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- Principals' Message
- All About Sport
- Year 3 History Excursion
- Dance Eisteddfod
- Canteen - Pete's Eats
- 2021 St Peter's School Account
- Library News
- Peer Support
- Next Week at St Peter's
- School Photos - Save the Date
- Student Absences and Attendance
- Awards
- Parent Assembly
- Installing SZapp
- St Agnes' Parish - Flood Relief
- Glasshouse Shows
- eSafety's Guide to Parental Controls - Free Webinar
- Community Noticeboard
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
27 MAY - 3 JUNE
The end of May and beginning of June, presents a focussed time for our national community to reflect on the reconciliation process with our first people.
Children will be involved in special activities through this week, which help highlight the reconciliation process, culminating in a prayer service at Monday Morning Assembly on 31st May. More details to come in next week’s newsletter.
WINTER UNIFORM UPDATE
Winter uniform is changing ......
Please click on the link to read a letter from St Agnes' Parish and Mr Leary with regard to the changes of the winter uniform for this year.
Change of Uniform Letter to Parents
The Uniform Committee have progressed and are now looking at fabrics. The Committee will send through further updates as they come to hand.
NB: Sport uniforms will be worn on days when Sport and PE are allocated for classes.
KINDER ‘22 ENROLMENT - PLACES FILLING QUICKLY
A reminder to any of our school connected families to begin the enrolment process for any children you would like to enrol for Kindergarten 2022.
2022 Kindergarten Interview letters have been emailed out to families.
Click here to enrol! for Kinder 2022.
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Wauchope Apex will be holding a Public Speaking Competition for all Port Macquarie and Kempsey Schools on Saturday 28th August 2021 at Wauchope RSL Club, Wauchope Rosewood Room (upstairs, middle room).
The competition will commence at 1.40pm. Primary school students will speak first then after a short break, High School Students will speak.
Speeches need to be approx. 5 minutes long and on any topic (topics can be absolutely anything as long as they are not offensive) if students or parents would like a score sheet, please click on the following link.
Apex Public Speaking Marking Sheet
If any St Peter’s students would like to participate please contact the school office before the end of the term.
MISSION
Prayer for Pentecost
On Pentecost Sunday, the Church remembers the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ disciples on the first Pentecost, giving them courage and empowering them to share the Good News with others. On this day, the gift of the Spirit allowed the disciples to communicate even with those who spoke different languages. The event of Pentecost changed the world and gave rise to today’s Church. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we show the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Youth Ministry Team
Today saw the very first meeting of the St Peter’s Youth Ministry Team! We met Ella and Juliet, the Youth Ministry Officers from MacKillop College, at the Mackillop Chapel for some fun, friendship and faith formation. We will continue to meet each Friday during Lunch 1 to develop leadership and ministry skills so that we can go out and witness our faith so that others may know the same peace, joy and love that comes with a relationship with Christ.
1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word at St Agnes' Church
Children’s Liturgy of the Word occurs during Sunday Mass when children leave the congregation to celebrate and reflect on the Sunday Gospel reading in an age appropriate way. The children are led through prayers, activities and readings that are adapted to their level of understanding. This special ministry will be recommencing in early June. If you are interested in volunteering as a leader or assistant please email vanessa.denham@stagnesparish.org.au.
Save Your Socks!
Thank you to the wonderful families who have donated SOCKS for the Rotary Club.
Rotary are attempting to break the existing world record for the “Longest Washing Line of Socks,” They are planning to build a washing line ten kilometres long and peg to it at least 100,000 socks!
Sovereign Place Town Centre has sponsored the club with $15,000 donated already, and a promise of a further $15,000 if they manage to break the record! Four local charities will benefit.
Please keep sending in any socks by Friday 28th May in order to help Rotary achieve this amazing 'feet'!
LEARNING
Reading Fluency: What is it? Why is it important?
If someone is fluent in speaking another language or in playing an instrument, there's a smooth, graceful and easy quality to it. The same is true with reading skills. Reading fluency is a child's ability to read a book or other text correctly, quickly, and with expression. A fluent reader doesn't have to stop and "decode" each word. Rather, most of the words can be read automatically. This means the reader can focus his attention on what the story or text means. For that reason, fluency is critically important — it is the bridge between decoding words and understanding what has been read.
How can we foster reading fluency?
Parents can help their child develop reading fluency through a few simple and fun activities.
Reading to children
One of the best ways to help build fluent reading is to read aloud engaging and motivating stories, so the students experience the excitement and pleasure that fluent reading provides. Adding sound effects, individual voices for different characters, dramatic pauses and emphasis on particular words will heighten children’s engagement.
