Term 4 Week 3 Newsletter 2025
Principal's Messages
WEAR A HAT FOR WORLD TEACHERS DAY THIS FRIDAY
Australia and St Laurence's will celebrate the teaching profession on World Teachers Day on Friday 31st October. Happy World Teachers' Day to all the educators who shape our future. Thank you for lighting the path of knowledge for us. Your influence goes beyond books. You have taught us the valuable life lessons that will help us become better people. We invite all the students to wear a hat to school on Friday 31st October - it can be a funny hat, favourite hat, crazy hat, special hat, handmade hat, any type of hat! - so that we can tip our hats to our teachers to say thanks for all that they do!
YEAR ONE MUSEUM – EXPLORING THE PAST
As part of their History Unit, People Learn about the Past by Engaging with Stories, Images, Objects and Sites, our Year One students created their very own museum. They explored fascinating artefacts, with a particular focus on communication tools such as old telephones and cameras, discovering the stories behind them and how people connected in the past. Interestingly, many of these items are ones I can well remember using in my lifetime, which made me giggle thinking about the students learning about “the past” – a reminder of how quickly things change!
The students proudly invited the Year Two students to visit, sharing their knowledge and explaining each artefact. It was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate their learning, build confidence, and engage with history in a meaningful and fun way.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER, 6:00PM IN THE LIBRARY
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Parents and Friends Association Annual General Meeting!
📅 Monday 17 November, 6:00pm
📍 School Library
The meeting will begin with a relaxed gathering featuring nibbles and refreshments - a great chance to connect and chat with other parents and carers. This will also be our final P&F meeting for the year and will include the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
By attending and participating in the P&F, you can share your ideas, stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives, and play an active role in shaping our school community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a vibrant, supportive environment for our students while building lasting relationships with other families.
Election of Executive Positions
As part of the AGM, all executive positions within the P&F will be declared vacant and open for election. Parents and carers are warmly invited to nominate for one of these roles.
To nominate, candidates must specify the position they are interested in and be nominated and seconded by another member. If there is more than one nominee for a position, a secret ballot will be held, with the Principal (or their nominee) acting as Returning Officer.
All executive members retire at the end of each year but may seek re-election. Please note that the President may serve for a maximum of two consecutive years, while other executive members may not serve in the same position for more than three consecutive years.
Executive Roles Explained
President
The President provides leadership and direction for the P&F, working closely with the Principal and Executive Committee to promote the goals of the Association. They chair meetings, ensure these run smoothly and effectively, and prepare the Annual President’s Report.
Vice President
The Vice President supports the President in their role and may step in to chair meetings or represent the P&F if the President is unavailable. This role helps share leadership responsibilities and ensures continuity in the committee’s work.
Secretary
The Secretary manages the P&F’s communication and records. This includes organising meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, managing correspondence, and keeping records in good order for the incoming Secretary.
Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees all financial matters of the P&F. They receive and record all monies, present financial reports at meetings, support the annual audit process, and ensure accurate and transparent financial management.
We encourage all parents and carers to consider getting involved. Whether you’re nominating for a position or simply attending to show your support, your participation helps strengthen our school community and the experience of our students.
We hope to see you there!
CRAZY CAMEL ORDERS CLOSE THIS WEDNESDAY - DON'T MISS OUT!
Our wonderful P&F Committee has once again organised the Crazy Camel Fundraiser, giving families the chance to turn their child’s artwork into a special keepsake! Each student created an artwork in class last term, and you can now have it printed on a range of items including calendars, diaries, cards, notebooks, sketchbooks, tea towels, pillowcases and tote bags.
These make perfect Christmas gifts for grandparents and family members – a lovely way to celebrate your child’s creativity.
Simply follow the instructions on the flyer below to place your order.
🗓️ Orders close Wednesday, 29 October.
Thank you to our P&F for organising this fun and creative fundraiser!
WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN - KINDER 2026 ORIENTATION
We welcome our 2026 Kindergarten students and parents as they begin their orientation program this Wednesday, which will run over the next few weeks.
Kinder 2026 Orientation Days are as follows:
- Tuesday 28th October 2025 - Parent Information evening 6:00pm Kindergarten Classroom (Parents Only)
- Wednesday 29th October 2025 - Orientation Day for children 9:00am to 10.30am (Parents & Children are required to attend this session)
- Wednesday 5th November 2025 - Orientation Day for children 9:00am to 12:00 noon
- Wednesday 12th November 2025 - Orientation Day for children 9.00am to 12:00 noon
- Wednesday 19th November 2025 - Orientation Day for children 9:00am to 12:00 noon
100, 150, 200 & 250 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.
TIRED OF SIBLING FIGHTS? TOOLS TO BUILD STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS
Sibling rivalry is one of the most common challenges parents face, with over 84% of families reporting ongoing conflict between children. While a little rivalry can be healthy - teaching kids to cope with winning and losing, build resilience, and strive for personal best - unhealthy rivalry can be destructive, leading to jealousy, put-downs, and ongoing resentment.
Michael Grose, parenting expert, shares 10 proven strategies to reduce toxic sibling fighting and foster stronger, lasting bonds. Some key ideas include:
Never compare your children - celebrate their individual strengths and efforts rather than pitting them against each other.
Encourage cooperation and teamwork - shared tasks and joint goals teach children to work together rather than compete.
Teach fair fighting and problem-solving - help kids negotiate and compromise rather than always stepping in to solve disputes.
