Term 3 Week 1 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Messages

OFFICIAL OPENING OF YINDYAMARRA – A PLACE OF HONOUR AND RESPECT

We were proud to officially open Yindyamarra - a meaningful space dedicated to honour and respect - during a special ceremony attended by our school community and guests.

This culturally significant area was thoughtfully designed in consultation with our Aboriginal students and families. The transformation was brought to life by Creative Spaces Landscaping, featuring stunning artworks by local artist Hayden Wood - Bokhara Dreaming. Adding to the beauty of the space is a handcrafted wood and resin sign created by Tim Long, TAS Teacher at St John’s College.

The opening ceremony included a moving blessing, highlighted by a traditional Smoking Ceremony led by Anthony Riley and a heartfelt Welcome to Country from Aunty Marg Walker.

This important project was made possible thanks to generous grant funding from the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Ltd (CEDBL).

Yindyamarra stands as a lasting symbol of respect, cultural connection, and learning - providing a special place for our community to gather, reflect, and honour Country.

NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS: HONOURING THE NEXT GENERATION – STRENGTH, VISION & LEGACY

Our school community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week with the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” marking 50 years of NAIDOC and reflecting on the enduring cultural legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The day began with a deeply meaningful liturgy, where through prayer, reflection, and community, we honoured the strength, vision, and achievements of past generations. This theme calls on all Australians to recognise these contributions and to empower the next generation to carry their legacy forward with pride and purpose.

Students participated in a vibrant day of cultural learning and celebration, embracing various activities such as TIG Games, weaving, face painting, dancing, art, and Wiradjuri language sessions. These experiences created a powerful and joyful opportunity to celebrate the beauty, strength, and future of Indigenous culture.

We extend a special thank you to Sarah Goodwin and Courtney Monaghan, our Aboriginal Education Officers (AEOs), for their expert organisation of this event. Thanks also to all the parents and past students who assisted with the activities and cooking the BBQ. We were fortunate to be joined by other AEOs from our Catholic schools - Karen Andriske from St John’s College and Kayne Fernando from St John’s Primary - whose presence enriched the day.

Our NAIDOC celebrations were a heartfelt reminder of the wisdom passed down to us and the hope we place in the next generation to lead with unity and strength.

See our FaceBook page for more photos.

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YEAR 10 ST JOHNS STUDENTS SHINE DURING WORK EXPERIENCE WEEK

We were delighted to welcome Mia and Sam, two Year 10 students and past pupils of our school, from St Johns College for a week of work experience at St Laurence’s. During their time with us, they assisted in classrooms, supported excursions, and helped run our NAIDOC activities.

Their enthusiasm and commitment proved invaluable to both students and staff alike. This hands-on experience not only enriched our school community but also offered Mia and Sam meaningful insights into the world of education - potentially inspiring them to pursue a future career in this rewarding field.

We thank Mia and Sam for their positive contributions throughout the week.

YEAR 4 EXPLORE THE WORK OF THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE

Year 4 students recently visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Visitor Centre to deepen their understanding of the vital role this service plays in supporting remote communities across Australia.

During the excursion, students explored a replica aircraft, engaged with interactive exhibits, and discovered how the RFDS operates to deliver emergency medical care and essential health services to some of the most isolated areas in the country.

This valuable learning experience will support their upcoming Literacy unit, where students will apply their knowledge to create informative texts about the RFDS and its impact. It was a memorable and enriching day of learning that connected real-world understanding with classroom learning.

PRINCIPAL’S PERFORMANCE REVIEW – PARENT FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITY

As part of the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Ltd (CEDBL) processes, I will be participating in a Principal’s Performance Review this term. This review takes place in the third year of a principal’s contract and then every four years thereafter. It is a valuable opportunity to reflect on my leadership and receive feedback that supports ongoing professional growth.

As part of this process, you will soon receive an email from Mr Dermott O’Neill (Schools Consultant) and the CEDBL Human Resources team, inviting you to complete a short, confidential survey. The survey seeks your feedback on what you believe I am doing well and where I might continue to grow. Your responses will be combined with feedback from staff and Fr Greg Kennedy and will be used to help shape my future goals and priorities as Principal of St Laurence’s.

I genuinely value your input and thank you in advance for taking the time to be part of this process. Your feedback plays an important role in supporting strong, effective leadership and helps ensure we continue to grow as a school community.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY TO OUR PARTNERSHIP

Effective communication is essential to our partnership with parents and students. We use a variety of ways to keep you informed and involved:

• School Newsletter: Information about upcoming events and highlights from recent activities.

