Term 3 Week 5 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Messages

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!

MOBILE PHONES AND SMART WATCHES – GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

In recent weeks, it has been observed that some students are bringing mobile phones to school. While we understand that parents may provide mobile phones for safety and reassurance, I would like to take this opportunity to remind families of our school’s guidelines on mobile phones and other portable communication devices, such as smart watches.

At St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School, we discourage students from bringing mobile phones to school. However, we acknowledge that there may be situations where parents feel it is necessary to give their children a phone to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety. In these cases, this should be discussed in advance with your child’s classroom teacher and with me.

If a child is required to have a phone during the school day, the device must be switched off upon arrival and handed in to the administration staff at the office for safekeeping. These rules also apply during all school events, whether on-site or off-site.

In the case of an emergency, the Front Office remains the first point of contact so that we can reach your child promptly and provide assistance if needed.

For students who do not follow these guidelines, the following consequences, in line with our Student Welfare and Pastoral Care Policy, may be applied:

• Confiscation of the mobile phone (returned to the student at the end of the day)

• Confiscation of the mobile phone (returned to the parent at the end of the day)

• An office time-out, in-school detention, or internal/external suspension

• A conversation with parents/guardians regarding mobile phone use at school

• A ban on bringing mobile phones onto the school grounds

Please note these procedures apply equally to smart watches and other portable information and communication technologies. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring our learning environment remains focused and free from unnecessary distractions.

HONOURING MARY: FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION MASS

Our school community came together last Friday to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption with a beautiful Mass led by our Religious Education Student Representative Council and ministers.

This special feast day honours Mary being taken body and soul into heaven, reminding us of her unique role in God’s plan and the promise of eternal life in our Catholic faith. The students presented the service with reverence and care, creating a meaningful moment of faith and community for all who attended.

INSPIRING LESSONS FROM YOUNG MARY

Last week, our Years 4, 5, and 6 students enjoyed a lively and engaging performance of Young Mary. Through laughter, games, and interactive storytelling, they were taken on a journey through Mary MacKillop’s spirited childhood adventures.

The performance not only entertained but also inspired, highlighting Mary’s determination to help others and her commitment to providing education for all. Students left with her timeless message ringing in their ears: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

YEAR 5 & 6 STUDENTS SHINE AT PARISH DINNER

This week, a group of our Year 5 and 6 students volunteered to serve at our parish Thursday Night Dinner. They worked hard, helping to serve meals, clean up, and wash dishes - all with smiles on their faces.

Their kindness, teamwork, and willingness to lend a hand were a wonderful example of living our school values in action. We are proud of the way these students contributed to and supported our parish community.

THE MAGIC OF A SMILE – SCHOOL CONCERT

We are excited to announce that tickets for our upcoming school concert, The Magic of a Smile, go on sale today, Monday 18th August, from 5:00pm!

The concert will be held on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:00pm in the St John’s College Hall. 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.

To purchase tickets, follow this link: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/49533/the-magic-of-a-smile-presented-by-st-laurences or scan the QR code below.

Don’t miss this joyful celebration of music, movement, and laughter - we can’t wait to see you there!

100 & 150 NIGHTS OF READING SUPERSTARS

More students happy to be checking off 100 and 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.

GOOD LUCK TO OUR ATHLETES – DIOCESAN ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

This Friday, 18 of our students will be representing St Laurence’s at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Dubbo. These talented athletes have qualified to compete against other top students from across the diocese, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship.

We wish all of our athletes the very best as they compete and encourage them to represent our school with pride, determination, and respect. Good luck - run fast, jump high, and give it your all!

Religious Education

Gospel Focus

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about bringing fire to the earth—a fire that represents God’s love, truth, and the courage to live faithfully. Sometimes following Jesus can be challenging, even causing disagreements when others don’t share the same values. Yet, Jesus calls us to stand firm in kindness, justice, and compassion, even when it’s hard. As a school community, may we be brave enough to live our faith with integrity, letting the warmth of God’s love guide our words and actions every day.

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:

• 23rd/24th August – St John’s, MAGS, Christian/State Schools
• Mass times: Saturday 5pm, Sunday 9am or 5pm
  
• 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:

YOUNG MARY MACKILLOP INCURSION

Last Wednesday, students in Years 4–6 enjoyed a wonderful incursion showcasing the life of St Mary MacKillop. This was a valuable opportunity for the students to learn more about her inspiring life and legacy.

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 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

DIO ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

We wish our talented competitors the very best as they represent St Laurence’s and the Northern Region at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival this Friday 22nd August.

Evie, Sophie T, Hollie A, Eldho, Luisa, Isabella, Tessa, Lucy W, Arianna, George, Kortlyn, Oscar M, Lawson, Hunter, Wyatt

Relay Team:

• Senior Girls –  Sophie T, Evie, Tessa, Willow
  
  
• Senior Boys – Lawson, Flynn, Harrison, Hunter
  
  

Well done to all competitors for your hard work, sportsmanship, and commitment. You have made our school community proud! 

YEAR 2 LEAGUE TAG GALA DAY 

Students in Year 2 have been invited to participate in the NRL Stage 1 Mixed League Tag Gala Day.
The Gala day will be held on Wednesday the 3rd September 2025 at Apex Oval Junior Rugby League Fields, Dubbo. Students will travel by bus from the school and return at the conclusion of the day. Games will be played in 2 x 10 minute halves and 6 players are on the field from each team at a time.
The aim of the day is fun, participation and new skills. The event is for all levels and experience.

When: Wednesday 3^rd September
Where: Apex Oval – Junior Rugby League Ovals
Time: 10am – 2pm
Transport: Students will travel by bus from school and return via bus.
Uniform: Sports uniform to be worn, hat, sunscreen
Please ensure children have a water bottle and recess and lunch to eat.

A note and compass event will be sent home this week with further details.

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 cubby house.

Being respectful while using the cubby house means:

• We share the space and cubby house equipment with others
• We use kind words, listen to each other, and work together during play
• We include others in our play

Being responsible while using the cubby house means:

• We take care of the cubby house and its things so they don't get broken
• We make sure the cubby house is tidy for the next person

Being safe while using the cubby house means:

• We use the doors to enter and exit the cubby house
• We use the equipment properly and in a way that keeps everyone safe
• We keep our hands and feet to ourselves
• We walk calmly when playing near the cubby house
• We let the teacher know if something needs fixing or isn’t safe

Lunchtime Groups

Canteen

Dates to remember

Birthdays

Curriculum Corner

YEAR 4

Last week Year 4 held a Mini Retreat at school exploring Mary, the Mother of God. Students engaged in lessons on Mary, the significance of Rosary beads and created beautiful artworks accompanying a special prayer.  All students gained a deeper understanding of Mary and her significance in the story of Jesus. 

Awards

Happy Families

Community News