12th September 2025

Executive Principal News

Dear Families,

Our thriving schools have so many great things happening for all students. From excursions and sporting gala days, to incursions and public speaking events, we have been very busy and enjoying these opportunities! What is wonderful to see is the effort our students put into everything they do. Keep up the great work! 

On the weekend Pope Leo XIV cannonised the first millennial Catholic saint, Carlo Acutis. He was born in England in 1991 but grew up in Milan. Carlo was a gamer and computer coder who loved the Eucharist. Carlo’s love and concern for the poor was evident in the way he interacted with the homeless man who would sit at the entrance of the church and Carlo would bring Tupperware dishes filled with food out to people living on the streets. He used his computer skills and internet savvy to help his family put together an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles that has gone on to be displayed at thousands of parishes on five continents. His spiritual director has attested that Carlo was personally convinced that the scientific evidence from Eucharistic miracles would help people to realize that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist and come back to Mass. Carlo was just a teenager when diagnosed with leukemia and died soon after in 2006. He also had a devotion to Our lady and prayed the rosary daily. A young man of our time, who may inspire our students to live their faith through actions as they learn more about him. 

National Child Protection Week 7th-14th Sept 2025

This week both schools have raised awareness of this year's National Child Protection Week by decorating our spaces.  The theme is ‘Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action’. It highlights that while open discussions are crucial, words alone are not enough. We must turn dialogue into meaningful action. We proudly invite parents to visit Abermain outside the library where every child has recorded their voice about who keeps them safe and parents can hear this via the QR code.  At Kurri you'll notice an amazing mural of many parts telling the story of ways we can act to keep every child safe. Our thanks to the staff at both schools for their efforts to include all members of our communities in these eye catching displays. 

"Around the World" Primary Showcase 2025 is almost here! 

Our Primary classes have been learning and rehearsing their dances for this years fabulous Showcase "Around the World!". Our sincere thanks to Zoe Hayward our incredibly talented and creative dance teacher and to the students for their dedication and effort in preparing for this great event. There are three performances on Thursday 24th September and some tickets are still available. Get your tickets on QKR so you don't miss out! We will bring the Infants students over to the dress rehearsal for the first time on Wednesday so they can see the "big kids" performing! The costume ideas for each grade were shared in the last newsletter for parents. 

IMPORTANT BYOD Parent Information Online Session for Parents of Year 4 students

Next Wednesday evening at 6pm, parents of students entering Year 5 in 2026 are encouraged to join this online information session regarding a new model for BYOD at Holy Spirit Primary School. We have partnered with Next Technologies, as have many of our Catholic primary schools, and they have created a portal to enable a smooth and easy option for purchasing a device suitable for our Stage 3 students. The concept is that through Next Technologies, the school can offer to parents an easily accessible option for purchasing a device with a competitive price point and other key inclusions. Whilst the decision of where to purchase a device is one that each parent makes themselves, the purpose in offering this new opportunity is to help make the process of purchasing a suitable device a little easier for our families. There is also payment options and delivery is planned before Christmas, so the device could potentially be a very special present. 

The link was shared on Compass and here it is again: 

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 484 711 012 541 2

Passcode: Mx9dB66G

Please join this unique opportunity to listen and hear the options being put forward for your consideration. The link will enable you to join and listen to Alex a representative from Next Technologies, Marc Hattam from our Catholic Schools DIAL team and we will have the chat option for all your questions. All questions are welcome! 

At the start of 2025, there were many families who had purchased a device but who then unfortunately faced challenges and struggled to get all programs required uploaded and ready for use by their child before NAPLAN. It is my understanding that the above option will certainly streamline that for our parents. 

Please prioritise this event in your diary and join us! 

