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A DIFFICULT WEEK
This week has been a very difficult week for Port Macquarie and other flood affected regions.
Our warm thanks to families who have assisted by complying to requests by authorities and for the very generous support provided to families who have been directly affected through the floodwater or storm damage.
As we are all aware, the real work now begins in cleaning and rebuilding.
To assist in this process, please continue to offer your thoughts and prayers and you may wish to contribute to the invitations below.
SCHOOL SUPPORT
Staff joined in with the wonderful assistance being so generously offered by the community with the recent letter I shared with families last Wednesday. If you would like to support this initiative, please drop in your donation to the front office (a trestle table is set up under the Honour Board).
Dear St Peter's families and staff, For our frontline workers, we are going to put together small care packages. The kinds of things we would need to do this are: Large snaplock bags, poppa juice boxes, muesli bars, small packets of biscuits etc, wrapped chocolate bars, wrapped or small packets of lollies, homemade finger food eg quiches, sausage rolls etc or items along these lines. For people affected by the floods, we are looking for donations of: Toiletry and sanitary items, pet food, non-perishable food and clothing. All items may be dropped off to the office. Leisa will coordinate the drop off of all donated items in collaboration with the Helping Hands facebook group. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated. If you could bring items from tomorrow that would be wonderful! Kind regards, Leisa Nardella and Katie Files |
Some of the donations received so far....
Look who turned up to say thank you !!!
Some of our NSW Firies did a 'drive past' to thank the children and our wider community for their very generous support.
PARISH SUPPORT
Our parish has been very active in providing for many families who have been affected by flooding.
We received this recent notification from Adam Spencer indicating current ways support is being offered and future ways we may be able to assist.
Short term : The parish is supporting the NSW Disaster Relief coordination by accommodating, currently 70 (possibly more to come), elderly displaced residents from the Laurieton /Dunbogan region at The Francis Retreat. The Red Cross will assist with the care of these people, however should any additional requirements be needed we will let you know. We are supporting the local hospital by providing beds for the displaced unwell elderly, wherever we can in our aged care residential homes. We are supporting the community by providing a place to have a shower, and wash clothes and a dry place to have a cup of tea or coffee. We are making available the showers under the Youth Hub Hall (Horton Street) and the showers near the Parish Hall (49 Hay Street). We expect that this will extend to those evacuated and volunteers from evacuation centres over the next 24 hours. What can you do at this stage: Supplies of toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant would be sincerely appreciated (smaller/travel size packs would be ideal). Please drop any items to reception at the Parish Administration Centre or the Presbytery. Thank you for your ongoing generous support. Sincerely Adam Spencer Chief Executive Officer - St Agnes' Parish |
As you can see, St Agnes' Catholic Parish Schools’ Flood Relief are very busy coordinating collections of goods to support families.
To assist with this endeavour, we will be having an 'Out of Uniform Day' on Tuesday 30th March to collect specifically requested goods. Our school has been allocated Muesli bars, crackers, biscuits snacks (healthier options encouraged) etc. We ask for families, who may be able to assist, to please bring one of these items on Tuesday next week. If you are looking to donate further, please either continue to drop items off at school or click on the following link St Agnes' Catholic Parish Giving - Giving (stagnesparish.org.au)
The goodwill and generosity of people over the last week has been a shining light in a cloud of despair for so many of our families and communities.
SOMETIMES SPELLING AND GRAMMAR JUST DON’T MATTER….
The Year 2 children who have come to school this week were very keen to write some cards to our SES and support services.
Thought you might like to read some of their very appreciative and encouraging words.
NEXT P&F MEETING - AN IDEA NIGHT?
Please remember our next P&F meeting, Wednesday, the first week back in Term 2, will be an opportunity to discuss an event/initiative to either help build our family connection or possibly raise funds to support a families identified need within the school.
The meeting is on Wednesday, April 21, 6.00pm in the school staffroom – everyone is welcome!
AN IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION COMING OUT MONDAY
An important communication will come out Monday regarding the transition for change in Parish school uniforms and a new measure being introduced in Term 2 under Child Protection measures currently being rolled out.
MISSION
Come and spend time with Jesus this Easter.
Please watch this personal invitation from Fr Paul, inviting you to celebrate Easter with St Agnes' Parish this year.
Holy Week
Next week sees our school celebrate the most important event in the Church calendar. St Peter’s will celebrate Holy Week with a number of short prayer services at various times throughout the week. Parents and friends are invited to share in these short prayer reflections in the Don Farrell Hall.
