Term 3 - Week 7, 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Many thanks to those who attended the Parent Gathering before our assembly yesterday. It was an interesting discussion about how to navigate social media for your child, including pitfalls and benefits. If you missed the meeting, there is good information available from the e-safety commissioner (www.esafety.gov.au) and NSW Government (www.digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au)

It was a fun breakfast on this crisp spring morning to celebrate Fathers' Day. There were some great handball battles and some of the kids challenged the old guys to the limit. There were some dubious line calls but I’m not sure who is to blame - the kids' burning desire to win or the dads' poor eyesight. Thanks to all (especially Kerry in the canteen) and happy Fathers' Day! 

Fathers' Day Breakfast

Part one of the Japanese Cultural Days was a resounding success, with children experiencing a different language, food and customs. The older children were a bit green with envy but their chance will come on Monday with a full day of fun and interesting activities. Many thanks to Sensei Janine for organising. 

On Wednesday I was fortunate to work alongside 3 other principals with a global leader in education, Dr Lyn Sharratt. We explored what is going well in schools across the world and how to boost every child’s academic results in practical ways. It’s always a challenge but the good news is we are on the right path to get the best possible results for every child. In Term 4 I will outline our plans in more detail. 

This will be my last newsletter for the term as I’m on leave for a long-planned road trip with my son to the USA. One of my other sons is getting married tomorrow in Bellingen as well, so there's a lot happening. I’m very lucky and grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate and spend some quality time with my kids. Sue Darby will be Principal in my absence. 

Thanks for your support over the term, I’ll see you in October.

Kind regards,

Peter Watts,

Principal

Weekly Awards

Congratulations to the following students, who received learning awards this week:

Ryan B - For showing empathy towards peers and helping others who need it by taking on extra responsibilities.

Reuben C - For being inclusive and ensuring all team members are involved in our touch football games in P.E.

Jinky W - For your excellent result in the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee Challenge, and progressing to the National State/ Territory Challenge. Well done!

Talia S - For being focused on all tasks and ensuring her work is carefully presented, especially in visual arts.

Makayla C - For application to all writing tasks and dedicating time to improve the quality of her speech.

Reid G - For ensuring all visial arts works are carefully completed and adding detail to your sketches.

NRL Development Program

As part of our sports program, Garry Stevenson (a development officer from the NRL) is coming to Mt St John's for skill development coaching. These 30 minute sessions are run for each class group on Wednesday afternoons for approximately 8 weeks. We are enjoying participating and learning new skills.

Project Compassion

We are continuing to collect toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes, combs, sanitary items, shampoo, deodorant, washing powder and warm items like socks and beanies, all of which will be donated to Pete's Place in Coffs Harbour to help homeless people in our local area.

St Vincent de Paul are also looking for any 2nd-hand drink bottles such as kids' drink bottles (not plastic PET water bottles). 

Please help if you can - there is a basket at the front office in which to place your donations.

Thank you!

Louise Sprowles - LOSEC

How to Cancel a Canteen Order

If you need to, you can cancel canteen orders before 9am on Friday mornings. If you know your child is going to be away you can go into Compass Canteen and select "cancel order".

The refunded money goes back into your Compass "wallet" so you can use it next time you order - when you get to the Confirm & pay screen, click on the down arrow and select Compass Credit. 

School Facebook Page

Check out our school Facebook page! It is wonderful to be able to share the good news of our school with our families and community. 

Library Day - Wednesday

Library day for all students is Wednesday - please make sure your child brings in his or her cloth library bag on this day. Each student may borrow four books per week. 

School Bus Travel

Applications for student travel can be made online. Apply here 

School Drive Subsidy

The School Drive Subsidy is available for eligible school students where there is no public transport available for all or part of the journey. If you have to drive your child more than 1.6km to a school bus stop, you may be eligible for this subsidy – go to the link below to apply. 

Dorrigo Drama - Kids on Stage

Hello to all the keen kids aged 5-17 who are wanting the opportunity to get back on the stage with Dorrigo Drama. We have 2 plays that we are looking to put on in November.

Alice in DownUnder Land is a delightful, unique Australian story combining the timeless tales of Alice, Mary and Matilda.... who are they?

The Sword in the Stone is the story of a young Arthur before he became King, his half brother Kai who thinks he should be King, Merlin the magician and of course Guinevere.

For the moment rehearsing will be Mondays at 3.30pm at the Dorrigo Theatre in Hickory Street. If it turns out Monday isn't the best day for rehearsals then we will work out what is.

You can get in touch with Dina via email at dinalucid@gmail.com OR phone on 66572243 - leave a message if necessary and don't forget your phone number.

GLUE & Messy Church

GLUE God Loves Us Eternally KidsClub is held each Wednesday during school term time from 3-5pm at the Anglican Hall. Afternoon tea, games, fun worship and craft. All primary kids in Years 1-6 are welcome, as are newcomers. For more info, ring Gwenneth on 6657 2135.

The next Messy Church, which is a community event on a Christian theme for families and children, will be held on Sunday 10th September from 4-6pm - see flyer below.

Dorrigo Highlanders Football Club Presentation

Presentation Night with Dorrigo Highlanders Football Club will be held on Saturday 16th September, 4pm until late. Come celebrate our 2023 teams' great year of soccer. Games, raffle tickets, lucky door prizes, player awards, dinner and drinks. Grab your tickets online at www.dorrigohighlandersfc.com.au or visit the Facebook page for more information.

Dorrigo Lift The Lid Walk - Sunday 15th October 2023

NSW Govt Mobile Service Centre

Art as Therapy Exhibition

Feeling a little “blue”? Art facilitates wellbeing and healing through expression. 

You are invited to participate in this exhibition to be held at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre Exhibition Space, Dorrigo National Park, Dome Road, Dorrigo: 10 - 29 October 2023. 

“Art as Therapy” is part of the Dorrigo Neighbourhood Centre’s Blue Tree Project, which aims to turn Dorrigo blue, with bunting, lighting, yarn-wrapped objects, etc. for the month of October (https://www.bluetreeproject.com.au/), in order to help spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up when battling mental health concerns: “By spreading the paint and spreading the message that "it’s OK to not be OK", we can help break down the stigma that’s still largely attached to mental health”.

The exhibition is open to residents of the Dorrigo Plateau and includes all people affected by mental health – either personally or as a support worker.  There is no entry fee for this exhibition, with a limit of 2 artworks per artist.

If you are interested in participating, please reply to Chris Fahey (Cc’d), Curator, Rainforest Centre Exhibition Space: E: cfahey25@yahoo.com.au   M: 0439 482 662

North Coast Health Connect

North Coast Health Connect is a free new service providing health support and advice from registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. If you are a resident or visitor to the North Coast, you can speak or live chat with a nurse. The nurse will ask some questions to understand what’s troubling you and then provide advice on what your next step should be.

This may include self-care advice to help you to manage your health (or that of a loved one) from home, or the nurse may recommend a GP appointment or a consultation with a pharmacist. The nurses are able to book an appointment for you directly with a local general practice or pharmacy or if appropriate, can transfer you to a 24/7 GP telehealth service. If the nurse believes you need to attend an emergency department or see a different health service, they will let you know.

Visit the link below for more info and save as a contact for when you need it by visiting https://qrco.de/bdkiJm or by scanning the QR code below.

Games afternoon @Dorrigo Library

'Shark Cage' Womens Group

Healthy Lunchbox Website

Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box website is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about packing a healthy lunch box.  For recipes, information and health tips please visit the website below.