2024, Term 2, Week 4

Principal Message

Dear Families,

At our last Parent Forum meeting we had Janita Thompson from the Catholic Schools Office present two models regarding the proposed structure of the Parent Forum. We thank Janita for her presentation. Following this meeting a survey has been sent out asking for your preferred option and for your opinions. The survey closes tomorrow. Your views on this would be greatly appreciated. The Parent Forum Committee will come together, consider the results and make a decision in consultation with the school as to our preferred model.

This week we had the NESA (NSW Educational Standards Authority) conduct a Work Health and Safety audit of the school. As anticipated the audit went exceptionally well and I would like to acknowledge the work of our wonderful Office staff - Bianca and Ash for their extraordinary work in this space.

I have included in this newsletter the results and outcome of a recent survey which asked you to respond to  questions about school reports and K-2 swimming programme. Thank you to the 90+ families who responded.

Possibly "Death By Survey", however our annual "Tell Them From Me' survey has been issued to all families. In addition to families, all staff and students in Yrs 4,5 & 6 complete the survey. This information is vital in informing the school as to what we are doing well, what we can improve upon and what we need to change. If you can spare 20 minutes to complete the survey, this would be greatly appreciated.

During the week the school hosted a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) day. Ten local Catholic Schools were represented and they came together to pit their minds against each other. A big thank you to Mrs Jess Wilson (Acting LOP) who coordinated this fantastic day and opportunity.

This term we have commenced our Peer Support Program. This happens every second Friday afternoon. From the two sessions run, it seems to be going really well and our Yr 6 students who lead the groups are doing an amazing job.

Last week we had a visit from two members of the NSW Police Force who spoke to the Yr 3-6 students about Bike Safety. It is so important that safety is taught and modelled from home. Please ensure that your child:

1. Wears a helmet.
2. Obeys traffic signals.
3. Stay visible.
4. Is aware of and follows road rules.
5. The bike is in correct working order - check brakes, chain and bell.

 A big thank you to both Officers for giving their time to speak to the children. 

This coming Sunday is National Sorry Day which is then followed by National Reconciliation week. National Sorry Day acknowledges the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians. Reconciliation Week promotes unity and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Thank you to Ms Zoe Roberts, our Indigenous Education Worker for coordinating events in recognition of these important dates.

Finally a BIG THANKYOU to our Yr 3 families who coordinated our School Disco this Friday night.

Have a great weekend.

Warm Regards,

Brian Laybutt
Principal

Year 2 Assembly

Term 2 Friday Assembly and Peer Support Calendar

Classroom Showcase

School Awards

Survey Results

Thank you to those families who completed the surveys pertaining to a school swimming program and the release of school reports. 

The results of the surveys can be viewed below:

With consideration of survey data the following decisions have been made:

1. School swimming K-2 will continue and will be conducted in the last two weeks of Term 3, coinciding which with Yr 4, 5 & 6 being on school camps. The K-2 students will travel to and from Kingscliff pool via bus.

2. We are awaiting confimation from the Catholic Schools Office as to when the school reports would be made available for distribution. Once this is determined we will release these times. Noting specific consideration will be given to an opportunity for families to meet with the class teachers post reports being handed out.

St Ambrose hosts Tweed cluster STEM day

On Monday, May 20th, St Ambrose hosted a STEM day for all nine Catholic primary schools within our Tweed Cluster. The day brought together approximately 80 enthusiastic, like-minded students for a day of hands-on STEM activities, problem solving and collaborative learning. Students and teachers explored innovative technologies and engaged in STEM-based challenges, fostering creativity and collaboration. The day was a fantastic opportunity for students to delve into the exciting world of STEM and for teachers to enhance their skills in the area of technology in education.

Commitment Mass for children - First Holy Communion

Last Sunday the students attended a special commitment Mass in preparation for their sacrament of Holy Communion.

Yr 4 Retreat Day

The year 4 students recently participated in a special retreat day dedicated to learning about Holy Communion. This enriching experience was designed to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this important sacrament.

Throughout the day, students engaged in a variety of activities, including reflective prayer sessions, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops. They explored the significance of Holy Communion in our faith, its historical roots, and its relevance in our daily lives.

The retreat provided a wonderful opportunity for students to grow spiritually, strengthen their relationship with God, and build a sense of community with their peers!

