Newsletter Term 1 Week 10 (Wednesday 9th April 2025)

Rewards Day

We are delighted to share that all students have achieved a fantastic milestone this term by reaching our Rewards Day! This is a testament to the positive behaviour and consistent effort shown by our students throughout the term — we are so proud of them all. To celebrate, students enjoyed an afternoon of fun and engaging rotational activities in mixed age groups. It was wonderful to see students collaborating, laughing, and trying new things as they rotated through a variety of exciting experiences, including:

🎨 Craft and board games
🕺 A lively disco
🍦 Ice cream making
🧗‍♂️ Obstacle course
🎯 Indigenous games

The smiles on their faces said it all — it was a joyful way to celebrate a term of learning, growth, and friendship.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping to create a school community where students can thrive and be rewarded for their positive contributions.

Our Gospel Reflection

Luke 23:1-49

In this final Lenten Sunday, we look again at the significance of Christ in our lives. We recognise him as our saviour, but we look more closely in order to discover just what kind of saviour he is. He has taken the form of a slave; he has been glorified with a name above all other names; he continues to suffer with us.

We have not been saved through military power, but through the self-offering humility of Jesus. Though he was really in the form of God, Jesus came in the form of a slave. We have a saviour who was crushed for our iniquities, nailed to a cross as a convicted felon, and there endured the sense of abandonment. In the face of this, we must ask a fundamental question: Why does God love us with such abandon?

We have a savior who was lifted up and exalted precisely because he emptied himself of his divine prerogatives. He became one of us in order to show us how we are to live. Unlike conquerors who triumph by putting down their opponents, Jesus was raised up because he himself was first willing to be put down.

We have a saviour who first offered himself for us and then continues to offer himself to us as an example to follow. As he was willing to empty himself for our sake, so we are told to empty ourselves for the sake of others.

From Our Acting Principal

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, we prepare for a time of deep reflection and spiritual renewal, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ—his sacrifice, humility, and boundless love. This sacred journey invites us to walk alongside Jesus through his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his crucifixion on Good Friday, and ultimately, his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday. I encourage families to try and attend one of the services over Easter, the times of the services at Our Lady of Sorrows can be found below in this newsletter.

Tomorrow, 10th April, we will hold our Holy Week Liturgy at 1:45pm in the Church. We warmly invite parents to join us and we will conclude our gathering with the much-anticipated Easter Raffle and Weekly Awards. A special thank you for your generous contributions to the Easter Raffle - we’re proud to share that we have raised over $400 for Caritas. Thank you to Mrs Hyde and our Mini Vinnies for coordinating this raffle.

A friendly reminder that Friday 11th April is a Pupil Free Day and we will return to school after the holidays on Monday 28th April. I would love to see our students involved in the ANZAC Day march and ceremony, the details of the march are further below in the newsletter.

As we come to the end of a wonderful Term 1, I’d like to sincerely thank all our families for your continued support throughout the term. I wish you all a safe and restful holiday break and we look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday 28th April.

Kind Regards,

Vanessa Walters,
Acting Principal.

Assistant Principal - Mission

Sacrament of Confirmation Save The Date

We are pleased to invite you to mark your calendars for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which will take place on Thursday, 22nd May 2025.

For families of Year 3 students who would like to receive the Sacrament, we will be holding an Information Session on Wednesday, 30th April at 5:00pm in the School Library. This session will provide important details about the preparation process and requirements for your child’s Confirmation.

We encourage at least one parent or carer to attend. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Holy Week Liturgy 

On Thursday, April 10th, we will hold a Liturgy in the Church to remember Holy Week. The liturgy will begin at 1:45pm, and all classes will be involved. After the liturgy, we will draw the Easter Raffle. All are welcome to attend. 

Easter Rafffle

We are once again holding a giant Easter raffle to raise funds for Project Compassion during Lent. Students can bring in an item to donate towards the raffle, a small egg, bunny or anything Easter related is appreciated. We hope to have HEAPS of prizes for students. Tickets are on sale at school for $1 each or 3 for $2. Thank you for your support.  The raffle will be drawn at our Holy Week liturgy on Thursday, the 10th of April at 1:45pm. 

Courtney Hyde,
Assistant Principal – Mission

Keep School Funding Fair

What Parents Need to Know

Every child deserves a great education – and school funding makes that possible. Did you know 6 in 10 parents don’t know how schools are funded? Here’s what you need to know:

• Public schools receive full government funding for every student.
• Catholic & independent schools receive reduced funding, based on parent income - ensuring more support goes to lower-income families.