Wide independent reading
Reading a wide variety of books is the most potent way to develop fluency and confidence. Students who read well, read more. Short decodable texts are very useful for children who are just beginning their reading journey, as they provide opportunities for the rehearsal and practice required to build fluency.
Paired or "Buddy" Reading
The easiest way to help your child develop fluency is to sit with your child and read! Read together every day, which is often called paired or buddy reading. To use paired reading, simply take turns reading aloud. You go first, as your reading provides a model of what good fluent reading sounds like. Then, ask your child to re-read the same page you just read. You'll notice that your child's reading will start to sound more and more like yours. Do this for several pages. Once your child is comfortable enough, and familiar enough with the book, take turns reading page for page.
Reread Favourite Books
Another way parents can help develop fluency is to build a tall stack of books that your child can read quickly and easily. Encourage your child to reread favourite books over and over again. With each reading, you may notice your child reading a bit easier, a bit faster, and with a bit more confidence and expression.
These activities are easy and require very few materials. Doing these activities with your child will help build fluency — a skill that will last a lifetime.
Geoff Leary Principal |
Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |
Lily Rowlatt you are a star!
This week, Lily Rowlatt has been playing for Polding in the NSWPSSA Hockey Carnival in Wollongong. The team did very well drawing in the semi final in Over Time. Polding then played for positions 3 and 4. It is awfully hard to make a semi final at NSWPSSA, and Lily was an integral part of her team. Throughout the day, 6 Green were thinking of Lily as she and her team went for glory. Well done Lily and we can’t wait to hear about your journey.
School Athletics Carnival
Monday 24th June...
The training is now complete, and this Monday we will hold our School Athletics Carnival. This is our biggest carnival for the year which will see all Years 2-6 students competing in the 100M, shot put, discus and long jump. Kindy and Year 1 will participate in the 70m race. Last week, we sent home an approximate timeline of the day.
Please click on the Athletics Carnival Note for the running of the day.
Updated Information - Important Sign in Procedure - Visitors Must Sign In and Wear a Visitors Badge
All families are more than welcome to attend and we can’t wait to see you, however we do need all spectators to follow our COVID safe plan to ensure our event is safely run. If you are unwell or have flu-like symptoms, we ask you to not attend the event and stay at home. When at the venue, we ask you to social distance. Once you arrive at the MacKillop Senior College, all families need to walk over to the basketball court and use our QR Code poster to sign in. The poster will be set up next to a Green St Peter’s flag. There will be a staff member at the flag, and once you have signed in via your phone, you will need to show your completed details to that staff member. You will then be given a vistors sticker to display at all times while at the event. Please keep in mind the COVID 1.5m physical distancing during the day.
The forecast for the day is a shower or two. Families attending, please bring an umbrella as there will be no gazebos on the basketball court area. In terms of parking, there is no parking available at the MacKillop Senior College.
I will provide any updates or changes via our St Peter’s Sports Facebook page.
What does my child need for the Athletics Carnival?
- Recess
- Lunch - CANTEEN IS CLOSED !!
- Water
- Suncream
- Must have a HAT
- Wear full sports uniform - with the option of wearing their House Colours eg: Yellow for Flynns, Red for Lighthouse, Green for Shelly
There will be a mini pop up canteen selling water and snacks.
On behalf of our kids, thank you
We always have families who are willing to volunteer at our sporting events in order for the event to run professionally and safely. A huge thank you to Wayne and Amy Hudson, Rebecca Blemith, Tim Farnsworth, Mick Wickham, David Lacey, Anthea Romer, Melinda Scriven, Andrew Bateman, Nakeeta Castles, Toni Menjivar, Kaylie Davis, Megan Thomas, Simonette Morris and Jacqui Crilley for your wonderful support. Please see Mrs Michelle Lawler at 9:05am at the 100M finish line and she will organise you for the day.
Elective Sports
This week, I had a meeting with our House Captains in regards to Elective Sports for Term 3, 2021. The House Captains came up with a wide variety of activities specifically for Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3. This year, we will more than likely conduct Elective Sport in stages. From this meeting, I will contact organisations and commence the planning and booking of venues and buses. My goal is to have the online process completed by the end of Term 2 and payment for any paid sports completed by the end of Term 2 or first week of Term 3 at the latest. Starting dates will more than likely be Term 3, Week 4 and run for a five week period. I will provide more details as they are finalised.
Rugby Union Team
Mr Post has had another busy week finalising the Rugby Union Team for our Lismore Diocesan Rugby Union Gala Day in Coffs Harbour on June 3, 2021.
