Week 2

Tuesday 11th - 1st Day of Canteen

Tuesday 11th - Touch Footy Skills Year 1-6

Tuesday 11th - Safer Internet Day

Thursday 13th - National Apology Day

Thursday 13th - Canteen

Friday 14th - 1st Assembly in COLA @ 2.50pm

Week 3

Monday 17th - DIBELS Beginning of Year testing window opens

Monday 17th - 4.00pm  Winter Sports Trials Soccer 78 Angourie Road, Yamba see below

Tuesday 18th - Touch Footy Skills Year 1-6

Tuesday 18th - 4.00 pm Winter Sport Trials Hockey Grafton Fields see below

Wednesday 19th - 4.00 pm Winter Sports Trials Netball Wiilgulga Sports Centre, Woolgoolga see below

Wednesday 19th - Meet and Greet BBQ for families after school, all welcome

Thursday 20th - 4.00 pm Winter Sport Trials Rugby League Frank McGuren Grounds, Grafton see below

Thursday 20th - World Day of Social Justice

Week 4

Monday 24th - DIBELS Beginning of Year testing window continues

Monday 24th - Zone Swimming Carnival @ Maclean

Monday 24th - Premiers Reading Challenge opens

Monday 24th - Stage 1: History: Walking Tour of Bellingen 1.45pm start

Subject to change.

Supervision commences: 8.35am

First Bell: 8.55am

Session 1 commences: 9.00am

Lunch Eating: 11.00am

Lunch Play: 11.10am

Session 2 commences: 11.40am

Recess Eating: 1.15pm 

Recess Play: 1.22pm

Session 3 commences: 1.45pm

Final bell: 3.15pm

The Miraculous Catch of Fish by Patrick J. Murphy

God calls us to discipleship and mission.

The apology was made in the House of Representatives on 13 February 2008 by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, apologising for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted on Australia’s First Nations Peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations.

We pause on this day to think about the ways that we can apologise and ‘do sorry’.

https://encircle.org.au/national-apology-day/

We welcome our families back to St Mary’s for the 2025 school year. Please remember the importance of following the road rules and our Traffic Management Plan.  Cars are NOT to stop in the bus zone in Park Street to drop children off in the morning or pick them up in the afternoon. We have our Kiss and Drop operating in Watson Street every morning and afternoon. Please refer to our Traffic Management Plan for further information. This can be located in the About Us section of our website.

Is open today!

You can either submit your order through Compass, or send money in a paper bag with the details on the front.

Clarence Zone Sport is calling for nominations from Year 5 and 6 students for the 2025 Winter Sports Trials in:

• Football (Soccer)
• Hockey
• Netball
• Rugby League 11's & Opens (students turning 11 or 12 only)
• Rugby Union (students turning 11 or 12 only)

Families are required to submit the online application form and transportation is to be organised privately. 

Nominations for Zone trials will be accepted via this Google form - https://forms.gle/7KZkpq4mepUKRkxAA 

Nominations will close at 4 pm on Wednesday 12th February, late nominations will not be accepted.

Students are expected to be of a representative standard in these sports.

Congratulations to Jack B, Jude, Harriet, Henry H, Jed, Noa, Charlotte P, Lauchlan H, and Aaliyah who qualified for the Zone Swimming Carnival in Maclean on February 24th. Every child who participated should be proud of their efforts. A big thank you to Mr Tony Kokegei who ran the trials for us. As Mr Kokegei said to the students, ‘You swim faster when you smile’ and I have to agree with him! Thanks to the parents and grandparents who were in attendance to cheer all of the children on in their races.

Safer Internet Day (11th February 2025) is a good day for educators, students, and families to reflect on their digital habits and work together to create safer online spaces. 

Three key strategies for home are;
Be engaged, open and supportive

Get involved with your child’s online activities as a family. Play games together. Talk about favourite apps, games or websites.

Keep lines of communication open. Ask about their online experiences, who they are talking to and whether they are having any issues.

Reassure your child they can always come to you, no matter what. Your child may not communicate openly about things that worry them online if they fear being in trouble if they tell you. Let them know you will not cut off internet or device access if they tell you they’re feeling uncomfortable or unsafe online.

If you notice a change in your child’s behaviour or mood, talk with them about it. If you are concerned, consider seeking professional help – from your GP, a psychologist or school counsellor.

Set some rules

Set rules for devices and online access, with consequences for breaking them. As they grow in online skills and maturity you can review your rules together.

Get your child’s input — this will help them understand risks.

Model behaviour that you would like to see. Children will be more likely to follow rules if they see you doing the same.

