20th June 2025

Executive Principal News

Dear Parents and Carers 

I recently broke my right big toe which has impacted on my ability to drive, and therefore my flexibility getting across the schools. Whilst a broken bone is painful and uncomfortable, and for me also inconvenient, having to wear a most unfashionable boot, it has certainly slowed me down a bit. It has also made me reach out to ask for help and support from others to assist with lifts to and from work. I have been so blessed because I have been able to spend time in the company of our amazing staff across both Abermain and Kurri and chatting to them one on one. It's a privilege and the silver lining, to be able to sit and just listen. Listening to the driver's story; their ideas; their suggestions; their life outside of school and it's been great. Even on the journey to or from work, our staff are planning for and thinking of our students.  It has been a true gift in disguise.  Life can be like that - at times our trials and tribulations can weigh us down. It is important to search for the positives and to find and embrace the opportunities that come our way! 

Math's and Spelling Bees at Holy Spirit Schools

We thank Ms. Maree Pittaway for her work to plan, prepare and host the School Math's and Spelling Bees at both schools with The Primary Bees occurring last Friday in the Parish Hall and the Infants Bees occurring on Monday 16th June. It is important to provide students with many rich and varied opportunities for them to participate in. Congratulations to all the finalists! You did so well!

Winners and School Representative at Regional Spelling & Maths Bee

Abermain:

Spelling:

Kindergarten Spelling Bee: Evie Edwards

Stage One Spelling Bee: Caleb Hernandez

Math's:

Kindergarten Math's Bee: Finley Elliott

Stage One Math's Bee: Maverick Welch

Please note Kindergarten do not proceed to the Regional Level.

Kurri: 

Spelling:

Stage 2 - Audrey Bunker

Stage 3- Oliver Weston

Math's:

Stage 2- Rhylen Grew

Stage 3- Zayne Mueller

This Friday, 20th June, the first-place winners (except for Early Stage One) will travel with their parent/guardian to Rosary Park Primary School at Branxton to participate in the Lower Hunter Regional Maths and Spelling Bees. We congratulate our school representatives and wish them all the very best in the competition. 

The Diocesan Spelling and Math's Bees will be hosted the following week. A huge congratulations to every student. 

Semester One Reports

As mentioned last newsletter, teachers are finalising the students' Semester One reports which will be shared via Compass on Friday 27th June with parents/carers. A gentle reminder that we do hope all parents of students in Years 3-6 book an appointment, through Compass, to attend a Parent-Teacher meeting with your child's teacher. The report is one part of our diocesan processes and the face-to-face parent teacher meeting, is a further opportunity to meet with your child's teacher. 

At Abermain, students in 1W can also book in with Mrs. Haines or Ms. Laczkowski for your PT Interview. All other grades at Infants will offer PT Interviews in week 2 next term. This is our attempt to not overload parents with interviews across both schools in the same week. We encourage every parent/carer to make an appointment please.

All Saints College Compass announcement 

Parents/Carers are encouraged to read the significant diocesan announcement shared via Compass on Tuesday 17th June. It is likely a welcome announcement for our families as more places will be available for Year 7 students. 

Stage 3 Building Works

The capital works project to install three concertina glass doors in the current Year 5 and 6 learning spaces is set to begin next week. Year 6 classes are set to move to the library for the next two weeks and to a temporary space in the partitioned side section of the staffroom. Teachers will have time to pack up their resources and those student belongings in the next few days. Parents are asked to reach out to Mrs. McFarlane or Miss Spencer if your child has difficulties adjusting to this temporary arrangement. In Week 10, Year 5 classes will pack up to facilitate the works during the break in those rooms. We do anticipate building noise and some disruption- but the benefit will be terrific providing us with upgraded facilities and a space to gather as a school. 

Seeking Year 3 Parent Feedback 

As we look ahead to 2026, I know it seems early, I am keen to hear from our current Year 3 families regarding their feedback and ideas for ways we may can move forward with a transition program for the current Year 2's. Being Principal across both schools I invite parent feedback about how your child found the transition process; what things were easily navigated by your child and what aspects might we include for the next cohort of students transitioning to make it even smoother? It is often knowing about the "little things" that would foster confidence in our students as this year I discovered the use of the door locks on the toilet doors was an issue for some and for others it was where to line up for dismissal or whether to eat lunch or recess first. Simple little things that at the end of 2025, we will ensure are addressed. 

