School Newsletter

Hello everyone! My name is Joshua Wright, I am the Indigenous Education Worker at St Joseph's Primary Laurieton. This term, I have had the pleasure of working with the many amazing students and families that are part of this welcoming and close-knit community and I look forward to many more opportunities in the future. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Deadly means excellent, or very good in the same way that “wicked”, “sick” or “awesome” is used by many young people today. “Deadly News” is an opportunity for students to share their experiences with others that they enjoyed over a weekend, during the week or something they look forward to in the future. One of the many things I enjoy about working at this school is hearing the many fantastic stories and successes of our students. One student, in particular, I want to recognise is this young man, Hardy Fletcher. Hardy is currently in year 6 and has recently been involved in a professional interview with Riptide, which is the world’s longest running bodyboard magazine. Throughout the course of his term, Hardy has also participated in bodyboarding competitions and recently received 2^nd overall in the under 18s bodyboarding competition in Port Stephens. On behalf of the staff and students here at St Joseph’s Primary Laurieton, we’d like to commend Hardy on his ongoing efforts and achievements. Congratulations and Well done Hardy! We are so proud of you!

Hardy’s interview with Riptide. - https://www.riptidemag.com.au/features/riptide-groms-hardy-fletcher?

Kind regards,

Joshua Wight

Indigenous Education Worker

*Further dates will be advised via Compass or Schoolzine. Please contact your class parent/s for more information on social activity.

2024 CLASS PARENTS

All Dads: Tony Maher (Artie Year 1) 

K: Irene Santi, Taliska Arentsen, Katie Barker 

1: Rachel deVries, Emma Hockham. Justine Reedy, Tony Maher

2: Lyndelle Lee, Emily Fogg, Katie Barker

3: Lou Roberts, Emma Hockham, Aaron Jackson, Erin Elliot, Katie Barker, Brooke Hudson

4: Erin Richards, Lyndelle Lee, Hayley Guffogg

5: Tamara Romer, Rachel deVries, Emily Fogg

6: Brooke Hudson. Michelle Latham, Chaney Boyle

School Leadership Contact: Fiona Hayward

Knowledgeable Others (for support to new class parents): Brooke Hudson and Michelle Latham

We currently have no one volunteering for the canteen for term 2. Unfortunately, if we do not have helpers for the canteen days, we may be unable to open. Please contact me if you are able to assist with at all next term.

Kind regards

Emma Hockham

Uniforms 

Stage 2

Stage 2 Students have been busy investigating how to successfully design, plan and produce an environment to support the growth of a seedling. Check out their wonderful mini greenhouse designs!

Mrs Natalie Hurrell

Happy Birthday 

Year 6 

This term Year 6 have been working on creating a game suitable for younger students, that would target improving their fundamental movement skills. They began the unit by researching what skills their Kinder buddies needed to work on and then used this information to create a game/activity for their buddies to engage in. All the games were given the tick of approval from the Kinders!

Year 5

Cyber Safety Workshop

Thank you to the students and parents who attended our Cyber Safety workshop. There was an amazing collaboration between families to develop their own technology agreement.

Stage 1

This term in History, Stage 1 students have been learning about 'Past and Present' looking at our school history in the past and the present. This week we stepped back in time making some fun games from the past.

Kinder end of Term revision fun

Assembly 

Class Awards

Happy Birthday 

Class of the week

ANZAC DAY ATTENDANCE 2024

Dear Parents/Carers, 

On Thursday, 25th April, we will proudly celebrate ANZAC Day. 

Our school will be joining the ANZAC March in town this year. 

We will meet at LUSC at 10:10. Please let us know if your child is able to join the march through town by completing the form below. 

Children are to be dressed in their full summer uniform, including their hat as well as the correct black school shoes. Children are encouraged to bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen.

We would love to see you there! 

Kind Regards,

St Joseph's Primary

Child's Name *

Child 2 Name

Child 3 Name

Child 4 Name

Contact Number

ANZAC DAY MARCH ATTENDANCE * Please SelectYes, my child will be marching with the school on ANZAC Day.No, my child is unable to march on ANZAC Day.Maybe, we will try to get there.

Parent Email *

Submit

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Celebrating Catholic Education Week

As we conclude an eventful Term 1, we are filled with immense gratitude for the sense of community and faith that has been displayed during Catholic Education Week.

We kicked off the week with a highly successful 2025 Kindergarten Information and Open Night on Monday. It was wonderful to see 25 new and existing families join us, exploring what our school has to offer. Our students shone brightly, taking on roles from welcoming guests, leading tours, showcasing STEM activities, to performing in the brass band and playing guitar. Their enthusiasm and support were truly commendable. A special thank you to the leadership team and Mrs. Carlie Dedal for their informative presentations, and to all staff members who contributed to the success of the evening through their efforts in setting up, cooking, serving food, and supervising.  

