Term 2 Week 1 Newsletter 2025
Principal's Messages
✝️🕊️ IN MEMORY OF POPE FRANCIS
During the school holidays, the world received the sad news of the passing of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis has been a global figure of compassion, humility, and hope - someone whose leadership reminded us all of the power of kindness, mercy, and care for one another. Through both his words and his actions, he inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to live with love, to show grace, and to walk gently alongside those around them.
Often called the people’s pope, Pope Francis was known for his down-to-earth nature, his deep concern for the poor and marginalised, and his commitment to building bridges rather than walls. He reached beyond tradition to connect with everyday people - listening to their stories, advocating for justice, and encouraging all of us to lead lives rooted in compassion and mercy.
As a Catholic school community, we give thanks for the life and example of Pope Francis and the way he helped shape our understanding of faith in action. His legacy continues to call us to be people of peace, inclusion, and service.
This week, we will take time together as a school to pray, reflect, and give thanks for the life of Pope Francis. In classrooms and during our shared prayer times, we will honour his memory and acknowledge the impact he has had on our Church and the wider world.
“Let us learn to live with kindness, to love everyone, even when they do not love us.”
– Pope Francis
In many ways, Pope Francis lived out the same message we hold close at St Laurence’s - that Love is the Way. As we return to school, may we continue to walk that path in the way we learn, lead, and care for one another.
May Pope Francis rest in peace, and may we carry forward his message of love and compassion in all we do.
COLLABORATE. INSPIRE. FLOURISH.
Welcome back to Term 2! It will be lovely to welcome everyone back tomorrow, ready for another great term of learning and growing together. At St Laurence’s, we know the strength of our school lies in the connections we build - between students, staff, and families. With rich learning experiences and strong, caring relationships at the heart of what we do, we’re excited to see our children continue to grow in confidence and purpose. Here’s to a happy and fulfilling term ahead!
PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR EASTER: A REFLECTION ON HOLY WEEK
In the final week of last term, our school community took time to prepare for the Easter season through prayer, reflection, and learning. Students engaged in lessons about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, deepening their understanding of the significance of Holy Week. We came together for a special liturgy, creating a meaningful space to reflect on Jesus’ message of love, compassion, courage, and hope. As we moved into the Easter holidays, we were reminded to carry these values in our hearts and to live out his teachings in our daily lives.
Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
CRIME SCENE AT ST LAURENCE'S! A VISIT FROM A VERY SPECIAL SUSPECT
In a surprise twist to end the term, our Infants students arrived at school to find their classrooms taped off and declared an official crime scene! Mysterious footprints were discovered on the verandahs and inside classrooms, along with a curious hole in the playground and scattered… chocolate eggs! It didn’t take long for our clever young detectives to connect the clues and suspect that the Easter Bunny had paid St Laurence’s a very sneaky visit!
Thanks to the incredible support of Mel Bennett and her wonderful police team, a full investigation was launched. Students were thrilled to see the police on site, collecting evidence, dusting for prints, and even questioning staff (and Wally the dog!) to rule out any false leads. There were messages left by the ‘suspect,’ which only added to the excitement and mystery of the day.
After a thorough check, the classrooms were cleared and declared safe. The police team then left - rumoured to be in pursuit of the elusive Easter Bunny!
A huge thank you to Mel and her team for creating such a magical and memorable experience for our students. It was a joyful way to finish the term and brought plenty of laughter and wonder to our school community.
Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
EASTER RAFFLE FUN BRINGS JOY AND EXCITEMENT
The annual P&F Easter Raffle was held on the Thursday afternoon of the last week of Term 1. A big thank you to Mrs Alley, Mrs Grey, and Miss Ogilvie who coordinated the tickets and created the majestic Easter baskets that were drooled over by many of our eager ticket holders! The children especially enjoyed popping into the office in the days leading up to the draw to admire the prizes on offer and chat excitedly about which one they hoped to win.
Thank you also to Nadia Dowell and Erin O'Leary, who drew the winning tickets for the minor prizes and organised their delivery to classrooms.
We are so grateful to all our families for supporting this fundraiser. It’s always a lot of fun gathering the eggs in the lead-up to Easter and sharing in the excitement and anticipation together. Your generosity is appreciated, and the money raised will be put to good use by our hardworking P&F.
Congratulations to our major prize winners: Uriah, Eddie, George, Harry, Del, Connor, Frankie, Kodah, Wendall, Ollie, Grace, Georgie, Polly, Ashima, Flynn, and Iyla. There were also many minor prizes drawn and delivered to students in their classes.
Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
ST LAURENCE’S STUDENTS MARCH TO HONOUR OUR ANZACS
Last week, we felt immense pride as our students took part in the ANZAC Day Parade, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our fallen soldiers. It was truly moving to witness their quiet respect and heartfelt gratitude for those who have served - and continue to serve - our country.
As a school community, we were honoured to be part of this important day of remembrance. We hold in our hearts all who protect our freedom and continue to pray for a future marked by peace, unity, and understanding. Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
We will commemorate ANZAC Day as a school community with a liturgy in St Laurence's Church at 12pm this Thursday. All are warmly welcome to join us.
JOIN US FOR OUR P&F GENERAL MEETING – TUESDAY 6TH MAY
Our next P&F General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th May at 6:30pm via Zoom. All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend, and we would love to see as many people as possible join us online. The Zoom link will be shared via Compass the day before the meeting.
One of the key items on the agenda will be the adoption or amendment of the new P&F Constitution. If you would like to read through the proposed constitution ahead of the meeting, please see the link below.
We will also begin planning for our upcoming Soccer Gala Day, which is always a much-anticipated event in our school calendar.
Your input and support are highly valued, so please consider joining us for this important meeting. We look forward to working together to continue strengthening our school community.
YEAR 6 STUDENTS READY TO LEAD PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
In the final week of Term 1, our Year 6 students completed two days of Peer Support training designed to build their confidence, leadership, and communication skills. The training equipped them with the knowledge and tools needed to guide small groups of Kindergarten to Year 5 students in structured sessions focused on friendship, resilience, and fostering a positive school culture.
We are so proud of the way our Year 6 students embraced this responsibility, and we look forward to seeing their leadership in action as the Peer Support program begins in Term 2 and continues into Term 3.
Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
YEAR 4 EXPLORE HISTORY, ART AND SUSTAINABILITY
At the end of last term, Year 4 ventured to the Western Plains Cultural Centre for a day full of discovery and inspiration. Students explored local history at the museum and experienced what school was like in the past as they stepped inside an olden day classroom. They also gathered ideas from the creative Waste 2 Art exhibition, which sparked their imaginations and inspired them to create their own artworks.
Using recycled materials, students crafted their waste-to-art pieces in the art rooms at the Cultural Centre - a wonderful display of imagination, sustainability, and learning in action. Be sure to check out their amazing creations!
Please see our FaceBook page for more photos.
STAGE 2 & 3 SPELLING BEE FINALISTS READY FOR THE FINAL
Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 Spelling Bee Final will be held on Wednesday, 30th April, in the Hall. The Stage 3 final will commence at 9:00 am, followed by the Stage 2 final at 10:00 am.
The top 10 finalists from each stage, selected through their in-class competitions, have qualified for this event. The Winner and Runner-Up will go on to represent our school at the Diocesan Spelling Bee in Wellington on 28th May.
Parents of students who have progressed to the finals have been notified.
EVERY DAY COUNTS: BUILDING CONNECTION, BELONGING AND SUCCESS THROUGH REGULAR ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance enables your child to participate in extracurricular activities, collaborate with peers, and engage in classroom discussions - all of which contribute to their sense of belonging and overall wellbeing.
Regular attendance:
Fosters a positive and enriching school experience.
Ensures students have the opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, arts, and enrichment programs.
Supports consistent participation in classroom activities, helping students build strong connections with teachers and peers.
Helps establish positive habits early in life - including punctuality and commitment - which are valuable in both school and future personal and professional settings.
If your child is avoiding or disengaging from the opportunities provided at school, take time to understand why.
ELECTION 2025
Catholic Education asked the Australian Labor Party, Liberal National Coalition, the Australian Greens and key Independent candidates to provide their response to our priorities for Catholic education:
🡆 Funding certainty for Catholic schools
🡆 Support for faith-based schools
🡆 Sector-neutrality
🡆 Addressing disadvantage
🡆 Early childhood education
Overall, they scored:
✅ Australian Labor Party
✅ Liberal National Coalition
❌ Australian Greens
❓ Independents (supported by Climate 200)
See the full scorecard and read their full responses via https://bit.ly/4jtGl7P
Religious Education
Prayer in Honour of Pope Francis
Loving God,
We give thanks for the life, faith, and leadership of Pope Francis.
Through his kindness, courage, and compassion, he showed us how to live with love and hope.
Now that he rests with You, may his example continue to inspire us to care for others, seek justice, and walk humbly with You.
May his spirit of peace and mercy live on in our hearts.
Amen.
Alicia O'Connor - RE Coordinator
Gospel Focus
This week at school, as we reflect on the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, we hear how the risen Jesus walked alongside His disciples, even when they didn’t recognise Him at first. It’s a reminder that Christ journeys with us in all things—through joy, doubt, and challenge. This week, as we also pause to commemorate ANZAC Day, we remember those who gave their lives in service, and those who continue to serve. Their courage and sacrifice echo the love Christ showed us through the cross. May we honour their memory by living lives of hope, peace, and compassion, knowing that the risen Jesus is always by our side.