Consider creating a family tech agreement (sometimes called a family media plan or family online safety agreement). This is a set of rules about how devices are used in your home as well as what acceptable online behaviour looks like. eSafety has created downloadable templates for families with children under 5 or those with kids aged 5 to 8 years. For families with older children, The Family Online Safety Contract from ThinkUKnow Australia is a good starting point.

Use safety features and settings

Get to know the devices you and your children use and set them up for privacy and online safety. Take advantage of parental controls to monitor and control screen time and access to content, based on your child’s age and experience. See our guide to parental controls.

Choose apps and games carefully, and visit the App Store or Google Play for age ratings and consumer advice.

Refer to our advice about screen time and online gaming if these are of concern.

The eSafety Guide provides valuable information about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your personal information and report harmful content.

You can visit the Australian Classification Board’s online database, Children and Media Australia and Common Sense Media (US)  for information about movies, apps, games and websites, searchable by age.

Information for specific age groups is also available for Under 5s, 5-12, 13-18

Online safety basics | eSafety Commissioner

• Getting In and Out of the Car:

○ Always use the door closest to the curb to prevent stepping into trac. 

○ Make sure your child waits until the car has completely stopped before exiting. 

• Walking Safely: 

○ Encourage distraction-free walking by asking your child to remove headphones and put away devices while crossing streets. 

○ Teach your child to stay alert, follow trac signals, and use designated pedestrian crossings. 

• Using the Bus Safely: 

○ Wait at the bus stop together, standing at least one step back from the edge of the road. 

○ Always meet your child at the bus stop on the same side of the road—never call them across from the opposite side. 

○ Wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street, ensuring it is safe to cross. 

• Using Wheeled Transport: 

○ Remind your child that helmets are mandatory when riding a bike in public—it’s the law. 

○ Encourage helmet use and protective gear for other wheeled activities, such as scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades.

Any child who is eligible for school free travel who does not have a pass should complete an Application Form online at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-school-travel-pass 

If you need help working out the correct bus company please contact our office.

Busways have applications for students who are not eligible for free travel are able to apply for a term pass by completing a form (Please request from the school office) and other companies would have similar provisions available.

Kinder Sonja Stephen

Stage 1 Katrina Dunn

Stage 2 Turtle Polly Frost

Stage 2 Eagle Sarah Bradbrook

Stage 3 Jack O'Shea

Stage 3 & RFF Kath Derrin

RFF Josie Ho

RFF Fiona Druzinec

We want to be flexible for families considering washing of uniforms for all students. The following are the days that classes need to wear their sport uniform for their allocated sport day. Students can wear their sport uniform on other days during the week, which is the top and bottom (please try not to mix the uniforms).  

Kinder Tuesday & Thursday

Stage 1 Thursday 

Stage 2 Eagle Wednesday

Stage 2 Turtle Friday 

Stage 3 Monday 

The expectation is that regardless of the uniform being worn, there are to be no non-uniform items. Families will be contacted if students are not wearing uniform which includes plain white or navy socks (no logos) and jumpers/hoodies that are not school uniform. School shoes need to be black.

Miranda and Bronwyn from Happymess Studio, currently have availability to support other students who may benefit from one-on-one sessions. As registered counsellors and Art Therapists, they offer sessions with no out-of-pocket cost for families using Victims Services funding (22 hours per year free per person) and NDIS funding.

These sessions are designed to support individual goals and challenges, focusing on emotional regulation, sensory processing, and neuro-inclusive, trauma-informed therapy. If you are interested in this service please reach out, and we can provide you with contact details.

Full article here

Five practical tips to ease children into their day

1. Be ready to go: Reduce stress and rushing by making sure their bag is packed, uniform or clothes are ready, and lunch is organised if it isn’t provided. Involve your child in prepping these things if they are old enough.
2. Share stories: There are great books about being away from family and going to care or school that you could read together, try checking out your library or online for ideas on this topic. You could also share your own experiences of school or care so they can learn from you.
3. Practice and prepare: If they are starting somewhere new, do practice runs to get them used to the environment, or show them photos so they know what to expect. Point things out that they might like: “Look, they have swings!”
4. Play a game: Role play the morning routine with their favourite toys. Let them pretend to be the teacher – kids love to take charge! Try to keep role plays brief if they are getting the hang of it, so it doesn’t become a chore.
5. Make mornings fun and calm: Keep mornings as calm and consistent as possible. Try creating a picture schedule of what they need to do to get ready. You could also have music playlist for home or the trip there, let them pick their favourites and have a dance or sing along!

Free Online Parenting Programs

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is one of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world, backed up by more than 35 years of ongoing research. Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage their children’s behavior and prevent problems developing. Triple P is used in more 30 countries and has been shown to work across cultures, socio-economic groups and in many different kinds of family structures.

