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CONGRATULATIONS AND FAREWELL
On Tuesday we celebrated the graduation of our Year 6 class of 2021 with a Thanksgiving Mass. Our very own Don Farrell Hall was transformed into a sacred space in which Fr Paul celebrated mass for this special bunch of students and their families. It was with great pleasure that we were able to invite our St Peter’s community into our school once again, especially to share in such a special and reverant occasion.
The graduating class of 2021 has proven to be one of the most resilient, positive and engaged cohorts we have seen at St Peter’s. When confronted with the disappointment COVID brought to their end of year celebrations, Year 6 looked to the positive and showed gratitude for what they were able to do rather than dwelling on what they couldn’t. When isolated from their peers during lockdown, this group of students looked for ways to connect with their Kinder buddies instead of focusing on their own loneliness. As many of the events that mark the experience of Year 6 were cancelled or modified, these young people embraced the opportunities they were given to demonstrate extraordinary leadership and spirit. We will miss our Year 6 students as they move on to high school, but we know with a quiet confidence that they will continue to make a positive impact wherever they are!
A VERY FOND FAREWELL TO OUR FAMILIES THAT LEAVE FROM THE YEAR 6 COHORT
St Peter’s farewells a number of families at the end of the year as their youngest children graduate Year 6. Some have been with us for a few years, others for many with a number of older siblings coming through our school. Each and every family makes a very special contribution to our school that stays with us for years to come.
Our families, past and present have created a wonderful culture in the promotion of St Peter’s as a close-knit community. The families leaving have been a significant part of building this culture and we are most grateful for their very generous contributions and support of St Peter’s.
Ironically this Monday, we continue this culture as we welcome new families, for our Kinder 2022 information evening.
It is with great fondness, and much sadness, that we farewell 45, Year 6 families as they finish their association with St Peter’s Primary School.
All the best and farewell to the following families:
Anderson, Baird-Moran, Barltrop, Beddoe, Bugler, Cameron, Campey, Carr, Clint, Duffy, Field, Harmer, Hartley, Hender, Huxley, Kendal, Lowrey, Maltman, McVerry, Merrick, Mizzi, Morris, Moseley, Munro, Nevins, O'Keefe, Oliver, Philp, Pieren, Power, Ryan, Smith, Taylor, Taylor, Thick, Thompson, Trevilyan, Urquhart, Vasilescu, Wadwell, Waser, Westman, Whicker, Wise and Woolfe.
YEAR 6 AWARD RECIPIENTS
As stated earlier, the graduating class of 2021 has been an exceptional bunch of young people. Every student in Year 6 has demonstrated maturity and commitment to school this year, and every single one would be a worthy recipient of an award. Unfortunately, we’re not able to give every student an award, and thus the selection process was quite a challenge. After much consideration, it is with great pleasure that we announce our very worthy award recipients for 2021:
| Principal's Award | Jesse Taylor & Charlie Cameron |
| Spirit of St Peter's | Anna Harmer |
| Citizenship | Patrick Green |
| Rosenbaum Award - Peer Voting | Samantha Carr |
| Sportsperson of the Year | Claire Morris & Noah Pociask |
| Dux | Marley Thick |
| Creative Arts (CAPA) | Zoe Mizzi, Paige Goldie, Poppi Maltman |
| St Agnes' Parish Award | Peter Field & Lucas Morris |
| Religious Education | Preston Davis |
| Outstanding Effort & Application - 6 Green | Ella Oliver, Joey Thompson, Mia Zvirzdinas |
| Outstanding Effort & Application - 6 Red | Lily Walker, Milla Pieren & Philippa Eakin |
| Outstanding Effort & Application - 6 Blue | Jessica Moore, Noah Pociask & Charley McGuigan |
KINDER 2022 TRANSITION
A few reminders for Kinder 2022 families -
- Kinder 2022 final transition session - Monday 6th December 2021
There will be a transition morning on this day from 9.00am to 11.30am. Children will need to bring a drink bottle, hat and a small snack (clearly labelled) with them.
Only one parent/carer will be able to drop off or collect
- Parent Information Evening - Monday 6th December 2021 (6pm to 7pm)
Kinder 2022 Bookpacks will also be available to take home at transition.
