2023, Term 2, Week 10

Principal Message

Dear Families,

Today we draw the curtain on Term 2, 2023. Over the last few weeks the school has been exceptionally busy with School Athletics Carnival, Public Speaking Night, First Communion, Student Reports, Eisteddfod items and numerous excursions and incursions. This all reflects the vibrance and energy that encompasses St Ambrose. A big thank you to the staff who work tirelessly to provide the best learning opportunities for your child both in and out of the classroom.
With the holidays approaching it might be an opportunity to have an iPad free Zone for a while. Whilst we fully endorse the iPads for enhancing and enriching learning, it is very evident that many children are spending far too much time on their devices - this generally involves playing games or viewing social media at home. These holidays consider not having the iPad available and replace it with other activities. These could  include teaching your children card games, playing board games, jigsaw puzzles, craft / art activities, cooking, reading a book, writing a book, making a book, play with a frisbee, DIY projects, build a tent in the backyard, bike rides, painting,  constructing, teaching your child how to fish / surf /skateboard, play a new sport e.g. table tennis, bocce etc, sand castle building, family outings - picnics, walks, bike rides ........ Sometimes it is easier to let children play or use an iPad as it proves to be a very convenient babysitter!!!  Children today need to be taught and exposed to real life activities that involve imagination, participation, collaboration, communication, movement, critical thinking and not just entering a passive  mode of engagement!! As parents we all need to make decisions that are in the best interest of your child and not ones that just appease them.  Just a thought!

Thank you for your ongoing support. Looking forward to seeing you all back in Term 3.

Best wishes,

Brian Laybutt
Principal

Weekly Awards

Religion

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR
WONDERFUL STUDENTS WHO MADE THEIR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION THIS TERM.

Lottie Brzoson          Elliot Holdere           Finley Aggebrink-Jones            Enzo Boni

Aria Sleeman            Eden Hamilton          Leilani Hall                               Madison Overeem

Ned McCabe              Ashton Davis             Sebastian Burr                          Isabella Stuart

Madison Dooley        Samuel Bressan        Archie Ings                                Makani O’Brien

Alexandria Edwards    Lily Shuback             Sophie Baumont                             Gracie Meredith

Lacey Mackney           Jax Hart                    Tilly Randell                Henry James Derbyshire

Indiah Books            Maya Shackell            Emmy Murphy                          Lola Crowe

Aleaha Gardner        Billie Cantrill             Adrianna Curzon                       Nicola Gray

Elowen Wetherelt

Term 3 Sacrament of Confirmation 

Preparation begins for  2023 THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMAITON THIS YEAR

Please take note of the following dates and commitment involved in the preparation of this Sacrament:

The Sacrament of Confirmation is targeted at baptised Catholics in the Year 3 classes (you will receive individual COMPASS invites in the near future to register your child.)

however,

If your child is baptised a Catholic and is in Years 4 – 6 but has not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation and you wish them too, please email the office, Attention Sue Falcke informing me of this by Mon.17TH July

Commitment to this Sacrament involves: (please take a note of the dates)

• Attending a parent/child meeting on Monday 28th August at St Ambrose Primary School (Term 3, week 7) at 6:00pm in the year 3 classrooms. 

(or Wed. 30th August at St Anthony’s Primary School at 6:00pm in the year 3 classrooms.)

• Attending a Parish/School Mass on the weekend of 9/10 September, as it is a commitment Mass to this Sacrament whereby your child will have a small activity to participate in
• Working through a variety of home tasks. 

• Attending the Confirmation Celebration at 6.00pm on Wednesday 

11th September (Term 4, Week 1) at 6:00pm at St Anthony’s Church, Kingscliff.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to speak to me.  

Thanking you for your support in the preparation of your child receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation

Sue Falcke

Assistant Principal - Mission

Music News

 Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts ‘Music’.

On Monday the 26th of June 55 students who make up the School Rock Band and Senior Choir excitedly headed off with gear in toe to the Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts ‘Music’. 

We arrived ready to give it our all, and that they did! With astonishing performances from both groups I would like to congratulate the students on their hard work, courage and commitment to their bands this past Term. The Courage you showed in getting up on stage and performing in front of a large audience in a huge hall is commendable within itself! Well Done!

The Students were awarded the MFPA Perpetual Trophy for their Rock Band performances and a Highly Commended Place for Harry Postema Perpetual Trophy Senior Choir Performances.

It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase their musical learning and expertise and St Ambrose is incredibly proud of the way the students represented our school and celebrated their winnings in an admirable manner. 

