Term 3 Week 10 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Messages

🎶 SCHOOL CONCERT – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We are very excited to share our School Concert with you on Tuesday evening at St John’s College. Please read the following arrangements carefully to help the evening run smoothly:

Arrival

• Students are to arrive dressed in their costume and be dropped off at the Human Movement Centre (HMC) (large building behind the St John’s College Hall) at 5:00pm.

• Staff will be present to receive the children and assist with any school-provided costume pieces.

Sign In/Out

• Sign in and sign out sheets for each class will be set up outside the HMC.

• Please ensure your child is signed in on arrival and signed out at collection.

Before the Performance

• Classes will be marshalled and supervised by staff in the HMC, ready for their performances.

• Parents are asked to go directly to the Hall for the performance, which will begin at 6:00pm.

After the Finale

• Students will return to the HMC and be seated with their class teachers for collection.

• Parents will enter via the front entrance (ENTRY) of the HMC to collect children, and then exit through the side door (EXIT) with their child/ren.

• Children are not to be collected from the stage in the Hall.

What to Bring

• A small backpack with a water bottle and some snacks for your child to have while they are waiting to perform.

We thank you for your support and look forward to a wonderful night of celebrating our students’ talents.

SUMMER UNIFORM – TERM 4

By the beginning of Term 4, all students are expected to wear their summer uniform. The school uniform is a symbol of belonging to St Laurence’s, and it is expected that students wear it with pride at all times. We seek the support of both parents and staff in maintaining a high standard of dress and presentation for all students.

UNIFORM REMINDERS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

• Hat: Navy/Sky bucket hat with school logo

• Shoes: Black, leather, polishable, classic style, low heel – no boots or black joggers

• Socks: No sportlet (no-show) or cutaway styles

• Shorts: No cargo, corduroy, jeans type, Canterbury or polycotton/cotton shorts

• Hair: Long hair must be tied back; maroon ribbons/scrunchies are acceptable

• Nail polish & makeup: Not acceptable

• Earrings: One pair of sleepers or studs

• Bracelets: Only one, either medical or solid

• Rings: Signet or plain band only

• Neck chain: Single chain with religious cross or medal

YEAR 6 STUDENTS REFLECT ON THE SPIRIT OF JESUS

Our Year 6 students recently had the opportunity to welcome Peter Mitchell, author of the Making Jesus Real (MJR) books, to St Laurence’s School. During his visit, Peter led students through activities that helped them recognise the Spirit of Jesus (SOJ) in others, reflect on their own actions, and consider the values they want to carry forward after seven years at our school.

Peter asked students to share when they had seen the SOJ in the past week. Their reflections highlighted how everyday actions and kindness can make a difference:

• “When Sophie A was encouraging me after I scored a goal” (Supporting)

• “When Eugene gave our netball team key chains with our names on them” (Generosity)

• “When Tina, Elsie and Ruby, our coaches, congratulated us even though we lost” (Kindness)

• “When Julian passed the ball to me and brought me into the game at recess” (Including)

Students also shared ways they had demonstrated the SOJ themselves:

• “I asked Oscar if he was OK when he hurt his leg” (Compassion)

• “I said good morning to two Kinders this morning” (Welcoming & Leadership)

• “I thanked my mum for breakfast, driving me to sport, and making cookies for my friends” (Gratitude)

• “I said thanks to Eugene for giving us all a key chain” (Appreciation)

• “I greeted my class and teachers and used encouraging words throughout the day” (Welcoming)

Reflecting on their MJR books, Year 6 students shared the attitudes, values, and lessons they hope to carry into their lives beyond St Laurence’s:

• Be self-motivated and determined, even when life is tough.

• Show gratitude for the love and sacrifices of parents.

• Use positive communication, body language, and humour to connect with others.

• Recognise the Spirit of Jesus in the small things we say and do every day.

• Be kind, make good decisions, and strive to make others happy.

• Develop life and people skills, and learn from experiences and mistakes.

Peter Mitchell praised the Year 6 students for their thoughtful reflections and engagement during the session. He noted that the values and attitudes the students identified will serve as a strong foundation as they transition from primary school, guiding their actions, relationships, and personal growth.

This visit was a wonderful opportunity for Year 6 to celebrate the ways they live out the Spirit of Jesus in their daily lives and to carry these lessons forward as they prepare for the next stage of their journey.

NO HAT, NO PLAY

There has been an increase in the number of students without hats at school. As outlined in our School Sunsafe Policy, it is a requirement that all students wear a hat when playing on the playground.

Students who do not have a hat must remain in the designated sheltered area. Staff are required to enforce the ‘No Hat, No Play’ rule.

We ask that you please reinforce the importance of this rule with your child/ren, and the need to always have a hat at school.

