29th August 2025

Executive Principal News

Dear Families,

On Wednesday night several of our students continued on their sacramental journey as they made their Confirmation at a ceremony and special mass presided over by Bishop Michael Kennedy  and Fr James at Kurri church. Our students joined students from St Patrick's School at Cessnock also from our Vineyards Parish. The sacrament of Confirmation continues, strengthens, confirms and celebrates the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism. The Gospels are a rich source for the continuation of the works of Jesus’ early ministry through the Holy Spirit. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop lays his hands on the baptised person and prays that the Holy Spirit will fill the person with spiritual gifts. Then, using holy oil, the bishop makes the sign of the cross on the person’s forehead. It is usual for the person being confirmed to take on an extra name, usually that of a particular saint. The saint will be a source of inspiration by the way he/she lived life while on earth, and an intercessor in prayer to God. Please pray for those students who were confirmed that they may be continually guided by the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.  Our thanks to Mrs Levido from the Vineyards Parish and to Miss Spencer for her support for the preparation of the children and parents. 

Holy Spirit Schools Consultation regarding priority areas for 2026

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, each year our school identifies a list of priorities. These priorities are carefully considered to ensure Holy Spirit Infants and Holy Spirit Primary School is using its resources wisely and to best support student learning, wellbeing and school operations.
Examples of school expenditure priority areas that have made a significant impact in our school community in recent years include outdoor learning area at Abermain and upgrade to cola and at Kurri the refurbishment of the four Stage 3 classrooms, the installation of an effective PA communication system and new phones to every  classroom and administration block. Recently at Kurri the labyrinth for reflection and native garden to foster greater cultural understanding and connection amongst the entire school community.

As valued partners in our school community, I would like to invite you to complete a short survey, which will inform how our school will work towards its 2026 priorities. The survey also provides an opportunity for you to have your say on aspects of our school you think should be prioritised to ensure it operates at a high standard now, and into the future. This link will be shared in the next two weeks. Please have your say and share what you consider priorities for our future. 

Maintenance Updates

Kurri: In the school holidays we re-fenced the field across the road to make it secure so we could place play equipment items in the shed that was purpose built. We also fixed the locks on the shed that had been broken. The students going to the field have equipment on hand for their use rather than carrying items across each time. We have also removed and replaced the wire fencing in the garden near the new labyrinth. This had vines and some invasive greenery through it which was pushing the fence down. We are looking at ways to now enhance the space that is again secure. This weekend we will replace the soft fall under the current play equipment.  We are investigating blinds for the Stage 3 classrooms as well, to attempt to cut down the heat and glare form the windows given the refurbished classrooms have the smart tv's facing different directions.  

Abermain:  We are seeking some volunteers to assist with some gardening, mainly weeding. If you have a WWCC and can spare an hour or two, have a passion for gardening - kindly contact the office as we'd love to hear from you. In the coming weeks the soft fall will be topped up as well. 

Playgroups at Abermain for Kinder 2026 

Our playgroups for the incoming Kinders of 2026 are well underway! We have grouped children into either a Tuesday or a Thursday group - just so that we can keep the groups smaller. Whilst these are not compulsory we do hope that parents can come along and join in. We have many siblings starting school next year and we are very excited to welcome them as they engage in play. Its also a great social event for parents too! Afternoon tea available for parents/grandparents.  

Reminder for Year 3 Parents

A survey has been sent to parents of the current Year 3 students as we seek your feedback around the transition process from Year 2 at Abermain to Year 3 at Kurri. Many many parents have looked at the survey but not yet shared their feedback and I ask that you do pleas do so as soon as possible. We want to learn from your child's experience this year so we can make any changes ready for the 2026 Year 3 students. Coming to Kurri for combined masses has been a deliberate effort to help familiarise them with what will be their new school. Please share your thoughts. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/cLZAWxQYVx  Thank you. 

