Term 3 Week 6 Newsletter 2025
Principal's Messages
YEAR 6 HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION VISIT TO ST JOHN’S COLLEGE 🎓
Year 6 students were excited to visit St John’s College as part of their preparation for high school next year. During the visit, they took part in a variety of fun and engaging lessons, giving them a real taste of high school life.
Students experienced different classrooms and learning environments, making the day both enjoyable and valuable as they familiarised themselves with what to expect in Year 7.
A big thank you to St John’s College for their support - our students are really enjoying this transition process and the opportunity to explore their future learning journey.
STAGE 3 CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING ART EXHIBITION 🎨
St Laurence’s Hall was transformed into a cultural hub of art enthusiasts, classical music, and a celebratory atmosphere with wine and cheese for our Stage 3 Christmas Storytelling Art Exhibition. It was so lovely to have so many parents and family members attend to see the students’ amazing artworks on display.
Our talented Stage 3 artists were thrilled to share their creations with the school community and celebrate the joy of storytelling through art. These wonderful artworks were created with the guidance and support of Mrs Trimboli, Mr Long, Mr Inglis, Mrs Dickerson, and Mrs Ravot. The guidance involved art appreciation lessons, exploring religious artworks and storytelling through art, and developing a variety of art skills for students to draw upon in creating their pieces.
Congratulations to our finalists, whose outstanding artworks will now be displayed for judging at the diocesan level: Year 5 – Kenzie, Ashima, Jed, Ollie, Aria; Year 6 – Tilly D, Sophie T, Tilli H, Sophie G, Brianna.
The evening was a fantastic celebration of creativity, imagination, and the artistic talents of our Stage 3 students, and it was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and support from families.
KINDERGARTEN TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC AT WAMBANGALANG🧸
Kindergarten enjoyed a terrific day at Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre for their Teddy Bear’s Picnic. During the day, the students took part in engaging activities that helped them learn all about P.A.W.S. – Plants, Air, Water, and Shelter – and why these elements are essential for living creatures to survive.
Through hands-on experiences, the children discovered how they can care for the animals and environment around them. The highlight of the day was when the Teddy Bears surprised everyone by setting up a special picnic to finish off the adventure!
It was a day filled with learning, fun, and plenty of smiles, as Kindergarten combined environmental education with the joy of a Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
KINDERGARTEN WRITERS ✍️📚✨
Our Kindergarten students have been developing their writing skills and are learning how to create their very own narratives. With the guidance and expertise of their teacher, Mrs Gain, the children are being carefully supported to structure their stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Mrs Gain’s passion for writing and her skill in nurturing young learners has inspired the students to take risks, be creative, and grow in confidence as writers.
Last week, the children were so proud of their efforts that they came to share their independent writing with me. It was a joy to see the excitement on their faces as they showcased their creativity and imagination.
Across our school, the strong focus on writing instruction from all teachers is showing excellent results. Students are demonstrating growing confidence and skill in expressing themselves through writing, and it is exciting to see this progress being made in every classroom.
STUDENTS TAKE ACTION TO KEEP ST LAURENCE’S BEAUTIFUL
At St Laurence’s, we are always proud to see our students demonstrating care and responsibility for our school and community. Last week, a group of proactive and environmentally aware students took it upon themselves to spend their playtime collecting rubbish that had not been placed in the bins.
These students showed genuine pride in their school and a thoughtful concern for the wellbeing of others. Their actions are a wonderful example of how even small acts of care can make a big difference, and they remind us all of the importance of looking after our environment. Their efforts are also a wonderful example of making Jesus real in our everyday lives — a true “Spirit of Jesus” moment that reflects care, service, and respect for our community.
We congratulate these students for their initiative and responsibility, and for setting such a positive example for everyone at St Laurence’s.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE – STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP
Parents bringing or collecting children by car are asked to use the Fitzroy Street or Jubilee Street entrances.
In the afternoon, parents can pick up their child/children at bell time in the COLA area. Any time after the bell, students will be waiting on the seat outside Year 3 under the verandah.
Jubilee Street / Back Gate Pick Up is the preferred pick up zone for students. Please note: this is a Pick Up Zone only, as indicated by the signs, so parents cannot leave their car. To help staff identify families quickly, parents are asked to place their family name on the back of the visor.
Students will meet the teacher at the multipurpose court and move to the shelter, sitting with their siblings. Staff will walk students to the car for safe pick up.
Safety Reminders:
Do not park on the opposite side of the road and walk your child between cars — this is not safe.
No student is to wait for parents at the bottom gate in Fitzroy Street (outside the hall) as we cannot supervise students in this area.
Thank you for helping us keep student pick up and drop off safe and organised.
100 & 150 NIGHTS OF READING SUPERSTARS
More students happy to be checking off 100 and150 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
Alicia O'Connor - RE Coordinator
Gospel Focus
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that true greatness is found not in being first, but in being humble and kind. When He speaks about choosing the lowest place at the table, He is teaching us that we don’t need to push ourselves forward or seek recognition. Instead, we are called to treat others with respect, to serve with love, and to make room for those who might otherwise be left out. As followers of Jesus, let’s remember that our value is not in status or position, but in living with generosity, humility and an open heart.