Monday 29th March - 8.45am |
Palm Sunday by Year 3 |
Tuesday 30th March -10.30 am |
Holy Thursday by Year 5 |
Wednesday 31st March - 2.10pm |
Good Friday by Year 4 |
Tuesday 20th April (first day of Term 2) - 8.45am |
Easter Sunday by Year 6 |
At this stage, the Stations of the Cross at MacKillop College have been put on hold. Confirmation will follow as soon as we find out more.
Jesus at work in our community
Our St Peter’s community certainly lived out their faith this week in coming to the aid of those affected by the devastating floods in and around Port Macquarie. One of our amazing Learning Assistants, Leisa Nardella, along with Katie Files, our school counsellor, coordinated a massive donation drive that was widely supported by our whole school community. Leisa liaised with the Helping Hands Facebook group to ensure all donated items reached those in need. The ladies also organised for ‘care packages’ full of goodies to be delivered to frontline workers and volunteers currently giving their time and energy to the rescue and cleanup mission, to whom we are so grateful. We are also deeply thankful for the generosity of our St Peter’s community who managed to pull together a massive pile of donations in such a short time. Thank you.
Prayers for those affected
We know of a number of staff and families who have been directly and indirectly affected by the flood devastation. We keep all of these people in our prayers, along with all those experiencing loss and hardship. We pray that our first responders stay strong and safe whilst coming to the aid of others, and that our wider community is able to support those affected into the future.
Compassionate God, source of all comfort,
We pray for the people whose lives have been devastated by rain and flood.
Bring them comfort, we pray.
Protect the vulnerable and strengthen the weak.
Have mercy on all those working to rescue the stranded and to feed the hungry.
And may our response to their suffering be generous and bring you praise.
For we ask it in Jesus name,
Amen.
Our Student’s Sacramental Journey
It was once again with great disappointment and regret that we were forced to postpone our sacramental program, with the Sacrament of Penance ceremonies moved to next term. We will keep you informed of any updates and developments as soon as they come to hand.
For future information, the Sacramental Program will continue into the future in the following order:
Year 3 - Confirmation
Year 4 - Penance and First Holy Communion
Year 5 - Penance 2021 only as a catch-up.
LEARNING
THE IMPACT OF TELEVISION ON CHILDREN - POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE
It is hard to avoid television if you are a child. People in the house are usually tuned in to TV. In some homes, the television is perpetually “on” even without anyone watching. But how does watching TV really affect children?
Positive
- Entertainment - From Sesame Street to Dora the Explorer and Arthur, kids’ entertainment shows teach children a plethora of skills ranging from handling emotional trauma, interacting with peers, navigating through tough situations, and stimulating their imaginations through interactive quizzes and thinking patterns.
- Education - Educational shows inspire kids to take action and engage in productive behaviour.
- Sports - Watching sports shows such as football, cricket, and volleyball can be a great way to generate interest in outdoor activities.
- Creativity - From cooking, baking, arts and crafts to music and theatre, creativity is the cornerstone of TV shows.
- Healthy Stress Relief - TV shows provide a healthy emotional outlet for kids who go through stress in school or outdoor environments.
Negative
- Steals Time - Children who spend too much time in front of the television may miss out on life’s opportunities.
- Kills Creativity and Imagination - If children spend too much time on TV instead of going outside and exploring the real world, they will not be able to develop a strong imagination.
- Lack of Focus - Children who spend more than 2 to 3 hours in front of the screen on a daily basis often suffer from a lack of focus in classroom environments.
- Negative Behaviour - According to research, watching too much TV can alter the brain structure and promote negative behaviour – especially violence and aggression.
- Causes Learning Problems - Learning problems due to excess TV time range from passive listening and underdeveloped listening skills to a lack of fine motor and creative skills.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO PROTECT THEIR CHILD FROM THE BAD EFFECTS OF TELEVISION?
Parents can:
- Limit the number of hours their child spends in front of the TV.
- Ensure that their child is watching quality TV shows as opposed to inappropriate ones.
- Watch TV with their child so that they are sure that the content being consumed is informational, educational, and interactive. This can also foster a bond between the parent and child.
- Keep the TV set away from the bedroom and turn off the TV at the end of the show.
- Help develop a healthy relationship between TV time and complete tasks.
Geoff Leary Principal |
Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |
Staff Spirituality Day
Thursday 1st April
Pupil Free Day
NO STAFF ON SITE - SCHOOL CLOSED
Monday 29th March |
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Tuesday 30th March |
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Wednesday 31st March |
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Thursday 1st April |
- No childminding available this day - All staff will be off site |
Friday 2nd April |
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Term 2
Pizza and Popper Day has been postposned until Week 1 Term 2...
day to be confirmed! Watch this space!
