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We welcome all families and students back to school for Term 3. As you see in our calendar and our various articles and posters in the newsletter, there is a lot already planned for a full term of learning and connection. It’s easy to miss something if you are not up to date with our communications, so we ask that you please continue to read the newsletter each Friday, check the Term 3 Calendar and attend to any notifications through the Compass App.
Term 3 Calendar
KINDERGARTEN 2026 INTERVIEWS
It has been a week full of joy meeting with new students for Kindergarten in 2026,
along with Mrs Kelly from our Kindergarten team. These will continue to take place over the first four weeks of the Term, with one of the Kindergarten teachers joining the interviews to build connections and support our families to engage in time together getting to know each other and the school.
NAIDOC WEEK WELCOME AND SMOKING CEREMONY
As part of our NAIDOC Week events next week, our students will experience a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with our local Elder Uncle Bill and Birpai man Joshua Wright. This will be done in a safe and respectful way, with students not too close and those with possible respiratory conditions further away. This was a beautiful experience for our school community last year and we are very grateful to Uncle Bill for supporting us again in this way this year.
MISSION
NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS
Next week, our school proudly joins the nation in celebrating NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise and honor the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Throughout the week, students will participate in activities that deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous heritage and stories. NAIDOC Week reminds us all of the importance of respect, reconciliation, and unity within our community.
We encourage families to explore local events and resources to celebrate and learn more about Australia’s First Peoples and to join us for our Liturgy at 9.00am on Monday.
SAFE ON SOCIALS
FREE WORKSHOP
We’re thrilled to invite all parents and carers to a free workshop with online safety expert Kirra Pendergast on Tuesday, 29 July, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. This informative session will equip families with practical tools and strategies to confidently manage their children’s digital lives.
Free child-minding will be available during the workshop to make it easier for you to attend.
The first 20 families to register will receive a complimentary copy of The Tech Diet for Your Child and Teen by Brad Marshall. Please note, the book delivery has been delayed, so books will be sent home with your child after the event.
Additionally, all families can access Kirra’s Safe on Social Parent "Live" Library at no cost! Simply enter the code KPSTPETERPARENT100 at checkout for free access to this valuable resource.
TELL THEM FROM ME PARENT SURVEY
YOUR FEEBACK MATTERS
Thank you to all the 150 parents and carers who took part in our recent Tell Them From Me survey. Your honest feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our school community. Each week this Term we will share some feedback from the data collated.
ST PETER'S HOSPITALITY MASS
PARENT WEBINAR
Click on the link below to register for this FREE webinar on ‘strengthening kids against anxiety’ with Karen Young:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
LEARNING
DRAMA - CREATIVE ARTS
YEAR 4 - HATS OFF TO CREATIVITY
In just 45 minutes, students transformed an ordinary piece of newspaper into extraordinary headwear — from princess crowns to pirate hats, bonnets, astronaut helmets, and more! Once their creations were complete, they stepped into character, practicing expressive movement and speaking to match their new characters. The fun wrapped up with small group presentations where their character comes to life!
CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING 2025 NAPLAN RESULTS
We are proud to share the exceptional achievements of our students in the 2025 NAPLAN assessments. These results reflect the dedication of our students, the professionalism of our teaching staff, and the ongoing support of our school community.
High Achievement Across the Board
This year’s results show a strong performance in all areas, with a significant number of students working in the NAPLAN levels of Strong or Exceeding:
Year 3:
- Reading – 78.5% working above proficiency
- Writing – 92.4% working above proficiency
- Numeracy – 81% working above proficiency
Year 5:
- Reading – 82.5% working above proficiency
- Writing – 76.2% working above proficiency
Numeracy – 87.3% working above proficiency
We are proud to announce that we have met our targeted growth in reading, writing, and numeracy for both Year 3 and Year 5.
Numeracy Growth Year 5 Cohort
In numeracy, our Year 5 cohort has continued to thrive. From 2023 to 2025, there has been strong upward movement into higher proficiency levels, culminating in an impressive 87.3% of students working in Strong or Exceeding levels this year. This growth highlights our school’s commitment to strengthening foundational numeracy skills and promoting deep mathematical thinking.