Celebrating Father's Day at Holy Spirit Schools

We were delighted to host so many Dads and Grandfathers and families at the Fathers Day breakfast at Abermain last week celebrating all the special men who love and care for children in a fatherly way. Whilst the morning was cool to begin with, a beautiful day unfolded and our school was filled with children playing with their Dads and special visitors. We had hopscotch and handball tournaments as well as the paper plan challenge! Our church was full then as we thanked God for the gift of our fathers and honoured the role they play in our lives. Thanks to all the staff for their very early start to crank up the barbie and cook over 200 Bacon and Egg rolls. They truly are a wonderful team! Thanks to Year 1 & Mr Redgrove for leading our liturgy and to our fabulous choir for performing! 

Then in the afternoon the church at Kurri was also full to the brim with so many Dads, grandfathers and families once more! Our liturgy was prepared by Year 3 and Miss Spencer and was a wonderful tribute to fatherhood. Then it was time for a secret performance for our visitors with a rock song and then we shared donuts with Dads and a cuppa. Again our staff were flat out serving all our visitors, the sun was shining and the school was filled with joyful sounds and laughter as our Dads and visitors played games in the school grounds and everyone just enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. We really love having our parents and grandparents on site and hope all felt welcomed at our schools. 

Thank you to all our visitors who could join us in our celebrations! We were overwhelmed by being able to share these events with so many families. It really was a fantastic day and we hope everyone enjoyed their Father's Day. 

Seeking Parent Feedback for our School Expenditure Priorities for 2026 at both Holy Spirit Schools

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, each year our schools identify a list of priorities. These priorities are carefully considered to ensure Holy Spirit Primary and Holy Spirit Infants are using their resources wisely and to best support student learning, wellbeing and school operations. Examples of school expenditure priority areas that have made a significant impact on our school community in recent years include at Abermain the outdoor learning space of standstone steps and cover adjacent to the grassed area and the musical instrument installation. At Kurri the yarning circle with native garden installation and the sandstone labyrinth along with the almost completed refurbishment of the Stage 3 classrooms offering our classes a contemporary and connected learning space which we can utilise for a whole school gathering.  

As valued partners in our school community, I would like to invite parents and carers to complete a short survey, which will inform how our to schools 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.  The survey link will be shared on Monday via Compass and I thank you in advance for completing the survey. Your feedback will provide valued insights into the wants and needs of our school communities and strengthen decision making.  Please - share your thoughts as together we shape our schools' future focus. 

Results Year 3 transition Feedback survey

Thank you to those parents who provided their feedback in the recent request to hear from Year 3 parents around their child's transition across to Holy Spirit Primary. We are committed to continually improve our transition experience for incoming students. The feedback overwhelmingly supported the need for a Parent Information Session and a Parent Tour of the school prior to your children starting their primary school journey. Due to this feedback, we are already planning to host the current Year 2 parents and carers to visit and meet with our executive team next term. Thank you for taking the time to respond. 

Dismissal procedures at Kurri - Safety First  

Our teachers are concerned about the dismissal procedures at Kurri each afternoon and we have drafted a new procedure which we would like to introduce from next week.

Our main concerns are:

• Students leaving the school through the main gate and walking down the path when no adult can be sighted by the duty teacher - Parents MUST park their vehicle and get out of the vehicle please so staff can see your child walking to your vehicle. 
• Students leaving the school through the main gate with friends and standing on the footpath with their friends rather than remaining inside the school grounds where they are expected to be - If a student cannot see the person collecting them, they will not be allowed to leave the school grounds. 
• Parents calling out to their children from a vehicle and encouraging their child/children to walk along the path when the vehicle hasn't even reverse parked - This is dangerous and parents need to be aware of your responsibility to keep ALL students safe. 
• Parents gathering where the Infants Bus pulls up in the afternoon and making it very difficult for K-2 students to navigate the middle gate and enter the primary school as they have been instructed to do to stay safe - We will ask parents to leave that space clear every afternoon so our Infants students can enter the middle gate safely. 
• Parents standing on the road waiting to collect students - Please do not do this as it is a road and we want to teach our students that standing on the road is not a safe choice. 
• Parents calling students across the road and not waiting for a teacher to take them safely across - Students will NOT be permitted to cross the road without a teacher. Parents are asked to respect this safety decision. 
• Parents are also reminded to be mindful of pulling out of their car park as students may be getting into the car beside yours - Please be more alert when reversing or turning right from the church side of Barton Street. 
• The buses need space to pull up and then turn at the bottom of the cul-de-sac. Parents are reminded to not park in that turning circle please as the buses cannot turn safely if cars are there. 
  

