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Year 6 Combined Transition and Mass
On Wednesday, Year 6 students from Catholic schools across the Port Macquarie Hastings region joined together for a combined mass and a chance to get to know each other before transitioning into secondary school next year. It was a fabulous day full of friendship and fun, with Wildfire leading the students and staff in musical worship!
Read about what Piper, one of our Year 6 students, thought about the day:
Today Emma, Indie, Arlie and I (Piper) went to the Youth Hub and Chapel to meet people from different schools like St Joseph’s, St Agnes’ and lots more, as most of them are attending the same high school as us next year. We also did many different activities and games in groups full of a mix of people from different schools. These activities involved being a leader and working as a team. Some of these games included a partner balancing task, passing a hula hoop to each other while linking arms, making shapes with our bodies while blindfolded and a human knot game.
Some of our favourite activities were… Emma: blindfolded shapes, Indi: blindfolded shapes, Arlie: Partner balancing tricks, Piper: Hula hoop challenge.
Year Ten students led our groups and we were so delighted for them to be the ones to lead us. During the mass we learnt so many songs and dances that Wildfire taught us, which were all about spreading the word of Jesus and being a leader.
Reminder of Events and Communication
It’s hard to believe that we are only weeks away from the end of the year! With this of course come lots of events and activities that we can miss as our home lives also are so busy. Please remember that the sources of information are our newsletter and compass notifications.
MISSION
Encounter Youth: Survivors Ready - Week 7
Who’s ready to outwit, outplay and outlast? What does faith have to do with Survivor. Come to Encounter Youth to ignite your torch and cast your vote.
Friday the 29th of November
5:30-7:30 @ the Youth Hub
$5 for Dinner
Celebration of the Word
Today our families and friends came together with Years 3 and 4 for our end-of-year Celebration of the Word. Today’s celebrations focused on Advent, the season in our Church when we prepare for Christmas, the coming of Our Lord, Jesus.
Families and friends of Kinder and Year 6 students are invited to join us next Friday, November 29th, in the combined St Peter’s MacKillop Chapel for our end-of-year celebration. Can’t wait to see you there!
Christ the King Celebration
This Sunday at St Joseph’s Regional College
Christmas Appeal
Each year St Peter’s is excited to support the St Agnes’ Parish Christmas Appeal!
Our fundraising day will be next Friday, 29th November. Our St Peter’s community is invited to wear Christmas colours to school on this day and bring along a cash donation, as much or as little as you can. All funds raised will go towards assembling some really special hampers for our community members who have or are experiencing some difficult circumstances leading up to this holy season.
Parenting Talks
Please find attached slides from last week’s parent talk on ‘Emotional Coaching'.
Please join us for another parent talk on ‘Puberty and talking about where babies come from’ with your child.
RSVP to amanda.thomas@lism.catholic.edu.au.
LEARNING
Year 3 Science- Design and Make Task
Calling All Scientists/Engineers/Geologists!
As a part of our Unit entitled, ‘The Earth’s Surface’, Year 3 undertook a design project. The design brief required them to devise a solution to an erosion problem at a lake by the beach.
The students have been learning about erosion and weathering. They have been investigating different solutions and methods to prevent and slow down erosion.
They first established multiple solutions to the problem. Finally, they had to choose their best solution (probably a combination of ideas from their different solutions) and complete a ‘Final Design’.
On Monday 17 November, the students then made models of the lake (based on their Final Design), using recyclables and other bits and pieces from around the home and/or garden to construct their models. We were so impressed with their models- some future engineers in the making.
Some strategies the students used to slow down erosion were planting vegetation, building retaining walls and implementing geotextiles. The models were so impressive.
We were also thrilled with how engaged the students were, how prepared they were and their excellent ‘Working Scientifically’ and ‘Design and Production’ skills. The final component of the task was to complete an Evaluation of their model. Students confidently explained what worked/what didn’t, the challenges they faced, and the modifications they would make for the future.
Enjoy the photos of your mini geologists, environmental engineers and soil scientists!
 Tess Koning Principal |
 Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
 Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |
Thursday 12th December
To celebrate and congratulate all students on doing their best to uphold our 4 PBS Values, we will host a PBS Rewards Day in Week 9.
All students are included, and this event will take place during school time, for students only. Students will have the option to dress as something that starts with the letter ‘S’, participate in a ‘Silent Disco,’ and cool down with a Snow Cone.
Students are asked to bring in $1 to contribute to the cost of the event.
Congratulations, St Peter’s, on your wonderful work this year.
Briody Tarbox and Kyrah Ryan
As we move towards the end of the year it remains important that student absences and the reason for any absence is recorded.