If your child does not have a hat, they can be purchased from Lowes or through the Admin team at school.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep children safe while they are playing outside.

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.

🌿 YEAR 3 BOYS LEAD BY EXAMPLE – CARING FOR OUR SCHOOL YARD

A group of Year 3 boys recently spent their playtimes volunteering to make our school yard a cleaner and more inviting place by picking up rubbish that had been left on the ground. Over the course of their efforts, they collected about a quarter of a small Sulo bin of rubbish. While this is less than the full trolley load collected by the Year 3 girls a few weeks ago, their initiative is a wonderful example of taking responsibility for our environment.

Our school has had a school-wide focus on being responsible and putting rubbish in the bin, and it is evident in the significant decrease in litter around the yard. However, the boys’ efforts remind us that there is still room for improvement, and that each of us can play a part in caring for our school environment.

As Jesus teaches us, we are called to be caretakers of the earth, and we can start by making Jesus real in our very own school yard. By taking responsibility for our actions and looking after the spaces we share, we live out this call in a practical and meaningful way.

We commend these Year 3 boys for demonstrating responsibility, one of our school’s core behavioural expectations, and for being a great example for others. Their dedication and initiative are inspiring reminders of how small acts of care can make a big difference.

YEAR 3 FIRST HOLY COMMUNION RETREAT DAY

Year 3 recently participated in a Faith Formation Retreat Day as part of their First Holy Communion journey. Throughout the day, the students engaged in a variety of prayers, songs, and reflective activities, taking time to celebrate and reflect on this important milestone in their faith. Their reverence and joy were evident as they explored the significance of the sacrament and its place in their lives.

The retreat also provided an opportunity for the students to consider how they can live out their faith in everyday life, strengthening their understanding of God’s love and their role in the faith community.

The day concluded on a sweet note, with the students enjoying delicious cupcakes beautifully prepared by Sweet & Savoury Creations by Virginia. The retreat was a memorable and meaningful experience, helping the students grow in their relationship with God and with one another as they celebrated this special time in their faith journey.

See our FaceBook page for more photos.

GERARD YEO SHIELD – A FRIENDLY COMPETITION UNITING OUR SCHOOLS 🤝

Our Year 6 students participated in the Gerard Yeo Shield last week, a spirited competition bringing together Dubbo’s four Catholic schools. Students competed in league tag, soccer, netball, chess, an academic challenge, and a liturgy, all in the spirit of camaraderie, friendly competition, and teamwork.

This event is held in memory of Gerard Yeo, an ex-St Mary’s student who tragically lost his life in the Bali bombings of 2002, and aims to foster lasting friendships and community connections among students of our four Catholic primary schools - St Pius X, St Mary's, St John's and St Laurence's.

Congratulations to St John’s Primary on their victory in this year’s competition. We also extend our sincere thanks to St John’s College for generously allowing us to use their facilities to host this special event.

ZOO SNOOZE ADVENTURE AT TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO 🏕️

Last week, our adventurous students enjoyed an unforgettable night at the Billabong Camp at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The experience included an evening stroll through the Lion Pride Lands and an early morning walk, providing opportunities to see a variety of animals up close. Each moment offered a unique and engaging lesson in the wonders of nature.

This immersive adventure also served as a wonderful introduction to future Stage 3 overnight excursions, such as the Great Aussie Bush Camp and Canberra, supporting students in building resilience, independence, and teamwork. It also encouraged reflection on their role as caretakers of God’s creation, fostering curiosity, respect, and responsibility for the world around them.

We sincerely thank our dedicated teachers and parent helpers, whose support and care ensured the experience was safe, enjoyable, and truly memorable for all students.

See our FaceBook page for more photos

YEAR 3 ZOO EXCURSION

Year 3 recently enjoyed a fantastic day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where their classroom learning about the Science topic Living World – Animals was brought to life. Students met a range of animals and compared their life cycles, making real-world connections to the concepts they have been studying.

Throughout the day, they also discovered practical ways to support the needs of animals as they move through different stages of their life cycle. This hands-on experience was a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the living world while sparking curiosity and care for the natural environment.

See our FaceBook page for more photos.

KINDER SHOWCASE CLEVER WRITING SKILLS

Kinder students recently visited to share their latest learning about the Diprotodon, inspired by their upcoming excursion to see the life-size model of this ancient mega-fauna at the Wellington Caves. They presented their knowledge in informative pieces of writing, including a subject statement, sentences covering three key topics—appearance, habitat, and diet—and a concluding statement.

With Mrs Gain’s expert guidance, students were supported and extended in their learning, helping them use Tier 3 technical language with confidence and accuracy. It was wonderful to see our youngest learners combining curiosity, observation, and writing skills to create such thoughtful and informative work.