The safe dismissal of every student is our priority.

Students will be dismissed in class groups from Monday, and we thank parents and carers for your understanding that this may mean waiting a few minutes longer of an afternoon.  Please communicate to grandparents or other people picking up your child from the school that we are implementing a new safety process.  Thank you! 

CURRENT YEAR 5 & 6 STUDENTS

Student BYOD Devices important message: Windows 10 is reaching end of life.

Action is required for students with BYOD Windows 10 devices as Windows 10 will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft.

To ensure your student device security you should upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates.

To stay protected and ensure optimal performance, it is strongly recommended that all students with BYOD Windows 10 devices follow Microsoft’s instructions and upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. There is no charge for this upgrade.Why this matters:

• Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 from 15 October 2025.
• Upgrading to Windows 11 helps reduce security risks.
• Student Work Protection: Staying current helps safeguard assignments, projects, and personal data.

Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft SupportUpgrade to Windows 11: FAQ - Microsoft Support

Read our FAQs for more support:

How do I check what version of Windows am I running?Select Start > Settings > System, then select About. You then see Edition, Version, and OS Build information.

We encourage all families with Student Windows 10 computers to begin the upgrade process now to avoid last-minute disruptions. If you need assistance or have questions about upgrading, please reach out to the IT support team in our school.

What if my device can’t upgrade?

If a Student’s BYOD laptop is running Windows 10 and can’t be upgraded to Windows 11 (usually due to older hardware), Microsoft is offering a free security update program to help keep the device safe for one more year.

The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to keep your current Windows 10 PC protected after support ends, helping you stay secure during the transition.

How to Join Microsoft’s ESU Program

Microsoft has made it easy to enrol directly from the laptop:

• On eligible computers, a setup wizard will appear in Settings > Windows Update.
• There are three ways to enrol:

1. Free – Sync your settings to the cloud using Windows Backup. You must be logged in as administrator and with a Microsoft account.
2. Free – Use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
3. Paid – Buy a one-year license for $30 USD (families cover this cost).

Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 | Microsoft Learn

Have a terrific fortnight everyone! 

Diane Murphy

Executive Principal

Assistant Principal News Abermain

R U OK? Day – Supporting Mental Health Conversations

R U OK? Day reminds us of the importance of checking in and having open, honest conversations with our children about mental health. Sensitive topics like suicide and self-harm can be difficult to discuss, but talking about them helps reduce stigma and keeps children safe. Suicide involves intentionally taking one’s life, while self-harm refers to causing physical harm to oneself. As parents, fostering open dialogue, normalising emotions, and identifying support systems are vital. Let’s work together to create safe spaces where children feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help when needed.

Tips for Starting the Conversation

• Choose a calm, private moment
• Ask open-ended questions like “How are you feeling lately?”
• Listen without judgment
• Reassure them it’s okay to talk about tough feelings
• Let them know help is always available

Helpful Resources for Parents

A conversation could change a life | R U OK?

Suicide & Self Harm | Holy Spirit Infants School - Abermain

Public Speaking Success!

This term, our students have been developing their public speaking skills. Each class has been busy writing, practising, and presenting speeches on a variety of engaging topics.

As a culmination of this work, selected students from each grade were invited to participate in our School Public Speaking Competition last Monday.

Kindergarten spoke on the topic “Siblings” and was proudly represented by: Evie, Aleira, and Layla.

