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Dear Parents and Carers,
Last week we held a very successful Enrolment Information evening with about 50 families in attendance. Thank you to the staff who attended, those who presented about their various roles within our school and to our wonderful office staff who were present to keep things running smoothly.
A special thanks to our Year 6 students – Ivie, Jace and Aviyana from 6 Black and Willow, Adam, Jack, Jace, Amelia W, Charlotte-Grace and Amelia M from 6 Red. These students came along dressed in their uniform after hours to assist us with school tours for new families and answer questions. Our visitors were very impressed with your wonderful manners and obvious pride in our school. Well done!
ENROLMENTS FOR KINDERGARTEN 2026
Places are filling fast for our 2026 cohort of Kinders. Siblings of current students should be enrolled by now. If you have not yet enrolled your younger child, please do so ASAP - you don't want to miss out!
We are now halfway through Lent…..
and I would like to take a moment to reflect on its significance and how we can all use this time to reevaluate our lives, regardless of our faith backgrounds. Lent is traditionally a period of 40 days leading up to Easter, marked by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. For many, it is a time of spiritual renewal and deep reflection.
For those who may not regularly attend Mass or who come from different faith traditions, Lent can still offer valuable opportunities for personal growth and introspection. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of this period:
- Self-Reflection: Lent encourages us to take a step back and examine our lives. Consider setting aside a few minutes each day to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and relationships. Ask yourself questions like, "Am I living in a way that aligns with my values?" and "How can I be a better person to those around me?"
- Acts of Kindness: One of the core practices of Lent is almsgiving, which involves giving to those in need. This can be as simple as performing small acts of kindness each day. Whether it's helping a neighbour, volunteering your time, or donating to a charity, these actions can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver.
- Mindfulness and Prayer: While prayer is a central aspect of Lent for Catholics, mindfulness practices can be beneficial for everyone. Taking time to meditate, practice deep breathing, or simply sit in silence can help you connect with your inner self and find peace amidst the busyness of daily life.
- Fasting and Moderation: Traditionally, Lent involves fasting or giving up certain luxuries. Even if you're not religious, you might consider using this time to practice moderation. This could mean cutting back on screen time, reducing consumption of unhealthy foods, or limiting other habits that may not serve your well-being.
- Community and Connection: Lent is also a time for strengthening community bonds. Engage with others in meaningful conversations, support one another, and build a sense of togetherness. This can be particularly important for our school community, where fostering a supportive environment benefits everyone.
Lent offers a unique opportunity for all of us to pause and reflect on our lives. By embracing the principles of self-reflection, kindness, mindfulness, moderation, and community, we can use this time to grow and improve, both individually and collectively. We encourage the children to look at Lent as a journey taken together, supporting one another as we strive to become the best versions of ourselves.
YEAR 4 BYOD INFORMATION EVENING
Parents and Carers of Year 4 students are invited to come along on Wednesday 26th March to hear information about the BYOD program which will start in Term 2. A representative from NexTechnolgies will be here to explain the purchasing options available to parents.
EASTER EVENTS - Thursday 10th April
BUS SERVICE TO CAMERON PARK
As you may be aware, there is no designated bus for our students who live in Cameron Park. The current arrangement is that children must disembark at Edgeworth public school and wait for another bus, with no guarantee of a seat when it arrives. For this reason, understandably, many families choose to make alternative arrangements for their children. The bus company has denied requests for a designated service, stating that there aren’t enough children using the bus to justify a service.
The majority of our families come from Cameron Park and there are more than enough children to fill a bus.
Earlier this term, I emailed Clayton Barr, our local MP, in relation to the bus service. I explained that many more of our families would make use of a bus service if it was direct, making it safer for the children. His office has responded, asking if I would allow him to forward my letter to the transport minister for NSW. His office has also advised that emails from parents would add weight to our request.
If you would like to support our campaign for a designated bus service for our students, please write to: Clayton Barr, Member for Cessnock, at cessnock@parliament.nsw.gov.au. In your email, you need to include that you are happy for your email to be forwarded to the Minister for Transport NSW.
We have an email already worded and ready to go. If you would like to ‘copy and paste’ and send it off, please contact the office and we will send the wording to you.
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL FEAST DAY - 26th April
Our families are warmly invited to attend the Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel on Saturday 26th April - 5pm at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church at West Wallsend. There will be a cake and light supper after the Mass. Please join us for this community event.
ANZAC DAY MARCH - OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE
Our students have been asked to participate in the ANZAC day march and service at West Wallsend on ANZAC day, 25th April (the last Friday of the school holidays). Some of our school leaders will lead the march with our school banner. I will be in attendance with Mrs Garven and we will march with the children.
We will meet at the corner of Withers and Carrington St, West Wallsend (in front of Simply Pharmacy) at 9.30am.
Children who are participating should wear full school uniform please. If they are wearing the medals of a relative, these are worn on the right side of the chest. The march will proceed to West Wallsend Workers Club for the service.
