It is hard to believe we have finished Term 2 and at midpoint of the year! Once again, a packed term of learning, community and faith being celebrated. 

It has been a tough Winter season already with children and staff struggling with various illnesses. We have appreciated families keeping children at home when they are unwell, also understanding how hard it is in the mornings to sometimes work out if they are sick or just tired!

It has been wonderful to see so many families being engaged this week with teachers in attending parent interviews to celebrate learning of your children and looking forward with goals for the second part of the year. If your child’s teacher has been unwell and missed the opportunity to meet to talk about your child’s progress at school, they will communicate to you early next term about when they are available.

We wish your families a restful break (if you are able to enjoy one) as well as safe travels to those who might be going away during this time. We look forward to welcoming you all back on Tuesday 23rd July (Monday 22nd July is a Staff Development Day). We are also welcoming a new group of students to our school in Term 3.

MISSION

Who on Earth was St Peter?

Saint Peter, originally named Simon, was a fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee. He and his brother Andrew worked as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. One day, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him, and they left their nets to become his disciples.

Peter played a significant role in Jesus' ministry, witnessing many key events. Peter was one of the disciples who collected the leftover loaves and fish after Jesus fed the crowds, and he was one of the first to see Jesus alive following the resurrection. Jesus appointed Peter as the leader of the Church and changed his name from Simon to Peter, meaning "rock" (Matthew 16:18). Peter received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and was empowered to spread the Gospel, becoming the first Pope.

Peter endured suffering for his faith, including imprisonment, but continued his mission. He travelled to Rome, where he was eventually martyred during a persecution of Christians. After Emperor Constantine granted Christians greater religious freedom, a great church was built over Peter's grave, and today, the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican stands on that sacred spot.

St Peter’s Feast Day + Wildfire Visit 

Even the rain held off on Monday to celebrate our St Peter’s Feast Day with Wildfire our Catholic School’s band. Wildfire provided beautiful music ministry for Mass and worked with grades later in the day including our choirs. Thanks to families for celebrating this special day with us.

You can listen to more worship from Proclaim Lismore Wildfire on their spotify account - Proclaim Lismore Wildfire

Parent Community Group Event (Next term) 

Join us for an engaging and informative workshop designed to help you unpack some great parenting tools

What You'll Learn:

1. Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Discover what emotional intelligence is and why it's a crucial building block for your child's success.
2. Your Parenting Style: Explore how an Emotion Coaching parenting style supports healthy emotional development in kids.

Save the Date - Father’s Day @ St Peter’s

7 Signs your child is looking for more Connection

Holidays are a great time to fill our child’s buckets after a busy term as the family has a break from the usual ‘school’ routine. Check out some ways to create ‘micro-moments' of connection with your child.

7 Signs

LEARNING

Year 5 History Lessons in RFF 

Year 5 students embarked on an immersive exploration into the lives of Australia's infamous bushrangers. Transforming their classroom into a captivating museum exhibition. The exhibit unveiled a rich tapestry of stories, bringing to life the daring escapades of notable figures such as Ned Kelly, Ben Hall, Mary Ann Bugg and Jessie Hickman. Year 5 students not only educated their peers and teachers but also gained a profound appreciation for the historical significance of bushrangers in shaping Australia's identity. The project sparked curiosity and encouraged critical thinking.

Did you know...

• Jessie Hickman's mother sold her to a traveling circus when she was just 8.   Piper F and Layla W 
• Ned Kelly had 7 siblings - Liam H
• Mary Ann Bugg was the first female bushranger - Camila J
• Ben Hall committed over 100 robberies - Maise P and Layla F

Year 4 History Lessons with RFF

Year 4 recently concluded their unit on "First Contact" with an exciting exploration into the lives of renowned explorers. Through independent research, our students delved into the journeys and discoveries of historical figures. They showcased their newfound knowledge and passion in engaging presentations that captivated their peers.

AUTHOR VISIT: Sami Bayly

Students and staff were very excited to welcome Sami Bayly to our school on Tuesday this week, with all students being provided the opportunity to participate in one of four engaging sessions with Sami. In addition to learning more about Sami and many of the weird and wonderful creatures featured in her books, students also participated in an interactive quiz and a guided drawing activity. It was an absolute pleasure to witness the joy and excitement expressed by the children during these sessions! Some highlights from students in Class 2B are provided below as well as some photos from the day.

Cooper: “I loved it when we did the drawing!”

Grace N: “I loved it because I loved learning about all the interesting facts.”

Asher: “I loved the amazing facts!”

Hugh: “I loved to learn about creatures I have never seen or heard about.”

Catelynn: “I loved the part where she asked all the hard questions.”

Madison C: “I liked when we learnt lots of facts.”

Jack M: “I liked drawing with her!”

Clay: “I thought it was really amazing and I liked learning about the weird named animals!”

Charlie: “I loved all the creatures and all the different animals.”

Oliver O: “I liked all the creepy and weird animals.”

SAVE THE DATE:

TERM 3 BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS

Next term our book week parade will take place in Week 5 on the morning of Wednesday 21st August. The official theme this year is “Reading is Magic”. Children are encouraged to share their love of books and reading by dressing as their favourite storybook character for the parade. 

In celebration of Book Week, students will also have the opportunity to pre-purchase a $5 “book pack” during Term 3 which will include the following:

• Choice of a new book from a select range of grade-appropriate titles;
• Entry into our book week raffle to win one of seven amazing, “magic-themed” prize-packs (winners to be announced during our book week parade); and 
• A donation to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/what-we-do)

During Term 3 we will also be holding an online “Book Fair” whereby families will be able to purchase a book via Flexi-Schools to donate to our St Peter’s library. Families will have a commemorative sticker placed inside the cover of any purchases to recognise their donations and those students will be given the first opportunity to borrow their donated titles.

More details regarding our book week celebrations, including how to purchase the aforementioned “Book Packs” and participate in our “Book Fair” will be provided next term.

ACEN DIGITAL LIBRARY AND SORA APP

Looking for something to keep the kids occupied in the school holidays? Why not access our online digital library for some exciting reads or even an audio book which is perfect for those long car trips!

In addition to our well-stocked school library, students at St Peter’s also have access to many fantastic titles through our digital library. 

Students can access this service either:

• via the St Peter's Student Page when using a desktop or laptop computer by selecting the student’s grade followed by the “Sora - Digital Library” link; or
• by installing the “Sora” app to utilise these resources via mobile devices such as smartphones, I-pads and tablets. 

Instructions for installing and accessing the Sora app onto mobile devices is provided here: Instructions for Accessing the Digital Library via the SORA app

MID NORTH COAST LIBRARY WHAT’S ON

These school holidays there are many exciting activities on offer at our local libraries including author visits from Sami Bayly on Saturday 6th July and Corey Tutt (founder of “DeadlyScience”) on Wednesday 17th July.

Please access the following link to find out more about what events are happening in our local libraries over the school holidays to keep the kids interested in all things books and reading: 

Mid Coast Libraries: What's On

HAPPY HOLIDAY READING!

Amanda Ayres - Librarian