An SMS message is sent to parents when any unexplained absence occurs. Parents are reminded to reply to the SMS each day that their child is absent and each time that an SMS received. SMS' not replied to will result in your child receiving an 'unexplained' absence.'
Thank you.
Choir Of Hard Knocks Performance
On Tuesday, our entire school community was privileged to experience a truly inspiring and powerful performance by the Choir of Hard Knocks. This extraordinary group of individuals shared their musical gifts entertaining all.
The Choir of Hard Knocks is all about giving everyone a voice, ensuring that all participants feel they are "deserving of a voice." No one leaves the choir without a smile, a laugh, or maybe even a slice of mud cake! It's a welcoming, laid-back, and inclusive space, with new members joining regularly. Regardless of age or language, singing offers a chance to learn, grow, and express yourself. This choir offers a unique voice, and it’s important for the community to see what it has to offer. The School of Hard Knocks—Port Macquarie Hastings is a Creative Arts for Recovery Program, providing a supportive and inclusive choir for those who are vulnerable or marginalized, offering a space to come together, make music, and build friendships.
What the students and staff enjoyed...
Maddie : Year 6 - I liked it because it had such diversity and it was a lot of fun. Everyone enjoyed it and it was a really great life experience.
Jonah : Year 6 - It was so good and it made everyone feel great because people with disabilities don’t usually get the opportunity to perform so it made them feel special.
Jacob : Year 4 -The choir was great. I enjoyed the choir's unpredictability. You never knew what was going to happen, so you were surprised.
Emma : Year 4 - I enjoyed the choir. I liked how they always tried their best, forgot about their mistakes, and enjoyed it.
Luka : Year 3 - It was really good that everyone got to join even the audience.
Lewis : Year 3 - I enjoyed the choir because it was great how everyone knew all the songs.
Tyler : Year 1 - I liked that everyone came to my school and you don’t have to be good at singing, you just have to try.
Kye : Year 1 - I like we will we will rock you because we got to join in.
Sebastian : Kindy - I like the part when they danced to the songs.
Ivy : Kindy - My favourite part was when they played the drums.
Mrs Kalchbauer - It was my favorite activity of the year.
Mrs Ralph - My girls could not stop talking about how good it was and how different everyone was but all came together and sounded great.
Christmas Tree Lighting Choir Performance
The Senior Choir (Years 3-6) will be joining students from our Parish primary schools for a special choir performance at the Christmas Tree Lighting on Town Green on Friday 29th November.
Important Details for Choir Members:
- Arrival Time: Choir members should arrive by 4:30 PM and meet Mrs. Packer and Mrs. Lawrence at the CWA meeting point.
- Performance at 4:45 pm
- Pick-Up Time: Parents are to pick up their children at 5:15 PM from the CWA.
- Dress Code: Choir members are required to wear their school uniform with a touch of Christmas cheer—think tinsel, festive headbands, or earrings to get into the Christmas spirit.
Band and Choir Performance
We are excited to announce that the School Band and the St Peter's Choir (Years 1 and 2 singers) will be performing at our upcoming School Assembly on Thursday, November 28th, starting at 2:00 PM. This special assembly will feature performances by our talented School Band, and our Junior Choir will also be singing a selection of festive Christmas carols.
The Junior Choir parents are warmly invited to attend the 2 pm performance.
The School Band will perform again at 6:00 PM for band families.
ENHANCING SPORT THROUGH FAITH
"The best thing about sports is the sense of community
and shared emotion it can create."
- Bob Costas, NBC Sportscaster
What a day!
On Thursday, our School Swimming Carnival was held. The event is part of three major sporting carnivals for the year and again was another sporting calendar highlight.
All students, whether it be in the competitive or non-competitive sections of the day gave their very best. I witnessed the smiles, the care and the kindness for each other as they all wanted to gain points for their house.
As always, these major carnivals can’t be run without the amazing support of so many families. We are unique because we have so many families who want to help. Your support ensures these carnivals are run professionally and safely, so thanks from our kids.
To the staff, you all play an important role, like a jigsaw piece, every piece is important to make the entire picture.
To the families who came to watch their child or children, especially for the very first time as their child was a 7 or 8-year-old, I hope you enjoyed the day.