Uniform Reminders 

A reminder for all students K-6 about taking pride when wearing our school uniform. Our Holy Spirit Schools have a really smart looking uniform and every student is reminded that all elements of the uniform are to be worn please. This means black polishable school shoes; ties for all students; stockings or socks for girls wearing a skirt; gold or silver sleepers or stud earrings only; a necklace with a cross or crucifix; a watch; a gold or silver bangle. Hair that is longer than a child's collar, MUST be tied back or pinned back as per school policy. Ribbons may be navy, royal blue or white. School hats do sometimes need a wash and please ensure your child's name is inside it. 

Wearing the school uniform correctly at Holy Spirit Schools is a discipline for every student and is not a choice. 

Please assist us to keep the high standards we hold for our students' appearance and remind your child that how they look reflects not only themselves but our school. Thank you for your support.  

Year 4 "What's the Buzz" program

Parents of Year 4 students are urged to complete and return the permission note for the "What's the Buzz" program we want to start next week. The program is implemented at Abermain for the younger grades and we are trialing it for Year 4 this year. It is a social and emotional skills program to build on the skills and strategies these students already have. There will be eight lessons, one each Tuesday and the program will be facilitated in small groups for 45 minutes. Parents of Year 4 students will receive a Compass alert with a flyer outlining the lesson focus that day so parents can continue the conversation at home with their child. 

Year 5 and 6 MAT program 

In term 4 our students in Stage 3 will participate in a weekly lesson of the MAT (Martial Arts Therapy) Program. This is a mindfulness program combined with discipline and martial arts.

Parents of Year 5 and 6 students have been invited to complete a permission note for their child's de-identified data to be utilised in a study being conducted by the University of Newcastle and our Catholic Schools Office. All children completed a survey about their wellbeing, exercise routines etc and those with permission, had their data included in the study. Our school was selected as the "control" group and St Patrick's Cessnock selected as the school where the MAT program is being implemented this term. Our students will complete another survey in Week 1 of next term. This data comparison between the students who engaged in the MAT program and those who have not, will assist researchers with their investigation into the benefits of school based Martial Arts Therapy. 

Our teachers have met with the instructor and will be actively engaging in the sessions each week with their classes. We are all very excited to engage in this program next term once a week. 

Have a terrific fortnight! 

Diane Murphy

Executive Principal

Assistant Principal News Abermain

The Relaunch of School TV 

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, SchoolTV is here to help. This award-winning wellbeing resource offers practical support for the everyday challenges of modern parenting. It helps build stronger relationships, foster meaningful connections, and promote understanding between parents and children. SchoolTV also makes it easier to start important conversations—especially around topics that may feel awkward or difficult to approach.  

By providing expert advice and accessible tools, SchoolTV empowers families to support their child’s mental health and wellbeing with confidence. 

Below is a link from our website to the SchoolTV Homepage. Here you can explore a range of topics! 

Home Page SchoolTV | Holy Spirit Infants School - Abermain 

Below are some direct links to helpful articles on SchoolTV, covering topics that many parents face at different stages of their child’s development. 

The Power of Regular School Attendance 

Regular school attendance is one of the most important ways you can support your child’s learning, wellbeing, and future success. 

• Helps your child feel confident and connected to their learning  

• Builds strong friendships and social skills through daily interaction  

• Keeps learning on track—less catch-up, more progress  

• Encourages healthy routines and a sense of responsibility  

• Boosts emotional wellbeing with structure and support  

• Strengthens relationships with teachers and peers  

• Opens doors to future opportunities through consistent learning  

• Reduces stress by staying up to date with schoolwork  

• Shows your child that education is valued  

• Everyday matters—let’s work together to help your child thrive! 

Together, we can make every school day a positive step toward a bright future. 

PB4L – Positive Behaviour for Learning 

PB4L Focus: “I am a Learner – I do my best!” 

Over the next two weeks, our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus will encourage students to embrace the mindset: “I do my best.” This supports a positive attitude toward learning, resilience, and continuous improvement. 