Year 1 and Year 2 explored the topic “Which is better, dogs or cats?” and was proudly represented by Malani, Stevie, London, Freyja, and Liliana from Year 1 and Jak, Caleb, Carter, Riley, and Josiah from Year 2.

All students represented their classes with pride, demonstrating key public speaking skills such as maintaining eye contact with their audience, speaking clearly with appropriate volume and pace, and delivering speeches that were entertaining, informative, or persuasive.

Congratulations to Layla (Kindergarten) and Josiah (Stage 1- Years 1 and 2) who have been selected to represent our school at the Regional Public Speaking Competition at St Aloysius Chisholm this coming Monday. We wish them the very best of luck!

Musica Viva Captivates Holy Spirit Infants Students

On Tuesday, our Holy Spirit Infants students were captivated by Water Rhythms, a dynamic performance by Musica Viva that blended music, movement, and visual storytelling. Through percussion and contemporary dance, students explored rhythm in nature, deep listening, and self-expression. The immersive experience sparked creativity and inspired new ways of connecting sound and motion.

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Why Regular Attendance Matters

Attending school every day is one of the most powerful ways you can support your child’s learning, wellbeing, and future success.

Here’s how regular attendance helps your child thrive:

• Confidence & Connection: Being at school daily helps children feel secure and engaged in their learning.
  
• Friendships & Social Skills: Regular interaction builds strong relationships and important social skills.
• Consistent Learning: Staying on track means less catch-up and more progress.
• Healthy Routines: Daily attendance encourages responsibility and good habits.
• Emotional Wellbeing: A structured environment supports mental and emotional health.
• Positive Relationships: Strong connections with teachers and peers grow through consistent presence.
• Future Opportunities: Every day of learning builds toward future success.
• Less Stress: Keeping up with schoolwork reduces anxiety and pressure.
• Valuing Education: Showing up every day sends a clear message—education matters.

Everyday counts. Let’s work together to make each school day a step toward a bright future.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

PBL Focus – “I am responsible”

Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus for weeks 7 & 8 in Term 3 is:
 “I care for my belongings.”

At school, it’s important that students take responsibility for their personal items—such as jumpers, jackets, hats, drink bottles, and lunch boxes—by returning them to their bags when not in use.

Why is this important?

• Items left around the playground or classroom can become safety hazards.
• When belongings are stored properly, they’re easier to find later.
• Replacing lost items can be costly for families.

We kindly ask parents and carers to check that all personal items—including jumpers, hats, drink bottles, lunch boxes, and Crunch & Sip containers—are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Sometimes labels fade or items are passed down from family or friends and may not be correctly marked. Relabelling helps staff return lost items quickly and easily.

Thank you for your support in helping our students learn responsibility and care for their belongings.

Rebecca Kearns 

Assistant Principal Abermain

Assistant Principal News Kurri Kurri

Dear Parents and Carers

As we move into wearing our summer uniform, please see the uniform expectations below:

• It is mandatory that when children are enrolled at our school there is a commitment to providing your children with the school uniform. If a child is unable to wear school uniform or part there of, please contact the school. ALL parts of the uniform are deemed compulsory.
•  Uniforms can be purchased from Flanagan’s Menswear, Cessnock.
• Please note the expectation around long hair being pulled back, regardless of gender. There are currently a number of students not meeting this expectation

Jewellery - For Safety purposes minimal jewellery should be worn. The following jewellery is allowed. Studs or sleepers only can be worn in pierced ears. One silver or gold bangle/bracelet and one silver or gold necklace may be worn. A watch may be worn. Nail polish is not to be worn.

Hair - Hair accessories are to be in school colours only (Blue or White). Long hair or hair reaching shoulders should be worn securely tied back to avoid falling into eyes regardless of gender. Hairstyles that draw unnecessary attention are to be avoided.

School Hats - In accordance with the school’s Sun Smart Policy any child not wearing a school hat will need to play under the COLA. “No hat, play under the COLA today”. Hats are not to be borrowed. School hats are available for purchase from the school office or via QKR. Cost is $14.00.