Please let me know if a gathering over a coffee would suit, or whether a survey works best? I really do want to hear from you about your child's experience this year. 

Transition to Year 7

Parents of students in Year 6, I plan to work closely with the staff at All Saints College to plan the transition possibilities for our Year 6 students and have reached out to my colleagues already. Further information will be available. 

Stage 3 Parent letter 

A reminder to all parents of stage 3 students that a letter was shared last week regarding upcoming excursions which involve staying overnight and for parents to begin thinking about what is best for your child in terms of what preparation may be needed prior to this experience. If you could not open it or access it, please contact the school for a copy. 

Parent Teacher Interviews

A reminder that parents of students in Year 1W, Year 3-6 are asked to please make a booking via Compass to meet with your child's teacher to discuss your child's Semester One report. The formal report is one aspect of our reporting process, and the interview is an important opportunity to clarify anything you are unsure of or to share any concerns or highlights with your child's teacher. 

At Abermain the PT Interviews will be Week 2 next term with bookings available shortly. 

Aspire "The Rise of Bozz" production- Unfortunately our school will not be attending an Aspire performance this year due to ticketing issues and availability. We do apologise for any student who may be disappointed. Parents are encouraged to contact the Civic Theatre to arrange tickets if you would like to attend. We do encourage families to go as these productions are terrific.

Instead, in 2025, we have organised for both schools to attend a performance at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre during Term 3 which we are sure they will all enjoy! Years 3-6 will also have the opportunity for an Indigenous Cultural Incursion on 30th June in the Parish hall as well. 

Teacher Illness 

Parents we have been impacted by recent staff illnesses across both our schools at the moment as well as theirt own families. Please know that we do all we can to ensure consistency of casual teachers, who often are booked out ahead of their days here at our schools, in our efforts to keep learning happening across each class. The staff who are sick are amazing in that they will leave a pre-prepared set of lessons for the day that they are ill. Sometimes we do have to split a class to other grades if no casual teacher is available but this is not very often. We thank you for your understanding 

Have a wonderful fortnight,

Diane Murphy 

Principal

Assistant Principal News Abermain

Attendance 

Supporting Your Child’s School Attendance 

Regular and punctual school attendance plays a vital role in your child’s learning, social development, and overall success. Here are some simple ways you can help: 

• Arrive on Time: Aim to have your child at school no later than 8:55 am. A teacher is on playground duty from 8:25 am, giving children a chance to settle in, connect with friends, and start the day calmly. 

• Stay for the Full Day: Encourage your child to remain at school until 2:55 pm. The final session often includes valuable learning experiences like group activities, creative tasks, and reflection time. 

By making attendance a priority and reducing unnecessary absences, you’re helping your child build strong routines, friendships, and learning habits that will benefit them now and in the future. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus for weeks 9 and 10 of Term 2 is part of the "I am safe" domain:  

"I walk on the tar and around buildings!" 

Young children are naturally full of energy and excitement—especially when they’re heading out to play or trying to catch up with their friends. It’s common for them to want to run ahead or take shortcuts. But at this age, they’re still learning how to move safely and understand their environment. When children rush or run in unsafe areas, they can easily get hurt or bump into others. By walking on the tar and around buildings, they’re learning to move safely in shared spaces and building habits that will protect them as they grow. 

Our teachers help reinforce this important safety rule by: 

• Encouraging walking games on the tar and guiding students to keep running games on the grass during recess and lunch. 

• Dismissing students' class by class after eating times, with reminders to walk safely back to their bags and pack away their lunchboxes. 

 Rebecca Kearns

AP Abermain

Assistant Principal News Kurri Kurri

📚 Parent-Teacher Interviews Holy Spirit Kurri Kurri– Have You Booked Your Time? 🎓

Dear Parents and Carers,

This is a friendly reminder that Parent-Teacher Interviews are coming up in Week 10, and bookings are now open!

These interviews are a key part of our school-home partnership. They provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements, and talk about goals for the remainder of the year.

Interview dates: Week 10 30/06-04/07

⏰ If you haven’t booked your time via Compass, please do so as soon as possible. Bookings close Thursday 26/06.

Parent-Teacher Interviews are short but meaningful conversations that give you insight into your child’s learning, development, and wellbeing. They also give teachers a chance to hear from you – after all, no one knows your child better than you do.

We encourage all parents and carers to make a booking and prioritise this important check-in.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child’s education.