Please let us know if you are planning to bring your child along so that we can look out for them on the day.
Take care and God Bless,
Danielle Reed
Principal
PARTNERS IN LEARNING CONFERENCES
Our 2025 Partners in learning conferences are now open for booking. To book, go to your child’s conference page, select ‘2025 Partners in learning conferences’ and then select the timeslot you wish to book in.
Parents of children in classes where there are two teachers, please note that the teacher who is available to meet with you will be the teacher who is teaching the class on the day you book. However, the content of these meetings and the goals to be discussed will be a collaborative effort between the two teachers and yourselves.
We look forward to meeting with all of you.
PUPIL FREE DAY NOTICE – Previously we advised that there would be a pupil free day on the last day of this term – 11th April. We have had to change the date due to availability of facilitators for staff development.
Pupil Free days booked this year:
Term 2, Week 4 - Friday 23rd May
Term 2, Week 6 – Monday 2nd June
Term 3, Week 1 – Monday 21st July (1st Day of Term)
There is one more pupil free day to book, this will be advised when we have heard from the facilitator regarding a date. It will be in Term 3 or 4.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO PUPIL FREE DAY ON LAST DAY OF THIS TERM.
Year 2 Class Explores Forces and Measurement with Car Launches
This term, our Year 2 students have been diving into the fascinating world of forces through an exciting hands-on project: building car launches! This engaging activity not only sparked their curiosity about physics but also seamlessly integrated with their mathematics unit on measuring length using informal units.
The students worked in small groups to design and construct their own car launchers using everyday materials. They experimented with different forces to see how far and fast their cars could travel. This practical approach helped them understand concepts like push, pull, and gravity in a fun and interactive way.
This linked with their mathematics lessons where the students measured the distances their cars travelled using informal units. This hands-on experience allowed them to grasp measurement concepts more concretely and see the real-world application of their math skills.
The Year 2 students shared their newfound knowledge with the kindergarten class. They demonstrated their car launches, explained forces, and helped the younger students measure the distances using informal units. The Kindergarteners were thrilled to learn from their older peers and eagerly participated in the activities.
This collaborative learning experience not only reinforced the Year 2 students' understanding of forces and measurement but also fostered a sense of community and mentorship within our school. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and creativity!
Celebrating two AMAZING men!
As we journey through the days celebrating two great saints of the Church, St Patrick and St Joseph, may we strive to be people that are big-hearted, generous and hospitable. Patrick and Joseph certainly are examples for us to follow, neither were overly pious or soft, but strong willed and determined to do what is right irrespective of the circumstances. Something, for us to consider this Lenten Season.
Feast of St. Patrick - March 17
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated for his missionary work in the
5th century, bringing Christianity to Ireland. His feast day is a time to honor his legacy and the spread of the Christian faith. Traditionally, this day is marked by attending Mass, wearing green, and reflecting on St. Patrick's teachings and contributions.
Feast of St. Joseph - March 19
St. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, is celebrated on March 19. Known for his humility, righteousness, and dedication to his family, St. Joseph is a model of fatherhood and faithfulness. This feast day encourages us to reflect on his role in the Holy Family and his example of trust in God's plan
I would like to thank Mrs Greaves and 2 Black for their beautiful prayer service they presented at Monday mornings assembly this week that celebrated the lives of these two Saints.
We invite all students and families to join us in celebrating these feast days with special prayers, activities, and reflections. Let us take this opportunity to deepen our faith and draw inspiration from the lives of these remarkable saints.
Yours in faith,
Miss Michelle Collins
(Religious Education Co-Ordinator)
Understanding Zones of Regulation: Helping Children Recognize and Manage Their Emotions
In our ongoing efforts to support the emotional well-being of our students, we have introduced the concept of Zones of Regulation during our well-being lessons. This framework is designed to help children recognize and understand their emotions, enabling them to better regulate their responses and behaviours.
What Are the Zones of Regulation?
The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum that categorises emotions into four coloured zones:
- Blue Zone: This zone represents low states of alertness, such as feeling sad, tired, or bored.
- Green Zone: This is the optimal state for learning and interacting, where children feel calm, focused, and happy.
- Yellow Zone: This zone indicates heightened alertness and emotions, such as excitement, frustration, or anxiety.
- Red Zone: This represents extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions, such as anger, rage, or panic.
Why Is Recognizing Emotions Important?
Understanding and identifying emotions is a crucial skill for children. It helps them:
- Develop Self-Awareness: By recognizing their emotions, children become more aware of their internal states and how these affect their behaviour.
- Improve Self-Regulation: When children can identify their emotions, they can use strategies to manage their responses, leading to better self-control and decision-making.
- Enhance Social Skills: Recognizing emotions in themselves and others helps children develop empathy and improve their interactions with peers and adults.
- Boost Academic Performance: Emotional regulation supports a positive learning environment, allowing children to focus and engage more effectively in their studies.
