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UNIFORMS FOR WINTER SEASON
In response to some parent questions, I am clarifying uniforms for our Winter season which has started this week. As our Parent Handbook states, the uniform requirements for Winter are no different to our other seasons, but there are the options to add a fleece jumper and the track suit jacket and pants. The question that has been raised is that some girls have added stockings / tights as a winter alternative. While this is not in the list of uniform items across our three Parish schools, and we are so grateful that parents insist that their children follow the school’s expectations, at some point it became allowed without a change to the document or consistent communication. For this reason, we will state that during the cold season at school only (not year round), children can wear navy stockings / tights with their school skorts / shorts. These are not available from the uniform store, but can be easily found in other stores in town. They are not to be worn instead of skorts / shorts, but as an alternative to socks and tracksuit pants. Please note that the reason it is called a uniform, is because it is “uniform” or the same. The variations that are acceptable are adding the warm items listed above and no other alternatives.
KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS 2026
We are excited to be ready for our Kindergarten 2026 School Tour on Saturday 31st May. We welcome all new and existing families with children of school age in 2026 to come along at 2.00pm to see what our school facilities have to offer. It is not compulsory, so if you are an existing family and don’t feel you need to come, it is up to you. As our enrolment numbers are already very strong, we ask that all existing families with siblings have completed enrolment forms by Friday 13th June. While forms after this date will still reach the school, Principals of our three Parish primary schools will be meeting shortly after to assess numbers and use the policy criteria to then offer interviews for families.
SEMESTER 1 REPORTS AND PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Our teachers are currently working on assessing and gathering data on student achievement and effort in preparation for reports for parents for this semester of school. Reports for all students are due to be available to parents and carers at the end of Week 9 of term in Compass. In the coming weeks, parents and carers will also receive information to book an interview with their child’s teacher to discuss successes and goals to move into Semester 2. The majority of grades will have interviews in Week 10 (the last week of term), but there will also be some variation in the dates available due to teachers who may be away at different times, so please check your information carefully so that you secure a time to meet.
USE OF SCHOOL AMENTITIES FOR PARENTS AND VISITORS
As you will be aware, schools are places where Child Protection and safety is paramount and staff are legally and morally bound by duty of care, to ensure all children are safe at school. This duty extends to all visitors to the school by way of adhering to school expectations, so we remind parents, carers and visitors of the following:
- During school activities or before and after school, student toilets are only for students.
- If any adults are visiting school during the school day for activities, there are several “disabled” labeled toilets that can be used. These are located around the school near Kindergarten, Year 4, beside the canteen and at the end of the Hall. These toilets can be locked from the inside by the person using them for privacy.
- Parents, carers and visitors are not to walk into the school beyond the office and greenspace near the administration block for any purpose other than regular drop off and pick up, organised school activities, volunteering or approved for special reasons by administration staff or school leaders. This includes signing in at the end of the day while students are still in classrooms to use toilets without the approval of the school, as our duty of care is especially in spaces where children go that are not in direct visibility of staff at all times.
MISSION
TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY
EXTENDED ONE WEEK.....
The Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey period has been extended due to last week’s weather event and will now close on Friday 6th June at 4:30pm.
You may complete via this link: Tell Them From Me Parent Survey - Link
Each survey entry will receive a coffee voucher and go into the draw to win some fabulous prizes including $600.00 of boutique wine, a $100.00 Impact Prints voucher and a $50.00 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).
SAVE THE DATES.....
27th JUNE ...
29th June ...
LEARNING
RECONCILIATION WEEK
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
At St Peter's our Year 6 leaders led us in a whole school Reconciliation week prayer at Monday morning Assembly. Year 4 have been learning about Aboriginal Astronomy such as “The Emu in the Sky” and Uncle Bill visited Year 6 to speak about culture.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
IN KINDERGARTEN
As part of their History learning, Kindergarten students have been working with the RFF teachers — Mrs Jennings, Mrs Lawrence and Mrs Turner — under the guidance of Mrs Parsons, our Indigenous Education Worker. The children have been learning to sing the song "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" in Gathang, the traditional language of the Birpai people.
| Head - Walang | Shoulders - Wakal | Knees - Baka | Toes - Djina |
| Eyes - Migang | Ears - Muku | Mouth - Garrga | Nose - Ngaang |
WHY READING MATTERS FOR YOUR CHILD'S OVERALL ACADEMIC SUCCESS
At St Peter’s, we are passionate about nurturing lifelong learners and one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s development is through regular reading. Whether it's storytime before bed, a quiet moment with a picture book, or your child diving into their first chapter book, reading plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s educational journey.