We look forward to meeting with you soon! If you are having any difficulty booking via Compass, please contact the school.

Angela Waters

AP Kurri Kurri

Faith Life at Holy Spirit Schools

ABERMAIN: Classroom Visits and Classes attending Parish Masses

We have been enjoying getting to know Fr Solomon as we have welcomed him to our Holy Spirit Infants community over the last term. Fr Solomon has been visiting teachers and students in their classrooms to answer many questions about God and our Catholic faith.

It has been wonderful for the children to get to know Fr Solomon and learn where he is from, and how he has been formed into the person he is today on his Faith journey through life. He will be visiting classrooms regularly each fortnight, as a knowledgeable other who can support us in engaging with our Religious Education Curriculum as we build our Faith understandings together. Some classes have written some very long lists of questions anticipating his return!

On Friday 20th June, Year 2 enjoyed attending Parish Mass!

These masses are open to all members of Parish and Community and we warmly invite you to come along.

Mass is held every Friday at 9:15am with the exclusion of the 1st Friday of the month, when Mass is celebrated at St. Joseph’s Cessnock.

Our classes will be attending approximately each fortnight around this schedule and our school timetable.

Please come along and join with our classes and the broader Parish community!

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal

As the weather really starts to reflect the season, we will be seeking donations for our St Vincent De Paul winter appeal to support those in our community who are experiencing the bitterness of the season.

We would greatly appreciate donations of clean and non-damaged warm winter items that you no longer need at home such as jackets, jumpers, blankets and quilts.

We will also be seeking non-perishable, shelf stable food items

We will call for these items from Week 1 of Term 3, please speak with your children over the next weeks and hopefully find some winter warmers that can be shared whilst you are having a holiday winter clean up. These item can be brought to classrooms baskets for collection from Monday 21^st July, we will continue to accept donations throughout the term. We will also be inviting cash donations of notes and gold coins on Pyjama Day - Friday 1^st August. Students are invited to please come dressed in your pyjamas with a small note or gold coin donation. We will explore the works of the St Vincent De Paul Society and learn about St Vincent himself. Followed by a movie and popcorn afternoon to reflect on what we are grateful for this Winter.

Upcoming Events for Abermain:

TERM 3

Grandparent’s Day Celebrating Feast of St Anne and St. Joachim -Friday 25^th July – from 12:30 including a Liturgy, Shared Afternoon Tea Picnic with students please BYO Blanket and Picnic Basket, with a range of fun resources out for community use and play such as book circles, games and activities and a very special performance from our Holy Spirit Infants Choir!

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal – Pyjama Day - Friday 1^st August – Please come dressed in your pyjamas with a small note or gold coin donation. We will explore the works of the St Vincent De Paul and learn about St Vincent himself. Followed by a movie and popcorn afternoon to reflect on what we are grateful for this Winter.

Feast of Blessed St Mary MacKillop – Combined Mass and Josephite Journey – Friday 8^th August – from 10am. Abermain students travel by bus for a Holy Spirit Schools combined Mass at Kurri, followed by a Josephite Journey led by Yr6 students at Abermain.

Feast of the Assumption – Friday 15^th August – further details to be confirmed.

Sarah Haines

REC Abermain

Kurri: Classroom Visits 

Over the last few weeks, Holy Spirit Primary has had the pleasure of Fr Solomon visiting our classrooms. He has been in to Year 5 and Year 6. It’s been a great opportunity for Fr Solomon to meet our students, to work alongside class teachers in sharing his insights on topics from their Religious Education Curriculum. 

Upcoming events 

Holy Spirit Primary will be celebrating Grandparent’s Day on Friday 25^th July. More details to follow as soon as possible.

Pyjama Day run by our Mini Vinnies team on Friday 1st August at both schools. 

We will be celebrating the feast of Mary MacKillop on Friday 8^th August. More details to follow as soon as possible.

Sacramental Program

Reconciliation- 2025

It has been an exciting time as some of our Holy Spirit Primary students have begun preparations for their Sacrament of Reconciliation. Thank you to families for their assistance in supporting their child.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Confession or Penance) provides an opportunity for students to learn about God’s love and forgiveness in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Students learn about loving choices and how to make amends when they poor choices.

Upcoming dates for Reconciliation:

Lesson- 22nd June at 3:40pm Abermain Church at St Francis Xavier's Church Abermain at 3:40pm before the Sunday Mass.