FIRST COMMUNION WEEKENDS (EUCHARIST)
Each school has been allocated a First Communion weekend to assist with planning. If you are unable to attend on your school’s allocated weekend, please contact Rosalie to discuss alternate arrangements.
Mass Options:
- 30th/31st August – St Laurence’s, St Pius X
- Mass times: Saturday 5pm, Sunday 9am or 5pm
- 13th/14th September – St Mary’s
- Mass times: Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9am or 6pm
🔗 IMPORTANT: Please book your preferred date/time using the following link:
YEAR 4 PARISH MASS
This Friday the 29th of August, Year 4 will attend Parish Mass at 12:00pm at St Laurence's Church. All family members are welcome to join us for Mass.
TERM 3 EVENTS
| Week 7 | Father's Day Liturgy - led by year 1 and Picnic Lunch (Friday 5th September; Liturgy starting at 12:45pm–1:10pm, followed by a picnic lunch) |
| Week 7 | Enrolment for First Reconciliation (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September) |
| Week 8 | 2nd Thursday Night Dinner at St Brigid's (Thursday 14th August: St Pius X rostered on to assist 5:15pm - 7:00pm) |
| Week 8 | Sacrament of First Holy Communion: First Eucharist Mass (Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September- St Mary's Primary Predominantly) |
| Week 9 | Year 3 First Holy Communion: First Eucharist Retreat Day and Parish Mass (Wednesday 17th September) |
| Week 9 | Year 5 Parish Mass |
| Week 9 | Whole School Meet 4 Mass; Sunday 21st September (This will coincide with Enrolment for First Reconciliation Saturday 20th/Sunday 21st September) PARISH PICNIC WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER (See below) |
| Week 10 | Mercy Day Whole School Mass - led by year 4 (Friday 26th September) |
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
BEAUTIFICATION AND TIDY UP OF CHURCH GARDENS
Saturday 13th September. All help is greatly appreciated. Please BYO garden tools, commencing at 8:30am. Any inquiries call Neale 0429 687 937 or Chris 0427 751 461
PARISH PICNIC – SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER
You’re warmly invited to our Parish Picnic on Sunday 21st September, 10:00am–12:30pm in the church grounds.
Join us for a relaxed morning of fun, friendship and community with:
Morning tea and a sausage sizzle
Jumping castle, face painting and lawn games
Live band music
Tea, coffee and cordial provided
Please bring along:
A picnic rug
A plate to share for morning tea (if you are able)
Please note: East side parking will be closed on the day.
If you are able to help, kindly add your name to the sign-up sheet on the noticeboard in the foyer of St Brigid’s Church.
All are welcome — we look forward to seeing you there! 🌸
TRIVIA NIGHT
Saturday 18th October. See Parish Bulletin for more information.
PRAYER DAY
11th November. See Parish Bulletin for more information.
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 allows for 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
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to our team of athletes who competed at Barden Park on Friday. The competition was tough and it was wonderful to see many students achieve personal best times, jumps and throws.
A special congratulations to the following students who have now progressed to the next level: Arianna, Evie, Lawson, Kortlyn and Eldho.
Well done to all our athletes for their effort, sportsmanship, and dedication. You represented St Laurence’s and the Northern Region admirably.
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 trampoline.
Being safe on the trampoline means:
- We only have one person on the trampoline at a time
- We keep the zipper closed while it is being used
- We stay away from the edges
- We take our shoes off when we use the trampoline
- We jump safely without flipping
Being responsible on the trampoline means:
- We wait our turn patiently in the line
Being respectful on the trampoline means:
- We stop when our time is up (30 seconds)
- We go to the end of the line if we want another turn
- We treat the equipment with care
Library
BOOK CLUB
Book club catalogues went out to students this week. Book club is a great way of fostering your child's love of books and supporting the school.
Book club can be ordered online via the LOOP link below or via cash and the paper order form found in the back of the book club catalogue
Canteen
Dates to remember
Birthdays
Curriculum Corner
Year 5
Year 5 have been learning about the interactions between Aboriginal people and the early settlers. In this lesson, students explored the significance of re-establishing Aboriginal place names in the histories of Aboriginal peoples. They also conducted their own research into local and Australian landmarks and discovered their original Aboriginal names.
Awards
Happy Families
Community News
ART CLUB DUBBO
NOW OPEN for Enrolment...
ART_LIFT_ a program for Teachers
Thursdays 5 - 6pm only 2 places available
3 weeks_ 21, 28 August and 4 September
Tutor Jack Randell, Bachelor Fine Arts, Honours, is a well known visual artist and educator.
Stretch n Sketch... combining wellness with creativity!
Limber up your drawing skills !
Group bookings & other custom workshops available by negotiation
Spring School Holiday Mural workshops .. for the next public art event coming up in
Narromine & Wellington. Connect with us if you'd like to get involved