Term 3 Week 4 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Messages

SOCCER GALA DAY: TEAM SPIRIT AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Our annual Soccer Gala Day was a wonderful celebration of teamwork, respect, and community spirit. It brought together players, parents, staff, team managers, and referees in a vibrant gathering that truly reflected the heart of our school community. The energy and commitment from everyone involved created a fantastic atmosphere, making the event an outstanding success.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Ms Monique Donoghue for her exceptional organisation and leadership in coordinating the day. Alongside the dedicated efforts of our P&F executive team - Ben Walker, Meagan Gunn, Pip Ward, and Michael Howlett - Monique ensured everything ran smoothly and efficiently. We also want to thank our amazing admin team - Cara Grey, Susan Alley, and Hannah Ogilvie - who supported Monique, Keira, and the P&F executive with the organisation, helping everything come together seamlessly.

Our thanks also go to the many parents who generously volunteered their time and skills throughout the day. Whether serving as team managers, preparing and distributing lunches, working in the canteen, running the cake stall, baking treats, or assisting with setting up and packing down equipment, your support was invaluable. Special recognition to Keira Job for her excellent management of the canteen and overseeing all the ordering for the event - your hard work contributed significantly to a successful fundraiser for our school.

We also appreciate the students from Macquarie Anglican Grammar School who officiated the matches as referees. Their contribution was instrumental in maintaining the flow and fairness of the games.

A huge thank you to the Dubbo Macquarie Rotary Club for their generous support. Their expert barbecuing kept over 1500 sausages cooking, ensuring players and volunteers were well nourished and energised throughout the day. We’re grateful for their ongoing partnership and look forward to working together on future events.

It was wonderful to see many former students return to volunteer - whether helping at pop-up shops, distributing lunches, or managing teams. Their involvement added a special sense of connection and community to the day.

We were delighted to receive positive feedback from teachers and parents from the visiting schools, who praised the smooth running and enjoyable nature of the event. A special congratulations to all our students who took part in the Soccer Gala Day - their enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship were truly inspiring. We also thank our coaches and families for their steadfast support. Your combined efforts made this day one to remember for our players.

For more photos and highlights, please visit our Facebook page.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

Following our Soccer Gala Day, we were pleased to donate the leftover buns and sausages to Orana Support Service. This local organisation plays a vital role in supporting those in need within our community, offering care and assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship. We are proud to contribute, even in a small way, to the valuable work they do and appreciate the positive difference they continue to make in the lives of others.

YEAR 6 CONFIRMATION RETREAT – A DAY OF FAITH AND REFLECTION

Following the special milestone of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, our Year 6 students came together for a post-Confirmation retreat day. The day began with a beautiful celebration of Mass alongside our parish community, offering a sacred and peaceful space to gather in prayer and thanksgiving.

After Mass, students engaged in a variety of reflective activities designed to deepen their understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and explore how these gifts can guide them in their everyday lives. The retreat provided an opportunity for the children to pause, connect with one another, and consider how they are called to live out their faith with courage, kindness, and compassion.

To end the day, the students enjoyed a joyful moment of celebration, sharing delicious cupcakes lovingly made by Sweet & Savoury Creations by Virginia. It was a simple but meaningful way to mark their Confirmation journey - full of faith, reflection, friendship, and a touch of sweetness.

We continue to pray that the Holy Spirit strengthens and guides each of our Year 6 students as they grow in faith and continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

IMAGINE! – A MAGICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE FOR K-4 STUDENTS

Our Kinder to Year 4 students recently attended a live performance of IMAGINE! at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre. Based on Alison Lester’s much-loved picture book, the show was a celebration of creativity, imagination and the beauty of the natural world.

With music, animation, and interactive storytelling, the performance captured the hearts of our students and sparked their curiosity and wonder.

It’s such a great opportunity for our young people to experience quality live theatre right here in Dubbo, and we’re grateful they could take part in this joyful and inspiring experience.

STAGE 3 CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBITION – TUESDAY 19TH AUGUST

We are excited to announce our upcoming Stage 3 Christmas Art Exhibition, which will be held on the evening of TUESDAY, 19th August. The exhibition will begin at 6:00pm in the school hall, where the students' artworks will be proudly on display.

During the day, all students will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition and vote for their favourite piece. In the evening, parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the showcase, where the finalists will be officially announced.

Stage 3 students have worked diligently over the past term to create these beautiful and thoughtful pieces, and they are incredibly proud to share their work with our school community.

The winning artworks from our exhibition will go on to represent our school at the next level of competition in Bathurst.

We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the creativity and talent of our young artists!

WHY SHOWING UP MATTERS

Being present in class facilitates active participation and interaction with teachers and classmates. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Being present in class is a fundamental component of a comprehensive and effective learning experience. It enables students to actively engage with the learning process, interact with teachers and peers, and deepen their understanding of the subject matter through real-time participation and collaboration.

Class attendance contributes to the development of critical thinking skills. Engaging in discussions and problem-solving activities stimulates cognitive processes, encouraging students to analyse information, make connections, and think critically.

The active engagement that comes with being present in class often leads to increased motivation to learn. Feeling connected to the learning process encourages students to take a more proactive approach to their studies.

