Term 2 Week 2 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,
Leading the way in Faith
Often, the Catholic Church is easily put down, rightly so, due to past terrible indiscretions and crimes. I spoke to the kids the other day about the passing of Pope Francis and the loving, kind and giving Catholic Leader he was. I then spoke about their teachers and Fr Peter Slack as also working for the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church today is your child’s teacher, our Student Support Educators, Fr Peter Slack, and all our staff. This is the Catholic Church here in Casino and I think we are having a positive influence on our kids and community.
Leading the way in Love
Thank you to the amazing parents helping with our fundraising for our SMP Laundry Trailer: Sarah, Sophie, Marlee, Fiona, Lucy, Debra, Tania, Ali, Ally, Josh, Kristy & Bec. I hope I haven’t missed anyone. You are all leading the way in Love and this is so much appreciated! Big Clothes sale happening next Saturday 10-3pm in the Relihan Centre.
Leading the way in Community
Mother's Day: Today we are having a great celebration for our mums, deservedly so. I would like to thank all the mums and motherly figures to our kids. You make such a difference. I would also like to acknowledge our female staff who complement our SMP kids mums, often acting like a second beautiful mother to our kids. I share with you a little newsletter article I wrote when I went on two weeks’ paternity leave to help Michelle out when Charlie was born – she is now in Year 8. I got a very tiny taste and appreciation of what motherhood is.
‘I must admit to being a little more domesticated after having some paternity leave with my family. Changing nappies, washing dishes, mopping floors, bathing children, doing shopping, paying bills is all in a day’s work. I didn’t realise how time flew between dropping off and picking the children up in the afternoon – I couldn’t even squeeze in a schooner at the pub. So I take my hat off to all the stay at home and working mums – it can be tough at times, but I guess you wouldn’t have it any other way. I now more than ever realise that my football boots stay outside, home learning takes longer than it is supposed to, kids are always hungry, you wash the dishes and then suddenly a dirty pile appears from nowhere, ‘Dr Phil’ and ‘The View’ have some helpful hints, watching the weather becomes a full time ‘clothes line’ sport and making a short remark as to why dinner is not ready is not very helpful’.
ANZAC Day: Thank you once again for the huge turnout for our ANZAC Day March, over 50 students at the Dawn Service, and most of the school marching. This community instills respect and gratitude into our kids to ensure they understand and appreciate the sacrifices that have gone before us to provide the freedoms we take for granted today. There was a great group out at Tabulam and Evans Head, too. Well done, everyone!
Beef Week: I like to add some new things every now & then to Beef Week to keep it innovative and interesting for our community. From the previous ‘Walk of Flames’ and ‘Local Legends Lane’, to the introduction of the Betty Schuhmacher Bull Riding competition, and the Fr Slack Cattle Stampede for Year 6 students over the last couple of years. This year will be no different, with some new initiatives being thought up by our Leader of Love and Community, Mrs Nikki Hammond.
Our Leaders of Community will once again help with the Breakfast with the Butchers and our Leaders of Love will assist with setting up the Rural High Tea.
Beef Week Parade: Our SMP Kids are invited to parade with us on Saturday 31st May. They will meet us at Graham Parade (where we met for ANZAC day) at 1:15pm for a 1:45pm start. Student can dress up in their Beef Week outfit. The Junk Drummers will be doing a tribute to ACDC, as we believe they belong in a Music Museum.
Renovations
The Old Music Rooms: We will hopefully bring this to life. This will be a multi-purpose venue, including space for a Library, Creative Arts, Music, Choir, Band, Digital technology with video & podcast equipment, Little Learners, social school events, etc. I wish to honour the Mercy Sisters with this renovation.
Upstairs of the Convent: We will also bring the old uninhabitable section of The Convent back to life. This space will allow staff to have a space for eating, kitchen, toilets and create more student space for learning. We will also create a stand-alone space for a Sick Bay for our kids. This is needed, and I should have done this much earlier. I wish to honour the Mercy Sisters with this renovation too. I do this to ensure we preserve this beautiful 100-year-old building, and only after creating the best spaces for our kids' learning and play. We currently have staff toilets on a veranda, falling apart, 50 degrees in summer, and freezing in winter.