WHOLE SCHOOL TRANSITION MONDAY
Students at St Peter’s will be spending time in their new classes on Monday 6th December between 12.30pm and 1.30pm in readiness for the 2022 school year. During this time the students will meet their teacher, talk about the year to come and familiarise themselves with their new space and classmates. Please avoid making appointments for your children during this time. MAI 2022 Booking Instructions will go home with your children on this day.
Class teachers will be confirmed through next week’s newsletter.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY WISHES FOR FATHER PAUL
Here's wishing Fr Paul all the best for his milestone '0' birthday today and congratulations on celebrating 31 years as a priest on Tuesday 30 November. Fr Paul was ordained at St Augustine's Church in Coffs Harbour in 1990.
Thanks for the dedication and love you show us every day, Fr Paul!
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY
We offer the Laundry family, Tom, Christine, Oliver, (Year 5) and Lachlan (Kindergarten), our deepest sympathies for the sudden loss of their father and grandfather. Please keep the Laundry family in your thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
REPORTS AVAILABLE TODAY
The 2021 student Semester 2 reports will be available on the parent portal today.
Parent Portal Login is a simple task to create if you have not already done so:
- St Peter's Web Page
- Parent Tab
- click Parent Portal
- follow the prompts
The reports will look different to the usual annual Student Report. The Report will be similar to the 2020 Semester 1 Report.
Due to the interruption during Semester 2 to traditional face-to-face learning, resulting from lockdown, the students will not be receiving an A – E grade report.
They will be receiving a comment in English and Mathematics as well as a General Comment which provides a profile of their learning capacity, capability to mix and work with peers, personal developments and achievements as well as areas to focus future endeavour.
Throughout the three comment areas, there will often be a reference made to learning resilience and our children’s response to our Positive Behaviour Support values and the example of Jesus.
Please sit down with your little people and celebrate the great endorsements achieved through a challenging learning period and reflect on ways to continue to build learning potential for the future.
2nd Week of Advent
Sunday marks the beginning of the second week of Advent, and this week we light the candle representing peace. Advent is a time to prepare ourselves to welcome baby Jesus, our Lord and saviour, who lights our darkness. We can do this by spending some time in prayer around the Advent wreath, focusing on the four themes of hope, peace, joy and love.
Let us pray ...
God,
Thank you for filling us with your peace.
We ask for your help to be peacemakers in all that we do.
We pray for more peace around the world, wherever our sisters and brothers face emergencies or disasters.
Help us to live in harmony with our environment.
In your name we pray,
Amen
Wear Purple for Cancer Awareness
Next Wednesday 8th December, students and staff are invited to wear mufti clothes with a touch of purple and bring in a gold coin donation for cancer awareness. All money raised will go to the Cancer Council. This is an initiative of Zoe Mizzi and Faith Urquhart, two Year 6 students who, like many of us, have been touched by cancer.
This is what the girls have to say:
Cancer is a big problem in this world today. In 2018, an estimated 9.5 million people died of Cancer worldwide. That’s about 26,000 people each day! Shocking, right! We really want to spread awareness and donate money to a great charity. We chose Cancer because both of us and so many others at our school have had family members pass away from this terrible disease.
So please help support the girls raise awareness and funds towards cancer research by wearing a touch of purple and bringing in a gold coin donation!
Exuro Year 5
Wednesday 8th December - 10.00am to 2.00pm
Exuro Permission Note to Attend
Year 5 Students are to wear their school uniform
Exuro (Latin for “on fire”) is a student discipleship formation program for Year 5 students aimed at strengthening their Catholic faith and keeping the fire and passion of Proclaim Lismore Students alive in parish primary schools.
St Peter’s will be holding Exuro next Wednesday 8th December at the Port Macquarie Youth Hub from 10.00am until 2.00pm. Students in Year 5 are invited to wear mufti clothes on this day. They will be transported to and from the Youth Hub by bus. School drop off and pick-up will be the same as a normal school day, however students are asked to bring a packed lunch as the canteen will be unavailable.
LEARNING
Holiday reading fun!!!
It is really important to keep children reading during the holidays so that they keep the momentum going leading into the new school year. One of the best ways to keep kids interested in reading during the holidays is to create holiday traditions of reading fun books during these special times. Making sure that they get at least one book as a holiday gift is another way of providing a natural opportunity to read.
Some fun ideas to incorporate reading during the holidays.
- Read a recipe as you prepare a holiday treat or meal together.
- Research on line where the best local light displays are.
