2025, Term 1, Week 6

Principal Message

Dear Families,

In the wake of the recent cyclone, our hearts go out to all the families affected by this natural disaster. St. Ambrose School is committed to supporting our community during this challenging time. We understand that many families may be facing difficulties, and we want to remind everyone that the school is here to help in any way we can.

If you or your family have been impacted by the cyclone, we encourage you to reach out for support. Families who believe their children are in need of assistance are urged to inform their class teacher or contact the school office directly. Our dedicated staff is ready to offer emotional, practical, and wellbeing support to ensure that no one feels alone during this recovery period.

At St. Ambrose, compassion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in looking out for one another and extending a helping hand to those in need. Whether it’s through counselling, financial aid, or simply providing resources to help families get back on their feet, we are here for you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you need assistance. Together, as a community, we will get through this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Laybutt
Principal

Coffee and Conversation - Friday 28th March

This meeting at the school 9am on Friday 28th March is an opportunity for families to raise concerns, have suggestions, want clarification or just a chat. Topics of discussion could include issues pertaining to the school, possible plans for the future, current educational trends, technology in schools, school data, student wellbeing - whatever you want it to be!!!!

Come by yourself or with others! ALL WELCOME (Toddlers also!)

If you would like to attend please RSVP on 0266760099 or sapot@lism.catholic.edu.au by Thursday 27th March 3.00pm and tell us your coffee order!!

Road Safety & Traffic Management Reminder

Please take extra care at the Give Way sign when exiting the Kiss and Drop area.

Shrove/Pancake Tuesday

A VERY BIG THANK YOU to Mr Bottle and his team of helpers who cooked and delivered yummy pancakes for all at School on this Tuesday.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

On the evening of Tuesday 4th March we had a wonderful Parent/Child Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation meeting. Thank you to the wonderful parents and students who came along to this meeting. It is lovely to see the students being supported by their families during this special time of preparing for Sacraments. 

Commitment Pledge Action Required:

Students who are preparing for this Sacrament of Reconciliation must attend one Mass of your choosing over the coming weeks prior to making the Sacrament. You may choose one mass on the weekends of 15/16 March, 22/23 March, 29/30 March or 5/6 April.

Mass times in our parish are as follows:

St Anthonys Church Kingscliff Saturday  6:00pm

St Ambrose Church Pottsville Sunday 7:30am

St Anthonys Church Kingscliff Sunday  9:00am

At the conclusion of the Mass you choose to attend, your child will need to hand their Commitment Pledge to Father Paul.

Lenten Season

During the Lenten season, Christians around the world observe a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a period of 40 days leading up to Easter, marked by prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. The focus is on self-discipline, spiritual growth, and a deepening of faith. Many choose to give up certain luxuries or habits, while also embracing opportunities for service and generosity, as a way of following the example of Jesus' sacrifice and love.

Monday 17th - Feast Day of Saint Patrick

St Patrick is the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Lismore. He was successful in preaching the Gospel and converting much of Ireland  to Catholicism. Over the years many Irish priests, nuns, and brothers have worked in the parishes and schools of our Diocese.

As God sent Saint Patrick to teach the Gospel to the people of Ireland, so may we bring peace and joy to others.

Wednesday 19th - St Joseph’s Feast Day

On this day we remember Joseph, husband of Mary and father of the Holy Family.

St Joseph was courageous in taking on the responsibility of becoming the husband of Mary and the legal father of 

Jesus and all that those two roles entailed.  As we follow Joseph in the Gospel, we see how he could turn a difficulty into a possibility with his trust in the providence of God.

Thursday 20th – International Day of Happiness

International Happiness Day, observed every year on March 20th, is a global celebration of the importance of happiness in the lives of individuals around the world. Established by the United Nations in 2012, this day encourages people to reflect on what brings joy and fulfilment, and to spread positivity within their communities. It's a reminder that happiness is a universal pursuit, and it encourages nations, communities, and individuals to take actions that promote well-being, kindness, and mental health for all.

Friday 21st - Harmony Day

Harmony Day, celebrated on March 21st each year in Australia, is a day dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and respect. It encourages people to embrace differences, celebrate shared values, and foster a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their background or nationality. Harmony Day highlights the importance of creating a cohesive, unified community where all cultures are valued and individuals are empowered to contribute to a harmonious society. The theme of "Everyone Belongs" is central to this celebration, emphasising acceptance and mutual respect.