Monday 19th April |
Staff Development Day - First Aid School Office Closed Limited childminding available (Bookings close Tuesday 6th April) |
Tuesday 20th April |
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Wednesday 21st April |
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Thursday 22nd April (Term 2) |
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Wednesday 28th April |
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Thursday 1st April |
Staff Spirituality Day NO childminding available on this day as all staff will be off site |
Monday 19th April |
Staff Development Day - First Aid Training |
Wednesday 5th May | Proclaim Lismore |
Monday 12th July | Staff Devlopment Day - TBC |
Tuesday 5th October | Staff Devlopment Day - TBC |
Lismore Diocese Winter Sports update- 24/3/21
Please read carefully as there are changes to original days and venues.
TUESDAY 30TH MARCH : All trials - (netball, hockey, rugby league) commence at 9.00am and should be concluded by 2.00pm
Netball - Tuesday 30th March
Venue: Westward Park, Bacon Street, Grafton
Time: 9.00am – 2.00pm
Convener: Michelle Riley (Our Lady Help of Christians, South Lismore)
Please bring all personal gear for netball trials.
Format: Skills Sessions, Round Robin Games, Possibles v Probables
Hockey - Tuesday 30th March
Venue: Fisher Park, Oliver Street, Grafton
Time: 9.00am -2.00pm
Conveners: Girls - Fiona Croker (St Anthony's, Kingscliff)
Boys - Kylie Kipreotis (St Peter's, Port Macquarie)
Please bring all personal hockey gear - eg safety gear, a hockey ball each.
If you are a goalie bring your gear.
Rugby League - Tuesday 30th March
Opens & Under 11's: CHANGE OF VENUE as grounds are closed at Grafton.
New Venue: Ken Leeson Oval at Illuka (corner of Spencer and Owen Streets).
Time: 9.00am til 2.00pm
Conveners: Daniel Evans - St Joseph's Port Macquarie (Under 11's)
Paul Owens - (Opens) St Joseph's, Kempsey
Please bring all personal rugby league gear eg. safety gear.
A mouth guard is COMPULSORY.
Format: Round Robin and Possibles & Probables
Football (Soccer) - Wednesday 31st March
Time: 9.00am to 2.00pm
CHANGE OF VENUE AND DAY :
@ the Hockey Fields: Fisher Park, Oliver Street, Grafton.
Conveners: Evan Murtagh (Boys) St Peter's, Port Macquarie
Jonathan Pierce (Girls) St Joseph's Woodburn.
Bring personal football (soccer) gear eg safety gear and a ball.
Goalkeepers please bring your gear.
PLEASE NOTE: All students who are attending the football trials MUST WEAR JOGGERS ONLY not soccer boots on the hockey synthetic fields.
COMPULSORY - shin pads
Rebel Sport- Community Benefits Program
This week I purchased a huge amount of sporting equipment through the Rebel Sport Community Benefits Program. How we receive money is through families being a Rebel member (This is free of charge) and then that card is linked to St Peter’s Primary School. 5% of items purchased goes directly to us so we can purchase sporting equipment.
Term 2... we are ready for you!
With Term 1, just about complete, we head into a very busy Term 2 calendar.
Term 2
Week 2 | Wednesday 28th April | Zone Cross Country - Note change of Date |
Week 2 | Thursday 29th April | NRL Local Gala Day - Years 3 to 6 |
Week 6 | Monday 24th May | School Athletics Carnival |
Week 6 | Wednesday 26th May | Lismore Diocese Cross Country |
Week 7 | Thursday 3rd June | Lismore Diocese Rugby League Gala Day |
Jeff Arkinstall - Leader of Sport
The Child Safety Handbook is now available for parents to download via the below link.
This resource is a wealth of proactive and preventative measures to keep our youngest and most vulnerable members of our community healthy and safe at school and at home, with family members and with friends, while on the street and online, during outdoor play and natural emergencies.
Premier’s Reading Challenge - PRC 2021
The PRC has now begun, and runs until August 20. See below for information from the official website. The challenge is open to all students from K-6.
If you would like more information visit:
2021 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge“The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.”
If you would like your child/ren to participate, please contact the school with their full name and birthdate granting permission for me to obtain their login details. Existing logins from previous years should still be active, unless your child/ren have moved to St Peter’s this year.