How this benefits your child: 

• Builds confidence and perseverance  

• Encourages effort over perfection  

• Promotes a growth mindset and active learning  

• Supports collaboration and help-seeking  

How you can support at home: Use phrases like: 

• “Keep trying your best—every step counts.”  

• “Be proud of your effort.”  

• “Hard work helps you grow.” 

Together, we can help our children become confident, lifelong learners. 

Whole School Excursion to “Josephine Wants to Dance” 

Last Monday, students from Holy Spirit Infants Abermain ventured to the Performing Arts Centre in Cessnock to enjoy a live performance of Josephine Wants to Dance. 

This delightful story, written by Jackie French, follows Josephine, a young kangaroo who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Despite being told that kangaroos don’t dance, only hop, Josephine follows her passion. When a ballet troupe visits her town and the lead dancers are injured, Josephine steps in and proves that with determination and self-belief, anything is possible—even for a dancing kangaroo! 

We thoroughly enjoyed the show and were incredibly proud of the respectful and enthusiastic way our students represented our school. 

Rebecca Kearns

AP Abermain

Assistant Principal News Kurri Kurri

NSW Curriculum Reform: What Parents Need to Know by 2027

NSW schools are undergoing a significant curriculum reform to better support student learning and prepare children for the future. Led by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), this reform will see all schools implementing new syllabuses by 2027.Here’s what it means for your child—especially in primary school.

Why the Curriculum Is Changing

• Focus on essential knowledge and skills.
• Make learning clearer and more consistent.
• Give teachers more time to teach deeply.
• Help students build strong foundations for lifelong learning
• Improvement in literacy and numeracy outcomes, with these foundations underpinning all other syllabuses

What’s Happening in Primary Schools (K–6)

The changes are already underway in English and Mathematics, with new syllabuses being taught across all NSW primary schools. These syllabuses were implemented across grades 3-6 in 2024, and prior to this in K-2. These updated programs focus on building strong literacy and numeracy skills from the earliest years.In addition to English and Mathematics, four new syllabuses;

• Creative Arts,
• HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment, which covers History and Geography)
• PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education)
• Science and Technology

will be introduced across all NSW primary schools. Two of these syllabuses will be implemented in 2026, and the final two will follow in 2027.Teachers are receiving professional development and support to ensure a smooth transition and high-quality teaching with the new syllabuses. This involves determining changes in teaching outcomes and content, designing appropriate teaching scope and sequences, teaching programs and assessment tasks.

What About High School?

For Years 7–12, the reform includes updated syllabuses in:

• English and Mathematics (already in place)
• Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, Science and Technology, and Languages (phased in by 2027)
• Senior subjects such as Ancient History, Geography, and extension courses in English and Mathematics

These changes aim to create a more streamlined and supportive learning journey from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Stay Informed and Involved

• Speak with the school about what’s changing.
• Visit the NSW Curriculum Reform website for updates.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide the best possible education for every student.

Angela Waters
Assistant Principal

Faith Life at Holy Spirit Schools

Father’s Day Reflection: Reflecting the Love of the Heavenly Father 

On this Father’s Day, we turn our hearts in gratitude to the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and spiritual fathers who guide, protect, and love us. Their role is sacred, for in their vocation, they are called to mirror the love of our Heavenly Father.

God the Father is the source of all life, the Creator who tenderly watches over His children. He is not distant or impersonal, but close, merciful, and intimately involved in our lives. Every good father on earth is invited to reflect that same divine care—offering strength without harshness, guidance without control, and love without condition.

Jesus, the Son of God, revealed to us the perfect image of the Father. He taught us to pray, “Our Father,” inviting us into a relationship rooted in trust, reverence, and intimacy. Jesus Himself modeled spiritual fatherhood, gathering His disciples, protecting them in prayer, and laying down His life for them.

Next week, we honor all fathers who, by God’s grace, strive to live out their calling with faith, courage, and compassion. We pray that every father may look to God the Father for wisdom and to Jesus for the heart of true servant-leadership.

