2025, Term 3, Week 2

Principal Message

Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 3, I hope this message finds you well.

Most recently I informed you all of a difficult decision I’ve recently made, that is, my retirement at the end of this year. After 44 wonderful years in education, including 28 incredibly rewarding years as a Principal, the time has come for me to begin a new chapter in life.

Over the next two terms, I remain fully committed to serving our beautiful school community and continuing to support the students who bring so much joy and meaning to my work. My priority is to ensure that all our students continue to receive the outstanding Catholic education they deserve, and to support a smooth and thoughtful transition.

You will be kept informed throughout the recruitment process for my successor, and I’m sure there will be opportunities for you to contribute your thoughts in some way. I anticipate that the new Principal, who will begin in 2026, will be appointed early next term.

Each term, we also host an Apple Workshop, designed specifically to support parents in better understanding their child’s school device and the applications we use. Whether you're completely new to the platform or looking to expand your skills, we are here to help. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP and let us know the specific areas you would like to explore. We’re happy to provide one-on-one support or arrange small group sessions to suit your needs.

Additionally, we had the pleasure of welcoming our School Community Police Liaison Officers this week. They spoke with all students across the school about a wide range of important topics — from Stranger Danger, to Cyber Safety, and even the safe use of eBikes! It was an informative and engaging experience for all, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to our local Police Officers for their time, care, and continued support of our students.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and for the privilege of leading such a warm and vibrant school community. I look forward to the months ahead and to all that we will continue to achieve together.

Warm regards,
Brian Laybutt
Principal

Term 4 Pupil Free Day Rescheduled.

Year 4 Assembly

Weekly Awards

School Community Group - Agenda Items

This week, we held our School Community Group (SCG) meeting. The notes and updates from this are available via our school website. If you have any issues you’d like to raise or matters you’d like to discuss regarding school life, you are most welcome to contact the SCG by emailing stambrosescg@gmail.com, or by joining us for our termly “Coffee and Conversation” mornings. These gatherings provide a relaxed opportunity to connect, share ideas, and strengthen our partnership as a school community. 

St Ambrose is a Nude Food School

At St Ambrose, we are proud to be a Nude Food School, actively encouraging healthy eating habits and a strong sense of environmental responsibility among our students. Being a Nude Food School means we promote the practice of bringing lunches that produce minimal waste — specifically by avoiding disposable packaging such as plastic wrap, chip packets, and other single-use items.

We ask all families to support this initiative by packing lunches and snacks in reusable containers wherever possible. Not only does this help reduce the amount of rubbish generated at school, but it also teaches our children valuable lessons about sustainability and  mindful consumption.

Nude Food doesn’t mean boring food — in fact, it’s a great opportunity to get creative with fresh, healthy options that are both tasty and good for the planet! Think of fruit and vegetables in reusable containers, sandwiches or wraps in beeswax wraps, and reusable drink bottles. Even small changes can have a big impact.

We understand that sometimes pre-packaged foods are convenient, but we encourage you to consider alternatives whenever possible. If wrappers must be used, students are asked to take them home to reduce schoolyard litter and promote recycling at home.

As a community, we are committed to caring for our environment and setting a positive example for future generations. Your ongoing support helps us create a cleaner, healthier school and instills lifelong values in our students. Together, we can make a real difference.

Friendly Reminder About Riding to School and Student Safety

We’d like to make you aware of a growing trend that we’ve recently observed involving some of our students who ride their bikes or scooters to school.

It has come to our attention that a number of students are not riding directly to school in the morning. Instead, they are meeting up with friends in the local area and spending time riding around the streets before arriving at school closer to 8:30am. In some cases, families believe their child is already on school grounds when, in fact, they are still in the community unsupervised.

In addition, we’ve noticed that some students are stopping at local shops on the way to school, purchasing lollies, biscuits, or other snacks, and then bringing them onto school grounds to share and eat with their friends. While we understand the appeal of a quick visit to the shops or a morning ride with friends, we do have a few concerns we’d like to share.

Firstly, student safety is always our top priority. Riding around local streets during busy morning hours increases the risk of accidents or unsafe situations, especially when not supervised. Similarly, stopping at shops can lead to delays in arriving at school on time and encourages consumption of food items that may not align with our healthy eating guidelines.

We kindly ask families to have a conversation with their children if they are participating in either of these activities. While these actions take place outside school grounds, students are still wearing the St Ambrose uniform. This means they are easily recognisable in the community and, as such, are representing our school in both appearance and behaviour.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us keep our students safe, respectful, and ready to learn. 

Semester 2 Student Class Representatives

Kindergarten 2026

Police Educational Officers Visit St Ambrose

On Thursday students had the opportunity to listen to important information about safety from the Police Educational Officers. Students learnt about the importance of stranger danger, safety online through gaming and chat groups and also riding bikes responsibly in our community. Students had opportunities to ask questions and participate in discussions. We greatly appreciate this opportunity to learn more about safety from the officers. 

If you would like some further information on the topics covered there is a great parent resource on the eSafety Commissioner website for you to access here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Confirmation Parent/Child Meeting

A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and children who attended the Parent/Child Meeting last Tuesday evening in the Year 3 classrooms. We had a wonderful evening listening and working with our students.

School Family Parish Mass: Sunday 3rd August

STS MARY & AMBROSE CHURCH, POTTSVILLE
SCHOOL FAMILY/ PARISH MASS CELEBRATION 7:30am

Commitment Mass for students who will be making their Confirmation this Term.