- Read directions to complete holiday craft together.
- Mix things up with joke books, comics and song books.
Reading during the holidays can really be an enjoyable and productive tradition for the entire family!
 Geoff Leary Principal |
 Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
 Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |
 Bookpacks 2022Bookpacks for 2022 were sent home yesterday. If your child/ren did not bring it home please make arrangements to pick it up from school. Attached to the bookpack was a note highlighting what is in your bookpack and what you need to purchase for your child/ren for 2022. Please find these notes below if they didn't make it home. Kindergarten Bookpack Information
St Peter's School Account Invoice will be sent home early in Term 1 2022The invoice will include: 
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END THE YEAR ON A BRIGHT NOTE
A special thank you to the Bugler Family (James Bugler from Year 6) for their very generous donation of $300, which has contributed to the exciting rewards available this year, as a part of our PBS Rewards System.
PBS Awards and Rewards
Congratulations to our Silver and Gold PBS award winners for 2021. These students have consistently gone above and beyond in displaying our PBS Values.
Silver Award Winners
Silver Award recipients are invited to come to school in ‘out of uniform’ on Thursday 9th December
Gold Award Winners
Gold award recipients are invited to come to school in ‘out of uniform’ on Thursday 9th December. In addition to this, they will receive a hot chip lunch (tomato and barbecue sauce available) and an ice block.
Note-Please notify the Office of any allergies in relation to this reward, otherwise, it will be assumed that there are no issues with your child enjoying this treat.
Bronze Award Winners
EVERYONE!
The whole school achieved a Bronze Certificate for displaying our 4 PBS Values, which entitles everyone to participate in the Colour Event (permission note required). This will be held Friday 10th December.
A permission note has been sent home to families - this note is now overdue !! If you would like your child/ren to participate the permission note must be returned by Monday 6th December.
PBS Rewards Colour Day Permission Note
A reminder for students to please bring in spare ice cream containers (preferably with lids) ASAP. Each grade needs about 13 ice cream containers to hold the coloured powders for our Colour Event.
Remember:
- Goggles/Sunglasses
- White shirt, old shorts and old joggers
- Mask if you are an asthmatic or allergy sufferer
On the day of the Colour Event, students will arrive at school in school uniform to attend our Whole School End of Year Celebration Mass (whether that be Sports or Formal) and will change into their white t-shirt, old shorts and joggers).
Colour Run Timetable
| 11.30am | Years 3 and 4 |
| 12.10pm | Years 1 and 2 |
| 12.50pm | Kindergarten and Year 6 |
| 2.00pm | Year 5 |
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Monday 6th December Children will meet with their 2022 Teachers 12.30pm to 1.30pm Please do not make appointments for children during this time MAI 2022 - Booking Instructions will go home on this day |
International Competitions and Assessments
for Schools
English Results
Outstanding Results for Marley Thick (Year 6) and Hunter Pociask (Year 2) both receiving a High Distinction
CONGRATULATIONS to the following children:
| DISTINCTION | Indi Easton | Year 4 |
| Alina O'Brien | Year 4 | |
| Samuel Brazel | Year 5 | |
| CREDIT | Mitchell Bransdon | Year 3 |
| Sofia McNeil | Year 4 | |
| Flynn Pociask | Year 4 | |
| Jakob Pol | Year 5 | |
| Philippa Eakin | Year 6 | |
| Paige Goldie | Year 6 | |
| MERIT | James Dunn | Year 3 |
| Judd Charet | Year 4 | |
| William Ebbs | Year 4 |
If you know your child won't be returning to St Peter's next year, or if any details have changed (address, contact number, emergency contact etc) could you please advise our school office.
AN END OF AN ERA!!
School banking has been a service offered to our students for many years.
The Commonwealth Bank is unfortunately not continuing with this program as from next week.
Final day for banking is Wednesday 8th December.
A HUGE thank you to our 'banking ladies' Ms Kirkman and Mrs Walker who have been collecting, counting and depositing childrens savings for the many years !!
Summer Sports- Meet another Polding Member
Name: Riley Garel
Year: 5 Green
Polding Representative Sport: League
Other St Peter’s Representative Sports: Cross Country, Swimming, Touch, NRL
Favourite Sport: NRL
What is your most memorable sporting memory at St Peter’s and why? Making the Polding Team and doing monster tackles and big runs.
