BOOK WEEK, GRANDPARENTS DAY AND OPEN AFTERNOON...

What do all of these things have in common…

We enjoy our school community gathering together to celebrate fun and learning in many ways. You will find information about the events coming up in this newsletter. For those who have attended our special events, you will know how many people come along. Due to the large number of visitors, traffic and parking are always busy. We ask for patience and consideration of other parents and visitors at this time when parking and driving around the school. We are fortunate to have a carpark as most schools only have street parking. Please arrive prepared to sign in before events during the school day and only use adult toilets located around the school.

MISSION

FEAST OF MARY MACKILLOP

Today is the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

“Never see a need without doing something about it.” Mary MacKillop

Mary didn’t just respond to need. She disrupted systems of injustice, challenged indifference, and reimagined the Church through education, presence, and deep trust in God. She stepped beyond what was comfortable to make space for the excluded.

Mary, as founding leader of the Josephite Sisters, established schools for vulnerable children in remote and isolated communities throughout Australia in the 1800s. As Catholic educators today, Mary inspires us to shape hearts and form people of justice, resilience, and mercy. Mary’s schools were not just about education; they were a powerful response to social injustice.

Her feast day invites us not to just admire her, but to be like her. She invites us to step into the hard places, stand with those on the margins, and trust that our presence makes a difference.

ACCENDERE

The Scripture theme for Accendere is:

‘And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.’  John 13: 34-35

The students will rotate through four experiences on the day. The theme for these activities will be: What makes a good friend? How to be a good friend. How did Jesus treat his friends? Who is my neighbour? 

This is an opportunity for our Year 4 students to begin their spiritual journey within the Diocese of Lismore Student Discipleship Program. 

A hot chip lunch will be provided at Lunch 1. There is no cost for this event. 

YOUTH CLUB

MONDAY 18TH AUGUST

Students in Years 5 and 6 are invited to come along to Youth Club, beginning next Monday, 18th August, 2025 at Lunch 1 in the St Peter’s/MacKillop Chapel. Zac Parnel, Youth Ministry & Music Coordinator at St Agnes' Catholic Parish, will be running Youth Club, with the help of Mrs Cameron and some MacKillop Youth Ministry students. Students will participate in games, prayer and music as they grow in relationship with each other and God. Students who wish to participate are asked to meet Mrs Cameron at the Chapel gate (between the Year 2 and Year 3 classroom blocks) at 11.00am sharp on Monday. 

NEXT WEEK: OPEN CLASSROOMS AFTERNOON

Families are warmly invited to join us for our Open Classroom Afternoon on Wednesday, 20 August from 3:00–4:30pm.

Come along to:

• View your child’s amazing Visual Arts and Science/Technology work
• Enjoy a performance by the school band under the basketball court
• Pre-ordered sausage sizzle available to order via flexischools for $2 each

Visit the Parent Assembly table to discover how you can get involved and support our wonderful school community!

If you’re available to help serve sausages, please email amanda.thomas@lism.catholic.edu.au.

SAVE THE DATE:

FATHER'S DAY @ ST PETER'S

We need 7 more helpers to assist with our ham and cheese croissant breakfast preparation from 7.00am Friday 5th September.

Thank you to these parents for volunteering already - Jodie Brindle, Simone Roods and Laura Harrison.

Please email amanda.thomas@lism.catholic.edu.au if you can assist.

FATHER'S DAY STALL HELPERS WANTED.....  PLEASE !!

TELL THEM FROM ME PARENT SURVEY

YOUR FEEDBACK 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.

POLICE LIAISON OFFICER VISIT

On Monday, we were fortunate to welcome our local Police Liaison Officer, Wendy Hudson, who has presented 13 safety sessions at St Peter’s over the years. Wendy spoke to Year 5 and 6 students about transitioning to high school, covering bullying, cyber safety, vaping, graffiti, and more. Year 3 and 4 students learned about bullying, behaviour, and online safety, while Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 students enjoyed a Keeping Me Safe talk and received a take-home bag of resources. Families are encouraged to continue these important conversations at home, asking children what stood out to them, how they might act differently, and how safe behaviours are shown in their daily lives.

LEARNING

CREATIVE ARTS KINDERGARTEN DRAMA

Our kindergarten students have been bringing classic nursery rhymes to life in fun and creative ways!

We are focusing on:

• Retelling familiar rhymes like Goldilocks and the Three Bears
  
  
• Using facial expressions and voices to show character emotions
  
  
• Practicing dialogue by giving each puppet its own voice and personality
  
  
• Building confidence through puppet performances and group storytelling
  
  

Puppetry has children expressing themselves, working together, and developing early literacy skills in a playful and engaging way.

YEAR 4 EXCURSION TO SEA ACRES

Year 4 students immersed themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the coastal rainforest at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre yesterday. Guided by a ranger, Leanne Parsons and Uncle Bill they experienced the rainforest through all their senses, discovered bush tucker plants and their traditional uses. The day also included a coastal walk, where they explored unique plants, wildlife, and landforms along the shoreline of Shelly Beach.

PEER SUPPORT

This week in Peer Support children identified their strengths. Children explored these important strengths - curiosity, kindness and teamwork. Through some games and activities, children were able to recognise strengths they posses. They started to realise how important it is to use their strengths in different situations. During the week encourage your child to share their strengths with you.

YEAR 1.....