School Office
Phone: 4958 1858
Email:admin@edgeworth.catholic.edu.au
Admin/ Finance Officer Suzi Di-Nardo Monday to Friday
Admin - Tiare Collins-Grayson Monday, Thursday Friday
School Fees
Fees for 2025 have now been processed and statements have been emailed to families. If you have not receieved your statement please check your junk mail or contact our office.
Families are encouraged to start making payments now. Setting up a weekly, fortnightly or monthly b/pay payment or payments via compass will help you stay on top of fees and ensure that they are finalised by the due date of 30th November.
For families that have applied for a Health Care card discounts this is being processed and will now reflect on your statement.
Fee Assistance
Our school will assist those families who are experiencing financial hardship. Families are encouraged to contact the Finance Officer by email susanna.di-nardo@mn.catholic.edu.au or telephone 49581858 as soon as possible for a confidential discussion.
Your previous arrangements with our school will be taken into consideration however, each year we require the attached concession form completed in full for our Principal to review prior to any concession processed.
Please email this completed form back to as soon as possible.
This also applies to any other medication - Panadol, Antibiotics, Antihistamines etc.
We are incredibly proud of all our students who are participating in the upcoming touch football, rugby league and soccer sports trials. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport have brought you to this exciting opportunity. We are sure they will give it their all but most importantly, enjoy the experience.
Soccer - Axel Ferguson, Archer Guihot
Rugby League – William Irvine and Henry Bailey
Touch Football - Allira Weet, Scarlett Hunter, Archer Guihot
Reminder: Soccer Gala Day Event
St Benedict’s are participating in the soccer gala day, don’t forget to accept the event if your child is going! This event promises to be a day full of fun, excitement, and great soccer action. Make sure to confirm your attendance and be part of this fantastic event. We look forward to seeing you there!
E-Safety Visit from Lake Macquarie Police
We thank Elke and Mike from the Lake Macquarie Police that visited our school for a special E-Safety session in the morning. This was a valuable opportunity for students to learn about staying safe online, understanding the importance of digital citizenship, and how to protect themselves in the digital world. They also went to Kinder and had a chat about safe people in our community.
Issue 2, 2025 out now
Orders to be placed through LOOP only
Special Offer with this Issue of Book Club:
Every LOOP Order earns a $5 Promo Code to spend on Issue 3 of Book Club once you place an order of $19.50 or more.
‘Thank you’ to everyone who has purchased items from Book Club. Your continuing support enables us to select many new resources for our library.
All students have received the March issue of Book Club.
Orders for Issue 2 should be completed by Monday, 24 March, 2025. If you have an enquiry you can email me at pam.nicolaidis@mn.catholic.edu.au.
To place your order please use Scholastic’s excellent on-line ordering platform (go to scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the LOOP app), then pay by credit card.
For more information about Scholastic and Book Club, visit www.scholastic.com.au
Mrs Pam Nicolaidis
Book Club Co-Ordinator and Library Assistant
Next Monday 25th March is our final P&F meeting at 6pm. This meeting will dissolve the P&F and we will discuss our Family and Community Engagement (FACE) model and what form we would like that to take into the future. We will need a quorum to enable the vote to happen, and would like to hear ideas about the FACE model, so please come along if you can.
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Week 6 Class Achievement, Progress and Effort |
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KB |
Stella McNamara Angus Eckford |
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KR |
Hallie Bass Hunter Marks |
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1B |
Ava Donovan Kaleb Jones |
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1R |
Riley Judge Archer Storey |
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2B |
Mackenzie Hall Bonnie Novoselski |
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2R |
Thea Doherty Mason Smith |
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3B |
Everlee Grainger Blake Skardon |
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3R |
Evie Vas Ella Goodwin |
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4B |
Blake Bird Bianca Bassford |
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4R |
Elyse Hall Alex John Bibin |
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5B |
Finn Ryan Sophie Williams |
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5R |
Lewis McIlroy Lyla Bashford |
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6B |
Leo Gosper Hope Fenwick |
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6R |
Elijah Hughes Kamorly-Kevin Slade |
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Week 7 Class Achievement, Progress and Effort |
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KB |
Leo Laverty Archie Somai |
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KR |
Jeremy Jerin Penny Wolloff |
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1B |
Lexie Fenner Veda |
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1R |
Elliott Britton Kaden Walker |
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2B |
Lola Bailey Evie Smith |
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2R |
Willliam Sessions Paige Smith |
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3B |
Whole Class Award – outstanding effort |
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3R |
Harper Lorrie Lucas Steel |
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4B |
Noah Bertwistle Prisha Ghimire |
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4R |
Sameer Dean Heidi Fenwick |
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5B |
Josiah Layburn Maya Pustovoyt |
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5R |
Bailey O'Malley Emily Topic |
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6B |
Aviyana Munasinghe Ethan Mukondo |
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6R |
Michael O'Neill William Beattie |
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SPIRIT OF JESUS AWARD WEEK 7 RYDER MARRIOTT 3 BLACK |