Angela Waters
Assistant Principal

Faith Life at Holy Spirit Schools

Father's Day at Abermain:

A wonderful morning was had by all at Holy Spirit Abermain last week for a tasty breakfast with Dad's, Grandfather’s, and special male role models. We then celebrated these special men with a liturgy at our Church which was facilitated by our Year 1 staff and students. A very big thank you to our staff who arrived at school early to prepare the breakfast and fun activities with dad. These consisted of paper plan throwing, photo booths and games. 

Well done to our students who read in our liturgy, participated in liturgical movements and an extra big thank you to Mrs Barrass and the Abermain Choir who closed our Liturgy with their award-winning song "Good Things". 

We would like to thank Father James for attending our breakfast and presiding a wonderful Liturgy. 

Some photos of our celebrations are below: 

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We hope all of our Fathers and special men in our lives had an amazing day last Sunday. 

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal:  

I am pleased to announce that we have had an amazing response from our communities for our annual St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. Ann, a representative from St Vincent de Paul, Cessnock visited our school for morning assembly where our school leaders Pippa and Georgia presented Ann with our donations from the winter appeal. Our donations filled a minivan and our money donations from our Pyjama day and other donations equated to almost $400! 

St Vincent de Paul has directly contacted the school this week and stated that our donations have already been used by the Hunter Food Relief foundation for cooked meals for the less fortunate. The money donations have already been donated in the form of vouchers for those needing it for welfare matters in the region. Seeing our work being put to immediate action for the community is a powerful experience for our early learners and shows true community spirit. 

We thank you all for your amazing generosity for this appeal.

Sacrament of Reconciliation. A message from our Parish: 

For the first time ever, we are planning to include Year 2 students into the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and we invite you to enrol your child with Monique Mesina at the Parish Office. Please direct contact  to Monique.Mesina@mn.catholic.org.au or telephone 49901551.

Lessons will be held at St Francis Xavier’s Church Abermain on Sunday afternoons at 3.40pm before the 4.30pm Mass in the Church. Children will be included as part of Mass, so attendance is also required for the lesson and for Mass. Parents are to attend the lessons with their child, and we will facilitate discussion between you. We recognise the parents as the primary teachers of faith to their children. The cost will be $20.

Dates of lessons will be 19th October, 26th October and 2nd November. Attendance at all lessons is mandatory so please check your calendars before enrolling, otherwise we can enrol your child for next year. The Sacrament is planned to be on Tuesday 4th November at 6.30pm at St Francis Xavier’s Church Abermain but is yet to be confirmed by Fr James.

Socktober Charity: 

Socktober is one of Catholic Mission’s largest national fundraising initiatives, inviting students in Catholic schools across Australia to ‘kick goals’ and raise funds for vulnerable communities.

Through the universal language of soccer, Socktober empowers students to take action against poverty while engaging their school and local communities.

This year, the campaign focuses on supporting communities in Zambia, helping ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future. 
Ms Spencer and Mr Redgrove will be attending the Diocesan launch of Socktober with our school leaders next Thursday, 18^th September at St Joseph's East Maitland. 

More information about this fundraiser will be communicated in coming weeks to students and our community. 

Nicholas Redgrove

REC Abermain

Foyer Display 

Thank you to Year 6 for their foyer display for Father’s Day. They created an agamograph artwork which involves revealing two images from different angles.

Father’s Day- Doughnuts with Dads! 

On Wednesday 3^rd September, Holy Spirit Primary celebrated Father’s Day with a Liturgy at the Church followed by a song by students and an afternoon of games and doughnuts. Thank you so much for all our fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and special men that could attend on Wednesday. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating with you! Thank you to Fr James for presiding our liturgy and to Year 3 for their organisation.