Toilets: We will remove the art shed toilets, creating a greater undercover space and walkway to the canteen. Playing 4 Sheepstations themed toilets will be put in near this playground, and we will have the main toilets, including an all-access one in the old music rooms. The two current toilet blocks will be demolished, opening up greater flow & playground space. These toilets will be much nicer than the ones we currently have.
Student Free Day: Friday 6th June This leads into the King's Birthday on the Monday of the long weekend. We aligned this day this year with the College after feedback from families.
Take care
John O’Brien
Assistant Principal's News - Mission
Mobile Laundry Trailer
What an incredible fundraising effort for our Mobile Laundry Trailer project so far. We have hit approx. $13,000 in total money raised through a combination of donations and our students leading a number of fundraising efforts.
A big thank you to The Casino Food Co, Richmond Dairies, Jack Murray Fencing and Summerland Bank for donating $2,000 each, the Casino Travel Shoppe for the $1,500 travel voucher, and especially our students, who have helped to raise over $3,000 dollars through the Mini Vinnies Cake Stall, the Social Justice parish mass stalls, selling raffle tickets and buying Croc-Charms - what an amazing community we have here! Next stop, $30,000 to get this up and running!!!
Pre-Loved Clothes Mega Sale - Saturday 17 May
A big thank you to all students and families for donating good quality used clothes for our “Pre-Loved Clothes Mega Sale” which will be held next Saturday 17 May from 10am - 3pm in the Relihan Centre. Please spread the word, share the posters and info on social media and come along and support this wonderful parent-led fundraiser where all money raised goes towards our Mobile Laundry Trailer. The theme of the sale is 'pay what you think the item is worth'. Only new, tagged clothes will have a fixed price.
A big thank you to all of the parents who have helped to drive this so far through collecting and sorting clothes, particularly Sarah Smith, Marlee Newby, Debra Marshall, Sophie Convine, Rebecca Marshall, Ali Rollinson, Tania Creighton, Lucy Garzoni and Fiona Borello - thank you!
Faith Dates Term 2
- 23rd May - 3:16 Youth Group 3:10pm-5.00pm (info to come on Compass)
- 20th June - Kinder, Years 1, 2 & 6 Prayer Service in the church @ 1.00pm
- 20th June - 3:16 Youth Group 3:10pm-5.00pm
- 21st June - Family Mass in the church @ 5.00pm
- 27th June - Years 3, 4 & 5 Prayer Service in the church @ 1.00pm
Vision Achievement Assemblies - Term 2
- Friday 23rd May & Friday 4th July @ 2:10pm in the Relihan Centre
Charlie Cox Beef Week Cup
On Thursday 29th May we will hold our annual Charlie Cox Beef Week Cup sporting competition with other local Casino primary schools. Students in Year 3-6 have the opportunity to sign up for either a rugby league, soccer or netball team if they wish. Soccer students will require their own shin pads and rugby league students will need a mouthguard. The students will participate in some training at school over the next few weeks. More information to come on this.
School Improvement Parent Feedback
Below is a link to our 2025 feedback survey that we would love for you to take 5-10 minutes to complete. We appreciate all of the feedback you provide us as a school to get better.
This survey will close on the 23rd May.
LINK to the 2025 PARENT SURVEY
Student Surveys
This term, our school is participating in the Tell Them From Me® student survey. This survey provides valuable feedback on students' perspectives from years 4 and up about school life, their engagement, and the ways teachers interact with them.
The surveys are rigorously validated and developed by The Learning Bar, an organisation specialising in educational research and survey administration. These surveys gather crucial data that help enhance student learning experiences and overall school environment.
Key Points:
- The survey is confidential, and school staff will not be able to identify individual students from their responses.
- Participating students will receive a unique username and password to ensure confidentiality.
- The survey is online, takes 15 to 20 minutes, and will be conducted during school hours.
- Participation in the survey is voluntary. If your child feels uncomfortable with any question, they can skip it or stop the survey at any time.