We hope to see many St Ambrose families at this Mass celebration

At this Mass celebration staff from St Ambrose will be attending to the ministry duties and there will be children’s liturgy

Saint Mary of The Cross Mackillop

Friday 8th August marks the anniversary of the death of Mary Mackillop and the Feast Day of Australia’s first Saint.  Although her death occurred more than a century ago, she continues to inspire men, women, and children.

Saint Mary Mackillop was a co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and was a tireless advocate of education and schools.

Saint Mary Mackillop had a vision of a better world for all.  

With patience, a forgiving heart, and trust in God, she managed to overcome whatever obstacles that came her way.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Introducing the St Anthony's Parish Trades and Services Directory

The parish is putting together the St Anthony's Parish Trades & Services Directory—a free resource to help connect parish and school families with local professionals and businesses from within our own community. While the parish is not able to formally endorse the quality of the work of services listed, we trust that those who are part of our parish and school communities who are listed in the Directory will uphold shared Catholic Values and conduct their work with integrity and respect.

Whether you're a tradesperson, run a small business, or offer professional services, this is a great opportunity to let others in the parish and school communities know what you do. It also serves as a helpful resource for those looking to connect with local services they can trust.

Forms will be available at the back of both churches or use this QR code to access the Pastoral Council page on the parish website with a link to a google form. Simply fill in your name, business or service, contact information, and a short description of what you offer. We hope this directory becomes a valuable go-to for our community and helps strengthen the sense of connection and support we share.

St Anthony Parish Interest Group: Classical Music Appreciation

YOU ARE INVITED
St Anthony Parish Interest Group: Classical Music Appreciation.

The first gathering will be held on Sunday 10 August at 2:00pm at the home of Carmel Hill (Casuarina), and will include a presentation and discussion on the life of English composer Edward Elgar and Cardinal John Henry Newman, the Catholic poet whose work inspired Elgar’s famous composition, The Dream of Gerontius. A recorded performance of this piece—by the South Bank Symphony and Parliamentary Choir, filmed at St Paul’s Church outside the palace walls in Rome (2023)—will be screened. Afternoon tea will be provided, and local transport can be arranged if needed.

To attend, please email admin@carmelhillpsych.com with “Interest Group RSVP” in the subject line.

This group will be a welcoming space for those who enjoy beautiful music, food, thoughtful conversation, and good company. All ages welcome.

Parish Newsletter

OHSC Now Open

Upcoming School Events

Place orders now through flexischools. Orders close Sunday 31st August for Fathers Day and Wednesday 3rd September for Burger Day.

St Ambrose Science Showcase

Get ready to put on your thinking caps, everyone! In Week 4, we'll be holding our very own St Ambrose Science Showcase. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their scientific curiosity. Students can work on an experiment, an investigation, or even a creative design project at home, either individually or with friends and siblings. In Week 4, students will bring their finished projects to school to share their scientific discoveries and creations with the whole St Ambrose community! 

*please note this is optional

St Ambrose Has Got Talent

Our K-6 St Ambrose Has Got Talent live auditions will be held in the hall on Friday 12th September (week 8). Students will need to come prepared with any music (on a flash drive or iPad) or props that they require, costumes are NOT NEEDED for the auditions. 

Children are welcome to be part of 2 acts however, the 2 acts cannot be of the same genre e.g. 2 dances.

There will be no spectators for the auditions. 
The Talent Show will be held in Term 4, Friday 14th November (Week 5).

We can't wait to see what talent St Ambrose has in 2025!

Monster Raffle

Any family who would like to donate a prize for our upcoming Monster Raffle, please contact the school

Sports News - NSW PSSA Cross Country

On Wednesday, 23rd July, Eden proudly represented St Ambrose at the NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

Racing against a competitive field of 84 of the best runners from across New South Wales, Eden completed the 3.2km course in an impressive time.

We are incredibly proud of Eden’s achievement, determination, and sportsmanship at this elite level of competition.

Upcoming Sport Dates

Book Competition

QBD Bookstore,Tweed Heads is running a competition for schools to win much needed money towards new books for our school library. All students were sent home with flyers on how to participate. We thank you for your support. 

iPad Families Guide & Parental Controls

Thank you for your valuable input into the Apple Parent Information Sessions.

Please find following the iPad Family Guide, an excellent resource designed to support families in ensuring safe and productive use of iPads at home.

For additional guidance on parental controls and security settings, we encourage you to visit the St Ambrose School website. Under the Enrolment tab, navigate to the BYOD section, where you’ll find a helpful instructional video that walks you through the setup process for parental controls.

Wellbeing Drop Box

Free webinar for parents: 'Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety'

NSW CCSP Parent Conference

The NSW Council of Catholic School Parents are hosting a special 30-year anniversary Parent Conference in Sydney. Keynote speakers include Justin Coulson, Michelle Mitchell and Daniel Principe. Conference tickets cost $30, and parents/carers need to arrange their own travel and accommodation in Sydney. For more information and to book, go to https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/2025-conference.

Free courses for parents- freely available on the OLT platform.

ADHD: This short course was developed with the help of Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia (PAAA). This course is aimed at supporting the parents and carers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

Autism: This short course is directed at parents and carers of children with autism. Parents of children who’ve been identified on the autism spectrum have been interviewed to identify the issues that concern them the most. This is reflected in the videos throughout this short course.

Please find more information about the courses on the OLT platform linked here.

Community News - Junior Baseball