Socktober Diocesan Celebrations 

Throughout the month of October, we celebrate Catholic missions and our actions in supporting the needs of others. We are called to take steps, working together to share God’s love and resources with everyone, everywhere. One Catholic mission initiative we participate in during October is Socktober. 

Socktober is a way for students to become familiar with social justice and helping those in need. Each year Catholic missions select a country to raise awareness and funds for, and this year is Zambia.

On the 18th September our school leaders and myself will be attending a day with other school representatives from the Maitland Newcastle Diocese to celebrate the launch of Socktober and Catholic Mission. 

More information and details to come on how Holy Spirit Primary will be celebrating Socktober during October.

RE Spirituality Formation Day

On Friday 5^th September, staff from both Holy Spirit Infants and Primary attended a formation day on prayer and liturgy. The professional development day called ‘The Work of the People: Preparing Liturgy and Community Prayer’ provided staff an opportunity to develop our understanding of liturgy including the purpose, the parts of a liturgy and the ways we can celebrate it.

We also reflected on prayer and how we can make it meaningful for not only students but for our school community. In small groups, we discussed and worked as a team to create a prayer that incorporated our Josephite Charism and heritage and our school motto.

Building our capacity and knowledge in liturgy and prayer is a key focus in our Religion School Improvement Plan. Thank you to Ann Thurgate (Formation Officer from Catholic Schools) for leading our day and to Fr James who led a prayer and blessing for all staff in the afternoon.

Phoebe Spencer

REC Kurri Kurri

Highlights in Sport

PSSA Girls Netball

We are very proud of Xanthie who represented Polding at the PSSA Girls Netball Championships in Coffs Harbour last week. Her team played a number of very tight and competitive games of netball and showed great skill and determination throughout the tournament. They finished 5th overall, which is a wonderful achievement at such a high level of competition. Well done, Xanthie!

PSSA Boys Netball

Kade was selected to represent the Mid North Coast and Inland team at the NSW PSSA Boys Netball Championships held in Coffs Harbour. Across the week, his team displayed great teamwork, determination and skill on the court. They won 9 out of their 10 games, with many of them being close and competitive matches. Their consistent effort and sportsmanship were rewarded as they finished the competition as joint gold medalists. Congratulations to Kade on this fantastic achievement – we are very proud of you!

NSW PSSA Polding Touch Football

Sophie and Kade proudly represented our region at the PSSA Touch Football Championships in Dubbo. The carnival was played in cold and wet conditions, with many tough and closely contested games. Kade showed great skill and determination as part of a team that worked hard throughout the tournament and finished in 5th place overall. Sophie also played exceptionally well, with her team remaining undefeated until the semi-finals before finishing in 3rd position.

A special congratulations goes to Sophie, who was selected for the NSW State team and will compete at the School Sports Australia Touch Championships in Ballarat early next term. We are extremely proud of both Sophie and Kade for their achievements and the way they represented our school.

Lower Hunter Regional Soccer Gala Day

This year’s Soccer Gala Day was bigger than ever! With so many students eager to take part, the event was held over two separate days to ensure everyone had the chance to play and enjoy the experience.

Both days took place over the past two weeks and were blessed with perfect sunny weather. Our teams showed fantastic teamwork, sportsmanship, and plenty of smiling faces! It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another and having fun on the field.

A special thank you to Mrs Cotten for her outstanding organisation and coordination of the event across the Lower Hunter Region. We’re grateful for the time, effort, and care she puts into making days like these run so smoothly.

Congratulations to all the students who represented our school — you made us proud!

NSW Touch Stage 2 Gala Day

On Tuesday, our school proudly had four teams represent us at the Touch NSW Gala Day in Maitland. It was a wonderful day where students had the opportunity to compete against teams from Catholic, independent, and public schools across our local area. The teamwork, sportsmanship, and support shown both within our own teams and towards our opponents. Congratulations to all students who attended and represented our school with such pride.

A special thank you goes to the parents who joined us on the day to cheer on our teams. Your support is always greatly appreciated. We now look forward to seeing our Stage 3 students enjoy their Gala Day next Tuesday.

