Effort

As we near the end of Term 3, I would like to acknowledge the effort (Hard Yakka) that the boys have displayed in all aspects of their schooling. From boys arriving in the early hours of the morning for band rehearsals, boxing classes, basketball training and even earlier for rowing, it can be said that the boys have involved themselves enthusiastically in all the opportunities available at the College.  We have boys who participated in the recent weekend Jazz Festival, Music Showcase nights as well as boys who attend homework classes after school. Our Chess team, Debating team, Theatre Sports group, Ceramics Club, Coding Club and our sporting teams including Soccer, Rugby, Water Polo, Futsal and Basketball.  The boys in the Primary School have ample opportunities to ‘find something they enjoy and to try to be the best they can be at it.’

SMART Goals

I have been very impressed with the SMART goals the boys have set this term, guiding their learning in all domains: Academic, social, sporting, emotional and spiritual. Goal setting and prioritising are important as they are proven ‘stress busters’, not to mention promoting the key foundation of organisation, a wonderful skill to develop in the younger years.

Reading

I encourage all boys to continue with their reading over the holidays, as there is no surer way to improve in all aspects of schooling than reading. Enjoy the holidays and remember that Term 4 commences on Monday 15 October, with the boys required to wear their summer uniform. Once again, the boys are permitted to wear their sports uniform on Fridays during Term 4,

Sporting Code of Conduct

It is important to remind the boys of their responsibility to play by the rules, accept the referee’s decisions (always), thank the opposition and referee and never use inappropriate language or gestures. As our theme word in the Primary School this term is ‘humility’, it is a timely reminder to win and lose graciously. Losing teaches you much more about yourself than winning and I encourage all boys to participate in any event with humility and most importantly not damaging their reputation by behaviour that is contrary to all sporting codes of conduct.

Recognition Wall

This term we have initiated the ‘Recognition Wall’ in the Primary School, which recognises work and behaviour a that is ‘above and beyond’. So far this term we have recognised boys who have been ‘nom-imated’ (nominated) by their peers for being ‘good mates’, boys who consistently display positive behaviours and contribute to a positive school culture. 

We have also recognised the boys who managed to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Congratulations to Year 5 students Oliver, Phoenix, Jack, Samuel, Jaden, Myles, Cian, Hartley, Thomas, Cooper, Luke and Oscar and to Year 6 students Ashton, Archie, Aiden, Will, Jess, Zak and Bailey for completing the required twenty novels over a five-month period.

Well done boys!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Liam Hankinson (6A) who was recently awarded an ‘A’ in his AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) exam for saxophone.  An outstanding achievement.  Well done Liam!  We look forward to hearing one of Liam’s saxophone pieces when he performs it at this Friday’s Primary Assembly.

Awards

Primary School News – Year 6

6A Newsletter – by Jake Robinson, Student Leader

6A had a lot of fun this term visiting the science labs on multiple occasions. One of the best things we did was look at and test dry ice which is one of two things that has sublimation in the world. We looked at the dry ice as we are studying changing the state. Another cool thing we did in the science lab was made slime we also did this for changing of state as we looked at slime and its viscosity and we saw the amount of pressure you apply while stirring will change the way it behaves. This was 6A’s fun in the science labs.

6C Newsletter – by Oscar McFarlane, Student Leader

In 6C this term we have learnt many different subjects. We have learnt Maths, English, History, Geography, Science and RE. These subjects have been taught to us by Mr Catanzariti. He is a great teacher and he is always wanting to teach. I have loved this term and it has been my favourite term all year. I interviewed Max Clarke-Moar and this is what he said. “In Term 3 I have learnt the most and my favourite subject this term has been Geography, learning about Australian Tourism.” In 6C we have had one student who has represented NSW for Rugby League, Touch and Rugby Union. His name is Joe Walsh, he is an outstanding sportsman and he is a nice guy. Overall this term has been one of the best and it was fun.

6L Newsletter – by Ethan Zadel, Student Leader

In 6L we have been doing an awareness campaign on global connections.  We are learning about trade, aid and tourism and how they affect Australia.  Our class is thoroughly interested in this task and are hoping to find out more about global connections.  Classmate, Oliver Castellan said, “It’s good to research it ourselves and not to have others tell it to us.” My class hopes to learn how our country is connected to the world through trade, aid and tourism.

NAPLAN Results

By now you should have received your son’s NAPLAN results, and naturally you may have some questions arising. If this is the case, please make the necessary appointment with your son’s class teacher to discuss any aspects of his results. 

Early Arrivals

Can I please remind parents that teachers do not commence their morning duty until 8:20am. I realise that some boys arrive early for band rehearsal, boxing classes, basketball training, etc. However, for safety purposes, no boy should be arriving at the College before 8:00 am (unless for the reasons above) and should not begin any games until a teacher arrives on duty. For working parents this is difficult and as we do not operate an OOSH, this adds to the complication of getting to work on time. We have investigated the viability of OOSH in the past, however the support of such a program made it financially impractical. I am more than willing to investigate this again if we have the support to sustain such a program.

Once again, if you need to discuss your situation, please arrange a meeting time through Megan Cashman, Leadership Assistant – Primary School at mcashman@saintaug.nsw.edu.au 

Family Colour Fun Run

Sunday 21 October, 2:00pm – 4.00pm

St Augustine’s College Oval

The North Harbour Parish Community Centre is now 20 years old and needs refurbishment including new flooring, painting, new carpets and bathroom renovations. We need the support of the North Harbour Community to help fund this refurbishment and a series of fundraising initiatives are planned over coming months including a Family Colour Fun Run.

Our Parish Family Colour Fun Run registration for the run is by way of Trybooking at www.trybooking.com/405151  children can also run their own fund-raising to win prizes, and parents can register the children at www.schoolfundraising.com.au  student sign up.

The day will be an enjoyable day for all the family and at the same time we will be raising much needed funds for our parish community centre. Please contact Janette at sacraments@northharbourcatholic.org.au or 0408 866 521 for further information or if you can assist in any way.

Quote for the Week . . .

“Only two things are necessary in this world: life and friendship.”  St Augustine  

Terry Walsh
Head of Primary School