WHY READING IS SO IMPORTANT
Reading is more than just decoding words on a page. It develops vocabulary, enhances comprehension, improves concentration and sparks imagination. These foundational skills translate directly into stronger performance across all school subjects. According to a major study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), reading for pleasure is the single most important indicator of a child’s future success - even more important than their family's socio-economic status. (OECD PISA Results – Reading for Change)
SOME INTERESTING RESEARCH
To highlight just how impactful reading can be:
- Reading 20 minutes a day exposes children to 1.8 million words a year. This is vital for vocabulary development and comprehension.
- Children who read daily score 90% better on standardised tests compared to peers who don't read regularly. (Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report)
- Students who read independently are more likely to succeed in math and science, not just English, due to improved reasoning and analytical thinking.
HOW YOU CAN HELP AT HOME
You play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading. Here’s how you can support your child:
- Read with them daily, even if it's just for 10–15 minutes.
- Create a reading friendly environment at home with access to age appropriate books.
- Model reading behaviour by letting them see you enjoying a book, magazine or newspaper.
- Talk about books: ask questions, make predictions and celebrate new words.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow into confident, curious readers. Together, we can ensure every child has the tools they need to thrive.
Happy reading!
WRITEON COMPETITION 2025
A Writing Competition for students in Years 1 to 6.
Entries are now open for NESA’s annual WriteOn Competition! This year, the competition is held in association with the State Library of NSW. For WriteOn 2025, students use a stimulus quote to explore their voices as authors when creating imaginative text.
This is an exciting opportunity for schools to focus on developing student writing. The quote above "Could They Be Changing" inspires students to create an imaginative text of up to 500 words. Each year, winners are celebrated at an award ceremony and their entries are published in ‘The Best of WriteOn’ anthology.
There will be writing workshops in 3 Green each Monday at Lunch 1, for students to write, edit and receive feedback. This week, over 30 students came to the first writing workshop, which involved brainstorming ideas for the stimulus.
Please submit your entries to Mrs Tarbox
by Friday, June 13, 2025 (Week 7)
Entries close Friday June 20, 2025 (Week 8)
“If a story is in you, it has to come out.”
—William Faulkner
Briody Tarbox
Teacher/Enrichment Team
YEAR 3 ARE DINGO OBSESSED !!
Did you know that a dingo is not a dog? It is its own species! Are you aware that dingoes cannot bark, but they howl instead and can even climb trees!
Year 3 has recently finished reading and studying Wandi, by Favel Parrett. It has been one of their favourite books to read. Wandi tells the real-life story of a dingo who was snatched from his home in the mountains by an eagle and dropped in a human’s garden. At a very young age, he is torn from his family and left to fend for himself in a place where horrors lurk at every corner. Discovered by a kind human, Wandi is transferred to a sanctuary where he tries to assimilate with the other dingoes but struggles to make friends. That is, until he meets Hermione – the rest, as they say, is history.
As part of their learning, the students wrote descriptions about dingoes and learnt all about how important these iconic animals are to our ecosystems. They also studied threats to dingoes and can now share many amazing facts about the dingo. The students then wrote persuasive pieces about sanctuaries and the need to protect vulnerable species. Here are some of our persuasive paragraphs about some of the animal sanctuaries we researched. You may also enjoy checking out our Wandi-inspired artworks.
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Koalas, Quokkas and Echidnas are just some of the adorable and iconic species of Australia. The only problem is that their homes have gone from gorgeous and glam to dilapidated and destroyed. If we don’t help, the ecosystem will collapse! You can make a difference by donating and volunteering at sanctuaries around Australia. Anna Maker - Year 3G |
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Devils at Cradle Mountain Sanctuary is in Tasmania, in Lake St Clair National Park. You can see and learn all about the amazing Tasmanian Devil. This sanctuary protects Tasmanian devils, spotted-tail quolls, eastern quolls and bare-nosed wombats. All of these animals are vulnerable and endangered. As a side note, the Tasmanian devil is hunted by the dingo. This is why you can’t resist helping these amazing creatures. Call 03 4692 1491 to offer your support. Sebastian Denham - Year 3G |
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Waulinbakh Wildlife Sanctuary is extremely important to our Australian ecosystem and wildlife. The sanctuary is located less than three hours north of Sydney on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and stretches to at least 3932 hectares of land to make a safe habitat for our endangered Australian native wildlife and plants, such as the vulnerable sugar gliders and koalas. Leo Scott - Year 3B |
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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is an extremely important sanctuary that protects plenty of important native species, including the red kangaroo, brush turkey and common death adder. It is located in Queensland in Fig Tree Pocket. They have mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, barn and other animals. Unfortunately, these beautiful animals are still threatened by many things, including bushfires, road kill, weeds, feral animals and other horrible things. Imogen Pociask - Year 3B |
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Sanctuaries are important because they rescue wild animals that need our help. Walambakh and Currumbin Wildlife sanctuaries protect and promote Australia’s wildlife. Possums, koalas and sugar gliders are just some of the species that they protect. But they can’t do it alone, and they need our help! Brielle Perry - Year 3R |
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Devils at Cradle Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary that is home to quolls, Tassie devils and wombats. The reason for this sanctuary is that these animals are a vulnerable species. These iconic animals need to live for longer, actually forever, because they are super important to our Earth. There are also other sanctuaries out there, like the Mallee Cliffs Sanctuary. We can donate money to help. Benny Tarbox - Year 3R |
 Tess Koning Principal |
 Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
 Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |
ENHANCING SPORT THROUGH FAITH
YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE
It was so pleasing to see the sun finally shining and our playing fields drying out. This week, the Diocesan Cross Country Championships were held, but we needed to postpone the Diocesan Rugby League Trials.