I look forward to continuing to develop your child's performance repertoire and experience into the future and thank you the Students, Parents and Guardians for your hard work in encouraging your child to attend each week's rehearsals, music lessons and supporting their practice at home also.

Another Big thank-you to the classroom teachers who attended and were wonderful roadies and supporters of their enthusiastic students. The children and I are very grateful for the mentors we have here at St Ambrose. 

These events would not be a success without the dedicated teachers that are a part of our Instrumental Music Program offered here at St Ambrose. A special thank-you to Jake, Mark, Jocelyn, Paul and Joanna for your hard work in supporting your students to learn their individual parts for Band rehearsals on Friday, creating exciting and engaging musical parts for them to play, for the backing and sheet music provided for our students St Ambrose community truly thank and appreciate all your hard work and dedication. 

We hope to extend an offer for more students to join individual lessons. Attached is the teachers contacts for further information if you would like your child to be able to enjoy the many positives that come from engaging in learning a musical instrument. Likewise if you believe your child would benefit from joining our ensemble Music Bands on a Friday please encourage them to join at the start of next Term if they are not already a member. We currently offer Senior Choir years 4,5 and 6, Junior Choir years 2 and 3, Church Choir and Rock Band. 

Enjoy your well deserved break over the holidays and I look forward to seeing you all again in Term 3.

Take care,
Mrs Mathews. 

K-6 Public Speaking!

On Tuesday evening, students from each stage performed at our Public Speaking Finals. The level of talent and skill from each speaker was outstanding. Congratulations to all our finalists and a big thank you to the parents and children who attended the night.

The winning students from each stage will go on to compete at the Tweed Catholic Schools Public Speaking Competition early next term. We wish them the very best of luck.

Early Stage 1
Winner: Regan Herbert Topic: Frogs
Runner up:Andi Sleeman Topic: Surfing

Stage 1
Winner: Emma Puentes Topic: Climate Change
Runner Up: Ezra Stokes Topic: Surfing

Stage 2
Winner: Aria Sleeman Topic: Family Favourites
Runner up: Madison Dooley Topic: Chicken Soup

Stage 3
Winner:  Anneliesa Caltabiano Topic: City Fun
Runner up: Kynan Harris Topic: My 2 Minute Meal Maker 

CSO Mathematics Extension Group Program

Congratulations to Ella Dean, Alex Soares and Bronte Brown for completing the Year 6 CSO Mathematics Extension Group Program. This program is offered to eight Year 6 students in the diocese each year that show a high potential in the area of Mathematics. They have been working with high school teachers each week developing and extending their love of learning in the area of Mathematics. Well done Ella, Alex and Bronte, we are very proud of your achievements!

Year 5 Gold Rush

Last Thursday, Year 5 students embarked on a dazzling journey back in time to the 1850s when gold fever swept through the historic town of Ballarat, Victoria.

Throughout the day, our budding historians engaged in various activities that captured the essence of the Gold Rush era. They eagerly panned for gold, finding gold nuggets, then made damper with the amazing help of Mr Bottle! They shared their damper, had tea and discussed their favourite moments of the day.

Year 6 Trade Stall

On Tuesday the 27th of June Week 10, Year 6 hosted the annual Year 6 Asian Trade Stall. We shared our learning about Asian countries with our parents and all the classes and teachers of St Ambrose. After our trade stall we shared in a Year 6 Asian luncheon, where each student brought in a dish from their Asian country to share with the other Year 6 students. We had such a great day sharing our learning with the St Ambrose community. 

Winter Appeal

The Mini Vinnies have been very busy this term with the Winter Appeal. It was wonderful to see all of the donations for those less fortunate in our community. We presented our Winter Appeal donations to the St Vincent De Paul committee members Fran and Danny, who were very appreciative of the wonderful effort St Ambrose has made towards helping our wider community. We would like to thank everyone who contributed towards this special fundraiser.

Apple Technology

Wellbeing

Cultivating Calm Families Parent Night

Parent Forum

Join us for a fun-filled Family Movie Night on Friday, September 8th at 5:30 PM! We will be screening the NEW, "Super Mario Bros." It's a fantastic opportunity to gather with friends and family for an enjoyable evening under the stars.

Hot food, snacks, and refreshing drinks will be available for purchase. Don't forget to bring a cozy blanket or a comfortable deck chair to sit on. 

Pre purchase tickets at a discounted rate:
- Single Ticket: $5
- Family Package (2 Adults and 2 Kids): $15

To purchase your tickets, please visit the Eventbrite page linked below:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/st-ambrose-2023-family-movie-night-tickets-667237915567

If you prefer, single tickets will also be available at the door for $7.

Don't miss out on this fun evening of family entertainment! We look forward to seeing you there!