Borrowing Timetable
Fran Cullen - Librarian
Kinder Red | Kinder Blue | Kinder Green |
Lucy Dwyer Lilli Fowler Ava Hendricks Fynn Saunders |
Angie Hogan Madylin Hofman Abby Zerafa |
Ivy Piper Zander Purcell Levi Stewart Marley Tattersall |
Year 1 Blue | Year 1 Green | |
Noah Forbes Mason Pope William Eccles |
Cade Edwards Alfred Norman Eliza Zvirzdinas |
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Year 2 Red | Year 2 Green | |
Liam Hofman Jorja Dicker Hunter Pociask |
Jaxon Ingram Riley Hofman Owen Mitchell |
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Year 3 Red | Year 3 Blue | Year 3 Green |
Piper Stewart Siosifa Fono James Wehlow |
Ivy Clarke James Leman Evie Pattinson |
Mia Harris Brody Galvin Harrison Insall |
Year 4 Red | Year 4 Blue | Year 4 Green |
Liam Holding Grace Campbell Zachary Thomas Ryan Thompson |
Macey Walker Braxton Sutherland Oscar Garvey |
Ruby Davies Stephanie Banham Jack Foye Harry Bemmann Felix Plowright Violet Wilton |
Year 5 Red | Year 5 Blue | Year 5 Green |
Lucee Monck Sophia Sivell Alexander Madeley |
James Dwyer Lucia Hurdle James Allen |
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Year 6 Red | Year 6 Blue | Year 6 Green |
Marley Thick William Whicker Lily Walker |
Max Choi Paige Goldie Baylyn Maitland |
Lyla Orrell Vilius Philp Mia Zvirzdinas |
Canteen RosterThank you again to all the parents and Grandparents that have volunteered for the canteen.
Please see the Roster below - Week 10
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Pete's Eats Open for Lunch 1 and Lunch 2
MILKSHAKES !!!
Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate
50 cents
LUNCH 1 ONLY
or place your order as normal on a lunch bag!
Debbie Robins - Canteen Manager
Year 4 Excursion to Oxhill Organics Farm - POSTPONED
The Year 4 Science Excursion to Oxhill Organics Farm - Redbank
has been postponed. A new date will be advised early next term.
Kindergarten 2022 Enrolment and School Tours
Kinder 2022 School Tour and Information Night
Register now enrolinexcellence.org.au
School Tour Registration
Information Night
Tuesday 30th March @ St Joseph's Primary School - Register HERE
Online Enrolment
UPCOMING KINDER 2022 TOUR
Please Register for
Parent Information Evening and School Tour HERE
As part of the enrolment process for Kinder 2022 there is a timeline of opportunities for parents to gain an informed idea of the environment they wish their child to be educated within.
To this end, there will be 2 Kindergarten Parent Tours at St Peter’s as well as our other parish primary schools.
St Peter's Tour dates :
- Thursday, April 22 - 4:30 pm (meet at front gate)
Please pass on this information to any families who may be interested.
YEAR 7 2022 ONLINE ENROLMENT APPLICATIONS OPENING AT
ST JOSEPH’S REGIONAL COLLEGE AND MACKILLOP COLLEGE
Year 7 2022 online Enrolment Application portal opened on Monday, 22nd March 2021.
Please complete your application at the links below
St Joseph’s Regional College St Joseph's Regional - Enrol here
MacKillop College MacKillop College - Enrol here
It would be appreciated if Online Enrolments can be submitted prior to the 25th April 2021.
YEAR 7 2022 INFORMATION AND OPEN EVENING DATES
St Joseph’s Regional College Hall on Monday 26th April at 5.00pm
MacKillop College Hall (Ocean Drive) on Tuesday 27th April at 6.00pm.
Children are encouraged to attend.
Have you ever wanted to do an on-line faith-based course that is of good quality, time convenient and cost effective, and didn’t know where to go?
Recently, the Lismore Diocese, along with over 100 dioceses world-wide including four others in Australia, entered into a partnership with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton. This gives everyone within the Lismore Diocese, whether school parent, parishioner, volunteer or paid worker, access to over 100 good quality on-line courses, which are time convenient and cost effective.
If you are wanting to do a course of your choosing and interest, in only three to five weeks, at a cost of approximately $A65, in leadership, catechesis, Catholic doctrine, church history, ecclesiology, ministry, Marian studies, liturgy, sacraments, prayer, morality, scripture, social justice, special needs, spirituality, youth ministry or other annual topics, then visit the VLCFF page through the Our Faith tab of the St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Port Macquarie website for further information.
See the Adult Faith Formation Information Flyer for more information or to discuss options, please contact Tony Worner, VLCFF.LismoreDiocese@stagnesparish.org.au