Lesson- 29th June at 3:40pm Abermain Church at St Francis Xavier's Church Abermain at 3:40pm before the Sunday Mass.

Sacrament celebrated- Tuesday 1st July at 7pm Abermain Church

Confirmation- 2025
 Our families and students involved in last year’s Reconciliation group are invited to participate in the Sacrament of Confirmation and Communion. Any other student in Year 4, 5 and 6 who have previously completed their Reconciliation are also welcome to participate in the Sacrament of Confirmation.  

Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation in which you receive and are strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In this sacrament, children will select a saint’s name and on the day of the Sacrament will be supported by a sponsor (someone who assists them and presents them to the Bishop or delegate).  

Details of Confirmation 2025: 

• Lessons will be held at Holy Spirit Kurri Kurri Church in the Hall after the 8.30am Sunday Mass. The children will be included in the Mass and will process in and out of Mass. Attending Mass is part of the Confirmation preparation.
• Cost of the program is $20 
• Lesson on Sunday 27th July
• Lesson on Sunday 3^rd August
• Lesson on Sunday 10^th August
• Lesson on Sunday 17^th August
• Sacrament of Confirmation – Bishop’s Office has confirmed- Wednesday 27^th August at 7pm at Holy Spirit Kurri Kurri Church.
   

If you would like your child to participate in the Sacrament of Confirmation this year, please contact Monique either via email- monique.mesina@mn.catholic.org.au or via the Parish phone number- 49901551

This week Mrs Waters has attended the Senior Leaders Retreat at St Joseph's Kincumber as part of staff opportunities for faith formation that every staff member is encouraged to pa

Have a lovely fortnight, 

Phoebe Spencer 

REC Kurri Kurri

Holy Spirit Primary Classroom Visits.

Aspire Young Scriptwriters Day

Lights! Camera! Action!

Last week we went to St Mary’s Maitland to write a script for Aspire Actors. We were in the Aspire Young Scriptwriters Workshop. We were the youngest there, everyone else was in Year 6. The first thing we did was we had to write a script about random people we made up and then we had to make a conversation of inanimate objects.

Adelaide: “I chose salt and pepper. I made a conversation topic to argue about Who makes things taste better? What happened was the salt and pepper argued and then they finally concluded the conversation. Salt said “Look at me. Look at you! I’m half empty and you are full! Pepper replied, “That’s true!” My feedback was that it was good, and I also learnt that I have some great ideas!

Astrid: “I did a pool floatie and a pool noodle as my inanimate objects. They were arguing about who is safer. Pool noodle said “You are not safer because the second something pointy touches you, you're gone! So, I am the safest. Then pool floatie said “I’m used way more than you.” Then pool noodle replied “I get used. People love to…I mean they do like to…Yeah! You’re right! I’ve got nothing! Pool floatie said,” Wrong! People love to bite you.!”

Another activity we did was we had to write characteristics on three pieces of paper and then they got put into a box. Then each person had to draw out three and make a character on the spot using those three characteristics. Then create a profile based on a fictional character e.g. what is their name; how old are they, what is their dream; what are their secrets; what are they scared of.

Adelaide: I got confident, overprotective, and sporty. My character’s name was Nathan.

Astrid: I got flexible, kind and joyful. My character’s name was Kahlani.

Best part of the day:

Adelaide: The girls from St Aloysius that we met were funny to hang out with. They knew some students in our class!

Astrid:  The highlight of my day was definitely writing and learning about characterisation and of course…getting the Aspire notebook and a pencil that said “Aspire – Write.Dance.Drama”!

We are working on our draft scripts, and our final scripts will be performed at the Performing Arts Centre Cessnock by either Aspire actors or local actors.

Adelaide Bliss and Astrid Kinsley-Cook 5B

Sport News

Congratulations to the following students who will represent Holy Spirit at the Lower Hunter Regional Carnival which is to be held at Maitland Athletics Ground on Wednesday 2nd July 2025. Our Team Manager and all details are available on Compass Events for parents to give permission for their child to attend. We wish them all the very best! 

Congratulations to:

Macy Bauer, Jude Berry, Max Brogan, Charlotte Chapple, Harper Cowling, Emalyn Currie, Jack Davies, Olaedo Duru; Lucy Fetch; matilda Gayler; Blake Harvey; Annabelle Hawkins; Sadie Hogan; Evan Koreth; Aymon Lee; Marlie McBlane; Kade McGregor; Hannah Myers; Sophie Miller; Hanry O'Brien; Estelle Palmer; Sophie Patton; Aiden George Paul; Kade Power; Isabel Rhodes; Jaylan Scott; Grace Sharpe; Max Shone; Xanthie Smith; Bella Sumner; Milla Swain; Ryka Tipper; Jasraj Uppal; Isabella Watson and Chloe Wile. 