CONDOLENCES – CAVANAGH FAMILY

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Cavanagh family following the recent passing of Georgie’s father, beloved grandfather to Rosie (Year 2) and Polly (Year 5). Our thoughts and prayers are with their family during this time of sorrow. May they find comfort in the love and support of our school community and in the cherished memories they hold.

MANAGING STRONG-WILLED KIDS WITHOUT POWER STRUGGLES

If you’ve got a child who regularly resists direction, argues back, or insists on doing things their way, you’re not alone - and you’re not without tools. Parenting expert Michael Grose shares practical strategies to help manage strong-willed or oppositional children without turning everyday routines into battlegrounds.

The key? Shift from control to cooperation. Grose outlines six approaches to avoid power struggles, while still guiding your child calmly and firmly:

• Ask questions instead of giving commands – Questions encourage thinking, not fighting.

• Focus on what you will do – “I’m starting the car in five minutes” is often more effective than “Get in the car.”

• Use reminders rather than demands – Gentle cues can reduce resistance.

• Let your body language do the talking – Calm confidence works better than raised voices.

• Shift the authority to a third point – Charts, clocks, or prior agreements can speak for you.

• Offer limited choices – Giving options within boundaries can reduce defiance.

These techniques help build cooperation, reduce friction, and support children’s growing need for autonomy - all while maintaining a positive parent-child relationship.

🟡 You can read the full article here: COMMAND AND CONTROL MEASURES DON'T WORK: THESE SIX TOOLS DO

Religious Education

Gospel Focus

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Just as sheep recognise the voice of their shepherd and trust him to guide them safely, we are called to listen for the voice of Jesus in our daily lives. He speaks to us through prayer, through the love of others, and through the quiet stirrings in our hearts. When we take the time to listen and follow His guidance, we find peace and direction, knowing that we are never alone—our Good Shepherd always walks beside us.

YEAR 6 POST-CONFIRMATION RETREAT DAY & PARISH MASS

The Year 6 retreat provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to celebrate this sacrament in a reflective and respectful manner. Throughout the day, the students engaged in prayer, reflection, and meaningful activities that deepened their understanding of the sacrament and strengthened their relationship with God. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Long for supporting the students on this important journey, to Rosie, our Sacramental Coordinator, for her dedicated guidance, and to Fr Greg, our Parish Priest, for celebrating Parish Mass with us and for his ongoing support of the students throughout the sacrament. It was a truly special occasion that supported them in their faith journey.

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FIRST EUCHARIST PREPARATION SESSIONS CONTINUE

This week marks the second week of First Eucharist Preparation Sessions for students preparing to receive this special sacrament. These sessions are an important part of the journey and must be attended by both parent and child.

Families are asked to attend one session per week to support their child in preparing for First Eucharist.

The session options for this week are:
📅 Tuesday 12th August @ 6:15pm (following 5:45pm evening Mass)
📅 Wednesday 13th August @ 4:30pm
📅 Sunday 17th August after 9:00am Mass

All sessions will be held in St Brigid's Hall.

We thank you for your commitment and support as we continue to walk with the children on this sacred journey.

YOUNG MARY MACKILLOP INCURSION

This Wednesday, students in Years 4–6 will enjoy a wonderful incursion showcasing the life of St Mary MacKillop. The play introduces us to Young Mary and invites us to join in her spirited childhood adventures. We’ll hear about her pet cow Blorac, her father Alexander, and even play games alongside her. As the story unfolds, we see Mary grow into a determined and compassionate young woman, dedicated to eliminating poverty and ensuring a fair education for all.

The performance is both funny and engaging, with plenty of opportunities for the audience to take part in acting and moral decision-making. Through her humour and kindness, Young Mary helps us better understand St Mary MacKillop and the heart behind her famous words:
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”

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

The 2nd Thursday Parish Dinner "Mexican Fiesta" for August will be held on 14th August at 6:15pm after the 5:45pm Mass. Cost is only $15 pp. Please PRINT your name on the sign-up sheet at Mass or call the office on 02 6882 4233. Bring a friend!

Sports

DIO ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

A reminder to all students who progress through to the Diocese Athletics carnival on Friday 22nd August, please ensure you have registered on the CSNSW sport page as per the notes sent home. 

SOCCER GALA DAY SUCCESS 

2025 marked 18 years of hosting our annual Soccer Gala Day, with our largest entry of teams to date. We had over 130 teams across all age groups and 13 schools participate in another very successful day. 

The day would not have been possible without the help and support of our kind and generous sponsors. 

Thank you to everyone that contributed to our 2025 Soccer Gala Day!

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 assembly.

Being respectful at assembly means:

• We stop talking and listen to the person on the microphone
• We are active listeners
• We enter and leave the hall quietly and in an orderly manner
• We use manners when receiving awards
• We clap politely
• We join the end of the line

Being responsible at assembly means:

• We stop playing when the music plays
• We are lined up before the bell
• We say our School Prayer and sing the National Anthem sensibly 

Being safe at assembly means:

• We sit with our legs crossed and hands in our laps
• We keep our hands and feet to ourselves
• We walk quietly in two lines to class
• We finish our food before assembly

Canteen

Dates to remember

Birthdays

Curriculum Corner

YEAR 3

Year Three were very lucky to attend the theatre on Thursday to watch a fantastic performance based on Alison Lester’s book “Imagine”. 

Awards

Happy Families

Community News