May St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and patron of fathers, intercede for all fathers today, helping them to be men of quiet strength, deep faith, and generous love.

We are looking forward to a day of celebrations celebrating the father’s, Grandfather’s, Stepfathers and all-important male role models in our students' lives next Wednesday. Our details for each school are in our flyers below. Catering has been finalised and we look forward to breakfast at Abermain from 7:30am, with a 9:15am Liturgy to follow and Donuts with Dad after our 1:15pm Liturgy Kurri Kurri.  

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of these wonderful men that all play the important role of Dad or that of a similar role for our students at Holy Spirit Schools. We hope your day next Wednesday and on our actual date of Father’s Day is filled with fun, celebrations and love.  

We have special events planned to honour the amazing dads and father figures in our lives:

🎁 Father’s Day Stall

Tuesday, 2nd September

Students will have the opportunity to purchase a gift for their dad or a special father figure.

• Gift vouchers are available on the Qkr app for $7 each
• Maximum two vouchers per student
• Orders close Monday, 1st September
  

🍳 Father’s Day Breakfast

Wednesday, 3rd September – from 7:30 AM

Join us for a delicious breakfast to celebrate our wonderful dads!

• Dads eat free!
• Additional breakfasts for other family members: $6 each
• Includes: bacon & egg roll + popper juice
• Orders must be placed via Qkr by Tuesday, 26th August
• Please note: No late orders can be accepted.

✨ Special Liturgy – 9:15 AM

Following breakfast, we will hold a special liturgy to celebrate and honour the incredible contributions that dads and father figures make in our lives.

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with our school community!

Kurri Kurri Father’s Day celebrations- Doughnuts with Dads! 

Calling all fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and special men in our students’ lives. Holy Spirit Primary warmly invite you to celebrate Father’s Day with us on Wednesday the 3rd September in the afternoon.

We will be having a liturgy at 1:15pm followed by doughnuts and a games afternoon. Looking forward to celebrating with you! 

Year 1 in the RE spotlight:  

In Year 1 Religious Education, they have been focusing on the Church being a family. The focus has been on:  

Students exploring how they are part of a bigger family: the Church. They will build connections that contribute to their sense of identity and belonging and an understanding of why and how they are part of the body of Christ.  This module also introduces students to Baptism as the sacrament of initiation into the People of God.  

We are asking Year 1 families to please send in any photos of their child being baptised if they have any so that we can share these with the class and begin our conversations and lessons in RE around these pictures.  

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal:  

We would firstly like to say a very big thank you to all of our families that have donated toward our St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal already. These donations have been amazing, and our donation tubs are full in our classrooms!   

We would also like to thank those that have made a direct donation via QKR. This will remain open until 3pm Monday 1/9/25.  

We have Anne, the manager of Cessnock St Vincent De Paul visiting Abermain school at 9am for our morning assembly. The Year 2 leaders and Mr Redgrove will facilitate a short presentation to her on behalf of our school. We will present them with all of our donations as well as announce our donation figure from our PJ day.   

It has been truly amazing to witness the generosity of our families during this Winter appeal, which stands as our major mission initiative for 2025.  

Year 6 Religious Literacy 

Next week Year 6 students will participate in the Stage 3 Religious Literacy test. This test is administered to Year 6 students across the Maitland-Newcastle diocese. The focus of this test is to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the Stage 3 RE content. The data from this test is used to inform pedagogy and how we can support our students in developing an understanding of the Catholic tradition. 

Year 6 students have been busy preparing for the upcoming Religious Literacy Test and look forward to completing it on Monday 1^st September.

Confirmation

On Wednesday 27^th August, some students from Holy Spirit Primary School received their sacrament of Confirmation. It was an exciting night as students were joined by students from St Patrick’s Cessnock and Bishop Michael Kennedy, Fr James and Fr Solomon.

