Filter Content
- From the Principal - Mrs Katie Browne
- From the Assistant Principal - Mr Simon Farrugia
- From the REC - Ms Catherine du Bois
- From the School Office
- Calendar Overview
- P&F News
- No Hat No Play
- Bring it Back Boxes
- Wellbeing Officer
- CCSP Conference
- Canteen for Term 3
- Book Club Catalogue
- SEL Focus - Week 3 and 4
- 2025 Term Dates and Pupil Free Days
- Awards
- Dental Checks - Week 10
- Community News
Dear Families,
Thank you so much for the beautiful acknowledgement on Principals' Day. I was so touched by the heartfelt messages the children wrote on stars for me, and I will truly treasure them.
It is a great privilege to lead our school, and I genuinely love my job. I am constantly learning and growing in my role as principal, and I'm inspired by the life of St Mary MacKillop. She showed incredible determination and never gave up, even when she was repeatedly challenged. Her passion for her cause led to the creation of schools and the opportunity for children to be taught by the nuns.
This determination is something I will reflect on further during my upcoming pilgrimage, where I will have the opportunity to learn more about St Mary MacKillop and other saints like St Patrick, St Catherine, and St Francis of Assisi.
This Friday, as we celebrate the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we will honour the impact she had in bringing Catholic schooling to Moss Vale. We will also acknowledge some of our students who show great determination in their faith, learning, and wellbeing.
God Bless,
Katie Browne
Principal
Uniform Update
We know many of you are waiting for the new school uniform and this has caused some frustration. We want to assure you that Lowes is working hard to have everything in stock and ensure our uniform is the best that it can be. We've been just as frustrated by some unexpected issues in the handover process. We appreciate your patience as we work through these with Lowes, who have been very efficient in identifying and addressing them. It is in the school community’s interests that we ensure any issues are attended to now before Lowes goes into manufacture.
One of the main issues we discovered is that the incorrect school logo has been used on our uniforms. To fix this, we will be making some updates to ensure the correct logo is used and fits properly with the uniform items.
Moving forward, our sports uniform will transition to a navy blue sports top with sky-blue cut-outs. The sky-blue tops show the dirt, and the updated logo doesn't work well with that colour. We feel the new navy uniform will look much smarter and tidier. The logo will also be more prominent, which is important for identifying our school and community.
There will be a transition time as these changes are introduced with the aim that by the start of 2027 all students are in the correct uniform. As the old stock is phased out the new stock will be brought in.
System Professional Learning
This coming Monday, August 11, Mrs. Browne, Mr. Farrugia, and Mrs. Claremont will be attending system professional learning. Mrs. Sandra Hogan will be the Relief Principal for the day.
These sessions are designed to help us continue our school's improvement journey. The focus this year has been on the work of Vivianne Robinson and her book, Virtuous Educational Leadership and Collaborative Complex Problem Solving. This process teaches us to get to the heart of a problem and work together to find the best way forward.
NAPLAN Results
Last week, NAPLAN reports were sent home to families. We are very pleased to see continued growth, particularly in reading, where 86% of our Year 3 and Year 5 students were in the strong or exceeding bands.
Our numeracy results have also improved with 70% of students in the strong or exceeding bands. While there is still work to do, this shows that our interventions and focus on numeracy have had a positive impact. The Year 3 results, in particular, demonstrate that our consistent approach using the InitiaLit program has been successful. We will continue to make this a primary focus to ensure ongoing consistency.
Our writing results have been trending down slightly, which has prompted us to inquire into how we can turn this around and ensure we see an upward trend.
On the whole, our school is making positive progress, and our ongoing focus on improvement is showing results across all areas. If you would like to discuss your child's NAPLAN report, please feel free to make an appointment with their class teacher through the office.
Principal and Assistant Principal Network Meeting
On Thursday, August 14, we are excited to be hosting a network meeting for Primary Principals and Assistant Principals from across the diocese. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our school, and during the day, they will be visiting classrooms to see the excellent learning that is taking place.
Book Week
Get ready for an adventure! Our annual Children's Book Week parade is just around the corner, and we'd love for all our families to join us. The parade will take place on Thursday, August 21, kicking off at 9:30 am. We're hoping for sunshine so we can use the outdoor court, but we have the hall ready to go if needed.
This year's theme is "Book and Adventure," and we can't wait to see the creative costumes! Your child is welcome to come dressed as their favourite book character or in a costume that reflects the theme. Just a friendly reminder that Book Week celebrates the world of literature, so we ask that costumes are based on books, not TV shows. Costumes from M or R rated shows are not appropriate for our young students—for example, a character from "Squid Games" would not be suitable.