Courses are available free of charge on their website and they are worth checking out.  Some suggestions are;

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/triple-p/ 

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/free-parenting-courses/fear-less-triple-p-online/  

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/free-parenting-courses/triple-p-online-under-12/

Parents of Students in Year 3 and Year 5 will receive information about the NAPLAN Assessment this week. Please let us know if you have any questions.

PBS - "I am ready to learn".

What an exciting first few days of Kindergarten! Our youngest learners are settling into school life beautifully, making new friends, exploring their classroom, and embracing all the fun and learning that comes with being in "big school."

From the moment they step into the classroom each morning, the students are eager and ready to go! They have been busy playing, sharing, and learning new routines, all while forming wonderful connections with their peers and older buddies. The playground has been filled with laughter, and the classroom has been buzzing with curiosity as they dive into every new activity.

It’s been incredible to see how quickly they’ve adjusted—showing independence, enthusiasm, and a love for learning. Whether they’re discovering new books, exploring the playground, or enjoying hands-on play, there’s never a dull moment in Kindergarten!

We are so proud of how comfortable and confident our Kinders have become in just a few days. We can’t wait to see them continue to grow, explore, and learn in the weeks ahead!

A special thankyou to our very supportive and brave parents who have helped to make the transition to school a happy one. Your support is invaluable and much appreciated!

Congratulations Kinders on a fantastic start to the year!

What Kindergarten loved about their first day…

Aleera loved playing with her big buddy

Leiquaili loved playing in the sandpit

Juna loved playing with his big brother Tully

Nina loved playing with her big buddies

Madeline loved playing in the playground

Letti loved the bell song

Theo loved chasing Pip

Charlie loved playing with his big brother

Sebastian loved playing with his big buddy and the bell

Ash loved seeing his big brother

Alby C loved his big buddy playing with him and the fidget toys

Gulliver loved playing on the playground

Ned loved playing basketball with his big brother

Lachlan loved chasing Theo’s older brother, Pip

Alby K  loved playing with his big buddies

Cameron loved playing basketball with his big buddy

Olive loved playing with Mei, Ishani and said that Ishani was nice to her

Piano = Victoria Christie 6655 8782

Brass/Piano = Kate Butcher 0419 789 078

Guitar = Katie Crane 0431 151 987

• Author Talk – Narelle Fernance

Where: Dorrigo & Beyond

When: Tuesday February 18, 10am

More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560671183030

• Bellingen Growers Markets – Workshop Series
• February 22: 5 meals from one chook
• March 22 : Bike repairs & maintenance
• April 26: Intro to bush furniture
• May 31: Easy composting
• June 28: Visible clothes mending

Where: Bellingen Showgrounds

More info: email bellowgrowersmarket@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/bellogrowersmarket

• Bellingen Autumn Plan Fair

Where: Bellingen Park

When: Saturday March 8, 7.30am – 1pm

More info: https://bellingenplantfair.org/

• International Women’s Day Festival

Where: Bellingen Golf Club

When: Saturday 8 March

More info: https://www.facebook.com/hot.mess.bellingen.feminist.punk

Contact the organisers if you would like to have a stall - Hot Mess Punk Band (Jo, Sarah, Cole) on hot.mess.punk@gmail.com

• Have your say! Survey for Raleigh Industrial Estate Sewerage Infrastructure Project

Bellingen Shire Council is exploring grant opportunities to upgrade sewerage infrastructure at Raleigh Industrial Estate. 

Completing this survey will help Council to understand current needs, potential economic benefits, and job creation opportunities

Complete survey here: https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Survey-for-Raleigh-Industrial-Estate-Sewerage-Infrastructure-Project

• Have your say! Survey for the Mylestom Hall Roof Replacement

Bellingen Shire Council is applying for a grant to replace the roof of the Mylestom Hall under the Community Buildings Partnerships Program. 

                We appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete this short survey which will help us understand how Mylestom Hall is currently used and its importance to you and the wider community.

                Complete survey here: https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Mylestom-Hall-Roof-Replacement

• FREE Professional Development Workshops – Arts Mid North Coast
• Setting Up an Artist Run Initiative – Coffs Harbour
• Understanding NAVA code of practice of Artists - Bellingen
• Intellectual Property and Copyright workshops – Port Macquarie
• APRA AMCOS Regional Sessions – Bellingen

More info: https://artsmidnorthcoast.com/our-creative-community/smart-art/

• River Sounds Music & Arts Festival

Where: Bellingen Showgrounds

When: April 5

More info: https://www.riversounds.com.au/