Rugby League Team
Mr Leary continues training our Open Rugby League Team in readiness for the Independent and Catholic Schools Gala Day. A note will be sent home in Week 6 explaining the pathway should we win a particular day.
Diocesan Cross Country
Good luck to children competing next week on Wednesday 26th May at McAuley College, South Grafton
Please click on the link for Zone Invitation and Information Dio X Country for parents
Monday's |
1st lunch eating time 200M Trials for students aged 8-12 in the 2021 Calendar Year |
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Monday's |
2nd lunch playtime 1500M Trials for students aged 8-12 in the 2021 Calendar Year |
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Tuesday's |
1st lunch eating time 800M Trials for students aged 8-12 in the 2021 Calendar Year |
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Monday 24th May |
School Athletics Carnival |
MacKillop Senior Campus |
Wednesday 26th May |
Diocesan Cross Country |
McAuley College South Grafton |
Friday 28th May |
Polding Touch Trials |
Port Macquarie |
Thursday 3rd June |
Diocesan Rugby Union Gala Day |
Coffs Harbour |
Thursday 24th June |
Independent and Catholic Schools League Pathway Day |
Port Macquarie |
*** All Schools League - Awaiting a decision from the NRL if we were successful. |
Jeff Arkinstall - Leader of Sport
Wednesday 2nd June
9.00am to 12.30pm
Year 3 will visit the Museum, the Old Courthouse and the Town Green.
Permission and payment due Monday 24th May.
Rehearsal Times
Accounts
Canteen RosterThank you to all the parents and Grandparents that have volunteered for the canteen.
Please see next weeks Roster below
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Pete's Eats Open for Lunch 1 and Lunch 2
MILKSHAKES !!!
Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate
50 cents
LUNCH 1 ONLY
2021 St Peter's School Account
Thank you to the many families who have finalised their account or are making regular payments.
If you have NOT finalised this account or commenced regular payments please contact the school office to discuss a payment plan.
Outstanding account statements have been emailed to families this week.
Payments may be made via BPay, EFTPOS, Direct deposit or cash. Please contact the school office if you require assistance with this.
The St Peter's School Account 2021 is separate to the St Agnes' Parish Fees Account.
For any families facing financial hardship, fee assistance is available through St Agnes Parish Administration (Phone 6588 7444) or contact the school office on 6584 1962.
Each Friday - for all students
1.00 pm to 1.30 pm
St Peter's Peer Support program will continue each Friday
for the remainder of Term 2.
Please avoid making appoinments and
picking up children early during this time
WHAT IS THE PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM!
The Peer Support program provides students with a supportive environment where children and young people develop skills, understandings, attitudes and strategies to improve their mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Positive relationships are developed across the school through a series of engaging activities with a range of students of all ages. The program enables participating students to contribute in an environment where all can join in. Those students helping to lead the program also gain leadership skills.
Today in Session 4: - Week 5 - The children looked at "MAKE THE CHANGE"
Next Week - Session 5: Week 6 - "Know Your Rights"
Monday 24th May |
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Tuesday 25th May |
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Wednesday 26th May |
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Thursday 27th May |
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Friday 28th May |
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Monday 31st May |
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Tuesday 1st June |
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Wednesday 2nd June |
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Thursday 3rd June |
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Friday 4th June |
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Monday 7th June |
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Friday 11th June |
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Monday 14th June |
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Wednesday 16th June |
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Tuesday 22nd June |
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Tuesday 20th July 2021
Wednesday 21 July 2021
Please don't make any appointments on these days!!
Student Absences and Attendance
IMPORTANT Reminders for Parents and Carers -
- ALL Late arrivals MUST be signed in by a parent or carer. Parents can then be sure that their children have arrived safely to school. Parents/carers not signing late children in at the office will be contacted.
- If your child is away, it is important that you reply to the absence SMS sent. When responding please give a clear and precise explanation for your child's absence.
- COVID Testing - if your child is unwell with any COVID sysmptons it is recommended that he/she be tested and remain at home until a negative result is received and they are feeling better. A copy of the negative result must be supplied to school prior to returning.
- For family holidays longer than 3 consective and/or cumulative days during school time, all parents/carers must complete a Form A4 (located on our website) and provide a copy of the itinerary.