Did you know that our school's library borrowing rates are higher than some schools twice our size? It's a testament to our students' incredible love for reading, and we believe it's a huge factor in the great reading results we're seeing. Book Week is the perfect way to celebrate this passion!
If your child prefers not to participate, they can simply wear their sports uniform or casual clothes on the day. All children should wear appropriate clothing for break times and closed-in shoes, like sneakers, for their safety.
Western Region
Good luck to the students competing at Western Region this Friday!
Soccer Gala Day
Just a reminder to students who signed up to the soccer gala day. It is on the 28th August. Parent team managers are required to have completed the volunteer onboarding. Please give consent and payment of $5 via compass.
Basketball Gala Day
Expressions of interest have been sent out. Please reply as soon as possible. The event is on the 19th of September at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium.
Confirmation
Enrolments for Confirmation will commence from Saturday 26th July – Sunday 10th August.
Forms for enrolment can be collected from Father after any weekend Mass or from the parish office Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 9am to 1.30pm.
There will be 5 preparation Classes which will be held on Sunday.
Classes start Sunday 17 August to Sunday 21 September. (No class on Sunday 7th September)
Parents of Year 6 children who have made their Reconciliation & First Holy Communion and now would like their child/s to make their Confirmation are invited to attend a parent information night on Wednesday 23 July 2025 6.30pm in the school hall.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Tuesday 23rd September at 6.00pm.
Year 6 Bishop Mass
Students in Year 6 attended the Mass with the Bishop on Tuesday 29th July at St Thomas Aquinas in Bowral. They were commended for their enthusiastic participation and had a wonderful day.
Mary MacKillop
We will be celebrating the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop on Friday 8th August. There will be a whole school Mass in the Church at midday. Students will also be completing some activities around Mary MacKillop and the value of determination.
Parents and visitors are warmly invited to attend the Mass.
Assumption
We will be celebrating the feast of Mary’s Assumption on Thursday 14th with a whole school Mass in the Church at midday. Parents and visitors are warmly invited to attend.
Thank you
Catherine du Bois
Religious Education Coordinator
Panadol and Nurofen at school
Nurofen and panadol are not to be brought to school unless a consent to dispense medication form has been completed and signed by a Medical Practitioner (pharmacist, doctor, dentist etc). Students are not permitted to self administer this.
Uniform Items
The school sells sun hats ($16), School Bags ($65) and the girls winter skirt ($70). These are available to purchase from the school office and payment is by cash or eftpos.
Volunteers
If you volunteer at the school, parents or carers need to do an induction by scanning the QR code in the document:
Contact details
It is important that your contact details are up to date. It would be appreciated if you could log onto the Compass Parent Portal and check that your mobile/telephone number and email address are correct.
If you find that they are incorrect, you may update them in the portal.
Please also check that your email address is reachable, we sometimes find that we receive ‘bounce backs’ due full inboxes.
School Fees
From the commencement of the 2025 school year, the management of certain aspects relating to school fee accounts in Primary Schools has been transferred to the School Fees Liaison Office at the Catholic Education in Wollongong.
What does this mean for families:
- Your school’s administration office is your first place for enquiry regarding school fees. School staff will provide information regarding instalments, methods of payment, giving access to an Application for Fee Concession and attend to other general enquiries.
- If you are experiencing financial difficulty or need to make an arrangement for payment of your school fee account, please email sflo@dow.catholic.edu.au with your name and the school in which your children are enrolled. The School Fees Liaison Office will then contact you directly to offer assistance.
- Please note that each school has a dedicated School Fees Liaison Officer to provide a personalised service to individual families. This Officer will also have a close relationship with your school.
If you require further information about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Injuries
If you child sustains an injury outside of school eg broken arm / leg and they have a cast/sling etc the office must be informed and a letter from the Doctor / ED report must be given to the office so that a risk assessment and care plan can be done for the student.
Only medication that is prescribed by a doctor is permitted to be dispensed at School upon completion of a “Consent to Dispense Medication” form which is available from the office. The form and the medication are to be given to the office staff in the original packaging with the student’s name and dosage. We are not permitted to administer Panadol unless prescribed by a doctor and the necessary form completed. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
If your child is Asthmatic or Anaphylactic please ensure the necessary plan has been forwarded to the office along with any medication so that it can be processed. We also need a "Consent to Dispense Medication" form to be completed.