Do you have any advice to give future sport stars at St Peter’s? Don’t give up, nerves make you go better.
Who do you admire to be like as a sporting person and why? Sonny Bill Williams because he has been successful in three different sports. I hope one day to be like him.
What are your sporting plans? I would really like to play in the NRL with the some NRL stars.
Thank you Riley......
Summer Sports- Meet another Polding Member
Name: Tobias Rowlatt
Year: 5 Green
Polding Representative Sport: League
Other St Peter’s Representative Sports: Athletics, Touch, NRL
Favourite Sport: NRL, Touch and Running
What is your most memorable sporting memory at St Peter’s and why? Making the Polding Team and playing Rugby League at ALL Schools.
Do you have any advice to give future sport stars at St Peter’s? Never give up and keep training. Also have a good attitude.
Who do you admire to be like as a sporting person and why? Jack Whighton- NRL player.
What are your sporting plans? To play 1st grade in the NRL.
Thank you Tobias.....
School Swimming Carnival
Our School Swimming carnival was held on Monday. Given the weather of late, we were very lucky to have a perfect day to hit the water. 110 students attended the competitive Swimming Carnival with all students displaying their wonderful PBS values.
A huge thank you to the awesome families who offered their time to ensure our kids had a very professional and safe carnival. I say this time and time again, but without you, our kids won’t have these opportunities.
Thank you to: Nathan Colthorpe, Jacqui Crilley, Amanda Lorger, Jenny Wickham, Alison Matheson, Amy Hudson, Rebecca Payne, Pauline Dunn, Ben Sheilds, Mathew Ayres, Katrina Halverson, Luke Garel, Casey Garel, Candice Dawson, Emily Duffy, David Lacey, Belinda Charet, Luke Charet, Tony Bransdon, Kaylie Davis, Hiroko Plowright, Steven Foye, Denise Moore, Jeff Cowan, Kelly Cowan, Belina Scaysbrook, Penny Gardoll, Craig Trimmer, Kelly Trimmer, Alan Wilmot, Nicole Oliver, Claire Goldie and Jenny Tighe.
Thank you also to our wonderful staff who not only attended the day in specific roles, but also the staff who were at school. On the big carnival days, it’s a massive team effort and we are very blessed to have wonderful staff and families who bring these carnivals to life.
Individual honours will be given out Monday and placed in Postman Pete in Week 10.
Staff Sporting Appointments
Each year during Semester 2, the Lismore Diocese and the Hastings Zone appoint their convenors, Managers and Selectors for the next year. The appointment process is very competitive and we are very proud to announce we have a number of St Peter’s Staff who have been appointed to roles.
Congratulations ....
| Evan Murtagh | Hastings Zone and Lismore Diocese Boys Soccer Convenor/ Manager |
| Kyrah Dal Santo | Lismore Diocese Netball Selector |
| Kylie Kipreotis | Hastings Zone Girls Touch Football Manager and Lismore Diocese Hockey Convenor/ Manager |
Summer Sports- update
There have been a number of updates to Summer Sports:
- Hastings Zone Tennis Trials at Port Macquarie Tennis Centre (Oxley Beach/Oval) at 3.45pm on Wednesday 8th December, 2021. Hopefully Trials will be completed by 5.30-6.00pm (notes given to registered students in Week 8)
- Hastings Zone Boys Basketball Trials at the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium at 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Friday December 10, 2021 (notes given to registered students in Week 8)
- Hastings Zone Touch and Cricket Trials at Kempsey will now be on Wednesday February 16, 2022
- Softball is on hold for the moment- possibly no trial.
Winter Sports
Shortly, we will be calling for registration for the 2022 Winter Sports Zone Trial. The sports for Years 4 and 5 will be: Rugby League, Rugby Union, Hockey, Netball and Soccer. Trials will occur at school for all events and as always, teams will be selected primarily on each child’s PBS Values and lastly on their sporting skills. There will be selection criteria for certain sports.