Kinder Red | Kinder Blue | Kinder Green |
Eliza Pettit Ava Lorenz Fynn Saunders |
Jack Burgmann Evelyn Heery Abby Zerafa |
Daisy Dwyer Finn Scaysbrook Noah Vukinamualevu |
Year 1 Blue | Year 1 Green | |
Mabel Smith Mason Pope William Eccles |
Evie Buckley Harrison Leman Noah Walters |
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Year 2 Red | Year 2 Green | |
Hunter Pociask Simione Fono Chloe Trimmer |
Grace Charet Sandon Lickley Jasper Luck |
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Year 3 Red | Year 3 Blue | Year 3 Green |
Mitchell Bransdon Emily Kelemec Ava Baldock |
Parsha Looby Madeline Goldie Charlie Munday |
Harrison Insall Rose Eccles Henry Ayres |
Year 4 Red | Year 4 Blue | Year 4 Green |
Patrick Blackman Charles Trotter Zac Thomas |
Keira Moore Billy Nelson Ruby Rule |
Nathaniel Sun Zhong Reuben Lucey Charlotte McQuade |
Year 5 Red | Year 5 Blue | Year 5 Green |
Harry Creighton Ruby Ford Edie Porter |
Mackenzie Trimmer Jakob Pol Olivia Edmund |
Jacob Bell Oliver Laundry Elysa Blemith |
Year 6 Red | Year 6 Blue | Year 6 Green |
Marley Thick Riley Harris Charlie Power |
Tameah Baird-Moran Bailey Rowlatt Lily Moseley |
Joey Thompson Vilius Philp Sierra Westbrook |
Great Support Initatives
Our Parent Assembly are currently very busy sourcing ways to support families.
Please click on the link for more information:
Sat 22 May and Sun 23 May Family Faith Retreat - A family retreat that is a great opportunity to stop and consider the really important things in life. Families who attended the last Retreat commended highly. |
SZapp is a smart phone school to parent communication. It works through both smart phones and smart devices such as iPads and android tablets.
It is used for push notification alerts, school events, School calendar, school newsletters, Forms such as change of details, absences, Notification of Extended Leave travel (Form A4), Flexischools (Canteen online ordering) and Canteen menu.
SZapp can be installed through the ‘App Store’ on your smartphone device or through the ‘Play Store’ on Android devices.
A link is also available on the side panel of the school newsletter.
Please click on the Installing SZapp link for more information!
St Agnes' Parish - Flood Relief
Parish Flood relief focuses on getting displaced people back into their homes
The Parish flood relief effort has expanded and is focusing on getting people displaced by the floods back into their homes. Our priority is working with vulnerable people who do not have other housing options, andwhose property was uninsured.
With the help of local businesses and tradespeople, the Parish led by Peter Johnson, is working closely to ensure the rebuilding program is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible, whilst respecting the dignity and needs of the people involved.
These photos were taken at Riverside Retirement Village on Tuesday 11 May - as you can see there is still a lot of work to be done to help people get back to their homes. Peter Johnson, parishioner and employee of the Parish, (pictured here with Shane, one of the residents) has been the face of the Parish to many people displaced by the floods, visiting them and ensuring the re-building process keeps moving in the right direction.
Pantry update
The Pop-up Pantry at 110 William Street will now be open 3 days a week, Monday to Wednesday (9am-4pm). Donations of non-perishable food items are still be needed and welcome (see list below) and can be dropped into the pantry during opening hours.
Keep those donations of non-perishable food items coming
Here’s an updated list of staples that are always in demand:
Cans of Soup Canned vegetables Coffee Cleaning products Deodorant Freezer bags Honey |
Instant rice Gluten free products Pasta Sauce Pegs Salt & Pepper Sugar Tea |
Toilet Rolls Tomato Sauce Washing Powder Vegetable Oil |
Final Glasshouse show!!
The cost for these shows has been included in your 2021 St Peter's School Account.
All children are expected to attend.
Please don't make other appointments on these days.
Student numbers attending these shows are submitted to The Glasshouse well in advance and unfortunately refunds for NON attendance cannot be given unless in exceptional circumstances.
eSafety's Guide to Parental Controls - Free Webinar
This eSafety free webinar will look at how parents and carers can set up devices and apps to help kids and young people stay safe online. It is designed for parents and carers of children aged 4-13.
It will cover:
- the benefits and limitations of parental controls
- how to set up iOS and Android devices for safety
- how to set up popular games and apps like YouTube and Roblox for safety
- using family tech agreements and other parenting strategies to manage online risks
- how eSafety can help when things go wrong.
This webinar will include practical tips, demonstrations and advice.
Choose from one of the following dates/ times:
- Tuesday 8 June 12.30 to 1.30pm
- Wednesday 16 June 7.30 to 8.30pm
Parents/carers can click HERE to register