The response to the Kindergarten Information and Open Night has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous applications already received. We encourage any current families with children of school age in 2025, or those who know someone considering enrolling, to apply at the earliest convenience. Kindergarten enrolment interviews are set to commence on the 20th of May in Term 2. 

Our CyberSafety Parent and Student Night on Tuesday was another highlight, with 20 families in attendance. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for open discussions about technology use at home and online safety. It was a step forward in helping families establish good digital habits and crafting their own family technology agreements.

Congratulations to our Mini Vinnies Students and the Year 5/6 students who organised a fantastic Project Compassion fun day today to support Caritas in their mission to aid those in need across the globe. The sponge throwing, hair spray and nails stall, footy throwing, basketball shootout and the obstacle course were a hit among the students, making an afternoon filled with laughter and generosity. The week concluded with a beautiful liturgy presented by Year Two, which captured the spirit of Catholic Education Week and the values that are the cornerstone of our community. 

Congratulations Bella!

This week Bella competed in the NSW State Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. Bella competed in the 50m Freestyle on Thursday and the 50m Backstroke on Friday. Back in the school hall, we all gathered to watch Bella on the big screen as her race was live-streamed. The cheering could be heard across the Parish with the workers at Gowrie commenting on how lovely it was to hear the “Bella” chant going up.  

Celebrating a New Addition to Ms. Lulham's Family!

We are thrilled to share that our beloved teacher, Josie Lulham and her partner Tyler are expecting a baby! Please join us in congratulating them on this wonderful news. We look forward to welcoming the newest member of their family. Let's extend our warmest wishes to Josie and Tyler during this exciting time.

Before and After School Care and Vacation Care

We would like to say thank you to all the educators at Gowrie who have brought a wonderful service to our school. As Aspire is taking over Gowrie, we are pleased that many of the wonderful educators are staying on to support our students who use this service. Aspire will start next week for Vacation Care. See the Vacation Program below. 

Asprie Program https://sjpslaurieton.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/12713/asprie_vc_program_autum_2024.pdf

As we head into the holiday break, we wish all our families a time of rest and rejuvenation. We are looking forward to seeing you all in Term 2, refreshed and ready for new learning opportunities that lie ahead.

Best wishes from the leadership team 

	Mr Rick Galvin Principal
	Mrs Maria Wilson Assistant Principal Mission
	Mrs Jessica Koenig  Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

*Further dates will be advised via Compass or Schoolzine. Please contact your class parent/s for more information on social activity.

2024 CLASS PARENTS

All Dads: Tony Maher (Artie Year 1) 

K: Irene Santi, Taliska Arentsen, Katie Barker 

1: Rachel deVries, Emma Hockham. Justine Reedy, Tony Maher

2: Lyndelle Lee, Emily Fogg, Katie Barker

3: Lou Roberts, Emma Hockham, Aaron Jackson, Erin Elliot, Katie Barker, Brooke Hudson

4: Erin Richards, Lyndelle Lee, Hayley Guffogg

5: Tamara Romer, Rachel deVries, Emily Fogg

6: Brooke Hudson. Michelle Latham, Chaney Boyle

School Leadership Contact: Fiona Hayward

Knowledgeable Others (for support to new class parents): Brooke Hudson and Michelle Latham

This week, Bella and Gypsy swam at the NSWCPS Swimming Championships for Polding in Sydney. The event was live broadcast, so the whole school could meet in the hall to cheer the girls on. The school was so excited! We were sure the girls could hear us all the way from Sydney.

Gypsy came away from the event with a 4th place and Bella came second in both her events taking home two silver medals. Bella will now represent Polding at the State Championships next week.

We are super proud of both girls.

He is Risen colouring in Kindergarten

Stage 2 Theater Show

On Thursday, Year 3 and 4 caught the bus to Port Macquarie to see a musical production based on the book series, Dogman. The show was highly entertaining, featuring catchy songs, clever dances and lots of witty jokes. After the show, we walked to Town Green for recess and a play. Students really enjoyed the theatre experience. We are really proud of how the students represented our school in the community and look forward to the next opportunity to experience another production!

Please check your Compass Events Module for:

Year 5 and 6 Volunteers and Brass Band for Kindergarten Information night on Monday 8th April.

Storm Boy Movie Permission - Year 6 

Dance Eisteddfod - Infants, Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Selected students)

ANZAC DAY ATTENDANCE 2024

Dear Parents/Carers, 

On Thursday, 25th April, we will proudly celebrate ANZAC Day. 