• Class Emails: Weekly class-specific updates from your child’s teacher.

• Facebook: Showcasing many aspects of school life, achievements, and events.

• COMPASS: Important messages, excursion permissions, school reports, and attendance notes via the newsfeed.

Our collaboration with parents is vital for ongoing support and improving outcomes for all students. If you have any concerns or wish to discuss something, please email your child’s class teacher to arrange a convenient time to talk.

By working together, we can better support our students’ learning and wellbeing. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

NUT-FREE SCHOOL REMINDER

To support students with severe allergies, we ask parents and guardians to avoid including nuts and nut products - especially peanut butter and Nutella - in their child’s lunch or recess snacks. Given the age of our students, we cannot rely on them to take the necessary precautions to minimise anaphylaxis risks. While staff remain vigilant, your cooperation is essential for our Nut-Free Policy to be effective. Please ensure that all adults responsible for packing your child’s lunch are aware of this policy. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

COMING UP: BOOK CHARACTER PARADE & GRANDPARENTS DAY

Week 2 of this term is St Laurence’s Book Week, with the theme Book An Adventure. The Book Character Parade and Grandparents’ Day will be held on Friday, 1st August. The Grandparents Day liturgy will begin in the church at 9:10am, followed by the Book Character Parade in the Hall. When the parade concludes, all guests are warmly invited to join us for a BYO morning tea (tea and coffee will be provided).

All grandparents, parents, and family are welcome to come and celebrate with us. You can look forward to some wonderful entertainment from our cleverly dressed book characters.

Additionally, the Book Fair will be running in the library during Weeks 1 and 2, giving you the chance to purchase some fantastic books for your family.

100 & 150 NIGHTS OF READING SUPERSTARS

More students happy to be checking off 100 and now 150 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.

CREATIVE PLAY AREA DONATIONS NEEDED!

We are once again asking for donations of everyday materials for our creative play area. Items that students can use to build, create, and play with are always in high demand. Our students love engaging in this space, and your contributions make a big difference.

If you have any boxes, pipes, crates, or similar items, please send them in with your child or contact the school to arrange a pick-up. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for helping us inspire creativity and imagination in our students.

SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE: RAISING WELL-BEHAVED BOYS WITH POSITIVE WORDS

Raising boys can sometimes feel like you’re speaking an entirely different language. If you’ve ever felt like your son tunes out your words or only hears half of what you’re saying - you’re not alone!

That’s why I wanted to share some practical advice from parenting expert Michael Grose, based on his article “Speak Their Language: Best 20 Phrases for Raising Well-Behaved Boys.” It offers great reminders and phrases that truly work when guiding boys to be respectful, emotionally aware, and responsible young people.

Why it’s different with boys…

Michael Grose explains that boys often respond better to short, clear instructions - less is more. They usually hear the first and last thing you say, and often learn best from action, not just words. They also benefit from visual cues like charts and schedules, and need time and space to reflect when things go wrong.

Here are some go-to phrases you can use with your sons (and daughters too!) to promote positive behaviour and self-regulation:

Positive, Effective Phrases for Boys
These phrases are calm, respectful, and help guide behaviour without shame or judgement:

• "That's not okay, and here's why..." – Clearly explain boundaries.
  
  
• "What's your plan to fix this?" – Encourage problem-solving.
  
  
• "Your actions have consequences. What do you think is fair?" – Teach accountability.
  
  
• "Let's take a break and talk when we’re calmer." – De-escalate respectfully.
  
  
• "Tell me what you need right now." – Help them name their feelings.
  
  
• "What would be a better way to handle that next time?" – Promote reflection.
  
  
• "Use your words to tell me what's going on." – Reinforce communication.
  
  
• "I noticed you were really thoughtful when…" – Celebrate kindness and empathy.
  
  
• "I trust you to handle this." – Show confidence in their decisions.
  
  
• "I know this is hard, and you're doing well." – Acknowledge effort and build resilience.
  
  

These types of phrases support emotional self-control, encourage personal responsibility, and remind boys that they are capable of making good choices.

A few quick tips:

• Say less - cut the fluff and keep your tone calm.
  
  
• Don’t overload them with instructions - one or two at a time is enough.
  
  
• Follow through with action if needed, not endless words.
  
  
• Use visual reminders like checklists or charts - they work wonders!
  
  

These strategies aren’t about being “soft” - they’re about being smart. Positive, respectful language helps boys grow into self-aware, confident young men who know how to manage their emotions and take responsibility for their actions.

