Term 2 Week 5 2025

Principal's Message

‘We do whatever it takes to lead the way in Love, Learning, Faith, School Spirit, Sport & Community’

Dear families and friends,

We Love Our Community

SMP Laundry Trailer
Thank you once again to our amazing helpers who did all the prep and selling work for our Pre-Loved Clothing Sale.  $4,480.15 raised on that Saturday.  Our community is so very generous in so many ways!

Beef Week
It has been another great Beef Week here at SMP. Our Yr 6 Leaders of Love helped set up the Rural High Tea, our Leaders of Community assisted with the Breakfast with the Butchers, we had a visit from the Beef Week Queens, we crowned the Betty Schuhmacher Bucking Bull Champion and the Father Slack Cattle Stampede Champion earlier in the week, grades went downtown and participated in the festivities, Betty once again created such a magical place for our kids (the last time ever, we believe), our SMP kids showcased their cattle, last week our Leaders of School Spirit helped with the 2026 Kinder Interviews, and today like always, was a special day, with staff and students looking amazing. Come to the parade tomorrow, where your child can parade, meeting at 1.00pm at Graham Place and watch our Junk Drummers do something a little special as a tribute to the band AC/DC.

Charlie Cox Cup
Thank you to all our staff and parents for putting their hand up to take a Charlie Cox Cup team. I really appreciate that we have so many staff and parents who freely give their time to help support our SMP kids and lead the way in Sport and Community. Unfortunately, the grounds were closed to us, but I do very much appreciate all the work that went on beforehand. It was disappointing that we could not go ahead.

Student Free Day: Friday, 6th June

                                        Student Recognition

At SMP, we wish to acknowledge students who give their best in all areas of our School Vision. This covers the holistic development of children and allows all students the opportunity to achieve and to be recognised. We ensure that this recognition is earned and that we don’t offer false praise. We also ensure we look for the best in all kids and provide and recognise different opportunities for students to shine in their own way. Our biggest goal, however, is for our kids to intrinsically do their very best without looking for any reward or recognition. Below is what we currently do, but we are open to feedback and always looking to improve.

Vision Achievement Awards
These are presented at the Vision Achievement Assembly.  Presented to a child who is doing whatever it takes to lead the way in Love, Learning, Faith, School Spirit, Sport & Community. This award is open to all students who have received a Vision Award over the last 5 weeks, with 1 award per class handed out at the Vision Achievement Assembly.

Learning Achievement Award
These are presented at the Vision Achievement assembly.  Presented to a child who is doing whatever it takes to lead the way in either Mathematics, English or another Key Learning Area, with one award per class handed out at the Vision Achievement Assembly.

Vision Awards
Approximately three Vision Awards are handed out each week per class. The award may be for Love, Learning, Faith, School Spirit, Sport or Community.

Reading Awards
Presented for 100, 200 & 300 nights of reading.

Sport
Students will be presented with awards for placing at school events and for progressing to a Zone, Diocesan or Polding carnival. Students who participate in Running club also have the opportunity to receive recognition.

Positive Principal Phone Call
I make a few phone calls each term to really recognise those students who are going above and beyond in our School Vision.

Office Visit
Students who have completed work to the best of their efforts will often be invited to show Mrs Faber, Mr Irvine or myself.  We then show our appreciation of their efforts.

Facebook
Our Facebook page is designed to celebrate our students and staff in all areas of our School Vision whether for school or outside events

Other Awards
Some other awards and rewards that our school does to acknowledge students are: Year 6 Graduation Awards; Poetry & Public Speaking Award; Writers Festival Award; Individual Classroom incentives and rewards; a phone call from the classroom teacher to acknowledge them and just some good old-fashioned feedback from a staff member for doing something well.

Take care
John O’Brien

Assistant Principal's News - Mission

Mobile Laundry Trailer Project
With a number of generous donations and the success from our Used Clothes Sale, I am excited to announce that we have raised over $25,000 for our mobile laundry trailer project. We set out for $30,000 and now only need $5,000 to make this dream a reality!  Thank you so much to our whole school community for getting behind this project!

3:16 Youth Group
The final 3:16 for the term will be on Friday 20th June.

Kinder, Years 1, 2 & 6 Prayer Service
All parents and family members are welcome to come along and join our Kinder, Years 1, 2 & 6 students for a prayer service celebration in the church on Friday 20th June at 1.00pm.

Family Mass
On Saturday 21st June (5.00pm), we will hold our termly combined Family Mass with the College in the church. We always have a wonderful turn out to these masses and it would be great to have as many students and family members come along. We will have some free pizza at the end of the mass to share together!

Pope Leo XIV - A Reflection From Fr Peter
The attached picture is the measure of the man who has been chosen to be “Peter” for the church.  In Pope Leo, “Peter” rejoins us as we walk along the road, pilgrims of hope, foot weary at times. He comes to walk with us, not ahead, not behind, but with us.

His first words to us are not his own. “Peace be with you” – the words of the wounded One, the only One who can give us hope. Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, the beginning and end of poor pilgrims like ourselves.

“God loves us. God loves you all. And evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us go forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love.”

Sam Irvine
AP - Mission

Acting Assistant Principal's News Teaching & Learning

PAT Testing – Tracking Growth Across the School
Students in Years 2–6 have recently completed the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading, Maths, and Spelling. These nationally benchmarked assessments allow us to track student growth and evaluate the impact of our new Explicit Direct Instruction approach. Early data is very encouraging: more students are achieving in the top bands, and we’re seeing steady progress across all year levels. A huge thank you to our staff and students for embracing this new way of teaching and learning—your efforts are clearly paying off!