Our school will be joining the ANZAC March in town this year. 

We will meet at LUSC at 10:10. Please let us know if your child is able to join the march through town by completing the form below. 

Children are to be dressed in their full summer uniform, including their hat as well as the correct black school shoes. Children are encouraged to bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen.

We would love to see you there! 

Kind Regards,

St Joseph's Primary

Child's Name *

Child 2 Name

Child 3 Name

Child 4 Name

Contact Number

ANZAC DAY MARCH ATTENDANCE * Please SelectYes, my child will be marching with the school on ANZAC Day.No, my child is unable to march on ANZAC Day.Maybe, we will try to get there.

Parent Email *

Submit

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Thank you for your submission. It has been received successfully.

RECONCILIATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION TERM 2 2024

Dates have been confirmed for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Catholic students in Year 4 (or above) will prepare for these sacraments as part of their Religious Education lessons in term 2. 

Reconciliation - Thursday 13th June 5pm - St Peter the Fisherman, Laurieton

First Communion - Sunday 23rd June 9am - St Peter the Fisherman, Laurieton

Mrs Wilson will send home registration forms to Year 4 students early next term. Families outside the school should contact the Parish Office to register their intentions and organise lessons.

CONFIRMATION TERM 3 2024

Bishop Homeming will visit the Parish in mid-September. The Sacrament of Confirmation is booked for Monday 16th September at 5pm. Catholic Students in Year 3 (or above) will prepare for this Sacrament in class in term 3. More information to come.

This week has been a joyous week as we commence the Easter season which lasts for 50 days up until Pentecost. On Tuesday we celebrated Christ’s resurrection with a ‘Service of Light’ similar to the Easter Vigil. At the service every child and staff member held a candle and were asked to consider how they will share their light with the world.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Stage 2 had back-to-back excursions with a farm visit and an excursion to watch Dogman at the Glasshouse (see pictures below). Thank you to Mrs Hurrell and Mrs Koenig for organising these events that add invaluable experiences to our children’s lives.

Some good decisions by Mr Marshall meant we postponed our Friday Cross Country and all the teachers were glad we were not running in the torrential rain today. The cross country will now be held on Thursday 11th April at Bonny Hills. We apologise for those who have had to change arrangements but our students' safety and well-being will always come first. 

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

We have a huge week coming up next week. Unfortunately we have had to postpone the Family Mass and Bingo but will hold this early next term. 

On Monday 8th April, we have our 2025 Kindergarten Open Night. We encourage all existing families to get their enrolments in ASAP as there has been unprecedented interest in our school for Kindergarten 2025. Enrolment interviews will open on Monday night and there is still time to register for the night here. With 59 people already attending, it is important we know numbers for catering.

On Tuesday 9th April, our very own Mrs Jackson will present a Cyber Safety Evening for students and their parents. There is a $30 EB games lucky door prize and food provided by the Parent Assembly on the night. There are almost 40 people registered for the night. RSVP here by Monday 5pm for catering purposes.

On Thursday, 11th April, we will gather at Bonny Hills for our School Cross Country. The canteen is open for a limited menu which will be delivered to Bonny Hills for lunch. We need lots of course volunteers to keep an eye on the students as they run the race.

On Friday 12th April, our last day of term, the Mini Vinnies students and all of year 5 & 6 are running the Project Compassion Fun Activity fundraiser. With stalls such as sponge throw, hair spray and nails, obstacle course and so much more, we can’t wait to have a great day and also raise funds for Caritas who support those in need across the world. Students wear casual sun-safe clothes and bring gold coin donations. We will conclude an action packed term with Friday assembly hosted by year 2.

ANZAC DAY

This year, ANZAC Day falls in the second week of school holidays. Thank you to all the families who have already indicated that their child will be marching in the Parade on Thursday 25th April. Our veterans appreciate that our students and their families attend and our school is always very well represented. If your child will be marching, please let us know via this form. We will be having a ANZAC liturgy on Wednesday 1st May at 12:45pm in the school hall. All are welcome.

Best wishes from the leadership team 

	Mr Rick Galvin Principal
	Mrs Maria Wilson Assistant Principal Mission
	Mrs Jessica Koenig  Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Cross Country at Bonny Hills

This is just a reminder that a Cross-Country carnival will be held at Bonny Hills Beach next Friday, April 5th. Please make sure you have filled in the permission form on Compass. On this day, we rely on our parents to assist with safety and supervision around the course. If you can spare some time on the day, please see Mr Marshall at the venue or your child’s teacher.

We look forward to seeing you there.