- Teachers will remind students that they can talk to their teacher or guidance counsellor if they feel distressed or worried about the survey.
- The survey measures topics such as emotional and social well-being, physical health, and behaviours and attitudes that are predictors of student success.
- It also allows students to provide their thoughts and feedback through open-ended questions.
If you do not want your child/children to participate in the survey, please email me by Tuesday 13th May (sam.irvine@lism.catholic.edu.au).
Sam Irvine
AP - Mission
Stage 2 & 3 Instructional Leader
Brightpath
Each term at SMP, our students take part in a writing assessment using a program called Brightpath. This assessment helps teachers track each child’s growth as a writer and supports us in tailoring future teaching to meet their individual learning needs.
As part of the assessment, students are shown a picture stimulus and asked to write a creative piece in response. These images are carefully chosen to spark imagination and encourage thoughtful, descriptive writing. Below, you’ll see the picture prompts that were used last term. The range of ideas and creativity shown by our students was truly impressive!
In Week 3, your child/ren will complete this assessment again, this time using a brand-new set of images. It’s always fascinating to see how differently each student interprets the same picture. We encourage you to ask your child about what they chose to write—these conversations are a great way to celebrate their efforts and creativity.
Kristie Irvine
Stage 2 & 3 Instructional Leader
Sport News
Athletics Preparation
This years Athletics Carnival will be Friday 13th June. Over the next few weeks we will begin nominations for Long Jump, Shot Put and 1500m, 800m & 200m running events. These nominations will happen at school. Please check in with your child to see if they have put their name down for any of these events if you wish for them to participate.
Zone Cross Country
Congratulations to the 50 students who competed at the Zone Cross Country Carnival in Week 1. It was a fantastic display from everyone and we couldn't be more proud of them for the way they represented our school. A huge congratulations to Hallie Kenny (8 years girl Age Champion) Zahryah Pirlo (9 years girl Age Champion). Well done and good luck to the following students travelling to the Diocesan Carnival: Olive Chelman, Mila Farr, Matilda Cowan, Isobel Flynn, Wallace Gray, Myf Gray, Larah Kenny, Alyssia-Rose Mole, Zahryah Pirlo, Mila Roberson, Angus Torti and Harper Williams. Zone runners please return your running singlet to Mr Parrish if you have not yet done so.
Polding Winter Sports Trials
Congratulations to the following students who recently travelled down to Bathurst to represent both our school and the Lismore Diocese at the Polding Winter Sport Trials. Zoe Formaggin (Netball), Finn Irvine, Marcos Barber, Ashton Leadley and Chase Roberts (Rugby League). We further congratulate and wish best of luck to Chase who will now represent the Polding team at the PSSA Championships in Blacktown next month, a huge achievement!
Rugby 7’s
The Casino Rugby 7’s competition has been postponed until June. This delay provides a fantastic opportunity for more students to sign up, particularly girls, as there is now additional time for training. The extra time will allow for a better understanding of the rules and overall development of skills, ensuring a more confident and competitive team. We encourage all students to take advantage of this extension and sign up to be a part of the team. Please see Mr Parrish for more information about this.
Cohen Parrish
Sports Co-ordinator
Leader of Love and Community
Open Night
It was wonderful to see so many of our current and new families join us to experience the amazing things happening at SMP. It was a joy to watch students proudly share their learning, artwork, classrooms, musical talents and performances.
Open Night is such a special opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and school. How blessed are we to be part of such an amazing school and wider community!
A big congratulations to our Year 6 leaders and musical performers who showcased their gifts and talents so proudly.
A special mention also to Jaxon Williams who confidently led our Acknowledgment of Country and proudly shared his culture with us all.
ANZAC Day
Thank you to all the students who attended ANZAC services over the holidays. It is always a great privilege to honour those who gave so much so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Beef Week Competition
Poet Day and Antonio Garzoni have done an amazing job creating a Beef Week diorama, which will be entered into the new Beef Week competition!
Check out the flyer below for more information about the competition — there's still time to enter if you'd like to get involved!