ICAS 2025 – Challenge Yourself!
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that assesses students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in Writing, English, Spelling, and Mathematics. Every student who participates will receive a certificate and an online report. High achievers may be awarded medals and gain national recognition.

We encourage families to consider entering students who enjoy a challenge and want to extend their learning.

Learn more: ICAS Information

How to Register:

1. Visit the ICAS Parent Portal
   
   
2. Enter our school access code: ZMX113
   
   
3. Add your child’s details and select the tests
   
   
4. Make payment and save your order confirmation
   
   

ICAS Assessment Dates for 2025:

• Writing: 4 – 8 August
  
  
• English: 11 – 15 August
  
  
• Spelling: 18 – 22 August
  
  
• Mathematics: 25 – 29 August

Registration closes: Monday, 28 July 2025
All assessments will be held at school during the scheduled windows. For questions, please contact karen.faber@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition
Students in Years 5 and 6 who scored above the 75th percentile in their standardised Maths testing so far this year have will be invited to participate in this annual online competition. The Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition gives students from across regional NSW the opportunity to test their numeracy and problem-solving skills, stretch their mathematical thinking, and represent our school.

Competition Window: Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August 2025
Eligible students will receive an email invitation soon.

Karen Faber
Acting AP Teaching & Learning

K-2 Instructional Leader

Saving the Koalas – Persuasive Writing in Action
This term, Year 2 has been hard at work developing their persuasive writing skills through a powerful and engaging topic: saving the koalas. They began by reading Koala Ark by Stephen Michael King, a story inspired by the 2019 bushfires, which sparked thoughtful discussions about the impact of natural disasters on wildlife. They then listened to three informative audio episodes that deepened their understanding of the challenges koalas face today.

Using what they learned, students each created a persuasive text aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action to help protect koalas. 

We’re proud to share two wonderful samples of their work below. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did!

Laura Lynch 
K-2 Instructional Leader

Leader of Faith

Mini Vinnies in Action!

Our Mini Vinnies students have created the first of our 'Care Packs' to be placed in the Laundry Trailer when it is up and running. These care packs will be distributed to those in need and include items such as; toothbrush, toothpaste, washer, soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissues, band aids, lip balm and a few boiled lollies as a small treat. To date, we've made 25 bags due to the generosity of staff members and anonymous donations.  These students are 'leading the way in love, faith and community'.

Karen McDonald
Leader of Faith

Leader of Love and Community

Beef Week Celebrations
Thank You for a Fantastic Beef Week!

A huge thank you to all our families for supporting our Beef Week celebrations. It’s always a fun-filled day celebrating our awesome community, and this year was no exception!

The costumes were incredible, as always, and it was fantastic to have the addition of Ben Gould with his dog trial demonstration, as well as our new Farmyard Face-Off, which saw students and some family members join in the fun.

A big thank you to Ben Gould for sharing his skills and talents and to Rod McKey for generously giving up his time to judge the bull riding competition. It’s wonderful to have parents involved, sharing their passions with our school community.

Another heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who helped cook the BBQ — our friends from Red Ink  and the amazing parents who volunteered their time.

Thank you all so much for making the day such a success! 🐄🎉

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Beef Week Diorama Competition
Congratulations to all the students who showcased their creative skills by taking part in the Casino Beef Week Diorama Competition. We are so proud of the talent we have here at SMP — this is just another wonderful example of how our students shine!

The dioramas will be on display at the Casino Town Library for the community to enjoy. Be sure to check them out and celebrate the creativity of our amazing students!

Year 6 Leaders Step Up for Beef Week
Our Year 6 Leaders of Love and Community have had a busy and rewarding week, proudly participating in a range of Beef Week events within our community.

On Monday, our leaders assisted with the setup and decorating for the Ladies Luncheon. A big thank you to Jess Cruickshank for once again inviting our students to be involved—an opportunity we’ve been privileged to take part in for several years.

This morning, our dedicated leaders were up bright and early, braving the cold to help with the “Breakfast with the Butchers”, where they happily lent a hand buttering bread and supporting the event behind the scenes.

Our students love rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in our  community. Both groups represented SMP with pride, enthusiasm, and wonderful school spirit.

Well done to all involved!

Sorry Day
On Monday, 26th May, SMP gathered as a whole school to acknowledge Sorry Day through prayer and reflection.

Congratulations to our Indigenous students who led the gathering with great respect and pride.

Beef Week Street Parade
SMP is proud to be participating in this year’s Beef Week Street Parade on Saturday, 31st May!

We invite all students who are able to join us to meet at Graham Place at 1:30pm, dressed in their costumes and ready to represent our school with pride.

🎶 Junk drummers, please remember to bring your drum and wear your AC/DC costume.

The parade will conclude at approximately 2:30pm and students will need to be collected from Graham Place at that time.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic celebration of school spirit and hope to see a great turnout from our SMP students!

Nicole Hammond
Leader of Love & Community

Vision & Learning Achievement Awards ~ 23 May 2025

Birthdays

Happy birthday to Bronte McIntyre Hugh Derrig Harlee Clapham Brody Clapham Lexi Vidler Kaden Parker Kaden King Layla Balderi Bobbi Grissell Chloe Marshall Parker Fleming Howard Armstrong Luca Cadman Miami-Lee Simpson Avalon Llewellyn Elodie Llewellyn Hannah Hines Ivy-Rose Barrett Mollyanna Hogg Ariel Bell Archie Walker Darcie Foster Kaylee Hale Ruby-Lee Marsden Harvey Larsson Harry Metcalfe Grace Armstrong McKenzie Armstrong Ruby Goldthorpe Cooper Gill Mason Armstrong and  Stella Baxter who have recently celebrated their birthday.