Term 3 Week 9 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Messages

CYBER SAFETY AND RESPECTFUL ONLINE BEHAVIOUR

Last week, our Year 5 and 6 students were visited by two police officers from the Youth Command team, who spoke about the important topics of cyber safety and cyber bullying. Each year, we invite the team to speak with our students as part of our education around respectful technology use, alongside lessons developed and delivered by the school.

Cyber bullying occurs when someone uses technology such as social media, messaging platforms, or online games to harass, threaten, or hurt others. It can have a significant impact on a young person’s wellbeing, which is why it is so important that students learn how to keep themselves safe and to treat others with respect online.

While students are gaining knowledge and strategies at school, parents also play a vital role in supporting safe online behaviour. Regularly monitoring your child’s online activity, talking with them about their digital interactions, and setting clear boundaries all help ensure they are engaging in cyberspace in a positive and respectful way.

Together, we can guide our students to use technology responsibly and with care for themselves and others.

YR 11 ST JOHNS COLLEGE VISIT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

This week, we are delighted to welcome Year 11 students from St John's College as part of their Community Service project. It is particularly heartwarming that many of them are former St Laurence’s students, returning to give back to our school community. Over the week, they will be assisting in classrooms, the canteen, the playground, and the library. Their presence will provide great role models for our students, and we are thrilled to have them back with us.

TERM THREE CATHERINE MCAULEY AWARDS

We gathered last Friday for our final assembly of the term to present the Catherine McAuley Awards. These awards recognise students who live out the values at the heart of our Catholic faith.

Catherine McAuley founded the Mercy Sisters, who dedicated their lives to enriching the lives of others. Our school itself was founded by the Mercy Sisters, and the Catherine McAuley Awards highlight the strong link between their legacy and the actions of our students today.

This term’s recipients were acknowledged for the way they care for others, showing inclusivity and sensitivity to the needs of those around them. It was inspiring to hear each teacher share the wonderful qualities of their students. As a school community, it is important that we pause to celebrate the gifts of these students and the way they enrich our community.

Congratulations to the following students who received the Catherine McAuley awards last Friday:

• Kinder - Henry
• Year 1 - Lucy
• Year 2 - Isaac
• Year 3 - Lily
• Year 4 - Ada
• Year 5 - Ollie
• Year 6 - Eugene

BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS WITH PHONICS

At St Laurence’s, our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students take part in daily phonics lessons as part of their learning. Phonics is a key approach to teaching children how to read and spell by linking sounds with letters and letter patterns. Through explicit and structured teaching, our students learn the essential building blocks of reading, enabling them to decode words, read with fluency, and develop confidence as spellers.

During phonics lessons, students engage in a variety of activities that allow them to practise new skills and apply them in meaningful ways. These lessons are interactive, engaging, and carefully designed to meet the needs of learners at different stages.

Establishing these strong foundations in the early years provides students with the skills they need to succeed across all areas of their learning.

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YEAR 4 STUDENTS EXPLORE THE SPIRIT OF JESUS WITH AUTHOR PETER MITCHELL

Recently, our Year 4 students had the exciting opportunity to welcome Peter Mitchell, author of the Making Jesus Real (MJR) books, to St Laurence’s School. Peter worked directly with the students, guiding them through activities and discussions about recognising the Spirit of Jesus (SOJ) in themselves and others.

During his visit, Peter asked the students to reflect on when they had seen the SOJ in the past few days. Year 4 responses beautifully highlighted the simple ways love and kindness show in everyday life:

• “When Mary smiled and waved to me this morning when I came to school” (Welcoming)

• “When Ada, Sophie, Elsie and Willa invited me to sit with them at lunch” (Including)

• “When Georgia helped Mary when she hurt her eye” (Kindness)

• “When I fell down and Patrick helped me” (Compassion)

Students also shared how they had demonstrated the SOJ themselves:

• “I helped my brother when he was sick” (Empathy)

• “I waited for Kodah at lunch” (Friendship & Patience)

• “I said ‘great try’ to Elijah at recess” (Encouraging)

• “I gave my white-out pen to Isla, Max and Sophie when we were making cards” (Generosity)

• “I thanked and used the person’s name when they handed out stickers” (Gratitude)

Peter encouraged students to reflect on the lessons they have learned from their SOJ books over the past two years. Year 4 shared some inspiring takeaways they hope to carry into their lives:

• Prayer is like talking to a friend; it opens your heart. ❤️

• Every smile is an action of love and a gift to someone.

• Happiness comes from doing the right thing, even when it is hard.

• We are responsible for our attitude to people and life.

• Jesus is with us all day when we give of ourselves to others.