Term 2 Events
| TBA Early Term | Year 6 Pre-Confirmation Retreat Day |
| Week 2 | Mother’s Day Liturgy (Friday 9th May @ 12:45pm- 1:10pm followed by a picnic lunch to be held in St Laurence’s Church- led by Early Stage 1: Kindy ) |
| Week 3 | CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK (12th - 16th May) |
| Week 3 | Catholic Schools Week Liturgy & Miss Ireson’s Farewell (Thursday the 15th of May @ 12:15pm - 1:10pm to be held in St Laurence’s Church- led by RE SRC and Ministers followed by a combined picnic lunch ) |
| Week 3 | Confirmation Enrolment Weekend ( 17th & 18th of May as part of weekend Masses to be held in St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 4 | YEAR 5 and Kindy Parish Mass ( Friday 23rd May @ 12 noon to be held in St Laurence’s Church) |
| Week 4 | Confirmation Enrolment Weekend ( 24th & 25th of May as part of weekend Masses to be held in St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 4 | YEAR 5 and Kindy Parish Mass ( Friday 23rd May @ 12 noon to be held in St Laurence’s Church) |
| Week 4 | Confirmation Enrolment Weekend ( 24th & 25th of May as part of weekend Masses to be held in St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 5 | National Sorry Day (Monday 26th of May) |
| Week 6 | YEAR 6 & YEAR 1 Parish Mass (Friday 6th of June @ 12 noon to be held in St Laurence’s Church) |
| Week 7 | KING’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Monday 11th of June) |
| Week 7 | Preparation Sessions for Confirmation (Tuesday 10th of June @ 6:15pm after 5:45pm Mass, Wednesday 11th of June @ 4:30pm & Sunday the 15th of June @ 10am after 9am Mass to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 8 | Making Jesus Real (MJR) Visitor - Peter Mitchell (Tuesday the 17th of June) |
| Week 8 | Year 6 RE TEST (Wednesday the 18th of June) |
| Week 8 | Preparation Sessions for Confirmation (Tuesday 17th of June @ 6:15pm after 5:45pm Mass, Wednesday 18th of June @ 4:30pm & Sunday the 22nd of June @ 10am after 9am Mass to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 8 | Enrolment for First Holy Communion (Saturday 21st and Sunday the 22nd of June be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 8 | Whole School Meet 4 Mass (Sunday 22nd of June to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 9 | Preparation Sessions for Confirmation (Tuesday 24th of June @ 6:15pm after 5:45pm Mass, Wednesday 25th of June @ 4:30pm & Sunday the 29th of June @ 10am after 9am Mass to be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 9 | Enrolment for First Holy Communion (Saturday 28th and Sunday the 29th of June be held at St Brigid’s Church) |
| Week 10 | NAIDOC Day and Celebrations: Liturgy (Thursday 3rd of July to be held in St Laurence’s Church @ 9am) |
| TERM 3 | Celebration of Confirmation 26th/27th July with Bishop Michael McKenna 2nd/3rd August with Parish Priests |
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
Sports
GOOD LUCK URIAH!
Congratulations to Uriah who has been called into the Bathurst Diocese Netball team and will compete at the upcoming trials for a Polding selection. Wishing Uriah all the best at the trials being held in Bathurst on Friday!
COOLAH CROSS COUNTRY
A reminder to all students that qualified for the Diocesan Cross Country in Coolah on Tuesday 6h May. Registration and payment to attend is to be completed on CSNSW Sport website before this Friday 2nd May.
All competitors will walk the course from 10.30am with events commencing after that. The Junior Events (8/9yrs and 10yrs) are 2.0km while the Senior Events (11yrs, 12yrs and over) are 3.0km.
Children will need to wear their full sport uniform, including hat. Please pack sunscreen, water, recess and lunch. There will be canteen facilities available.
Please see the event on Compass to complete step 2 of your attendance and further details of the day.
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 being respectful in all settings.
Being respectful in all school settings means:
- We follow adult directions
- We speak kindly to others
- We listen to others
- We wear the correct school uniform
- We use our manners
- We respect other people’s space
- We respect the uniqueness of others
- We are quiet around classrooms
Library
Canteen
A big Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to help in our canteen in Term 2. We are still looking for a volunteer for Friday 9th May (Week 2). If you are able to assist please contact the office.
A copy of the full term roster will be sent out to parents who volunteered this week.
Dates to remember
Birthdays