Writing Growth Year 3 Cohort
In writing, the progress of our Year 3 students has been remarkable. The percentage of students working in the Strong level has grown from 65.3% in 2023 to over 82.2% in 2025. There has been a clear shift from students working in the Developing level to higher proficiency levels.
We are incredibly proud of these results and the learning journeys behind them. Thank you to our teaching staff for their targeted and evidence-based approaches, and to our families for your continued partnership in your child’s education.
Let’s continue to work together to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and celebrated in their learning.
 Tess Koning Principal |
 Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
 Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |
NAPLAN Results for Years 3 and 5
Were sent home with students this week
Year 5 Families please keep this VERY IMPORTANT document in a safe place
you will need it for Year 7 Enrolment next year.
The Australian Government Department of Education (the Department) would like to advise all staff, parents, guardians and students (where applicable) that it will collect certain information about your school, its staff and student body as part of the non-government schools census collection (the Census).
For more information please click on the link:
In Weeks 1 and 2, our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focus will be on Being Safe, with a special emphasis on how we play and interact in our school play areas. In classrooms, students have been taking part in thoughtful discussions and activities to help reinforce the behaviours that keep everyone safe during playtime.
Some of the key safety reminders we’ve been highlighting include:
- Walking safely on concrete and running only on the grass
- Wearing our hats and being sun smart
- Playing only school-approved games
- Sitting down while eating
By building a shared understanding of these expectations, we’re helping create a playground that is both safe and enjoyable for all students.
Thank you for continuing to support these messages at home. Together, we can help our students make safe and respectful choices every day.
Teachers will be on the lookout for students showing our Being Safe values, with weekly PBS awards recognising those who lead by example!
Sharni Geary
Leader of PBS
ENHANCING SPORT THROUGH FAITH
Dear God,
Please take this moment in my life and use me to give you glory and praise. Take my passion for this sport, may it light up with your love. Take the hours of training and my commitment to excellence. Please use it to bring joy and inspiration to others. Take my desire to be the best in sport I can be. May you speak your truth and hope through me. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
NSWPSSA CROSS COUNTRY
A huge congratulations to Paige Zvirzdinas and Hunter Pociask on their efforts at this week’s NSWPSSA Cross Country Championships in Sydney.
ATHLETICS TRAINING FOR OUR TEAM
A Compass notification has been sent to parents for consent and payment for all athletes who have made the St Peter’s Athletics Team. To ensure the school team's maximum success, we require all students to attend their weekly training sessions. I am also happy to loan equipment such as a shot put and or discus.
The sessions will be for Week 2:
| Monday | 2nd lunch playtime | Athletics Relay Team Training |
| Tuesday | 2nd lunch playtime | Athletics Relay Team Training |
ZONE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
We wish our Zone Athletics Team the very best on Wednesday at the Hastings Zone Athletics Championships at Regional College. We look forward to seeing a huge number of families supporting the mighty St Peter’s on our quest to winning the 2025 championships. I thank Mrs Kipreotis, Mrs Tarbox and Miss Fowler for supporting the team.
The program of events is below.