Nicole Hammond
Leader of Love and Community
School Fees
The first Statement for 2025, emailed in February, shows your annual school fees, levies and any balances carried forward from the previous year. It also confirms your chosen payment plan and scheduled due dates.
Payments toward 2025 school fees must now commence. Unless you wish to pay fees annually, all payments were due to commence 01.03.25. If paying annually, that payment was due on 29.03.25. If you want to change your payment plan (noted on your Statement with your BPay Reference Number) or have questions, please email cso-feesrichmondro@lism.
Thank you to those families for your prompt cooperation in bringing fees up to date.
School Photographs - Monday 12 May
This Monday, 12 May school photographs will be taken at school. If you have not ordered as yet you can order online over the weekend using your child's own personalised envelope. Bring the envelope into the office on Monday morning.
Students will wear their regular summer uniform. Please do not wear the sports uniform.
Girls in check dress or blouse and shorts; black leather polishable shoes and navy socks. Hair that is longer than shoulder length will need to to be tied up with navy or white hair accessories. Flowers or brightly coloured clips are not permitted. Earrings of plain silver or gold sleepers or studs permitted. One silver or gold chain with a small crucifix may be worn around the neck. One plain silver or gold bangle can be worn on the wrist. No Pandora styled bangles with charms is allowed. Make-up is not permitted.
Boys will wear school polo shirt (not Year 6 shirt) with navy long-leg shorts; black leather polishable shoes and navy socks. Hair is not to exceed collar length. Hair can be shaved no shorter than a #2 blade and must be a consistent and clean cut - no tracks, patterns. Hair accessories are not permitted for boys.
Further information on the School Uniform Policy can be found on the school website under Parents & Families.
Sibling Photographs will be taken on Tuesday 13 May. Same uniform requirements apply even if your child has sport on Tuesday. You might like to send in their sport's uniform in a bag and they could change after the photograph.
For further information on the Uniform Requirements to the school website - Parents & Families - School Uniform Requirements.
Thank you
Another successful Mother's Day stall was held today. The stall cannot run without the great help of our mothers, father and grandmother. A very big thank you to Dannika Patton, Aprillia McSweeney, Debra Marshall, Marlee Newby, Sally Gooley, Hannah Clark, Kirra Flack, Kirralee Barrett, Jessica Carter, Kristy Creighton, Sophie Convine, Evan George, Katrina Clark, Belinda Maroney, Lani Garsden, Olivia Flynn, Jenny Fuhrmann, Jess Collier, Georgina Slade and Nicole Campbell. Our helpers assisted the children in choosing and wrapping almost 1,100 gifts - a great effort.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to 
Campbell Hardwick Kobie Moore Finnan Martin Oscar Piccoli Harvey Llewellyn Lucas Myers Abigail Drummond Bryson McElwaine Indigo McClelland Laleena Mason-Fry Cooper Westbury Cody Morgan Raylan Botfield Charlotte Russo Marcos Barber Damian Keating Jimmy Murray Leo Campbell Alissa Benn Ashton Leadley Lilly Hoare Bentley Mathias Amaya Ind Samantha Bernal Henry Serone LJ Schultz Jenna McMillan Braxton Auckram Mila Farr Stella Bahadori Locklan Creighton Anna Auckram Charlie Metcalfe Joshua Keen Emilia Melindo Jayce Patrikka Nicholas Ewart Hunter Ryan Halle Barber Harmony McDonald Dustin Gill Mia Clarke Leyton Mathias Dylan Morton Zanthie Bate Pippa Cowan Oliver McSweeney Kayden Newby Kyle Newby Ruby Westbury Dallas Stephens Kayden Parker Sophie Roberts Jack Felton Jack Gava Ned Godfrey Cruze Pirlo Aaira Shaik Levi White Alaynah McIntosh Otis Brown Izac Stacker Lance Hayes Tommy Scofield and Anja Ivancic who have celebrated their birthday over the last weeks, and to Oliver Christensen Rohan Mudduluru and Austin Roberts who celebrate tomorrow.