COUNCIL REMINDER....

OF ROAD USE AROUND THE SCHOOL BOUNDARIES

The school was approached last week by the ranger of the Port Macquarie Hastings Council regarding illegal and unsafe parking concerns on roads around the school area. Of main concern are the issues of cars parking close to dividing lines, intersections, naturestrips and footpaths which cause issues with visibility and vehicles being able to safely navigate the surrounding streets. While we understand there is a lot of traffic during morning and afternoon drop offs and pick ups, as well as more traffic when school events are on, all traffic users must follow the rules for parking. We have been asked to share with you two factsheets referencing regular parking concerns in both school zones and residential areas. We have been informed that the council will be conducting increased patrols in the area to monitor the parking behaviours and hopefully reduce the frequency of offences occurring. This will result in fines for issues outlined here, so we are appealing to our school families to ensure you are parking as directed to avoid fines and increase safety.

Please note: from 3:10 to 3:30 when traffic has reduced, we are still on duty for pick up, so you can avoid some of the traffic by choosing to come just a little later.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

We know that during school holidays when students are away from their friends and teachers who support them, they or their parents may feel they need someone to talk to. Below are some ideas and resources for parents if they need a connection to support them or their children.

• Visit your local GP
• headspace Counselling: Parents or students can call or walk in to their local headspace centre. 
• eheadspace, online and phone counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families: 1800 650 890
• Kids Helpline, online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25: 1800 551 800   Kids Help Line
• Parentline, counselling and support for parents and carers: 13 22 89  Parentline
• National Medicare Mental Health Support make a free call to 1800 595 212 between 8:30am – 5pm weekdays (except public holidays)
• Lifeline, crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians: 13 11 14  Lifeline
• Beyond Blue, online and phone support service for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety and their families: 1300 224 636 Beyond Blue (including translated resources to help parents and families support young people’s mental health). 
• Head to Help, digital mental health resources from Australian organisations: 1800 595 212 www.headtohelp.org.au/
• Suicide Call Back Service, online, phone and video counselling for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts: 1300 659 467 Suicide Call Back Service
• Contacting 000 if you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others

MISSION

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

In partnership with our schools, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish would like to invite your child to continue his/her sacramental journey this year with the Sacrament of Confirmation (for Year 3 students and above).

Please click on the links below -

Sacrament of Confirmation - Registration Information

Registration Form for Confirmation

Confirmation for Bookings

Please register by 8 August 2025.

We are excited to welcome renowned online safety expert Kirra Pendergast for a free parent workshop on Tuesday 29 July, from 5:30pm–6:30pm (please note the change of time). This session will provide valuable strategies to help families navigate the digital world with confidence. Free child-minding will be available on the night.

Register here

All families are also invited to access Kirra’s  Safe on Social Parent "Live" Library at no cost.

Use the code KPSTPETERPARENT100 at checkout to access the full resource for free.

Students created a CANVA clip encouraging people to be Disciples of God and spread the Mission of the Catholic Church through the words LOVE, LIBERATE, LEAD, LAUNCH.

Here is Kaiya Elliott's version from 6 Green

CELEBRATING READING SUCCESS

This year, our Learning Team has been working closely with teaching staff to intentionally track student data and support improvements in reading, with a particular focus on accuracy and fluency. At today’s assembly, Ms Karen Robson and Mrs Vanessa Baywood proudly recognised one student from each class for demonstrating outstanding reading skills, and another for showing exceptional growth in their reading development.

We would like to congratulate the following students on their achievement and continued dedication to reading:

Awarded in recognition of significant growth in reading throughout Semester 1.

These students have made impressive progress in reading fluently, with improved prosody, expression, and accuracy. Their commitment to developing reading skills and their consistent effort are to be celebrated.

Awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in reading. These students have demonstrated exceptional fluency, accuracy and expression, reading with confidence, prosody and a deep understanding of text. Their dedication to literacy and consistent effort throughout the semester is to be commended.

YEAR 1 - HISTORY

To finish off their learning in History this Term, Year 1 students enthusiastically explored Games from the Past. They were captivated by the opportunity to step back in time and experience the types of games children played before screens and modern toys. From marbles and hopscotch to quoits and elastics, the students enjoyed hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of how play has changed (and stayed the same) over time. This joyful experience not only brought their historical inquiry to life but also sparked rich discussions about the role of imagination, physical play, and social interaction in childhood across generations.