Confirmation is a sacrament in the Catholic Church that strengthens a person's faith and deepens their relationship with God. It marks the moment when a person becomes a full member of the Church. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is received in a special way, giving the person strength to live out their faith more boldly. This sacrament also brings the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (strength), knowledge, piety (reverence), and fear of the Lord (wonder and awe for God). These gifts help guide a person in making positive choices.

A big thank you to some students from Holy Spirit Primary who also participated in the Parish choir and performed at Confirmation. Thank you to Piper Ford, Olaedo Duru Macy Cardow, Amelia Teuma and Charlotte Chapple.

Congratulations to the following students on receiving their Sacrament of Confirmation:

Anna Joseph, Kayla Daoud, Khloe Balkema, Phoebe Gayler, Chloe Theron, Ivie Radford, Lance Dela Gente, Sophia Snelgrove, Chloe Wile and Chelsea Watkins.

Sacrament of Eucharist (Communion)

A message in regards to the Sacrament of Eucharist on behalf of the Parish:

We are now finalising names for the First Communion program. This will be held on 7^th, 14^th and 21st September at St Joseph's Church, Cessnock. Lessons will begin at 9.40am and families will be included in the 10.30am Mass. The Sacrament will be celebrated on 28^th September during the 10.30am Mass. Please note that attendance at all sessions is mandatory. The cost will be $20- which covers resources and incidentals, such as prayer cards, crosses, workbook and candles. The lessons will include both parent and child, since the teaching of faith comes from parents and we will facilitate this process in supporting you. If you wish to have your child enrolled, please call Monique at the Parish Office by either phoning her on 0249901551  or emailing her  monique.mesina@mn.catholic.org.au.

Please note the Sacrament of Eucharist is for students who have previously received their sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Confirmation.

The Eucharist is a special sacrament in the Catholic Church where Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through bread and wine. It is a way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and to be united with Him.

Spirituality Staff Formation Day- Pupil Free

On Friday 5^th September, students from both Holy Spirit Infants Abermain and Holy Spirit Primary are having a Pupil Free Day. Staff from both schools will be attending a Spirituality Formation professional development day on ‘The Work of the People: Preparing Liturgy and Community Prayer’.

The purpose of this day offers both school staff an opportunity to come together and reflect deeply on the meaning and purpose of liturgy and prayer within the Catholic school community. This day focuses on understanding how liturgy is not just a ritual, but a vital expression of faith that connects staff, students, and families to God and each other. Staff will explore how we celebrate our faith and how we can support those in our community who are not familiar with Catholic traditions and liturgy.

Building our capacity and knowledge in liturgy and prayer is a key focus in our Religion School Improvement Plan. We look forward to our day presented by Ann Thurgate (Formation Officer from Catholic Schools) and to sharing our understanding and experience with students and families.

Ms Spencer and Mr Redgrove 

REC Kurri Kurri and Abermain

Great Aussie Bush Camp 2025

Year 5’s Adventure at the Great Aussie Bush Camp

In Week 4, our Year 5 students embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Great Aussie Bush Camp, where they embraced the great outdoors and took on a series of exciting challenges. The camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones, build resilience, and strengthen friendships.

Throughout the camp, students participated in a wide range of activities including archery, high ropes, indoor rock climbing, canoeing, giant swing, orienteering, dual flying fox, and a lively disco and challenge night. Each activity brought its own set of thrills and opportunities for personal growth.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the camp was watching students overcome their fears—whether it was climbing to new heights on the high ropes, swinging through the air on the giant swing, or paddling across the water in a canoe. There were plenty of laughs, cheers, and moments of encouragement as classmates supported one another every step of the way.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for their courage, teamwork, and positive attitudes.

Here is what some of our students had to say about their time on camp!

My favourite part of camp was the giant swing. It’s really cool. It feels like your soul leaves your body! I also really loved the dual zipline which I did with Layla. My favourite meal there was the sandwich. I had it with ham, carrot, lettuce and tomato sauce. I loved hanging out with my friends.