Upcoming Gala Day Dates:

• Stage 3 Touch Football- Tuesday 16^th September
• Stage 3 (Year 6 and only students who play Rugby League in Yr 5 to attend)- Tuesday 29^th
  • Please note that this Gala Day is a rescheduled event, making up for the wet weather postponement at the beginning of the year. Due to the changes in arrangements, our school is only able to take one team. All Year 5 students will have the opportunity to participate when they are in Year 6 in 2026 if they wish.

Representative Sports Pathways

Information and expressions of interest for the 2026 Representative Pathways will be sent out via Compass early next week to students who will be in Year 5 and Year 6 in 2026. These pathways are designed for students who demonstrate exceptional talent, skills, and coachability in a particular area. Please note that completing a nomination is the first step only. Further information will be provided if your child is selected to progress beyond the school level. As a school, we are allocated a limited number of students who can advance to each trial. If you have any further questions about this process, please refer to the link below or contact the school office.

CSNSW Sport  

For those parents interested in the representative sporting pathways that are available to students and current information on Regional and Diocesan representative sports events, I encourage you to look at the following website. This website is updated on a regular basis.  https://csnsw.sport/maitland-newcastle/primary/home.   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding sport or representative pathways, please do not hesitate to contact by calling the office via email amy.williams@mn.catholic.edu.au  

Amy Williams 

Classroom teacher / Sports Coordinator

Decorate Your Space - Abermain

Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action

As part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Decorate Your Space initiative for National Child Protection Week, Holy Spirit Infants School proudly unveiled a colourful mural that celebrates the theme “Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action.” 

Each student contributed a personal artwork, an honest reflection of their identity, emotions, and experiences, arranged in the colours of the Zones of Regulation, which we’ve been exploring to help children understand and express their feelings in safe and unsafe scenarios. Embedded QR codes allow families and visitors to hear each child’s voice, adding a powerful layer of meaning to their visual stories.

It has been truly exciting to welcome families into the school to scan the codes and connect with their child’s artwork in such a personal way.

In a community known for its murals, this piece transforms our school into a vibrant space for dialogue, reminding us that when children are heard, action follows.

Kate Kreutzer

Classroom teacher

Decorate Your Space - Kurri Kurri

Over this term, the central verandah connecting the front office to classrooms was transformed with a collaborative artwork.

The project vision encompassed NAIDOC Week, Book Week, and National Child Protection Week activities, involving all students and staff. Inspired by a quote from Leo Joachim- a Yorta Yorta man, in Walking Together, students created footprints using Aboriginal symbols to represent their stories.

These footprints flow through the quote, showing connection to our school journey. Above the footprints, woven pieces made in lunch club, reflect how individual stories are interwoven, inspired by the 2025 Book Week text Afloat.

Rainbows connect key words- safe, respect, talk, trust, listen, think- that were brainstormed and refined by Stage 3 students. Actions relating to these words were illustrated on the raindrops by Stage 2 students.

Our artwork has been entered into the Diocese Decorate Your Space competition which is being run in conjunction with National Child Protection Week. This reflects our commitment to children’s safety and wellbeing in line with the theme of ‘Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action’.

Kellie Lynch

Pastoral Care Worker/ Aboriginal Education Worker

Choir - Holy Spirit Infants Abermain

Holy Spirit Infants Choir Shines at 108th Abermain Eisteddfod

After several years away, the Holy Spirit Infants Choir returned to the stage at the 108th Abermain Eisteddfod (2025) — and what a return it was!

Competing in the Hymn and Sacred Singing Section, our choir performed with class, grace, warmth, and the Holy Spirit. Their heartfelt singing touched the audience and impressed the adjudicators, earning them a well-deserved Second Place.

We are so proud of our students for their dedication and the way they represented Holy Spirit Infants School, Abermain. This achievement reflects their hard work rehearsing twice a week at lunchtime. 