Create family rituals, one-on-one time, and meetings - dedicated opportunities to connect, share, and be heard reduce conflict and strengthen relationships.
These strategies provide practical ways to transform rivalry into connection, helping children build positive, lifelong relationships with their siblings.
Read the full article by Michael Grose for all 10 tools and detailed tips here: STOP THE SIBLING WARS
Religious Education
Alicia O'Connor - RE Coordinator
Gospel Focus
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 7:11–17), we hear the moving story of Jesus raising the widow’s son at Nain. It’s a moment filled with deep compassion—Jesus sees a grieving mother and is moved to act. His heart goes out to her before she even says a word. This reminds us that our God is not distant or indifferent, but tender and responsive to our pain. In our busy lives, we are invited to follow Jesus’ example—to notice those around us who are hurting and to reach out with kindness and care. In doing so, we become signs of God’s compassion and hope in our own communities.
Week 3: Preparation Sessions for Reconciliation Begin
This week marks the beginning of our Year 2 Reconciliation Preparation Sessions. Students who will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation later this term are encouraged to attend one session per week (a total of three sessions). Families are invited to choose the session time that best suits them. Session times are as follows:
Tuesday after 5:45pm Mass (at 6:15pm)
Wednesday at 4:30pm
Sunday after 9:00am Mass (at 10:00am)
We look forward to sharing this special faith journey with our Year 2 students and their families.
Term 4 Events
| Week 4 | Preparation Sessions for Reconciliation: Tues after 5:45pm Mass @ 6:15pm, Wednesday 4:30pm, Sunday after 9am Mass @ 10am |
| Week 5 | Remembrance Day Liturgy: Tuesday 11th November 12 noon |
| Week 5 | St Laurence O’Toole Liturgy: Friday 14th November 9:00am ( |
| Week 5 | Sacrament of Reconciliation: Tues after 4:15pm & 5:00pm, Saturday 15th November @ 10:30am & 11:15am |
| Week 6 | Sacrament of Reconciliation Celebration Cupcakes: Monday 17th November |
| Week 7 | Whole School Meet 4 Mass: Sunday 30th November @ 8:45am (TBC) |
| Week 9 | End of the Year Graduation Mass: Wednesday 10th December @ 9:30am (led by Year 6 and Year 1> Year 1 will do all of the readings) |
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
Sports
NSW BASKETBALL 2025 PRIMARY SCHOOL TOURNAMENT
The day ran beautifully, with perfect organisation and an incredible atmosphere. All our students gave their best effort and had an amazing time, showing great sportsmanship, teamwork, and joy throughout the day. It was a wonderful celebration of basketball and school spirit, with smiles and excitement all around.
Year 3 Boys
The Year 3 boys played three fantastic games, showing courage, fun, and enthusiasm. They had an absolute blast on the court and improved with each game. Their energy and teamwork were inspiring, and they were beautifully coached by Miss Winterton.
Year 4/5/6 Boys
The Year 4/5/6 boys played three games, winning two of them. They were a great bunch of boys who worked together with excellent teamwork and determination, growing more confident with every match. They were proudly coached by Miss Glynn.
Year 5/6 Girls
The Year 5/6 girls had two wins and one loss in the rounds before playing a competitive grand final against St Mary’s Dubbo. They played fantastic basketball, showed great spirit, and had a ball throughout the day. Finishing as runners-up, the girls should be very proud of their efforts. They were superbly coached by Mrs Bynon.
A huge thank you to Miss Donoghue for all her efforts in organising the students, and to Mrs Bynon, Miss Glynn, and Miss Winterton for supporting and coaching our teams on the day. Thanks to their guidance and encouragement, the students enjoyed an absolutely fantastic day!
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents who came along as our cheer squad and helped on the bench throughout the day. Your support, enthusiasm, and encouragement made the experience even more special for our students.
For more photos, please visit our FaceBook page.
LEAGUE STARS
The NRL's League Stars program is all play, no contact, appealing to the true nature of kids, in all their messy, high energy, love of fun and play. League Stars is run before or after school for primary school aged children over 4 -8 weeks. The program is suitable for all abilities with the focus on practicing fundamental movement skills and having a blast with friends.
St Laurence's is hosting the program in Term 4. League Stars After-School Program is only for students enrolled in St Laurence's Primary School. The program runs every Thursday afternoon from 3:00pm - 4:00pm, running from the 6th of November to the 11th of December.
For more information or to register use the link below:
St Laurences Primary School Dubbo - Term 4 League Stars
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 responsible.
Being responsible in all school settings means:
- We report bullying and harassment
- We put rubbish in the bin
- We are punctual
- We report problems to the teacher at the right time
- We are truthful
- We think about consequences
- We take care of property
Canteen
HELP REQUIRED!!!
We require help on Friday's in our canteen for the remainder of the term. If you are able to assist for any time at all please contact the school office.
Helping in the canteen involves serving students at the canteen window, helping sort and organise the lunch orders, cooking food for lunch orders, washing up and cleaning up.
Our meal break times are:
Recess 10:50 - 11:10am;
Infants Lunch 12:40 - 1:20pm;
Primary Lunch 1:10 - 1:50pm.
Any assistance will be much appreciated to ensure our canteen is able to continue functioning for our students.
Dates to remember
Birthdays
Curriculum Corner
Year 2
Hands on Maths
In Year 2 we have been working with base ten material to represent whole numbers. We have been showing number bonds for 3 and 4 digit numbers, writing our numbers in words and rounding 3 digit numbers to the nearest 10 and 100. We are getting pretty good at it too!
Awards
