Flynn W, George S, Grace M, Hadlen S, Harrison J, Hazel L, Isla R, Ivy G, Jada U, Jade J, Jai C, Jenson T, Joshua  A, Keira M, Kitt Q, Lachlan C, Lachlan S, Lily J, Lucia M, Mia M, Michael T, Nate M, Nevaeh T, Oakley A, Oscar H, Parker C, Pip A, Piya V, Reginald F and Veda A

Congratulations to the following students who have reached 400 Dojos:

Charlotte F, Chelsea O and Julian K

Congratulations to the following students who have reached 300 Dojos:

Alira S, Amber N, Amirah T, Ariah A, Arie F, Asha G, Aston G, Benjamin D, Bryce L, Chase O, Emersyn F, Emilia T, Eva C, Gaurika B, Jarred P, Jaspian A, Jax E, Jayden J, Jorgie P, Julian K, Keyana W, Lacey W, Lachlan C, Layla M, Lockie M, Maxwell S, Nina T, Olivia C, Oscar H, Riley O, Roman S, Rose M and Scarlett G

Congratulations to the following students who have reached 200 Dojos:

Aemy M, Amber F, Elkana J, Gabrielle R, Jackson L and Mia M

Congratulations to the following student who has reached 100 Dojos:

Rebekah B

Sports News

Summer Sports Trials

Basketball and Tennis

13 Aggies students attended Monday's Zone Summer Sports Trials for basketball and tennis. Miles G travelled to Kempsey to compete against other tennis players from the Hastings Zone. Miles played multiple games throughout the day and thoroughly enjoyed the Zone Competition experience. Well done, Miles, for your dedication and skills on the tennis court!

12 Aggies students participated in the basketball trials held at the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium. The boys played hard in their selection games, showcasing impressive skill and determination despite the very high level of competition. Well done, boys! 

Our girls had a successful day on the courts, with three Aggies students earning selection for the Diocesan Trials. Congratulations to Emily K, Mila S, and Macy C, who will travel to Lismore on Tuesday 26 November, to represent the Hasting Zone.

Congratulations to the following players:
Boys Basketball: Alex A, Beau L,  Chase O, Enzo W, Patrick M and Wyatt B
Girls Basketball: Ava S, Emily K, Jade J, Macy C,  Mila S and Georgia W
Tennis: Miles G

Cricket and Touch Football

On Monday, 4 November our cricket and touch football players will head to Kempsey for their chance at Zone selections. We wish all our players the best of luck. Play hard, and remember your Aggies sportsmanship on and off the field.

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 permissions notes and a full event schedule will be posted in the coming weeks.

Future Dates

• Monday 4 November: Cricket and Touch Football Summer Sports Trials - Verge St Kempsey (Years 4 and 5)
  
• 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 29 November: Diocesan Summer Sports Trials - Cricket - Lismore
• Friday 6 December: St Agnes' Swimming Carnival - Port Macquarie Town Pool

Positive Behaviour Support

Welcome to week 3 and a new PBS Focus.  This week our focus is 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: 

4 Ways to Help Your Student Finish the School Year Strong

How Parents Can Help Kids at the End of the School Year | Psychology Today Australia

I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids Book I SEL Read Aloud Book for Children

Giraffes Can't Dance

What Do You Do With a Problem

Books to Share:

St Agnes' Primary School Community Forum

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)