• All day, every day, we need to spread the good news about the Spirit of Jesus in our lives.

Peter Mitchell was very impressed with the Year 4 students’ engagement, reflection, and thoughtful responses. This visit was a wonderful celebration of the way our students live out the Spirit of Jesus daily, through small acts of kindness, generosity, and care.

100, 150 & 200 NIGHTS OF READING SUPERSTARS

More students happy to be checking off 100, 150, and now 200 nights of home reading last week! We love celebrating reading at St Laurence's and encourage our students to develop a love and enthusiasm for reading. When students achieve 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 nights of Home Reading they are rewarded with a special book prize from my Book Box.

Religious Education

Gospel Focus

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters. The world often tells us that success is about money, power, or possessions, but Jesus teaches that true success is found in being faithful with what God has given us. Whether it’s our talents, our friendships, or our time, we are called to use these gifts wisely and generously. When we choose honesty, kindness, and service over selfishness, we show that God is the true Master of our hearts. May we always strive to place God first and trust that everything else will fall into place.

YEAR 3 FIRST HOLY COMMUNION RETREAT DAY AND PARISH MASS 

On Wednesday, 17th September, our Year 3 students will take part in their First Eucharist Retreat Day, beginning with a special Parish Mass. This day will celebrate the students who have made the Sacrament of First Holy Communion this year. Throughout the retreat, the children will have the opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience God’s presence in a spiritual and meaningful way. To conclude the retreat, the students will share in the joy of the occasion by celebrating together with cupcakes. We invite you to keep our Year 3 students in your prayers as they continue to grow in faith and live out the gift of this sacred sacrament.

PARISH MASS 

Year 5 will attend Parish Mass this Friday the 19th of September.

Please feel free to join us if you are able to attend. 

Term 3 Events

MASS TIMES: St. Brigid’s: Saturday - 5:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday - 5:00pm.

St. Laurence’s Church: Monday- 9:30am, Wednesday - 9:30am, Friday -12 noon and Sunday - 7:30am

Concert

CONCERT TECHNICAL REHEARSAL NEXT MONDAY

As part of preparations for our upcoming concert, all students will be transported to St John's College for the Technical Rehearsal. 

• Children will be transported via bus, departing St Laurence's at 9 am Monday 22nd September.
• Students are to wear their sport uniform.
• Please bring your own recess and lunch. NO LUNCH ORDERS OR CANTEEN.
• Students will return to school at 2pm following the rehearsal.
• Please ensure your child arrives at school on time on this day so we can depart promptly.
• A compass event has been set up for the rehearsal, please ensure you have given approval for your child to attend.

CONCERT TICKETS

Tickets are selling fast for our upcoming concert - "The Magic of a Smile"

This heartwarming, fun-filled production features all students from Kindergarten to Year 6, following a group of students on an adventure to discover the Secret to Happiness. Each class will contribute a colourful dance performance, making it a truly collaborative and joyful event.

* General Admission $10 - Adults and Children requiring a seat

* Tuesday 23rd September 2025

* 6pm - St John's College Hall

Tickets available from 123tix - link below

https://www.123tix.com.au/events/49533/the-magic-of-a-smile-presented-by-st-laurences

Sports

POLDING ATHLETICS

Well done to all the students who represented our school and the Bathurst Diocese at the Polding Athletics carnival in Newcastle last Friday. It was a very successful day for our students. Eldho placed 4th in High jump, Arianna 6th and Lawson 7th in the 1500m. 

A huge congratulations to Evie who placed 2nd in the high jump and Kortlyn 2nd in the 100m. They both now progress to NSW PSSA State carnival. This is a wonderful achievement and we are very proud of all the students who competed at Polding and represented our school with pride and good sportsmanship.  

Library

PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE

The Premiers Reading Challenge concludes this Friday the 19th of September. 

Please make sure all reading logs are submitted by this time. No late submissions will be accepted. 

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 lunch area.

Being respectful while eating lunch means:

• We stop talking and listen to the teacher on duty

Being responsible while eating lunch means:

• We eat our lunch first before we have the snacks
• We wait for the teacher to tell us to put our rubbish in the correct bin 
• We pack up our area and put our lunch boxes in the designated areas

Being safe while eating lunch means:

• We remain seated in our set areas while eating our lunch
• We eat our own food

Canteen

TERM 4 VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Thank you to all our volunteers in Term 3! A note has been sent home for Term 4 canteen helpers, any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Dates to remember

Birthdays

Awards

Please note our Week 9 Awards will be presented at our Term 4 Week 1 Assembly.

Happy Families

Community News