By choosing your words wisely, you're shaping their self-talk, building their confidence, and helping them become their best selves.

Source: “Speak Their Language: Best 20 Phrases for Raising Well-Behaved Boys” by Michael Grose, published by Parenting Ideas.
👉 Click here to read the full article https://michaelgrose.substack.com/?utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

Religious Education

GOSPEL FOCUS

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray with the words we now know as the Our Father. He reminds us that prayer isn’t about fancy words or long speeches — it’s about trust, persistence, and a loving relationship with God. Just like a good parent who listens and responds with love, God wants us to come to Him with open hearts, confident that He hears us. Let’s encourage our children to talk to God each day, knowing that He is always close and ready to guide, help, and bless us in ways we may not expect but always for our good.

Confirmation 

As we prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for our Year 6 students, we will be holding a practice session to help the children feel confident and ready for this special occasion.

The Confirmation Practice Evening will be held on:
📅 Tuesday 22nd July
🕕 6:15pm – 7:00pm
📍 St Brigid’s Church

It is important that all candidates attend this session, as this will help ensure the celebration runs smoothly and meaningfully for everyone involved.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to sharing this significant moment in your child’s faith journey.

Welcome Bishop Michael McKenna

This Friday, we are delighted to welcome Bishop Michael McKenna to St Laurence’s as he visits our school during his time in Dubbo for Confirmation weekend.

It is always a special occasion when Bishop Michael joins us, and we look forward to sharing with him the spirit, learning, and hospitality of our school community. His presence is a wonderful reminder of our connection to the wider Church and the joy of celebrating the Sacraments together.

A reminder that the Celebration of Confirmation will take place this weekend, with Bishop Michael presiding at the following Masses:
📅 Saturday 26th July at 5:00pm
📅 Sunday 27th July at 9:00am and 5:00pm

We keep all our Confirmation candidates and their families in our prayers as they prepare to receive this important Sacrament.

TERM 3 EVENTS

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CHANGES TO MASS TIMES
Due to Fr Nam not being replaced, there will be a couple of changes to weekday Mass. From 1st July there will be no Mass on Mondays. Saturday morning Mass will only be celebrated on the 1st Saturday of the month. These small changes will allow Fr Greg to have a day off each week.

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

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

Sports

TOUCH FOOTBALL GALA DAY

Wednesday 23rd July - Katrina Gibbs Oval Dubbo

Please Arrive at the Ovals by 8.50am

A brief timeline for the day is:
9:30 am - Teams gather
10:00 am - Games Commence
2:00 pm - Games Conclude Approx.

Students are to be dropped off at the oval & picked up. We will have a sign in sheet for the day.

Duration of the games will be fifteen minutes (15); there will be no half-time periods during the games. All games will be touchdown turnaround (i.e. swap directions after each touchdown) and all divisions are to use an official junior size touch ball. Teams will be allocated a minimum of 4 games where possible, but this may vary depending on the size of the event, time and field availability. 
Senior Teams (Year 5/6) will play 6 a side
Junior Teams (Year 3/4) will play 5 a side.

There are no Canteen facilities on the day, please ensure the children have lunch, water and snacks.

RUGBY UNION GALA DAY

The Rugby Union gala day postponed from last term is being held in Orange this Thursday 24th July. Please see the compass event for further details of the day. A reminder that Students are to arrange their own travel to this event.

NORTHERN REGION ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

The Northern Region Athletics carnival will be held on Wednesday 30th July at Barden Park Athletics Carnival Dubbo. Students who qualified for this carnival have received a note and compass event. Please ensure that the compass event is completed.

Start time for the carnival will be 9am with prayer. Students are to arrange their own travel to the carnival. There is no transport from school to the venue.

Canteen facilities will be available on the day. Please ensure you wear your sports uniform and have a hat and sunscreen.

Barden Park is considered an ‘All Weather Venue’. Rain on the day does not cancel the carnival. The only interruption that may occur to the running of the carnival is if there is lightning in close proximity to Barden Park. 

HIGH JUMP - If there is rain on the day and the surface of the high jump mats is deemed slippery and dangerous for competitors, the results sent through from school carnivals will determine which competitors would progress to the DIO carnival.  

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 being respectful in all school settings,

Being respectful in all school settings means:

• We follow adult directions
• We speak kindly to others
• We listen to others
• We wear the correct school uniform
• We use our manners
• We respect other people’s space
• We respect the uniqueness of others
• We are quiet around classrooms

Library

Canteen

Dates to remember

Birthdays