Dear Parents, Teachers and Students, 

Bullying - No Way!
This week is the Bullying No Way National Week of Action, and the theme for 2025 is 'Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.’ Classes have been exploring this theme and discussing ways to help ensure that bullying is not a part of our community. There are some important Bullying No Way resources for families, available at https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/support-and-advice/for-families.

If you are ever worried that your child is experiencing bullying or some other kind of negative behaviour, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can work together to help address any problems and do our best to get negative behaviours to stop. 

Mt Carmel Day and Feast of the Assumption
Because we can’t celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel on its actual date – July 16, which falls during the school holidays – we will be celebrating our school’s foundation on another Feast Day dedicated to Mary: the Feast of the Assumption, this Friday 15 August. Fr Peter will celebrate Mass with us at 12pm in St Augustine’s Church, and parents who would like to join us for Mass are most welcome to attend (the Feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church). A special treat will be provided for everyone at lunch time (all dietary needs will be catered for) and in the afternoon, buddy-classes will get together for a variety of activities to foster school spirit and learn about our history.

Book Week 2025 – Book an Adventure!
Book Week is fast approaching and our classes are all working hard to complete displays for our Library based on this year’s short-listed books. This year we will be having our Book Week Parade next Wednesday 20 August at 12:30pm under the playground shadecloth. Our annual dress-up parade is a firm favourite on the school’s social calendar; parents and other relatives are warmly invited to attend. The school will be providing a sausage sizzle lunch for students on the day of the parade – thank you to the school Community Council for assisting!

Because many families stay back after the parade to view the class displays in the Library, we are extending the offer to families of joining in our sausage-sizzle lunch. Sausages are provided to students free-of-charge, but to help with catering and planning we ask that family members wishing to have a sausage sandwich after the parade pre-order via the RSVP link below and contribute $2 per sandwich (paid by gold-coin on the day). Please RSVP by 12pm next Monday 18 August.

https://forms.office.com/r/CcNMnLA68N

Parish Jubilee Pilgrimage
On Saturday 23 August, St Augustine’s Parish is holding a ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ walk, and registrations are open for parishioners wishing to join the journey.
The Pilgrimage commences with a blessing at St Augustine’s at 8am and concludes with 6pm Mass and supper at Murrumbateman. There are four distances to choose from – 30km, 19km, 13km or 6km. Support vehicles will be on hand to enhance your safety and comfort. Experience the physical and spiritual joy of walking as a pilgrim. For more details and registration, go to: https://staug-yass.org.au/wp/pilgrimage/.


Altar Servers
The parish is recruiting Altar Servers to serve at Mass on Sunday mornings. Serving on the altar helps children to become more engaged with the Mass and to better understand its rituals. It is also a great way to encourage our children to become active citizens, with a positive attitude towards community service. 

Servers must have received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Anyone from Year 4 and up would be most welcome to participate in this important role. Training will be provided during school hours and at Mass by the Liturgy committee and experienced servers. Please return the commitment slip (attached to this newsletter or collected from the front office) if your child would like to help with this special job.


Council of Catholic Schools Parents​​​​​​​ Free Webinars for Parents and Carers
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday 13 August, the Council of Catholic Schools Parents (CCSP) is hosting a free webinar about sleep and children’s health. 

Don't miss this opportunity to find out strategies you can use to help your children develop healthy sleeping habits for optimal function!

Join Sleep Educator Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection for an insight into how important sleep is for your children - and you - and tips for making sure the whole family gets enough zzzzzzzz.

The webinar is for parents of students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and runs from 7pm to 8pm. Follow the link below to register.

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

May God’s peace be in your families, 

Michael Green
Principal