Up Coming Events
| Hastings Zone Tennis Trials |
Port Macquarie Tennis Centre (Oxley Beach/Oval) at 3.45pm on Wednesday 8th December, 2021. Hopefully trials will be completed by 5.30pm-6.00pm (A note for those specific students went home in Week 8). |
| Hastings Zone Boys Basketball Trials |
Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium at 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Friday December 10, 2021 (A note for those specific students went home in Week 8). |
| Lismore Diocese Summer Sports Trials |
Tennis & Basketball - 8 February Touch Football - 8 March Cricket & Softball - 16 March |
| Hastings Zone Touch and Cricket Trials |
At Kempsey will now be on Wednesday February 16, 2022
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Jeff Arkinstall - Leader of Sport
Year 2 Are Getting Into The Christmas Spirit
On Thursday Year 2 created Gingerbread Homes using biscuits, icing and lollies.
It was lots of fun and very YUMMY !!!
School Reports
Reports are available this afternoon after 3.00pm on the Parent PortalParent Portal Login is a simple task to create if you have not already done so:
- St Peter's Web Page
- Parent Tab
- click Parent Portal
- follow the prompts
Reports will no longer be sent home in paper form
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Monday 6th December |
Please do not make appointments during this time MAI Booking Instruction notes will be handed out today at Transition
PBS Rewards Colour Day Permission Note
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Tuesday 7th December |
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| Wednesday 8th December |
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| Thursday 9th December |
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Friday 10th December |
Please wear school uniform to school
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| Monday 13th December |
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| Tuesday 14th December |
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| Wednesday 15th December |
Parents MUST BE doubled vaxed and wear a mask
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| Thursday 16th December |
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Start Dates for 2022
| Friday 28th January 2022 | Staff first day back (Admin Day) |
| Monday 31st January 2022 (Week 1) | Professional Learning Day |
| Tuesday 1st February to Thursday 3rd February |
MAI Interviews for Years 1 to 6 Childminding Available Please refer to your MAI letter for booking details |
| Tuesday 1st February to Monday 7th February | Best Start and MAI Interviews for Kindergarten |
| Friday 4th February | Years 1 to 6 Commence |
| Tuesday 8th February | Kindergarten Commence |
Term 4 Library Timetable
Fran Cullen - Librarian
Canteen Roster !!!
Canteen Volunteers are welcomed back !!
- Please show proof of double vaccination
- Please sign into Service NSW and Whos On Location (St Peter's sign in) at the front school office
- Mask must be worn
Canteen Roster - Week 10 Term 4
| Monday | Sharon Farrell |
| Tuesday | Joanne Maher, Brittany Campbell |
| Wednesday | Help Needed |
| Thursday | Theresa Zvirzdinas, Michelle Rodgers |
| Friday | Kate Bucci, Amy Hudson, Renae Monck |
Canteen Volunteers for 2022
Please click on the link below if you would like to help in the Canteen next year !! Volunteering is a great way to connect with other parents, whilst also providing a service for our children.
Canteen Assistance Form 2022
You can also contact the office directly or Debbie Robins in the canteen.
Milkshakes
Available Term 4 - Lunch 1 only
50c
Chocolate - Strawberry - Caramel
| Kinder Red | Kinder Blue | Kinder Green |
| Lachlan Laundry Will Geary Lucas Anderson |
Lachlan Patterson Elena-Rose Khan Vincent Day |
Milla Luck Chelsea Simpson Bodhi Wright Matilda Webb Parker Smith |
| Year 1 Blue | Year 1 Green | |
| George Cox Lucy Pattinson Emma Blackman |
Harrison Leman Marlee McKeand Yurissa Way Franklin Crilley |
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| Year 2 Red | Year 2 Green | |
| Piper Frost Brooklyn Fletcher Layla Williams |
Sandon Lickley Harper Rowlatt Mason Duffy |
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| Year 3 Red | Year 3 Blue | Year 3 Green |
| Jessie Winter Thomas Allen Mitchell Bransdon |
Emma Pelley Noah Bates Grazia Mikhail-Holt |
Ayla Vonbun Arlie Webb Joseph Gornall |
| Year 4 Red | Year 4 Blue | Year 4 Green |
| Noah Marchant Sam Tarbox Shylah Tattersall |
Sebastian De Somma Billy Nelson Aiden Niddrie Flynn Pociask |
Charlotte McQuade Ruby Davies Reuben Lucey Harrison Bemmann |
| Year 5 Red | Year 5 Blue | Year 5 Green |
| Tianah Wehlow Alexander Madeley Sophia Wilmot |
Olivia Edmund Hannah Scarr Harrison Healey |
Oliver Laundry Blake Mitchell Ella Walker |
SoSAFE User Training