• 6 in 10 parents believe the government should continue to provide funding for all enrolled students to help families choose the best school for their child.
  

A fair funding system means supporting all students while ensuring families can access quality education that aligns with their values.
Learn more about @CatholicSchoolsNSW Keep School Funding Fair campaign: https://www.keepfundingfair.org.au/

ANZAC DAY 2025

The members of the Kyogle RSL sub-branch have invited all staff and students to join them in the commemoration of ANZAC Day 2025. All students are encouraged to represent our school by marching in the parade, wearing full school uniform on Friday 25th April. Students are also encouraged to wear the medals of family members who served in the Defence Forces or carry a picture. 

ANZAC Day allows us to remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915, during World War I. It also allows us to recognise and acknowledge the sacrifices of servicemen and servicewomen who have participated and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY PROGRAM

Making Jesus Real (MJR)

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L)

Wellbeing Team

Attitude of Gratitude 

The Attitude of Gratitude: Finding Light in the Dark

In a world that often feels weighed down by chaos, stress, and the relentless pursuit of more, the attitude of gratitude feels like a quiet rebellion and push back. It's a conscious choice to pause, to breathe, and to take notice of what we have, rather than what we lack.

Gratitude isn't just a feeling; it's a practice. And when we make it a daily part of our lives, it has the power to change us. It’s not about ignoring life’s struggles or pretending everything is always okay. It’s about recognizing the beauty in the small moments—even when the bigger picture might be less than perfect.  The magical mini moments.

Gratitude asks us to notice the warmth of the sun on our skin when the day feels long, the kindness of a stranger when we’re at our lowest, or the comforting sound of laughter shared with loved ones. It encourages us to say thank you—not just for the good things, but for the strength we find in the tough times, the lessons learned in the moments of hardship, and the resilience we discover when life challenges us.

It’s the soft acknowledgment of a loved one’s smile after a difficult day, or the quiet relief of a gentle evening when the world outside feels too loud. Gratitude doesn’t erase pain or hardship, but it makes room for healing by helping us see the things that sustain us, the things that remind us we are not alone.

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that we are part of something larger, something connected. An attitude of gratitude helps us remember. It connects us to the present moment, teaching us to value what we often take for granted—a roof over our heads, a meal at the table, the simple act of breathing in and out.

This attitude doesn’t just shape our thoughts; it shapes our lives. When we focus on gratitude, we start to see beauty where once we saw only mess. We start to see opportunity where we once saw only obstacles. And, most importantly, we learn that even in the darkest of times, there is always something to be grateful for—no matter how small.

Gratitude is not about perfection. It’s about grace. It’s about choosing to see the light, even when the shadows feel cumbersome. It’s about honoring both the joy and the sorrow, knowing that each moment, in its own way, contributes to the rich, complex story of who we are.

And in the end, gratitude doesn’t just change our perspective—it changes our hearts. It reminds us to live fully, to love deeply, and to be thankful for every fleeting, beautiful moment.

Shoot me an email and I will send you a copy of a 21 day family Gratitude Challenge that your whole family can do together. 

Megan Ritchie,
School Counsellor - megan.ritchie@lism.catholic.edu.au

Flower & Foliage Spectacular

Thank you to everyone who has been part of making our Flower & Foliage Spectacular such a success! The event, taking place this Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April in the school hall, is really starting to take shape and it's looking fantastic. Be sure to stop by the canteen where we’ll be serving delicious goodies across both days. Don’t miss out on the hourly raffles, hosted by the Garden Club, with plenty of exciting prizes up for grabs! We invite you to come in, take a stroll through the displays, and enjoy all that’s on offer. See you there!

Stars of the week

One of our school goals this year is to have an average weekly attendance of 90% and above. The class with the best average each week receives the  “Stars of the Week” trophy and certificate to display in their classroom.

Term 1 Attendance 

Celebrations

You shine with the Light of the Lord —the kind of Light that grows brighter and warmer and more radiant with time. God bless you with a very happy birthday!

Congratulations to the following students who have shown tremendous effort and were presented with their awards at our assembly in Week 9.

Calendar

School Calendar Access

You can find the school calendar in the Compass app by tapping the calendar icon at the bottom of the homepage. Alternatively, access it via our website HERE

Please always refer to the calendar for updates, as changes may occur.