Lyla 5W

My favourite thing was the giant swing. If you get a chance to go on it, do it! I was scared, but I went to the top. It’s so fun. I wish I could do it again and I also loved the high ropes. I also got my friends in my cabin.

Adelaide 5B

I loved the giant swing and dual flying fox. I wasn’t going to do the flying fox, but I faced my fear and went for it, and it was good and wasn’t so high. At night, the disco was my favourite, and I lost my voice 2 days later from singing so loud. Canoeing was also one of

my favourites. Being in the back of the boat was good because you got to choose where the boat went. The canoeing games were fun and, by the way, the harnesses give you a wedgie!

Foluwa 5W

I loved when I overcame my HUGE fear of heights by going on everything: giant swing, high ropes and flying fox. All of them were fun. We also did archery, canoeing and orienteering. I loved the cabins - they were very warm and spacious.

Lewie 5B

I loved everything about camp, but I can’t write it all down. So here are my three favourite activities. The splash and bash of canoeing was great but let’s talk about the dual zipline where you race your friends. And the GIANT SWING where you pull a rope and drop, then swing. Camp was awesome!

Max B 5W

I love how we had no choice if we wanted to do things or not, it pushed me to do things I would not have normally done, and I really loved everything we did. The flying fox felt like flying. It was nice to be in the cabin with all my friends and to have interesting chats.

Chloe 5B

Mrs Kuterovac and Mrs Korsman

NAIDOC WEEK 2025 Holy Spirit Primary Celebrations

This quote inspired the vibrant collaborative artwork that was created by all students as a part of Holy Spirit Primary School’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. On Thursday 21st August, students participated in a rotation of activities that celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and knowledge systems. Education officers from Local Land Services, Birdlife Australia, and Mindaribba shared information to Year 5 and 6 about the Regent Honeyeater Education Program, highlighting our school’s involvement in protecting this endangered species.

Students also explored math's through storytelling, connecting numeracy with cultural narratives. They engaged with the local Dreaming story of Tiddalik the Frog, learning about its message and creating beautiful Tiddalik artworks. Bush tucker tastings introduced students to native foods and their traditional uses- the Kangaroo rissoles and Lillypilly jam were favourites!

The collaborative artwork is now decorating the wall between the Mary Mackillop room and the office. It includes each student’s individual story, using Aboriginal symbols, decorated on a cardboard foot template. Along with the above quote, the feet symbolise all of our stories ‘walking together’ highlighting this year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’. 

The day was a great celebration of connection, culture, and learning for all students and staff. Thank you to everyone for their involvement, enthusiasm and commitment to this important celebration of our First Nation peoples.

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Book Parade and Book Fair Holy Spirit Schools

What an incredible milestone - 80 years of CBCA inspiring young readers through the magic of stories!

Our Book Week celebration - Book an Adventure was celebrated with a star-studded cast of characters this year, including a wonderful flutter of tooth fairies!

Thank you to all our staff and students who embraced the spirit of reading and imagination, with some amazing costumes and all families for your support of our book fairs and student costumes. You have all out done yourselves this year.

Here's to the next 80 years of Book Week adventures! Stay tuned for the theme announcement for next year coming soon.

Happy Book Week,
Mrs. Gibbs, Miss Johnson and Miss Covita

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Around the World Showcase Student Costume requirements - Primary Years 3-6

Wellbeing Week Holy Spirit Infants

We’re thrilled to announce that next week is Wellbeing Week at Holy Spirit Infants Abermain! This special week is dedicated to nurturing the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of our students through a variety of fun and meaningful activities.

Each day will feature engaging experiences designed to promote mindfulness, movement, creativity, and connection. From calming activities to energetic games, students will have the opportunity to explore what it means to feel happy, healthy, and supported.

Please see the attached flyer for a full schedule of events and any items your child may need to bring.

We look forward to a joyful week filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories!

Kinder 2026 Playgroup Dates

Dates for Your Diary Abermain

Dates for Your Diary Kurri Kurri

Awards Abermain

Awards Kurri Kurri

Parish News