A special thank you to Mrs. Barrass’s right hand, Mrs. Shakespeare, and our bow maker extraordinaire, whose encouragement and care helped guide the children to shine so brightly on stage.

We also extend our thanks to Mrs. Seamer, whose co-ordination behind the scenes — from transport and medications to safety and organisation — ensured everything ran smoothly. Her support does not go unnoticed.

 The choir was treated to a party to celebrate with Disney karaoke & treats with Mrs. Barrass singing along. 

Congratulations, Choir! You have truly lifted hearts and voices in celebration. It has been pure Joy watching you grow as little performers. Our thanks to all our parents and grandparents who supported us by attending our performance on the day! 

Mrs. Amanda Barrass

And thank you Mrs Barrass for your enthusiasm and for bringing our students this wonderful opportunity! 

Library News - Abermain

Around the World Showcase - Costume Requirements

Please see below for Costume details for each student participating in the Around the World Showcase.

Students can also check their individual costume requirements by viewing the display on the glass windows outside the office. 

Kinder 2026 Playgroup Dates

St Nic's Abermain Spring Vacation Care

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Dates for Your Diary Abermain

Dates for Your Diary Kurri Kurri

Awards Abermain

Awards Kurri Kurri

Kurri awards for Week 8 will be published in the Week 10 newsletter.

Parish News

Community News

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Why donate?

• Blood donations are essential for surgeries, emergencies and patients with chronic illness
• Just 1 donation can help up to three people in need
• The process is safe, quick and simple

 How can you help?

• Donate blood at Maitland Donor center, 39 St Andrews Street, Maitland
• Walk ins are welcome or schedule an appointment by calling 13 14 95 or visit www.lifeblood.com.au

Your contribution matters - please consider donating and sharing this with family and friends.

Together we can build a healthier, stronger community.

Ted Prior, an Australian author and artist, introduced Grug as a curious creature resembling the fallen top of a Burrawang tree. Grug's adventures, depicted in a series of books published between 1979 and 2020, explore simple yet profound themes that resonate with young readers. The character's charm lies in his inquisitive nature and the creative ways he navigates the world around him.

Come say Hello and meet the creator behind one of your favourite childhood stories! See the behind the scenes of how Grug was brought to life - from original sketches and drawings to the creation of the world renowned Grug characture. From book pages to puppets this event you'll find out everything you've ever wanted to know about Grug and Ted Prior!

When - Saturday, 27 September 2025 | 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Location - PACC | Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, 198/202 Vincent Street, Cessnock, 2325

PRIMARY

School Bowls' is a National Pathway for all primary and secondary students to learn and enjoy the sport of Lawn Bowls.

The Let’s Play Bowls (LPB) committee; a group of retired teachers, bowlers and parents initiated the concept in 2015 with a local 'ínter-school’ competition promoting the game to high school Year 7 - 11 students.

In 2018, 2019 and 2022 … LPB trialed primary school bowls, developing a modified ‘inter-school’ competition for Stage 3 - Year 5 and Year 6 students - launched in 2025.

💥 Let’s Play Bowls advertises to all schools … an age-appropriate local bowling competition.

💥 Clubs participating advertise to their respective communities - appropriate coaching and training programs.

State and Territory information regarding; flyers, game format, rules - all on the ‘drop-down’ menu.

The Primary Competition is a modified form of the game - playing ‘sets-play.’

Entries close last day Term 2 (unlimited team entries permitted.)

Entries only - via this site Primary School Entries … use “ENTER HERE’ icon.

TRIALS - Held at local participating bowling clubs during - Term 3 - July and August months.

FINAL Series - Held Sunday - Week 3 Term 4 - at selected host venues.)

School sport organisers, Stage 3 teachers and parent(s) are invited to contact their local bowling club to arrange either a weekly school sport program, a class visit or 'after-school’ coaching and training.

A maximum of 12 x teams enter the Final Series (see format & rules)