Term 3 Week 8 Newsletter 2025
Principal's Messages
TRANSITION TO SUMMER UNIFORM
With the weather warming up - though still a little changeable - we are moving into our transition period for summer uniform. During this time, students may choose to wear either the summer or winter uniform, depending on the conditions each day.
This flexibility will continue over the coming weeks, and from the beginning of Term 4, the summer uniform will be compulsory.
We appreciate your support in ensuring students are dressed in the correct uniform each day.
NEW SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTIONS – WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW 📱🚫
From mid-December, children under the age of 16 will no longer be able to hold accounts on certain social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. (Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are not included in this change.)
This new law is not about punishing or isolating young people - it’s about protecting their health and wellbeing. Research shows that being logged into social media accounts makes it more likely that young people will face pressures and risks such as:
Constant notifications and alerts, leading to less sleep, reduced attention and increased stress.
Content designed to keep them online for longer, sometimes exposing them to harmful material.
By delaying account access until 16, young people are given valuable “breathing space” to develop important life skills like digital literacy, critical thinking, impulse control, and resilience. It also gives parents and carers more time to guide children through safe online behaviours, discuss risks, and show them where to go for help.
As these changes come into effect, it’s important for families to:
Talk openly with children about the new age restrictions.
Find out how they currently use social media.
Support them in understanding both the risks and the benefits of online platforms.
This change is designed to give young people the best chance to thrive - helping them build confidence and resilience before stepping fully into the online world at 16.
✅ Tips for Parents
Here are some simple ways to support your child with the new age restrictions and safe social media use:
Start conversations early – Talk with your child about the new age rules and why they are in place.
Check in regularly – Ask about how they use devices and what they enjoy or find challenging online.
Set healthy habits – Encourage balanced screen time, good sleep routines, and offline activities.
Model safe use – Show your child positive ways to use technology and social media responsibly.
Know where to get help – Remind your child to come to you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.
CELEBRATING TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK
Last week we celebrate Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, a special opportunity to acknowledge the incredible contribution our Learning Support Officers (LSO's) make to our school community.
LSO's provide invaluable support in classrooms each day, assisting teachers, guiding students, and helping to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment. Their dedication ensures that every child is supported in their learning journey, and their positive influence is felt not only by students but also by teachers and families.
We are deeply grateful for the care, commitment, and encouragement our LSO's bring to St Laurence’s. They are an essential part of our school, and this week we pause to recognise the vital role they play in shaping the lives of our students.
LIVING THE SPIRIT OF JESUS
Year 4 recently had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with Peter ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, author of the Making Jesus Real (MJR) books and a strong advocate of the MJR philosophy.
During the session, students reflected on the “Spirit of Jesus” moments they notice in themselves and in others. They celebrated the simple but powerful ways Jesus shines through everyday words and actions - whether in kindness, encouragement, or care for one another.
This experience was a valuable reminder of how the Spirit of Jesus can be lived out in our daily lives, helping students to recognise and appreciate the presence of Christ in their school community.
SENIOR DEBATING TEAMS KICK OFF 2025 COMPETITION
The St Laurence's Senior Debating Teams were up against some fierce competition in their opening debate against St Johns Primary in the 2025 CEDB Dubbo Primary Debating Competition on Thursday, 4th September, at the St Johns CAPA teaching space.
Our Yr 5 and Yr 6 teams confidently debated the topic of 'Single-use plastics should be banned', representing both negative and affirmative sides respectively, against some impressively prepared opposing teams from St Johns. While our teams were not victorious on the day, they left a sound impression on their audience with their commanding presentations and convincingly persuasive arguments.
Many thanks to Mr Mark Barnes, from St Johns College, for his excellent adjudication of the event. Mark was very generous in addressing the students and audience members, offering some very practical advice to the students as they near the end of their primary training and look to further their skills in public speaking in preparation for high school and beyond.
After a quick debrief and a round of celebratory snacks, the students are already busily preparing for their second round debate against St Mary's Primary next Tuesday, September 9th, 1pm at the St Mary's Hall. We wish all debating students the best of luck with their future debates.
Jo Tegart & Michelle Dickerson
Debating Coordinators
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY TOGETHER
On Friday, our school community came together for a very special Father’s Day celebration, beginning with a beautiful liturgy led by Year 1. The liturgy reminded us that Father’s Day is, above all, a celebration of love, honouring the important role fathers, grandfathers, and those who are like fathers to us play in our lives.
After the liturgy, families gathered in the spring sunshine for a delightful picnic. It was a joyful occasion filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories as we honoured the incredible dads and fatherly figures who support and nurture our students each day.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined us and hope that every father and fatherly figure enjoyed a wonderful Father’s Day with their families.
