Term 4 Week 2 (25/10/2024)

What is On?

Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you all for your support with the change in uniform this week for sport. ES1 and S1 on Tuesday and S@ and S3 on Thursday. All reported a successful first out and about sport for the term and a fun experience.

We did have one problem though... 

Can everyone put names on sports shirts, sports shorts, hats (which must be on for these activities)  and if you would not mind even undies?

I leave all busy families to paint their own picture of getting 170-ish children reunited with their belongings after the sport this week, when 170-ish shirts all look the same, no one knows what size they wear and not a lot of shorts have names on them. Nothing to say about undies!

Thanks in advance. 

We had our first in school mass this week with Father Roland and it was a lovely experience for Stage 1. We also had a lovely day today with International Teachers Day . Thank you for the treats and "apples for the teachers" our day started very well! 

Myself, Mrs Howland Sanne Little and Zoe Edwards visited the Toy Library today. This is part of Sanne's leadership goals for 2024. Next Monday she will launch a toy appeal. Watch instagram to learn more.

This weekend Saint James leads the ministry for the Parish Mass. All would be most welcome to come along at 5:30pm in the St James Church in town. 

See you next week... Wednesday in Crazy Socks

Ann

RE News

Exuro (Latin for “on fire”) is a student discipleship formation program for Year 5 students that aims to strengthen the lives of Catholic School students and keep the fire and passion of Proclaim Lismore Students alive in parish primary schools.

Exuro is a one-day faith retreat experience using various prayer methods, group processes and student-led discussions to equip students to be faith leaders in their parish school communities. On Tuesday Year 5 students travelled to McAuley College, Grafton to participate in the Exuro Retreat. They enjoyed participating in various activities with other Year 5 students from the four Clarence Catholic Primary Schools and working with the Year 9 Ministry Class.

School Parish Mass

School Parish Mass

Tomorrow evening (Sat 26/10) we are having our School Parish Mass at St James Church, Yamba 5:30pm for those families who wish to join us. We would love to see our school community there!

SOCKTOBER - Wednesday 30th October

Next Wednesday 30th October our school is participating in Socktober for Mission Month. This program – run by Catholic Mission – invites students to connect with young people experiences challenges in the developing world through education and fundraising.

In 2024, our collective fundraising efforts will support children who have been abandoned, who are homeless, or fleeing violence, in Mongolia. In the capital, Ulaanbaatar, the harsh, snowy winters can get as low as -40*C, adding an extra challenge for those who have no safe shelter. Thankfully, the Don Bosco Caring Center provides children in need with a warm and safe home, nutritious meals, and access to education.

Through Socktober, we can contribute towards this critical mission program and make a positive impact for these children in Mongolia and more in need around the world.

We invite all students and staff to wear CRAZY SOCKS to school next Wednesday 30/10 and bring a gold coin donation for this important initiative.

•  $30 can help provide warm winter clothing and school uniforms for children. 
•  $50 can help provide every child with pencils, books and other stationery for them to use at school.
•  $100 can help purchase food such as milk, vegetables and meat to make nutritious meals for the         children.
•   $200 can contribute towards a school bus to safely transport students to and from school.

Socktober engages children's head, heart and hands in mission, and we look forward to working with you will join us this year to make a positive impact for children in need in Mongolia and around the world.

Thank you for your generosity.

Renee Howland 

Assistant Principal Mission

Sport News

Congratulations Chase!

On Wednesday Chase headed to Sydney to compete in the PSSA Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. Chase competed in the 100m, placing 5th in his heat, sending him to the semi-finals on Thursday. Such a huge achievement to make it to PSSA level, we are all very proud of you. Congratulations Chase!

School Swimming and Surfing

Our school swimming and surfing program started this week, and by all reports the students had a great time! Please ensure that all of your childs things are labeled with their name or initials, this makes it easier to return any belongings to their owner. 

Zone Summer Sport Trials

Good luck to those students who are trialling in the Zone Summer Sport trials which are taking place next week for cricket, tennis, touch football and basketball (year 4 & 5 students only). If your child nominated to trial for one of the sports, you should have received an email containing all of the information including trial day and location. Those students trialling for cricket are required to bring their own kit to the trial. We wish all students the best of luck at their trials!

Kind regards

Tash Hancock

Sports Coordinator

Pyjama Day

Message from Yamba St Vincent de Paul:

I was so pleased to hear that the children from Year 6 class were wanting to emulate the Vinnies CEO Sleepout for homelessness fundraiser by having a Pyjama Day.  They raised $303.65 which is fantastic for one day!  These funds are very welcome to St Vincent de Paul Yamba to support our clients who are experiencing homelessness – who may be couch surfing, sleeping in their car, or temporary accommodation in motel, or camping.

Canteen News

Webinar - Breaking Point

Justin Coulson presents "Breaking Point - Unpacking the crisis in youth mental health."

The NSW Council of Catholic School Parents is again providing an opportunity for all Catholic school parents to register to attend this free webinar. If you missed out last term, please register to learn more about how you as a parent can understand what is happening in regard to youth mental health issues and how to support your young person to thrive. Register via this flyer.

Attendance

Little J's

Stage 1 News

On Tuesday, we were fortunate to welcome Fr. Roland to St. James, where the students in Stage 1 had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a special Mass held in our school hall. During the Mass, Fr. Roland took the time to discuss the various parts of the Mass, carefully explaining the significance of the different items used and their purpose in the celebration. His explanations helped deepen the students' understanding of the sacred traditions that are part of the Catholic faith.

In our Religion lessons, we are currently exploring the parable of The Good Samaritan, focusing on the important message it teaches about kindness, compassion, and recognising everyone as our neighbour—regardless of their beliefs, background, or differences. This lesson highlights the universal value of treating others with respect and care, mirroring the love and kindness shown in the parable.

We are excited to share that Fr. Roland will be returning next week to continue discussing this powerful parable, allowing the students to delve even deeper into its meaning and how it applies to their daily lives. His visits provide a wonderful opportunity for the children to engage with these essential teachings and reflect on the ways they can practice kindness in their own lives.

Birthdays

Vivian 1/11, Silka 5/11, Duke 5/11, Meg 6/11, Georgia 8/11, Billy 9/11, Snow 11/11, Sage 14/11