Individual honours
- 8 Year Boy Champion- Oliver Zvirzdinas
- 8 Year Girl Champion- Maya Willoughby
- Runner Up- Athena Goldie
- 9 Year Boy Champion- Henry Dawson
- Runner Up- Lewis Gallo
- 9 Year Girl Champion- Ella Hiles-Stone
- Runner Up- Eliza Pettitt
- 10 Year Boy Champion- William Eccles
- Runner Up- Ryan Matheson
- 10 Year Girl Champion- Halle Colthorpe
- Runner Up- Amelie Abi-Saab
- 11 Year Boy Champion- Tasman Lorger
- Runner Up- Mason Duffy
- 11 Year Girl Champion- Maisie Prosser
- Runner Up- Pippa Hudson, Mollie Green, Ruby Bailey
- 12 Year Boy Champion- Cooper Dawson
- Runner Up- Elliot Gardoll-Marjoribanks
- 12 Year Girl Champion- Rose Eccles
- Runner Up- Amaya Colthorpe
House Champions- Lighthouse
Elective Sports
This week saw the final week of Years 1-2 Elective Sports. I trust your child had a wonderful time at their selected sport.
Let’s Go Jai
Our superstar Shot Put athlete will compete at the National Athletics Championships in Sydney next week. This is another amazing achievement and we wish him the very best. I will provide links and updates to the event via the St Peter’s Sport Facebook page.
Sporting Schools Grants Continue
Sporting Schools will continue again next week with the following year levels participating in the following sports:
- Year 3- Hockey- Tuesday
- Year 1- Hockey- Thursday
- Year 2- Cricket- Friday
Well done Georgia
Georgia Hayes recently competed at the Inter-schools Horse Extravaganza in Tamworth. This prestigious event attracted over 500 competitors from various schools across the state, showcasing the talents of primary and secondary students across multiple disciplines including showjumping, dressage, eventing, showhorse and campdraft.
Riding her horse Harley, Georgia placed 4th out of 23 riders in her dressage test and 4th in her showhorse event – an excellent achievement in a highly competitive field. With some of the finest riders and horses in attendance, these results highlight Georgia’s horsemanship and hard work.
Dio Summer Sports
We wish all our Summer Sports Athletes the very best next week as they compete for a spot on the Lismore Diocese Basketball and Touch Football Teams. Mandrake Auvaa will compete in Basketball and Tasman Lorger, Nixon Smith, Mason Duffy, Albi Winters, Jasper Luck, Pippa Hudson, Bonnie Mann and Paige Zvirzdinas will compete in Touch Football.
TERM 4 .... The Road Ahead
| Week 7 | Tuesday |
Year 3 - Sporting Schools - Hockey Lismore Diocese Summer Sports Trials - Tennis & Basketball @ Lismore |
| Thursday |
Lismore Diocese Summer Sports Trials - Touch Football @ Lismore Year 1 Sporting Schools - Hockey |
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| Friday |
Lismore Diocese Summer Sports Trials - Cricket & Softball @ Lismore Year 2 Sporting Schools - Cricket |
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| Week 8 | Tuesday | Year 3 - Sporting Schools - Hockey |
| Thursday | Year 1 - Sporting Schools- Hockey | |
| Friday | Year 2 - Sporting Schools- Cricket | |
| Week 9 | Thursday | Year 1 - Sporting Schools- Hockey |
| Friday | Pathway Sports Awards - Don Farrell Hall |
| Kindergarten Red | Kindergarten Blue | Kindergarten Green |
| Kaiden Gahan Matilda Ralph Josie Peck |
Taylar Bowley Bronson Payne Rose Nicholls Maxwell Wade |
Cali Swan Evelyn Thompson Benjamin Hall |
| Year 1 Red | Year 1 Blue | Year 1 Green |
| Holly Weber Ruby Humphries Leo Zerafa |
Mia Ferguson Dolcie King Kye Nolland |
Ollie Roods Oscar Conway Michael Costello |
| Year 2 Red | Year 2 Blue | Year 2 Green |
| Reuben Kennedy Clayton Hinshelwood Aiya Purcell |
Tyson Knox Oliver Zvirzdinas Nate Pearce |
Benjamin Klein Helga Bijoy Aria Roach |
| Year 3 Red | Year 3 Blue | Year 3 Green |
| Zaiden Ball Nate Baird Aurora McNair |
Lucas Anderson Max Bridle Isabella Munro |
Sophia Millwarde Finn Scaysbrook Levi Stewart |
| Year 4 Red | Year 4 Blue | Year 4 Green |
| Charlotte Close William Eccles Natalie Tarbox |
Evie Buckley Mason Pope Macy Kirkpatrick |
Finn Cowan Mason Davis Matilda Mason |
| Year 5 Red | Year 5 Blue | Year 5 Green |
| Paolo O'Brien Mason Duffy Chloe Trimmer |
Jaxon Ingram Piper Frost Brooklyn Fletcher |
Marcus Thompson Charlotte Wilkins Genevieve Ford |
| Year 6 Red | Year 6 Blue | Year 6 Green |
| Max Humphries Sienna Close Jessie Winter |
Noah Bates Zoe Brice Ayce Perkins |
Elliot Gardoll-Marjoribanks Joshua Harris Thomas Allen |
Flexischools orders close at 8.30am !!