Please see below the calendar overview for Term 3 2025:
| Week 3 |
Thursday 7 August - Year 3 & 4 Excursion to UOW Discovery Centre Wollongong Friday 8 August - Western Region Athletics - selected students Friday 8 August - Mary MacKillop Feast Day - 12pm Mass in the Church - all welcome |
| Week 4 |
Tuesday 12 August - Rail Safety Talk Incursion - K to 6 Thursday 14 August - Whole School Assumption Mass in the Church at 12pm - all welcome (we are holding this a day early) Thursday 14 August - No assembly due to Principal and AP Meeting in the Hall Friday 15 August - Awards handed out at morning assembly - all welcome Friday 15 August - Basketball Clinics Year 3 to Year 6 Friday 15 August - Wakakirri in Wollongong - Evening |
| Week 5 |
Tuesday 19 August - Newsletter Tuesday 19 August - Athletics Trials - selected students Thursday 21 August - Book Week Book Parade 9:30am Friday 22 August - Basketball Clinics Year 3 to Year 6 |
| Week 6 |
Tuesday 26 August - Year 1 and Year 2 Excursion to the Discovery Centre in Wollongong Thursday 28 August - Assembly at 2:15pm - all welcome Thursday 28 August - Soccer Gala Day at Picton - info sent out via compass Friday 29 August - Basketball Clinics Year 3 to Year 6 Friday 29 August - Fathers Day Breakfast and Fathers Day Stall orders due by today on the Spriggy Schools app |
| Week 7 |
Tuesday 2 September - Newsletter Wednesday 3 September - Fathers Day Breakfast 7:30am to 8:50am and Fathers Day Stall (during class time) Friday 5 September - P&F Disco - details to come |
| Week 8 |
Thursday 11 September - Assembly at 2:15pm - all welcome Thursday 11 September - Catholic Mission Launch in Smeaton Grange - selected Year 6 Students Friday 12 September - Kindergarten Excursion to Calmsley Hill Farm in Abbotsbury |
| Week 9 |
Tuesday 16 September - Newsletter Friday 19th September - Basketball Gala Day at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium - Selected Students |
| Week 10 |
Monday 22 September - Dental Checks Tuesday 23rd September - Year 6 Confirmation - Evening Thursday 25 September - Assembly at 2:15pm - all welcome Friday 26 September - Crazy Hair Day - Year 6 Fundraiser - More details to come Last Day of Term 3 - Friday 26th September |
Everyone is welcome to attend. Fathers, Grandparents, or a special person in your child's life. There will also be a coffee van to purchase coffee, etc.
You can now pre-purchase your breakfast on the Spriggy Schools app. This will close off on Friday 29th August. If you have more than one child at the school, these orders can be placed under one of your child's names.
We will also have our annual Fathers Day Stall on the same day.
The stall will have a variety of gifts that each child can choose from and will bring home that afternoon. These gifts will need to be pre ordered via the Spriggy Schools app. When ordering, if you have more than one child at the school and they are getting a gift each, please make sure you order for each child, not as one.
This can be done by ordering for one child and adding to cart, then go to the top of the app where your child's name is and switch to your other child, order for them and add to cart. You can then check out all at once.
The close off date is also Friday 29th August. The stall will be held during school hours.
Disco - Save the Date
After a successful disco last year, we will be holding one again this year on Friday 5th September. The format will be similar to last year with Infants, Kindy to Year 2 in the first session and Year 3-6 in the 2nd session.
In the past when students have come to school without a hat, they have been able to get a spare one from the office. From this week, spare hats will no longer be available from the office.
Parents can purchase hats from the school office for $16 via Cash or Card. Alternatively parents can send cash in with students to purchase one.
Students are also able to leave their hats at school in their locker/tub space so they don't have to remember to bring their hat each day.
Please also make sure hats are clearly labelled with students names.
STUDENT WELLBEING
St Paul's feast day last term was a wonderful opportunity for our first Christian Meditation for parents and carers. We thank Robyn Gallagher, from CEO's Catholic Life, Education & Mission, for introducing the practice to our parents and carers so they can learn and understand what the students and staff participate in at school, and be able to enjoy for themselves, while also being able to use the practice with their children at home. We look forward to continuing to offer the opportunity to parents on a regular basis with a different theme each time. Please look out for the flyer.
SEASONS FOR GROWTH - POSTPONED
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Seasons for Growth has been postponed until Term 4 and will be run for years 3 and 4. If you would like your child to participate, please contact The Student Wellbeing Officer (SWO) through the office or via email below, this term. The program is expected to commence in week 1, Term 4.
THE COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS – THE SLEEP CONNECTION WEBINAR
PLEASE JOIN US FOR CCSP’S TERM 3 SLEEP WEBINAR
Do you know how vital sleep is to your children's health, learning and emotional wellbeing? Do you know what effects screens are having on the quantity and quality of our sleep? Don't miss this opportunity to find out strategies you can use to help your children develop healthy sleeping habits for optimal function!
Join Sleep Educator Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection for an insight into how important sleep is for your children - and you - and tips for making sure the whole family gets enough zzzzzzzz.
