MOTHER'S DAY

We would like to wish all of our Mothers and mother figures a wonderful day on Sunday to celebrate in whichever way makes you happy. While this is a special day once a year to recognise the amazing women in our lives, we acknowledge the small and large things you do every day of the year in our lives. We also pray and think about those for whom this day is difficult due to loneliness, loss or separation. Thank you to those who attended our events today to mark the start of the weekend, we hope that you enjoyed time with your children and feel our appreciation. 

WORLD SECRETARIES DAY

Last Friday was World Secretaries Day, so we wanted to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful admin staff who help not only keep the school running day to day, but also are the face of the school and the people who welcome and support all visitors, families and students who walk through our doors. Chris, Annette, Tracey, Tamie, Haylee and Kath are an integral part of our school team and at the heart of the mission of our Catholic school. We celebrated morning tea this week with them and want to say thank you for all they do.

IDEAS FOR FAMILIES

There are many “experts” (and some non-experts) out there advising parents on ways to build strong families and navigate the challenging role that parenting is for us, particularly in the intensely busy and difficult world we live in. No advice is perfect for all of us, as we are all in need of different things at any one time, and no one really knows what our life looks like and can tell us how to work on things that are not going so well. However, if we read or listen to different people we may find something that resonates with us. I offer this link only as one of those “experts” who I read about at times, who sometimes has something I can use in my life. 

Justin Coulson - 7 Habits of Happy Families

MISSION

MOTHER'S DAY STALL VOLUNTEERS

A massive thank you to our Mother’s Day Stall volunteers this year including our new stall conveyors - Lauren Vallim, Alison Ralph, Erin Maker, Kate Roods and helpers Dani Moore, Sara Garcia Nunez and Olivia Pursell.

YEAR 4 CELEBRATION OF THE WORD - NEXT FRIDAY

TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY OPENS MONDAY !!

Over the next three weeks we invite our parents and carers to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. The link will go live on Monday 12th May so look out for the QR codes around the school. The survey will be anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Our school goal is to have over 200 families complete the survey. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Peter’s.

Each survey entry will receive a coffee voucher and go into the draw to win some fabulous prizes including $600 of boutique wine, a $100 impacts prints voucher and a $50 canteen voucher. You can enter your name into the prize draw by writing your name on the clipboard in the office or email amanda.thomas@lism.catholic.edu.au to enter your name and receive your coffee voucher at the end of the three week period (it’s an honesty based system). 

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

HOW MUCH SHOULD I PACK IN MY CHILD'S LUNCHBOX ?

This is a question that is often asked, especially by parents and carers. It depends on lots of things such as how active they are, what their appetite is like and whether they prefer to sit and take their time eating or to race off to play as soon as they can.

How much to pack can be trial and error. Think about how much your child normally eats when they are at home with you during normal school hours. 

Make sure to pack these everyday:

• Something made with whole grain carbohydrates like a sandwich, wrap or roll, naan, roti, pasta, rice, couscous or quinoa. Carbohydrates give kids the energy they need to make it through the day.

• Vegetables, because most kids don’t eat enough and including some at school is the best way to up their intake.  It’s as easy as some cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks or salad in their sandwich.  Just a few strips of red capsicum gives you all the Vitamin C you need for the day!

• Some protein to keep them full like cheese, chicken, tuna, egg or hummus in a sandwich.

• Some fruit, either in season fresh, dried or tubs in natural juice.

• A water bottle, as kids get thirsty and water is the best way to keep them hydrated. Freeze it to keep their lunch cold.

For kids who like a bit more at lunchtime pack:

• Some dairy foods like plain milk or plain yoghurt for growing healthy bones and teeth.

• Extra fruit and vegetables.

• A bigger sandwich or roll.

Get your kids involved in planning and packing their lunch box

FUTURE ENGINEERS AT WORK

This Term, our Year 6 students have been exploring the world of natural disasters as part of their Stage 3 Science and Technology studies. In line with the NSW Science syllabus focus on Earth and Space, students explored the causes and impact of natural disasters. 

In an exciting hands-on project, students worked in small groups to research, design and build a structure capable of withstanding an earthquake. The challenge? Their structure had to be at least 20cm tall and made only from toothpicks and playdough. A true test of creativity and structural knowledge!

After thoughtful planning and careful construction, each group's structure faced the ultimate trial: a vigorous shake test that simulated an earthquake. It was a thrilling moment to see which designs stood strong and which ones revealed opportunities for improvement. Throughout the process, students demonstrated excellent collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking.

STAFF STORYTIME

For the duration of Term 2, every Monday during Lunch 2, our library transforms into a cozy storytelling haven where stories come to life!

This week, our wonderful Mrs Koning delighted students with two powerful tales: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss , a thought-provoking story about caring for our environment, and The Tale of the Three Trees, a beautiful parable about dreams, purpose and hope.

This coming Monday, we are so excited to have our amazing Assistant Principal (Learning), Miss Robson, sharing some of her favourite stories! All students are warmly invited to join us each week in the library.

NATIONAL FAMILY READING MONTH

THE FUN CONTINUES !!

We are now a little over one week into National Family Reading Month (NFRM) and it has been wonderful to hear students talking about their nightly reading adventures! Good luck to all the families participating in this year’s NFRM challenge!! Please remember to mark off your reading log each day throughout May after completing your daily family reading session (at least 10 minutes) and submit your completed (and signed) reading log to Mrs Ayres at the school library at the end of the challenge, between the 2nd-5th June to redeem your exclusive reward.

ASHTON SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB

Issue 3 brochures have now been distributed to students. Any cash payment orders will need to be returned to school by 9.00am Wednesday 14th May. 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 2 should have received a $5 promotional code with their order confirmation that can be used towards online purchases of $19.50 or more for Issue 3. More details about this offer are available via the following link:

Promotional Offers Issue 2

This issue, families who place orders online through L.O.O.P. have the opportunity to receive a $5 credit that can be used towards Issue 4 purchases of $19.50 or more. The terms and conditions of this offer is available via the following link: 

Promotional Offers Issue 3

WEEKLY BORROWING

Amanda Ayres