Mini Vinnies

Mini Vinnies are volunteers from Years 5 and 6 who get together to help those in need within their school community. Mini Vinnies introduces children to social justice issues, to the St Vincent de Paul Society and to living faith through action. The group is responsible for the organisation of fundraising events at school for our local community. 

At Mass this week the Mini Vinnies badges were blessed and students said their pledge. We are all very proud of these student volunteers who are currently organising the Winter Appeal at school for those who are less fortunate in our community. Each classroom has a basket for donations to be collected. We greatly appreciate your support with helping those in need. 

Winter Appeal

Parish Newsletter

Upcoming Sport Events

Zone 1500m and 800m Trials 

The Athletics carnival is fast approaching us as well as Zone trials for the 1500m event. In preparation for these races we will be holding the following trials on the following day:

- Tuesday Week 6 we will be holding the 1500m trials for Zone for the Junior (8s, 9, and 10s), 11s and Senior boys and girls. Only 2 students per age group will qualify to participate at zone in this event. The zone trial will be held on Tuesday in Week 10 (2/7). Students will need to make their own way to this event after school hours. If your child does not wish to qualify for this event they do not need to run the school trials. 

- Tuesday Week 7 (11/6) we will be having 800m trials for the Junior (8s, 9, and 10s) boys and girls to qualify to race at our school athletics carnival. We will be taking the top 10 students through. 

For both of these events students are asked to bring a change of clothes and joggers to run in. More information will be sent out closer to the date.

Kind regards, 

Rachelle King

Upcoming events update:

DIO Cross Country

On Tuesday we had 4 students travel to Grafton for the Diocesan Cross Country trials. Flynn, Byron, Eva and Eden raced incredibly well in a very challenging course. 

Flynn placed 15th in the 9yr old boys 2km course

Byron placed 17th in the 11yr old boys 3km course

Eva placed 13th in the 11 yr old girls 3km course

A huge congratulations to Eden, who placed 2nd in the 11yr old girls 3km course

Eden is now off to the Polding trials down in Sydney. We wish Eden all the best on the 5th of June.

World Bee Day - Kindergarten

On Monday, Kindergarten had Mr Richter join us in our classrooms to talk to us about bees for World Bee Day. Mr Richter talked to us about the awareness and the importance of Honey Bees, and why we need to protect them and other such pollinators. After our unbee-lievable talk we got to taste and eat fresh honey and honeycomb from Koala Beach Brood. It was bee-licious! Kindergarten sincerely thank Mr Richter for his time and generosity. 

Jack Evans Boat Harbour

We had the best day at Jack Evan's Boat Harbour Playground. It was so much fun! We climbed, slid, and swung on lots of different playground structures. This was all part of our special investigation in Science in preparation for designing and making our own dream playgrounds. We can't share all our creations with you! 

Year 1 

Year 5 - Eureka Excursion

On Monday the 20th of May Year Five went to Eureka Excursion for the  Gold Rush Experience! They did a variety of activates including Gold Panning, Haggling, Town Mapping, Tent making and a lot more. All Year 5 students had a wonderful time dressing up and experiencing what life was like in the 1800s.

National Simultaneous Storytime

Over 2 million school children read the same book at the same time in Australia and New Zealand.The book was called " Bowerbird".  Written and Illustrated by Aura Parker.

Birthday Celebrations at School

Wellbeing

eBook of the week

Learning Collaborative

On Wednesday 8th May we hosted a professional learning day with leaders from schools across the diocese. The leaders visited all of the classrooms and asked students the 5 questions: 

• What are you learning? Why?

• How are you going? 

• How do you know?

• How can you improve?

• Where do you go to for help? 

It was evident that students were able to articulate what they are learning and why. This is important so that students value their own learning and strive to improve. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate all of the wonderful things that happen here at St Ambrose! 

Chelsea Carter
Assistant Principal- Learning & Teaching

Jess Wilson
Acting Leader of Pedagogy

Healthy sleep, exercise and diet can make a difference.

Healthy sleep, exercise, and diet play critical roles in a student's overall wellbeing, impacting not only their physical health but also their cognitive function, emotional regulation and ability to focus. 

Encouraging healthy habits early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of wellbeing. Children who learn the importance of sleep, exercise and a balanced diet are more likely to carry these habits into adolescence and adulthood, impacting their overall attendance and success in school.

NORPA - Laboratory of Lights

Community News