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Click on the picture for Pete's Eats menu |
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*Christmas Appeal Fundraising treats in the Canteen all week! $1 |
Canteen Roster
- Volunteer Working With Children Check required
- Please sign into Who's On Location (St Peter's sign in) at the front school office.
- If you would like to volunteer in the Canteen please click on the link below:
Canteen Roster - Week 7 Term 4
| Monday | Help welcomed! |
| Tuesday | Jodie Brindle |
| Wednesday | Melissa Zerafa and Karen Green |
| Thursday | Jo Maher, Alix Blakeley and Michaella Edwards |
| Friday | Emma Dwyer, Katrina Boulet and Jodie Brindle |
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Monday 25 November
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| Tuesday 26 November |
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| Wednesday 27 November |
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| Thursday 28 November |
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| Friday 29 November |
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Week 8 Term 4
| Monday 2 December |
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| Wednesday 4 December |
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| Thursday 5 December |
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| Friday 6 December |
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Week 9 Term 4
| Monday 9 December |
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| Tuesday 10 December |
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| Wednesday 11 December |
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| Thursday 12 December |
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| Friday 13 December |
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Week 10 Term 4
| Monday 16 December |
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| Tuesday 17 December |
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| Wednesday 18 December |
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Important Dates for 2025
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Friday 31 January |
Staff return for 2025 – (Admin Day) |
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Mon 3 Feb to Wed 5 Feb |
Years 1 to 6 – Maths Assessment Interviews (MAI) |
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Thur 6 February |
Years 1 to 6 Commence |
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Mon 3 Feb to Fri 7 Feb |
Kinder Best Start and MAI |
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Monday 10 Feb |
Kindergarten commence |
This year, St Peter’s had a total of 45 amazing readers complete the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge! These students will be recognised for their achievement at our morning assembly commencing at 8:45am on Monday 2nd December (Week 8).
Families have been invited to attend this assembly.
ASHTON SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Students were very excited to receive their Issue 7 book orders this week and it was fantastic to see so many students interested in reading. These purchases also earned the school almost $150 in book club rewards which will go towards ordering new books for students to borrow and enjoy in the St Peter’s School Library.
Issue 8 brochures have now been distributed to students.
Given that we are fast approaching the end of the school year, any cash payment orders will need to be returned to school by 9.00am Thursday 28th November. Please ensure cash payments include your child’s name, class and correct payment. Online L.O.O.P. orders will close at 9.00pm.
Families who placed orders online through L.O.O.P. for Issue 7 should have received a $5 promotional code with their order confirmation that can be used towards online purchases of $15 or more for Issue 8. More details about this offer are available via the following link:
In this issue there are many fantastic ideas for Christmas gifts! Families who place orders online through L.O.O.P. also have the opportunity to receive a $5 credit that can be used towards Issue 1, 2025 purchases of $17.50 or more. Please refer to the terms and conditions of this offer on the LOOP platform.
WEEKLY BORROWING
Amanda Ayres
Colour run prizes have arrived but we will need assistance to organise which child receives them.
Bookpacks for 2025 are due to arrive next week.
Families will be billed early in 2025 for the packs.
The bookpack will contain books for 2025 which will need to be covered, labelled and returned to school when your child attends their MAI in 2025.
Students will also receive a list of other requirements needed to start the year!
Note - The bookpack bags make excellent library bags!!
Bookpacks for 2025 - Please click on the links below
Apply now for 2025 school bus travel passes
Getting to school by bus in 2025
Bus passes
- All students catching the bus in 2025 will need a school travel pass.
- Under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), eligible students can apply for free or subsided travel between home and school.
- For more information about the School Student Transport Scheme and how to apply for a school travel pass, visit https://apps.transport.nsw.
gov.au/ssts/#/ from a desktop computer.
Bus timetables
- Go to busways.com.au/nsw
- Click on ‘school services’ in the navigation bar and then proceed to ‘school timetables’
- Enter the school’s name in the field that says ‘enter a school name’
- Select the school’s name and the timetable should open on your device. If you are unable to find or search for the school’s name, use the drop-down menus on the same web page to find the school.
- Once the timetable is opened, you will be able to identify which school bus services are available in your area for your child to use.