8.45am Managers/Officials’ Meeting 8.55am Acknowledgement/Prayer 9.00am Marshalling for the first Events
9.10am 1500m Finals Boys/Girls Jnr, 11yrs, Snr 9.50am 100m Heats Boys/Girls 8yr, 9yr, 10yr, 11yr, 12yr, 13yr, Multi Disability 100m Final Boys/Girls 8yr, 9yr, 10yr, 11yr, 12yr, 13yr, Multi Disability 11.30am 200m Final Boys/Girls Jnr, 11yr, Snr, Multi Disability 12.30pm 800m Finals Boys/Girls Jnr, 11yrs, Snr 1.30pm Relays Finals Boys / Girls Jnr (8-10yrs), Snr (11-13yrs)
2.05pm Presentation 2.20pm Carnival Concludes |
9.10am High Jump 1 – Snr Boys & Girls 9.40am High Jump 1 – Jnr Boys & Girls Long Jump 1 – 11yrs Girls Long Jump 2 – 11yrs Boys Shot Put 1 – Multi Disability Discus 1 – Snr Boys Discus 2 – Snr Girls 10.30am Long Jump 1 – Jnr Girls Long Jump 2 – Jnr Boys Shot Put 1 – Snr Boys Shot Put 2 – Snr Girls Discus 1 – 11yrs Boys Discus 2 – 11yrs Girls 11.20am High Jump 1 – 11yrs Boys & Girls Long Jump 1 – Snr Girls Long Jump 2 – Snr Boys Shot Put 1 – Jnr Boys Shot Put 2 – Jnr Girls 12.10pm Long Jump 1 – Multi Disability Shot Put 1 – 11yrs Boys Shot Put 2 – 11yrs Girls Discus 1 – Jnr Boys Discus 2 – Jnr Girls |
HASTINGS ZONE GALA DAY
Trialling has commenced for our soccer and netball teams for the Hastings Zone Gala Day on Thursday, August 21, at Laurieton. We will be entering an all-boys' and an all-girls' soccer team, as well as two netball teams. I thank the 90-plus athletes who are trialling, and I wish you the very best. I thank Mr Murtagh, Mrs Baird, Miss McKenzie, Miss Wotherspoon and Mrs Cullen for supporting the teams.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
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A huge congratulations to Charlotte Wilkins, who recently won the Australian Teachers of Dance National ballet championship, sun-junior division, in Melbourne last week! She danced in an unseen class and a performance solo. We also congratulate Chloe Barn, who also competed. Charlotte is so proud of herself and excited by this amazing achievement. A lot of training and preparation goes into these events.
THE SPORTING ROAD AHEAD ...
Athletics Training
| Monday | 2nd lunch playtime | Athletics Relay Team Training |
| Tuesday | 2nd lunch playtime | Athletics Relay Team Training |
| Hastings Zone Athletics Championships |
Wednesday 30th July b/up dates 6/13 August |
@ Port Macquarie |
| Hastings Zone Gala Day - Soccer & Netball |
Thursday 21st August |
@ Laurieton |
| Diocesan Athletics Championships |
Tuesday 26th August |
@ Coffs Harbour |
| All Schools Netball Regional Finals |
Tuesday 26th August |
@ Port Macquarie |
| Touch Gala Day - Years 3 & 4 |
Wednesday 3rd September |
@ Port Macquarie |
| Diocesan Soccer & Netball Finals Day |
Wednesday 24th September |
@ Grafton |
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All Schools Rugby League - Years 3 to 6 League Tag - Years 5 to 6 Gala Day |
Wednesday 24th September |
@ Port Macquarie |
DANCE EISTEDDFOD
YEAR 1 .....
Our talented Dance Eisteddfod groups have been working incredibly hard, fine-tuning their routines and bringing their passion and energy to every rehearsal! With the competition in Week 10 fast approaching, excitement is building—and this week, we got a sneak peek at their stunning costumes! We can't wait to see all their hard work come to life on stage.
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on our amazing Year 1 group! Their song is ‘Celebration’. These young dancers have been giving it their all—practising cartwheels, mastering their skipping, and most importantly, celebrating the joy of dancing together. Their routine is full of fun and energy, and we can’t wait to see them light up the stage in Week 10. Keep it up, Year 1!
ASHTON SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB
Issue 5 brochures have now been distributed to students. Any cash payment orders will need to be returned to school by 9.00am Wednesday 6th August. 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 4 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 5. More details about this offer are available via the following link:
$5 - Promotional Offer Issue 4This 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 6 purchases of $19.50 or more. The terms and conditions of this offer is available via the following link:
TERM 3 BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS
Book Week Parade - Tuesday 19th August !!
Our book week parade will take place in Week 5 on the morning of Tuesday 19th August. The official theme this year is “Book an Adventure”. Children are encouraged to share their love of books and reading by dressing as their favourite storybook character for the parade.