And from Abermain: 

Kai Berry, Jak Carberry, Pippa Johnson, Georgia Lodge, Alexandra McMahon, River Ostermann, Loxie Rees, Dustin Simmons, Egan Tipper, Carter Williams.

Amy and Helena

Sport Coordinators

Library News Abermain

National Simultaneous Storytime

On Wednesday 21st May, Holy Spirit Infants took part in the National Simultaneous Storytime. The Australian Library and Information Association choose a picture every year for this occasion, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator. All students listened to the live reading of ‘The Truck Cat’ by author Deborah Frenkel. Over two million students from around the nation stopped at 12:00 pm and joined in this live event and short drawing demonstration by the illustrator Danny Snell.

Afterwards, students partook in a short craft activity creating a cat door hanger or slinky cat. Year 2 wished to follow the step-by-step instructions by Danny Snell to create their own cat.

A great, albeit a wet day, was had by all.

Evelyn Covita

Teacher Librarian

Library News Kurri

Year 5 love to read! It was a race yesterday as the students in 5B were excited to focus on the latest An Doh series taking out Volumes 1-10! Looks like a Book Club might be happening.

Enjoy the series kids! 

Lost Clothing

We kindly ask that you check your child's belongings to ensure they have the correct jacket and
other items. We've noticed that several hats and jackets have gone missing recently. A student at Kurri is searching for his brand new jacket currently. 

To help us return lost items to their owners, please make sure all your child's belongings are
clearly labelled with their name.

There are some unclaimed items in the lost property bin located on the verandah outside the
Administration block at Kurri. Students in Years 3-6 are welcome to check the bin for any missing items. At Abermain if it has a name on it, it gets returned. 

Any items not claimed by the end of term will be donated to St Vincent de Paul. 

Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping track of school belongings!

School Fee Reminders

Important Fee Information

Thank you to parents and carers for continuing to honour your fee agreements. we appreciate it. 

If you’ve chosen to pay fees in instalments, please note that your account will be considered in arrears if your first payment has not been received. To stay on track, please refer to the bottom of your statement for the payment amounts required to have your account paid in full by 30 November 2025.

If you’ve opted to pay your fees annually, your payment is due by 30 June 2025.

We understand that financial difficulties can arise. If you’re experiencing any challenges, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to arrange a confidential appointment with our Principal, Diane —we’re here to help.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Canteen News

A Big Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!

We truly appreciate your wonderful support each week — we couldn’t do it without you!

If you're ever unable to attend on your scheduled volunteer day, please let Tarsha know or contact the office as soon as possible so we can arrange a replacement.

Volunteer Rosters for Term 3 will be sent out during the last week of this term.

Reminder: Meal Deal Day is coming up on Friday, 27th June!
If you haven’t ordered yet, please do so via Qkr before orders close on Monday, 23rd June.

Thanks again for all that you do!

Dates for Your Diary Abermain

Dates for Your Diary Kurri Kurri

Awards Abermain

Athletics Carnival Event Winners: Congratulations to our Year 2 place getters from the recent Athletics Carnival! We are very proud of you all. Thank you to Mrs Richardson for her organisation for K-2 to join in the day. Due to the wet weather event, we are lookinmg at a mini Athletics Session at the school for Kinder and Year 1 and we hope our Year 2's will be able to be great helpers on the day. 

Awards Kurri Kurri

Tricky Talks Program for parents and yr 3-6 students Tuesday Evening 19th August 2025

Holy Spirit Primary will be hosting the Interrelate Parent/Child Tricky Talks Program on Tuesday 19th August commencing at 6.00 pm at school for years 3-6.

The school will be covering the cost of this Program in 2025. No payment is required. 

We encourage all our families to take this opportunity to attend these sessions with your children. You may choose to attend one session or both. We hope to be able to offer this top quality program in our upgraded shared space of the Stage 3 classrooms. 

It is essential parents/carers complete the permission slip and return it to the school office at Kurri by Monday 4th August 2025 please.

The information flyer and permission slip are attached.   Thank you Diane Murphy 

Community News

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