AFTER 4 ATTEMPTS !
The Diocesan Cross Country Championships, which have been postponed 3 times, went ahead yesterday in Woolgoolga. Our athletes ran well and were very competitive in their age groups. Thank you to all families for your support of your child and the St Peter’s athletes. A special mention to the following students who made the Dio Team and will now be travelling to Sydney for a chance to make the Polding Team:
- Hunter Pociask - 3rd - 12 Year boys
- Paige Zvirzdinas - 1st- 11 Year Girls
- Willow Morris-Boyd - 6th- 11 Year Girls
- Amelie Abi-Saab - 8th - 11 Year Girls
- Nate Nolland - 4th - 10 Year Boys
- Nate Baird - 6th - 10 Year Boys
- Xander Duffy - 7th - 9 Year Boys
- Milla Luck - 8th - 9 Year Girls
NETBALL TRIALS
Netball Trials commenced this week. I thank Miss McKenzie, Miss Wotherspoon, Mrs Cullen and Mrs Baywood for supporting the 34 athletes. Trials will continue in Week 6.
SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Late this week, we received the news that the MacKillop Senior Oval is unavailable until Term 3 due to the huge amount of rain and damage to the playing surface. Due to the Hastings Zone Athletics Championship being in Term 3, Week 1, we are under enormous pressure to ensure we run a school-based event. We are in the process of moving to Plan B, and more information will be available in next week’s Postman Pete explaining the look of the championship for 2025. I apologise that the carnival won’t be what you have known it to be, but as always, we will do our very best given the situation.
ATHLETICS PRE-TRIALLING - WEEK 6
Due to time restraints on the day of the School Athletics Championships, we complete pre-trialling for several events (1500M, 800M and 200M). These events are open to all students who are turning 8-12 Years of age in 2025. The top two in each age group and gender then go on to the Hastings Zone Athletics Championships in July. Points are also allocated to each student for age champion/runner-up for the 2025 School Athletics Championships. The trials will be held on St Peter’s Oval.
Students are asked to meet Mr Arkinstall at the following times and days in Week 6:
- Monday - 800M- 1st lunch eating time (10:45am)- Meet Mr Arkinstall outside 4 Red
- Wednesday - 1500M- 8:15am- Meet Mr Arkinstall outside 4 Red
Students are asked to meet Mr Arkinstall at the following times and days in Week 7:
- Wednesday - 200M- 8:15am- Meet Mr Arkinstall outside 4 Red
POSTPONEMENTS
Diocesan Rugby Union
We are awaiting a new date for the Diocesan Rugby Union Trials.
AFL Gala Day
We are awaiting a new date for the AFL Gala Day. Training will continue each Tuesday and Thursday at 2nd lunch eating time.
THE SPORTING ROAD AHEAD ...
| School Athletics Championships | Friday 13th June | @ MacKillop - Senior Site |
| All Schools Netball (Local Round) | Tuesday 17th June | @ Port Macquarie |
STAFF STORYTIME
For the duration of Term 2, every Monday during Lunch 2, our library transforms into a cosy storytelling haven where stories come to life!
ALIA NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME 2025
The Truck Cat
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in many different settings around the country. Now in its 25th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
Unfortunately due to the extreme wet weather and school closures, students at St Peter’s were unable to participate in the livestream simultaneous reading event which took place at midday Wednesday 21st May; however, there were plenty of opportunities at school this week for students to celebrate this year’s chosen book, “The Truck Cat” written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell.
In addition to enjoying our themed library display (which included our very own “Tinka the Library Cat”), students were also provided many opportunities to read and listen to the story, either in class or during their library visits. A special viewing of the recorded livestream event was also replayed in the library on Wednesday, whereby students were able to watch the author, Deborah Frenkel, read the story and follow along with a guided drawing session of “Tinka” (the main character) with illustrator, Danny Snell. Students were also able to participate in other learning/craft activities associated with the book, including the creation of origami cats during lunchtime library. Numerous copies of “The Truck Cat” are currently displayed and available for students to borrow/reserve from our school library, along with a number of other books written/illustrated by the book's creators.