Book Week Book Packs
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 range of grade-appropriate titles;
- Entry into our book week raffle to win one of seven amazing, “book-themed” prize-packs (winners to be announced during our book week parade); and
- A donation to Dymocks Children’s Charities - Dymocks Children's Charities
A compass event will be sent out to families today to pre-purchase these book-packs, with the offer closing on Sunday 17th August. Children will be able to select their chosen book at school during Book Week at a stall that will be set-up in the Don Farrell Hall on Monday 18th August.
Online Book Fair
Throughout 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.
A compass notification will be sent out to St Peter’s families next week, notifying when the online book fair will be open and will also include details of how to purchase book donations via the Flexi-Schools app.
WEEKLY BORROWING
A timetable for class borrowing sessions is included here to assist parents with preparing their children for their allocated library borrowing session.
Please ensure that your child has a sturdy waterproof bag or zippered folder when transporting books to/from school to help keep our precious library books safe from damage and loss.
Children are also welcome to borrow on any day Mon-Thurs if they are avid readers, or were away on their usual day/time.
Amanda Ayres
The Canteen is celebrating NAIDOC Week.
Treats available $1 and $2, all week until sold out!
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 2 Term 3
| Monday | Pat Shirt |
| Tuesday | Kay Knight and Jodie Brindle |
| Wednesday | Simon Thomas and Anthony Grasso |
| Thursday | Wendy Sheppard and Richard Manning |
| Friday | Belinda Johnson, Kristy Thomas and Jodie Brindle |
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Monday 28th July
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| Tuesday 29th July |
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| Wednesday 30th July |
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| Thursday 31st July |
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| Friday 1st August |
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| Sunday 3rd August |
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Week 3, Term 3
| Sunday 3rd August |
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| Monday 4th August |
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| Tuesday 5th August |
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| Wednesday 6th August |
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| Thursday 7th August |
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| Friday 8th August |
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STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY
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 |
| Rafael Athanasakopoulos Angus Close Eve Maas |
Millie Simpson Abigail Mellor Ella Roods |
Lincoln Hodge Edward Johnson Edith Anderson |
| Year 1 Red | Year 1 Blue | Year 1 Green |
| Rosie Elwood - Franchimont Madden Thomas Jax Williams |
Huey Sonogan Olivia Gooch Arlo Kennedy |
Skyla Milne Olive Canham Hudson McCudden |
| Year 2 Red | Year 2 Blue | Year 2 Green |
| Noah O'Brien Matthew Blackman Evie Cooper |
Isla Brown |
Nesi Fono Pippa Sonogan John Shiplee |
| Year 3 Red | Year 3 Blue | Year 3 Green |
| Sienna Anquetil Alexander Przybylo Jesse Milne |
Leo Scott Briley Ferguson Hugh Boulet |
Ash Howard Maya Willoughby Lennox Shipway |
| Year 4 Red | Year 4 Blue | Year 4 Green |
| Abby Zerafa Ava Lorenz William Hay |
Parker Smith Hana Stevens Henry Dawson |
Cleo Campbell Jett Fuller Evelyn Worthington |
| Year 5 Red | Year 5 Blue | Year 5 Green |
| Charlie Cooper Zara Baldock Olivia Jones |
Halle Colthorpe Livinia Wehlow |
Otto Easton Eleanor Campbell Annabelle Gregory |
| Year 6 Red | Year 6 Blue | Year 6 Green |
| Trey Batt Jasmin Dickinson Matilda Spence |
Fletcher Bemmann Maisie Prosser Liam Daley |
William Kee Luke Ledbrook Paolo O'Brien |
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for our 25 October CCSP Parents and Carers Conference!
When: Saturday 25 October 2025
Where: Novotel Parramatta, Sydney
What time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
This special one-day event will bring Catholic school parents together from across NSW to explore how we can support and strengthen families in a rapidly changing world. With thought-provoking keynotes, breakout sessions and opportunities for connection, it’s set to be an amazing day.
Find out more about the program, speakers and session details
on our website: Supporting Families - Conference for Parents and Carers
Secure your ticket now via Eventbrite: Reserve Your Spot