Wednesday 13 August
7pm - 8pm
PRESENTED BY THE SLEEP CONNECTION
Register using the link - See you online!
For parents and carers of K-12 school students
LEARNING WITH LEMONADE
Some students from Year 4 enjoyed learning about making lemonade together with a recipe and ingredients kindly donated by mums. The boys were able to follow instructions and enjoy making the lemonade and cleaning up after themselves, whilst staying safe. The boys were then able to share with their class after break 2. The result was YUM!
The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) has announced that tickets to the 2025 CCSP Parents and Carers’ Conference on Saturday 25 October 2025 are now on sale.
This year’s conference celebrates 30 years of CCSP supporting and advocating for parents and carers of children in Catholic schools. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee.
The 2025 conference theme is Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World.
Keynote speakers at the conference include:
-
Dr Justin Coulson – one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au.
-
Michelle Mitchell – author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens.
-
Daniel Principe – passionate youth advocate and educator. Through his work, Daniel encourages young people to recognise and resist distorted attitudes towards bodies, relationships, and sex.
The conference, which is being held at the Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, is a one-day event and is only $30 to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear and engage with some of Australia’s leading experts on raising young people in our complex society.
We we have a company called Lunch Bunch Canteens who will be fulfilling our lunch orders each week.
For the first 3 weeks of Term 3 the canteen will operate on a Wednesday and then from Week 4 it will resume operations on a Thursday:
Week 3 - Wednesday 6 August
Week 4 - onwards on Thursdays
Please find the menu below and how to order details:
The latest book club catalogue was sent home a couple of weeks ago.
If you would like to place an order, please do so via the LOOP app.
Orders will close off on 11th August.
Asking for help
Self Awareness
- Look at the person.
- Ask the person if he or she has time to help you.
- Clearly explain the kind of help that you need.
- Thank the person for helping.
| Term 3 | 21 July - 26 September |
| 21 July - Pupil Free Day | |
| 22 July - Pupil Free Day | |
| 23 July - Students Return | |
| Last Day - Friday 26 September | |
| Term 4 | 13 October - 19 December |
| 13 October - Pupil Free Day | |
| 14 October - Students Return | |
| 18 December - Last Day for Students | |
| 19 December - Pupil Free Day |
*These are provisional dates and are subject to change.
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal's Award in Week 2
| Kindergarten | Ayaan Neupane |
| Year 1 | Archie Hill |
| Year 2 | Esra Anderson |
| Year 3 | Demitri Psarakis |
| Year 4 | Tyler Wray |
| Year 5 | Georgia Allison |
| Year 6 | Nevaeh Hine |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Merit Award in Week 2
| Kindergarten | Yi-Huei Chiang |
| Year 1 | Nellie Warburton |
| Year 2 | Hamish Taylor |
| Year 3 | Arabella Delany |
| Year 4 | Poppy Wilson Christian |
| Year 5 | Zoe-Grace Gavellas |
| Year 6 | Scout Eccleston |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Mission Star Award in Week 2
| Kindergarten | Rosie Simpson |
| Year 1 | William Desborough |
| Year 2 | Machu Jornsamer |
| Year 3 | Anaisha Bassi |
| Year 4 | Henry Pertout |
| Year 5 | Hannah Allison |
| Year 6 | Luella Burgess |
Australian Dental Health will be visiting St Paul's Catholic Primary School (Moss Vale) in Term 3, Week 10.
ADH will be providing free dental check-ups and treatment for eligible students.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining your child’s dental health—preventing cavities, identifying issues early, and promoting good habits.
This service is provided at no cost to eligible families through Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Please complete the consent form attached.
Deadline for Online forms: Friday, 11/08/2025 by 5:00 PM
Don’t miss the chance to keep your child’s smile healthy!
If you have any questions, please contact ADH at info@adhnsw.com.au or 02 7803 9608.
Mittagong RSL Junior Disco
We have multiple gift vouchers that are drawn on the night.
All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.
Please note – the below remainder dates for 2025.
27/09/25
25/10/25
29/11/25
Council of Catholic School Parents Newsletter
Wingecarribee Shire Council Screening: Future Council
Minnamurra Rainforest Spring 2025
Southern Highlands Sleepout
Positive Partnership Workshop
Positive Partnerships autism workshop: 23 September, Goulburn
Positive Partnerships is a government funded program that offers free neuroaffirming workshops to parents/carers of autistic young people, including those on the pathway to identification.
A one day workshop is coming up in Goulburn. Go to the Positive Partnerships website for more details and to register:
One day workshop, 23 September, GOULBURN:
https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/workshop/?eventtemplate=69-1-day-parent-carer-workshop-nsw&event=2150
More info about workshop content:
https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/workshops-online-learning/workshops