NATIONAL FAMILY READING MONTH
ENDS SATURDAY 31ST
With only one day remaining of National Family Reading Month (NFRM), we hope that families have enjoyed participating in the reading challenge together and building positive reading habits and life-long readers. Of course the end of the challenge doesn’t mean that the fun has to end and we would love to receive some photos of our St Peter’s families enjoying their reading time together. If you would like to share a picture for inclusion in next week’s newsletter, please email it through to Mrs Ayres (amanda.ayres@lism.catholic.edu.au) by Monday 2nd June 2025.
WEEK 10 AUTHOR VISIT
Kate and Jol Temple - Tuesday 1st July
Book Offer:
Please click on the link below to access a flyer containing details about how to order Kate and Jol’s books before our upcoming author visit. When placing orders, please follow the steps carefully as outlined in the flyer, including our school name (to avoid postage costs) along with your child’s name and class. These books will be personally signed by the authors themselves and available for collection on the day of the event.
ASHTON SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Students were very excited to receive their Issue 3 book orders this week and it was fantastic to see so many students interested in reading. These purchases also earned the school over $100 in book club rewards which will go towards ordering new books for students to borrow and enjoy in the St Peter’s School Library. Thank you to all families for your continued support.
Issue 4 brochures have now been distributed to students. Any cash payment orders will need to be returned to school by 9.00am Wednesday 18th June. 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 3 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 4. More details about this offer are available via the following link:
Promotional Offers Issue 3This 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 5 purchases of $19.50 or more. The terms and conditions of this offer is available via the following link:
WEEKLY BORROWING
Amanda Ayres
Flexischools orders close at 8.30am !!
Click on the picture below to read the Menu
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.
Canteen Roster - Week 6 Term 2
| Monday | Stephanie Leroux |
| Tuesday | Jodie Brindle |
| Wednesday | Louise Hay, Jodie Adam and Maddie Thompson |
| Thursday | Wendy Sheppard, Lucy Harpham and Pat Shirt |
| Friday | Belinda Johnson, Kristy Thomas and Jodie Brindle |
Term 2 Calendar
Week 6, Term 2:
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Saturday 31st May
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Sunday 1st June
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Monday 2nd June
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| Tuesday 3rd June |
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| Wednesday 4th June |
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| Thursday 5th June |
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| Friday 6th June |
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| Monday 9th June |
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Week 7, Term 2
| Monday 9th June |
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| Tuesday 10th June |
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| Wednesday 11th June |
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| Thursday 12th June | |
| Friday 13th June |
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| Saturday 14th June |
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STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Kings Birthday Long Weekend - Monday 9th June
Professional Learning Day - Friday 25th July
Professional Learning Day - Monday 13th October
Last Day for Students - Tuesday 16th December
Staff Development Day - Wednesday 17th December - Pupil Free
| Kindergarten Red | Kindergarten Blue | Kindergarten Green |
| Sofia Denham Emilia Hanington Alice Ross |
Isobel Hodgson Ted Yewdall Elliot Kennedy Lachlan Sonogan |
Mya Harrison Ezekiel Howe Hugh Whittock |
| Year 1 Red | Year 1 Blue | Year 1 Green |
| Rosie Elwood- Franchimont Lucy Maker Leo Van Der Veer |
Cali Swan Aria Neilson Olivia Gooch |
Connor Green Sebastian Przybylo Adam Rourke |
| Year 2 Red | Year 2 Blue | Year 2 Green |
| Isaac Quinn Evelyn Wilton Billy Edwards |
Jordan Marshall |
Leo Zerafa Tyler Bedford Reco Anquetil |
| Year 3 Red | Year 3 Blue | Year 3 Green |
| Theo Maas Milla Pitts Helga Bijoy |
Layla Fox Cooper Head Summer Robinson |
Lennox Shipway Jack Geary Maya Johansson |
| Year 4 Red | Year 4 Blue | Year 4 Green |
| Jack Burgmann Sophie Thomas Zahli Kee |
Kelaiah Reambonanza Koby Collins Lachlan Laundry |
Luca Crilley Patrick Prosser Brooklyn Borger |
| Year 5 Red | Year 5 Blue | Year 5 Green |
| Olivia Jones Paige Zvirzdinas Isaac Thompson |
Claire Klein Clara Murphy Bentley Kernahan |
Isabella Croft Emma Blackman Zeke Boulet |
| Year 6 Red | Year 6 Blue | Year 6 Green |
| Milla Campbell Layla Farnsworth Jaxon Ingram Thomas Tarbox |
Grace Charet Tess Donohoe Sidney Barnett |
Camila Jones Ahliyah Bennett Luke Ledbrook |
