Wellbeing & Partnerships

Bullying No Way!

Theme: Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.

This week is Bullying No Way Week, and in 2025, we're embracing the powerful theme: Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.

It takes courage to spark change—and that courage starts with each one of us. Bullying doesn’t just affect the person being targeted; it affects entire communities. That’s why we all have a role to play in standing up and saying: Bullying is never okay.

In our school and in our community, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where everyone can belong, be celebrated for who they are, and feel supported.

  • Be bold by standing up for what's right, even when it's hard.
  • Be kind by including others and showing empathy.
  • Speak up when you see bullying or hurtful behaviour—your voice matters.

Students can be powerful allies. Parents and teachers are here to guide, support, and help shape a culture of kindness and respect. Together, we can challenge bullying behaviours and build a community that values dignity, inclusion, and courage.

This week, we took action by: 💬 Saying something, 🤝 Supporting someone & 💪 Being proud to take a stand.

Bullying stops with us. Let’s be bold. Be kind. Speak up.

 

The Prep classes created beautiful posters after a week of focusing how ''everyone belongs'', celebrating differences and learning how to be kind and inclusive.

 

In Year 6 they started the week by writing letters of thanks to people who they know we can turn to when they feel as though they are being bullied or targeted. It helped us them to identify people that “have our backs” and that we can go to in tough times. 

 

The following day The Grade 6s discussed setting boundaries and that it is perfectly acceptable to stand up for yourself. This will be a continued focus for the group as they finish the year and transition into secondary. The children identified why people bully and how it can stem from feeling inferior, jealous or seeking control over others. 

 

Whilst Bullying No Way week allows us to focus on this incredibly important topic, all students will continue to discuss boundary setting, building resilience, being upstanders and thinking before we act as the year progresses.

 

The Grade 2s also spent some time creating posters on the key message: 'be bold, be kind, speak up''.

Lunch Clubs 

Lunchtime Clubs Are Buzzing!

It’s not a competition… but lunchtime clubs have been very popular this fortnight! From Talk & Tea, Board Games and yoga, there’s been something for everyone. Loombands, however, have been the firm favourite! It’s been wonderful to see so many children joining in, trying something new, and having fun with friends.

 

Miss N's Lego Masters Club had creativity flowing in abundance again this fortnight. The themes for the crew were "Modes of Transport" and "Miniatures". 

As you can see by the photos, we have some very talented Lego builders here at St Augustine's. Keep up the great work!

 

 

Happy Families

Happy Families #1 – Time Is Love: Why Being Present Matters More Than Ever

In the whirlwind of busy days, it’s easy to feel that there’s never quite enough time. But what children remember most isn’t the perfectly planned outings or big gifts — it’s you. Your presence, your attention, and the moments when they felt seen and heard.

Whether it's chatting in the car, reading a story before bed, or helping make dinner, these simple, everyday interactions mean the world. Even five minutes of focused time — with no phone in hand or distractions — tells your child, “You matter to me.”

We know routines can be hard to change. But small adjustments — like putting aside tech-free time or sharing a weekly walk — can build stronger bonds and lifelong memories. When it comes to love, time really is the currency that counts.

Happy Families #2 – Bullying: A Calm, Practical Guide for Parents

Understanding bullying can help you feel more confident in supporting your child. Bullying is more than a one-off disagreement or occasional teasing — it involves repeated, intentional behaviour that causes harm. It can happen in many forms:

  • Physical – hitting, pushing, or damaging belongings
  • Verbal – name-calling, threats, or insults
  • Social – spreading rumours, excluding others, or manipulating friendships
  • Online – hurtful messages, posting embarrassing content, or cyber-exclusion

If you’re concerned your child might be experiencing bullying:

  1. Stay calm – Let them talk and listen without rushing to solve.
  2. Reassure them – Let them know they’re not alone and you believe them.
  3. Record what’s happening – Dates, details, and any evidence (screenshots, messages).
  4. Speak to the school – Work together with staff to find a safe and supportive way forward.
  5. Build confidence at home – Encourage friendships, praise resilience, and keep open communication going.

No child should feel unsafe or unheard. Your calm support and proactive steps can make all the difference.

If you would like to provide some feedback please email your thoughts to:  admin@safranksth.catholic.edu.au 

Insight Articles

Please remember, Insights are released once a week during the term and we will include them in the school newsletter. The membership also allows parents and staff to access all of the previous 300+ Insights articles. To do so at any time, use the below URL and password. 

https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/augustine

PASSWORD: happystaps

Playgroup at St A's

Do you know that we have weekly playgroup sessions? 

Playgroup sessions occur each Thursday in the school hall from 2pm - 3pm.

All babies, toddlers, and children are warmly welcome! Join us for a fun and friendly hour where little ones can play and socialise, and families can connect and support each other.

Come along and be part of our growing community – we’d love to see you there!

 

We would love to have you join us at St A's - would you like to help out?

As the school year begins, it's a great time to find out how you can become an active member of our vibrant community at St Augustine's. We always appreciate an extra pair of hands to help across the school for a variety of reasons. This term we will have Cooking & Gardening sessions, a number of sporting events and excursions planned. It would be great if you are able to get involved and take part. If you are keen to join in, please make sure you have a current Working With Children Check

Savers Plus

About Saver Plus:

Saver Plus is a free community program where participants can get up to $500 in matched funding for education costs.

 

        There are three parts to the program:

  1. SAVING – ANZ bank will match what participants save up to $50 a month to a total of $500 over 10 months
  2. WORKSHOPS - fun workshops where participants build on their money management skills and we share practical resources. These are held on Zoom and have never been more flexible to attend.
  3. CLAIMING -  In the 11th month of the program participants claim their matched funding.

Eligibility:

Participants MUST:

1.       Be 18+ years old and doing the program for the first time

2.       Have Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card

3.       Have a Centrelink payment

4.       Be studying themselves or have a child that is studying

5.       Have some money from workincludes cash in hand work, child support payments, partner’s work and carer payments.

Online Safety Hacks (for Apple devices)

Over the next few newsletters, we will be sharing some practical hacks to keep children safe while using Apple Devices

 

Before getting started

 

Before diving into these hacks, you’ll need to set up a separate Apple Account for your child. This prevents them from accessing your personal data while giving them their own safe space to explore. 

 

Then you can easily set age-based parental controls, and they can use Family Sharing. 

 

  • On your iPhone or iPad
  • Go to Settings > Family
  • Tap the Add Member button
  • Tap Create Child Account, then tap Continue.

 

EXPERT TIP: Never share the ‘Screen Time’ password with your child; this will null and void the safety features as they will be able to override them. This is a parent or carer, ‘family circle only’ level of trust.

 

TIP 2: Ask to Buy: Your digital wallet guardian

This setting is to ensure that you are never caught off guard by app or in-app purchases. Plus, it helps to ensure all app purchases (even free ones) or anything else that can be purchased through the Apple Store are appropriate for your child.

 

The ‘Ask to Buy’ feature will send you a request that requires your approval every time your child tries to make a purchase. This means no more unexpected bills, and you can ensure the purchases are age-appropriate.

 

How to activate the Ask To Buy function: 

  • Open the Settings app 
  • Tap Family in iOS 16 or above
  • In iOS 16 or above, tap your family member’s name, then tap Ask to Buy
  • In iOS 15 or earlier, tap Ask to Buy, then tap your family member’s name
  •  

    Article sourced from Mama Mia and originally published on 14/4/25

NCCD Information & Application