Term 1 Week 9 Newsletter 2025


Principal's Messages
A FANTASTIC DAY AT CROSS COUNTRY
Our recent Cross Country event was a wonderful day filled with enthusiasm, determination, and great sportsmanship. Students embraced the challenge of the course with smiles on their faces, supporting and encouraging one another along the way. Their resilience and teamwork were truly commendable.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated parent volunteers, whose support and assistance ensured the smooth running of the event. A special thank you to Miss Donoghue for her outstanding organisation and facilitation of the day - her efforts were instrumental in making the event such a success. We also extend our gratitude to our teachers and aides, whose encouragement, supervision, and assistance throughout the day helped create a positive and successful experience for all students.
Congratulations to all our participants for their efforts and achievements! A special well done to the 32 students who have qualified for the next level of competition in Coolah on 6th May. We wish them the best of luck!
See our Facebook page for more photos of this event.








PUPIL FREE DAY MONDAY – A FOCUS ON QUALITY TEACHING AND LITERACY
Today, staff from St Laurence’s and St Mary’s came together for a valuable professional learning day at St Laurence’s, focusing on strengthening literacy instruction. The day was dedicated to ensuring our teaching practices are research-informed and effective in supporting student learning.
Our learning was guided by the expert knowledge of Sarah McDonald, an English consultant who has been working with us for several years. Staff explored research-based approaches to comprehension, engaged with new literacy units for Years 3-6, and had the opportunity to collaborate and apply their learning to classroom practice.
At St Laurence’s, we are committed to providing high-quality teaching for our students. Professional learning days like today offer valuable time for collaboration and development, allowing our teachers to refine their practice and enhance student outcomes. It was a productive and inspiring day of learning together!

CATHERINE MCAULEY AWARDS THIS THURSDAY
Please join us on Thursday, 28th March, at 2:10pm for our whole-school assembly. The Catherine McAuley Awards and Gold Awards will be presented during this assembly. We hope you can attend.

Religious Education

Alicia O'Connor - RE Coordinator
Gospel Focus
In John 8:1-11, we see Jesus’ profound mercy when confronted with a woman accused of wrongdoing. While others were quick to condemn, Jesus responded with compassion, reminding us that none of us are without fault. Instead of judgement, He offered forgiveness and a call to a new way of living: "Go, and sin no more." This message is especially powerful during Lent, a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. As we journey through this sacred season, may we open our hearts to God’s mercy, extend kindness to others, and strive to grow in faith. Let us use this time to seek forgiveness, just as Jesus offers it so freely, and to become people of love and compassion.

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING AND PICNIC
Dear Parents,
Thank you so much for supporting your child's ministry as an Altar Server.
In order to give thanks to our Altar Servers and to give your child confidence and support, the Parish is organising a Training and Picnic for all Altar Servers of our Parish after 9.00 Mass on Sunday, 6th April 2025.
All Altar Servers are invited to join 9.00 Mass that day and wear Holy Communion robes. After Mass, we will have a quick training and then a Picnic. Please arrive 10 minutes before Mass.
Thank you so much for your support
God bless,
Fr Nam
REGISTRATION: If your child would be able to attend, could you RSVP by 1st April 2025 via this link below:
Term 1 Events
Week 10 | Holy Week Liturgy (Thursday 10th of April starting at 12 pm at St Laurence’s Church) |

MASS TIMES: St. Brigid’s: Saturday - 6:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday - 6:00pm.
St. Laurence’s Church: Monday- 9:30am, Wednesday - 9:30am, Friday -12 noon and Sunday - 7:30am


SJC Year 7 2026

Sports

Wishing Eugene the Best at the NSW Catholic Primary Schools Competition
We extend our best wishes to Eugene as she competes at the New South Wales Catholic Primary Schools event this Wednesday. Eugene will be representing our school in the Senior Girls 50m Butterfly, racing against top swimmers from across the Polding Diocese.
Swim hard, give it your all, and most importantly—have fun, Eugene! We are proud of you and look forward to hearing about your experience.
Cross Country
We had a wonderful day on Tuesday 25th March at our school cross country. It was great to see everyone having a go and encouraging each other throughout the day.
Congratulations to the following students who will all be representing St Laurence’ s at the Diocesan Cross Country to be held in Coolah on Tuesday 6th May (Week 2, Term 2):
Kortlyn F, George C, Lachlan M, Isaac M, Arianna S, Lucy W, Airlie W, Eden W, Oscar M, Eli W, Max C, Elijah S, Georgia D, Sophia B, Ada B, Fathima F, Archie C, Eldho B, Edward B, Oliver McK, Tessa L, Maddie C, Evie C-R, Thea C, Lawson G, Miles M, Hudson W, Flynn B, Uriah F, Sophie G, Brianna P and Jonti C.
Winter Sports Trials
Congratulations to those students who participated in the winter sports trials held in Bathurst on Friday 28th March.

Bike Safety Day
This Thursday 3rd April we will be holding our annual Bike Safety Day. All children are encouraged to bring a bike or scooter to school, helmets are compulsory. Each class will have the opportunity to ride their bikes/scooters along a track in the school car park (this will be closed to all cars for the day).

Mudgee Netball Gala Day
We have been invited to attend the annual St Matthew’s Mudgee Netball Gala Day, which is due to take place Friday 4th April 2025, Week 9. All girls from Years 3-6 will be participating in the Gala Day.
Please arrive at St Laurence’s to meet Mrs Trimboli and Mr Inglis no later than 7.15am. A compass alert will be sent out prior to the children arriving back in Dubbo, which ETA will be approx 4.30pm.
There will also be a canteen available on the day. Lunch will be provided - Sausage Sizzle
The Gala Day commences at 10am. The day will start with prayer, and our Netball games commencing at 10.00am and finish at 2.30pm.
Children are required to wear their sports uniform on the day. Please ensure that all clothing is clearly labelled, especially hats and sunscreen.
If there is any change to the return time a message will be sent out on Compass

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

As part of our ongoing commitment to Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) each class spends time reviewing and learning about the expectations in specific areas. The focus can be developed from feedback and data. This week our focus is the cubby house.
Being respectful while using the cubby house means:
- We share the space and cubby house equipment with others
- We use kind words, listen to each other, and work together during play
- We take turns and wait our turn patiently
- We include others in our play
- We ask before using someone else’s cubby house toys
Being responsible while using the cubby house means:
- We leave the equipment in the cubby house when we are finished playing
- We take care of the cubby house and its things so they don't get broken
- We make sure the cubby house is tidy for the next person
- We check that everything is safe before we play
Being safe while using the cubby house means:
- We use the doors to enter and exit the cubby house
- We use the equipment properly and in a way that keeps everyone safe
- We sit on the furniture and handle equipment gently
- We keep our hands and feet to ourselves
- We walk calmly when playing near the cubby house
- We let the teacher know if something needs fixing or isn’t safe
Canteen
Thank you to our wonderful parent helpers who have heard our call for help and put their hands up to volunteer on Friday's in our school canteen.
A note for Term 2 volunteers went home last week. A roster of volunteers will be sent out before the end of term.
Any assistance is appreciated to ensure our canteen is able to continue functioning for our students.

Dates to remember


Birthdays

Curriculum Corner
Robotics
Some of our students enjoying Robotics at lunch in the library











Awards

Community News