Parish Newsletter

Solar Buddy Fundraiser - Tuesday 18th March

Classroom Showcase

Term 1 Classroom Showcase
2.15 - 3 pm Friday 21st March (Week 7)

We are excited to invite you to our Term 1 Classroom Showcase! This event is a wonderful opportunity for you to see firsthand the hard work and creativity your child/ren have put into their learning tasks since the beginning of the year. The purpose of the showcase is to highlight the accomplishments and progress of students in various subjects. Students will share their educational experiences and goals through technology, classroom displays, and their written bookwork. Please note that this is not a time for individual parent-teacher conferences.

You are critical partners in your child/ren’s learning, and thus you have a hugely influential role in supporting learning outcomes. To create opportunities for informative conversations with your child/ren, please bring along your parent magnet with the 5 questions to foster learning conversations. Staff and students have a similar scaffold they use to enable students to reflect on their learning within the classroom. 

1. What did you learn today?

2. How did you do?

3. What did you do if you didn’t understand?

4. How can you improve your learning? 

5. What are you most proud of? 

We look forward to seeing you at the Classroom Showcase and celebrating your child/ren’s achievements together!

School Bush Dance

Please join us on Friday 28th March for the St Ambrose School Bush Dance. The children have been busy practicing their boot scooting for this event and cannot wait to show you!

Tickets and food/drink can be purchased now on Flexischools. Please note that ordering for school events outside of school hours is now done through a new parent account - not an existing child's account. Please see Compass for instructions.

We are also calling for volunteers to help with this event from all year levels. Events like this cannot go ahead without your help. Please sign up here or contact the office at sapot@lism.catholic.edu.au to volunteer.

Diocesan Swimming Carnival Murwillumbah

We would like to congratulate Wren Hoffman and Darragh Matson, who travelled to Murwillumbah to compete in the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. 

Wren competed in the 50m Backstroke, placing an impressive 6th, and in the 50m Breaststroke, placing an outstanding 2nd!

Darragh competed in the 50m Butterfly, placing an outstanding 2nd, 50m Freestyle placing an impressive 8th and in the 50m Backstroke, a very close 4th place!

Congratulations to Wren and Daragh. You swam outstandingly on the day.

St Ambrose wishes you both all the best at the Polding Swimming selection trials in Sydney on Wednesday, 2nd April.

Cross Country

Cross Country will be held on Monday, 24th March (Week 8). Please see the attached course outline and event schedule. We can not provide start times for each age group. We do require course helpers on the day. If you are able to assist as a course helper, please contact Miss Dicker via compass.

Winter Sport Diocesan Trials

Congratulations to the following students who are representing the Tweed Region at Diocesan Winter Trails in Grafton. We wish them all the best at their Diocesan Trails. 

Rugby League U11's

• Beau Deegenaars
• Koby Binns
• Alfred Deacon 

Netball 

• Emmy Murphy 

Soccer 

• Maya Shackell 
• Indiah Brooks 

**Boys Zone Soccer trials will be held at Pottsville Sports Club on Monday, 17 March. We wish those boys trialling all the best. 

Up Coming Sport Events

Ride 2 School Day

iPad information for parents

Cyber Safety Event

Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing: Parent Resources Available

At St Ambrose, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students. We understand that a child’s wellbeing is a partnership between home and school, and we want to ensure families have access to helpful resources.

We follow the Diocese of Lismore Child Safeguarding Statement, which outlines our dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. You can read more about this here: https://www.sapotlism.catholic.edu.au/child-safeguarding-statement

The Diocese of Lismore Parent Resource Centre provides a range of information to support children’s learning, wellbeing, and development. You can explore these resources here: https://www.lism.catholic.edu.au/parent-resource-centre

REMINDER: Check Seesaw!

Seesaw is a comprehensive digital learning portfolio of student learning! Students add posts to their journals in the form of photos, videos, drawings and text. Families connect to their child’s Seesaw journal to participate in their student’s learning, see student work, and celebrate progress. Connected families can add likes and leave written and verbal comments for their child/ren. 

St Ambrose Learning Assistance Program

Craft Club

Open Days

Second Hand Uniform Sale

St Josephs College Open Evening

Pottsville Soccer Club Seeking U11s Boys

The Pottsville Soccer Club are several players short to form another U11 Boys team this season. If your child is interested in playing please contact the club. All details regarding contact and registration can be obtained from the clubs website and facebook page.

Music Tutors