Parish News

Parish Information
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish established 1916. Our Parish Family includes the town of Kyogle and the villages of Urbenville and Woodenbong.
Administrator: Fr Erick Quinteros | Phone: 0438 196 944 | Parish Office Phone: 02 6632 1074 | Email: kyogle@lismore.catholic.org.au | Facebook: @OurLadyofSorrowsCatholicChurch

Service Times
Kyogle Weekday Masses: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9am. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Saturday Vigil 5:00pm | Sunday 9:00am.
The Woodenbong Communion Service and Mass alternate every Saturday at 9 am. The Sacrament of Reconciliation begins 30 minutes prior to Mass. Morning tea is served every Sunday after Mass, hosted by the parishioners. Everyone is welcome!

We are on Facebook! Click here for Our Lady of Sorrows Facebook Page  

Community News

Junior Rugby League - Desperate for 7’s Players!

We’re looking for 7's players to join our team, and we need YOU! Come and be part of an exciting season of Junior Rugby League!

Training Schedule:

• 5's, 6's, & 7's: Training at 4:15 pm

• Older Age Groups: Training at 4:30 pm
  Every Thursday!

Cost:
Only $50 for the whole season if you have an Active Kids Voucher!

How to Sign Up:

• Go to NRL My League

• Click on Registrations and follow the prompts.
  Or, simply come down to training and speak with Jackie Duncan or Tara Laarhoven for more info!

All players welcome – don’t miss out! Let’s play some rugby!

Join us today and be part of the team! 

Kyogle Bazaar - Mother’s Day Market

Mark your calendars for April 26th! We’re celebrating family with a Mother’s Day Market you won’t want to miss!

What’s On:

• Raffle with a Difference: Earn your ticket by spending $5 at any stall on the day! No purchase required to enter, just earn it as you shop!

• Kids Activity: The Kyogle Turkey Treasurer Trail with fantastic prizes for the little ones!

Stay connected with us through our socials for all the latest updates and exciting details.

Kyogle Bazaar takes place every 4th Saturday of the month at Kyogle Amphitheater Park.

Come down, support local, and celebrate the community!

George Tennis Academy

My name is Trent George and I am the owner of George Tennis Academy in Casino. I have many years of coaching and playing experience and would love to be involved in running a Tennis program for your students. This term we have been to Manifold and Casino Christian Schools and we currently have availability in terms 2, 3 or 4 to run sporting schools programs at your school. Please contact me anytime to discuss further on 0499743095 or via email. 

Webinars

Upcoming Term 1 free webinars for parent and carers. These are great opportunities to up your skills so that you can support your child's learning at home and at school. Can't wait to see you online!

Holy Family Skennars Head are hosting a parent workshop with Angela Lockwood Parenting in the Age of Distraction on Tuesday, March 4th. All parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend.  

Parent Resources

Free online resources available that provide support year-round, even when other services are closed during the holiday period:

For Parents

Triple P Parenting is an evidence-based program and all parents and carers of children under 12 can access one year of support for free here: https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/free-parenting-courses/triple-p-online-under-12/

Choose from general parenting support or support specifically for parents/carers of anxious children.

Parentline NSW is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers of children up to 18 years of age. The phone line – 1300 1300 52 – is manned by a team of trained professional counsellors from 9am to 9pm Mondays to Fridays and 4pm to 9pm on weekends. https://www.parentline.org.au/

For Children and Young People

Kids’ Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – is a free, 24/7 service available to children and young people aged from five to 25. Support is available via telephone or webchat. There are also a variety of resources online: www.kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace – 1800 650 890 – is Australia’s national youth mental health foundation, and provides mental health services to 12 to 25-year-olds in person, online and via phone. There are also a lot of resources available on the website https://headspace.org.au/

For Mental Health Crises

The NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 – is a free, 24/7 phone service that you can call if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health. The number is staffed by trained professionals who can offer mental health advice, complete brief assessments, make recommendations for appropriate care, and refer callers to other NSW Health mental health services. Some of the reasons that callers may contact the Mental Health Line include (but are not limited to):

- changes in mood that are worrying to you or others
- significant changes in personal hygiene or motivation
- difficulties with concentration
- confusion about what is real and what is not
- feelings of panic or intense anxiety
- thoughts or actions of hurting yourself or ending your life
- thoughts of harming someone else

Online Safety Basics (From www.esafety.gov.au) 

Because we value the critical role parents and carers play as partners in educating and forming young people, we have compiled some helpful resources to support families at home.

Educational Games

Toy Theatre | Educational Games for Kids
Math Games
Hidden Pictures Games and Puzzles

Quick Links

St Brigid's Facebook Page
Parent Assembly Facebook Page
Supporting Learning - Primary
Faith and Family
Tips for Parents – Supporting your Childs attendance at School
NSW Government Facebook Page