📘🎯 BUILDING SUCCESS THROUGH REGULAR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
The impact of school absences, even seemingly small ones, can build up over time and significantly affect a child’s learning. When days are missed, important concepts and lessons can be overlooked, leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding.
Consistent attendance is vital for academic success, as each day at school provides valuable opportunities to learn, practise skills, and build confidence.
If your child is showing reluctance to attend school regularly, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Working together, we can support children to engage positively in their learning and ensure they don’t miss out on the building blocks for future success.
100, 150 & 200 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.
SCHOOL CONCERT
Religious Education
Alicia O'Connor - RE Coordinator
Gospel Focus
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God loved the world so much that He gave us His only Son. This is a powerful message for us all: God’s love is not distant or conditional, but close and overflowing. Jesus came not to condemn us, but to save us and show us how to live in love and truth. For us at school, this means that every act of kindness, forgiveness, or encouragement we offer one another is a way of sharing that saving love. When we choose compassion over judgement, and hope over fear, we help to make God’s love visible in our community.
FIRST EUCHARIST
Mass Options: 13th/14th September – St Mary’s
- Mass times: Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9am or 6pm
- Mass times: Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9am or 6pm
CONTACT:
Fr Greg or Rosalie Parish Office Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 4:30pm
Ph 6882 4233
Rosalie is available on Wednesdays 9-5pm (Rosalie only works part-time so email is the best form of contact).
Email Rosalie sacraments.dubbo@cdob.org.au
🔗 IMPORTANT: Please book your preferred date/time using the following link:
TERM 3 EVENTS
| 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:
2ND THURSDAY NIGHT DINNER SEPTEMBER 11th
Chicken and Bubbles: Cost $15
5.45pm Mass in St Brigid’s followed by “2nd Thursday Night Dinner” 11th September 6:15pm
The sheet sign up is on the notice board in the foyer at St Brigid's. Please PRINT your name. Bring along someone who hasn’t been before. Please phone the office by Tuesday 6882 4233 if you singed up but are unable to come on the night.
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 - 6:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday - 6:00pm.
St. Laurence’s Church: Monday- 9:30am, Wednesday - 9:30am, Friday -12 noon and Sunday - 7:30am
Sports
POLDING ATHLETICS
Wishing our talented students all the best as they head to Newcastle for Polding Athletics this Friday.
Congratulations and Good Luck to Arianna, Evie, Lawson, Kortlyn and Eldho.
YEAR 2 ENJOY MIXED LEAGUE TAG GALA DAY
Year 2 had a fabulous time participating in the Mixed League Tag Gala Day. The students embraced the spirit of the event, showing wonderful sportsmanship, supporting one another, and enjoying the chance to play together as a team as well as against students from other schools. They represented our school with pride, both on and off the field.
The weather was perfect, adding to the fun and excitement of the day. A special thank you goes to Mia Richardson and Sam Hargreaves from St John’s College, who generously gave their time to help coach and guide our teams.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in this event, and it was a fantastic experience for them to build their teamwork skills, learn more about the game, and most importantly, have fun together.
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 Before and After school.
Being respectful BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL means:
- We follow the teacher’s directions
- We are polite to the bus driver
Being responsible BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL means:
- We move to the correct area quickly after the bell
Being safe BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL means:
- We remain seated until the teacher is on duty
- We wear our hats
- We walk to our set lines
- We stay in our set lines
- We keep our hands and feet to ourselves
Canteen
TERM 4 CANTEEN HELPERS
A note has been sent home seeking volunteers for the canteen on Friday's in Term 4. If you are able to assist please return the note or contact the office.
Details for volunteering:
Day: Term 4 - Friday
Time: 10am - 1:30pm
Tasks: Assist with serving food, helping sort and organise lunch orders, cooking food, washing and cleaning up.
Dates to remember
Birthdays
Curriculum Corner
KINDERGARTEN
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Kindergarten recently enjoyed a wonderful excursion to Wambangalang for their Teddy Bears’ Picnic. The students spent time learning about the needs of animals, including food, water, shelter, and care, and discovered the important role we all play in looking after them. They loved exploring the natural environment and asking lots of curious questions along the way.
The highlight of the day was sharing a special picnic with their favourite Teddy Bears. Everyone had fun sitting together, enjoying their lunch, and showing off the special toys they had brought from home. It was a memorable day filled with learning, laughter, and friendship, and one that the children will remember for a long time.
Awards
Happy Families
Community News