STAFF SPIRITUALITY DAY WITH BR DAMIEN PRICE

On Thursday 25th September, our staff will gather at the Rhino Lodge for our annual Staff Spirituality Day. We are blessed to welcome Br Damien Price, an Edmund Rice Christian Brother and highly respected Catholic educator, to facilitate the day. Br Damien has over 40 years’ experience in Australia and New Zealand, leading professional development, spiritual retreats, and Service Learning programs. He has also spent much of his life serving disadvantaged youth, the homeless, and refugees, through initiatives such as Eddie’s Van and Edmund Rice Camps. His work has also extended internationally in his role as Regional Ministry Coordinator for Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Timor Leste.

Throughout the day, Br Damien will share his wisdom and experience, encouraging us to reflect deeply on our faith, our purpose, and our mission as Catholic educators. He will remind us of the importance of resilience, authenticity, and love-centred living, while highlighting that our call is to recognise the dignity of each person we encounter.

As a Catholic school community, faith formation is at the heart of our vocation as teachers. The opportunity to come together as a staff for prayer, reflection, and renewal will be an essential part of sustaining us in our work. We are grateful to Br Damien for guiding us through what we know will be a meaningful and inspiring day, leaving us energised to continue our mission of providing high levels of learning and wellbeing for all, grounded in love.

SCHOOL ZONES – A REMINDER

A reminder to all parents ahead of the school holidays that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families.

School zones operate on all gazetted school days, including pupil-free days. For our school, school zones will end on Friday, 26 September and resume on Monday, 13 October.

BUILDING SUCCESS THROUGH REGULAR ATTENDANCE AND GOOD ROUTINES

Regular school attendance will help your child to gain the skills and knowledge for success both now and later in life. 

Regular attendance ensures that students have consistent exposure to new concepts and lessons. Learning is a continuous process, and consistent attendance allows students to build on their knowledge over time.

No matter the age of your child, a starting point may be guiding them to develop a morning routine. This life long skill could include a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Expectations around devices in the bedroom would be an important conversation. Having a structured routine helps students get enough rest and be ready for school each day.

Teaching time management skills to a teenager is an essential life skill that will benefit them in academics, extracurricular activities, and future responsibilities.

Talk openly about common time-wasting activities, such as excessive social media use or excessive video gaming. Encourage your child to be mindful of these activities and set limits to maintain a healthy balance.

Remember that developing effective time management skills is an ongoing process. Be patient, provide guidance, and adapt strategies based on your child’s individual needs and preferences. 

Religious Education

Gospel Focus

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us through the story of the rich man and Lazarus that true discipleship is shown in how we care for others, especially those in need. As we celebrate Mercy Day this Friday and give thanks for the legacy of Catherine McAuley, we are called to live with compassion, generosity, and love. At the end of this term, we also pause in gratitude for our teachers, friends, families, and the gift of learning. Let us pray: Loving God, thank you for guiding us this term. Bless us with rest in the holidays, inspire us to follow Catherine’s example of mercy, and help us return ready to serve you with open hearts. Amen.

MEET 4 MASS

It was lovely to see so many students and their families attend Meet 4 Mass at St Brigid's Church on Sunday. Following mass, families enjoyed the parish picnic on the lawns of the church with face painting, jumping castle and lots of fun activities to enjoy a beautiful spring morning. 

Term 4 Events

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

Concert

Sports

BASKETBALL NSW PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT

Basketball NSW is holding a Primary School Tournament in Bathurst on Tuesday 21st October. Children who have shown interest in participating have been sent a note home. Notes are due back by Tuesday 23rd September, with trials for the event to be conducted by Mrs Bynon, Miss Winterton, and Miss Glynn on Wednesday 24th September at school. One girls’ team and two boys’ teams, each with 8 players, will be selected based on the interest shown.

Tournament Details: 

Date: Tuesday 21st October

Location: Bathurst

Transport: Bus will be provided

Cost: Will be notified

Selection Information

Teams will be selected on ability, however priority will be given to the following:

• current representative players
• students playing in the local Friday night comp
• Year 6 students
• all other grades

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 playground.

Being safe on the playground means:

• We use equipment for intended purpose
• We stay in bounds 
• We keep our hands, feet and other objects to ourselves
• We wear our hats

Being responsible on the playground means:

• We put our rubbish in the bin
• We put our equipment away when we have finished playing with it

Being respectful on the playground means:

• We follow adult directions
• We play on the fields allocated to us
• We play by the rules of the game 
• We play fairly, take turns and share
• We include others in our play
• We speak kindly to others
• We solve problems calmly together

Library

Canteen

Dates to remember

Birthdays

Community News