Week 6, Term 3 2023 - 15th August 2023

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

New Indigenous Artwork
Keen observers may have noticed we have some new artwork on the sandstone blocks in the Prep area.  I sincerely thank Mrs Karlie Tatchell, Ms Tia Dodds and the many parents and students who gathered over the weekend to make this project happen.  I am sure you’ll agree with me that the artwork looks great! 

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 12

Next

NAIDOC Celebrations - Friday 18^th August
This Friday we have a myriad of engaging activities to observe this year’s NAIDOC celebration.  Following assembly, the students will be entertained by the 4MK Torres Strait Dancers, who always put on a great cultural performance.  Following this, students will enjoy several rotation activities during the morning and middle sessions, including Aboriginal arts and craft, spear throwing, Indigenous games and a yarn with elders.  At lunch time, students will have the option to taste some authentic Australian foods (kangaroo, emu and crocodile sausages!)  I thank Mrs Karlie Tatchell and Mr Andrew Doyle for organising this celebration, it is sure to be a memorable day.

5 and 2 Rule
Last week on assembly, I shared a little learning I gained from my recent attendance at the APPA conference, originating from the Ritz-Carlton 10/5 rule. This rule (which I converted into the 5/2 for ease of metric measurement purposes!) sees all employees acknowledge and make eye contact with guests when 5 m away, then when 2m away, say hello and ask them if they need assistance.  Translating this into a school and general life scenario, the 5/2 rule makes a point of valuing connection with others and building a culture of service towards others.  My challenge to all students was to try and use the 5/2 rule somewhere in their life, either at home, at school or out in the wider community.  My hope that in this small, easy to remember strategy, we can develop in students more connection and empathy towards others.  For more information, click here.  Why not give it a try?!?    

Book Week Dress Up Parade 
With Book Week fast approaching, it is important that families ready themselves for one of the most enjoyable events in our school calendar, the famous St Mary’s Book Week dress up parade!  Held next Tuesday 22^nd August from 8:40am in the Basketball court, all parents and friends are invited to join with us for the dress up parade.  Whether students come as their favourite book character, or get together with a few friends to have a team entry, it really is a lot of fun!

Staff News
This Wed-Fri, Mrs Belinda Battaia (Assistant Principal: Curriculum) will attend the Diocesan Curriculum gathering in Rockhampton.  I am sure this conference will be a great learning experience for Belinda.

A Message from our First Aid Room
The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. When your child becomes sick at school, we follow medical guidelines from the Rockhampton Diocesan Catholic Education Office and Queensland Health. If serious or contagious symptoms arise, immediate first aid is provided and parents will be notified. Should the situation demand and your child requires additional medical care, we won't hesitate to call an ambulance.

We often see students at the office feeling unwell, sometimes due to wanting to skip class, discomfort with routine changes or other unrelated issues. Over time and with good home/school communication, we attempt to distinguish genuine cases. If we ask you to collect your child from the sick bay, please comply, as our limited sick bay space affects recovery. For contagious symptoms, we'll contact you to collect your child, to ensure your child's well-being as well as the health of our other students and staff is maintained.

While we understand families have work commitments, safeguarding student health is vital. Our office staff are first aid-trained but not medical experts, necessitating your presence. If your child tends to exaggerate illness, encourage them to discern real sickness before seeking the sick bay. Your cooperation ensures a healthy environment and timely care. I thank all parents for their assistance with this matter.

Traffic Safety
Recent near misses serve as a timely reminder of the crucial importance of cautious driving around our school. We urge all parents to prioritise safety and exercise extra care when dropping off or picking up your children. Please slow down, be vigilant, avoid using mobile phones and avoid distractions. Together, we can create a safe environment whilst travelling to and from school. Your commitment to safe driving is a valuable contribution to our school's safety culture. Thank you for helping us keep our school zone safe for everyone.

Quote of the Week

National Day of Action against Bullying - Friday 18th August

This Friday 18th August we will recognise the National Day of Action Against Bullying.

On this day each class will participate in lessons about tolerance, respect and learning skills to resolve conflicts. Each class will contribute to creating a whole school anti-bullying display outside the hall. 

Terri Leotta
Assistant Principal: Religious Education/Teacher

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Sacrament of Confirmation/Communion

Please keep in your prayers the children who will be receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion at St Mary's Church this Saturday. This is an important moment of their faith development. 

Many thanks to the parents, teachers and Sacramental team who have helped with the preparations. 

Andrew Chinn Visit

On Monday 21^st August we welcome Australian religious songwriter and singer, Andrew Chinn, who will be visiting our school to share his songs with our children. Andrew’s songs, such as “These Hands”, “Rainbow”, “An African Blessing” and “Rise Up!” are used in classrooms and liturgies around Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. The concert will take place in the school hall with sessions for classes throughout the day and a whole school concert at 1:45pm. Parents and Carers are welcome to join us for the concert at 1:45pm.

Andrew also works with students who are particularly interested in singing and we have even had a St Mary’s students chosen to record with Butterfly Music on one of Andrew’s CDs,  “In Joyful Hope.” If your child is interested in being part of the choir please register their details to Mrs Leotta via this link Choir Participants

Andrew Chinn: Biography
Summary points if doing an introduction:

• Was a teacher for 20 years in Catholic schools in Sydney, taught all grades from kindergarten to Year 6 (was a kindergarten/prep teacher for two years)
• Song writing since 1993
• Has released 12 albums, 6 picture books, and 5 DVDs and has an online resource for teachers: www.butterflyhouse.online
• His music is used in schools across Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada and he has visited more than 1000 different schools around those countries.
• His best-known songs are These Hands, Together As One, Rainbow, In the Beginning, Shine Among Them, An African Blessing, God Made Them All, and Rise Up!.
• Lives in Wollongong with his wife, Bernadette and a couple of Shetland Sheepdogs called Mollee and Elbee, who love going to the beach.
• He has four daughters and TEN grandchildren!!
• He is a proud Sydney Swans supporter.
• Andrew’s music is available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music.

Book Fair

ONLY 1 MORE DAY TO GO!

Come along to find the best new books and help earn free books for our library!

Open tomorrow 8am-8:30am.

EFTPOS available.

St Mary's Art Show - Tuesday 29th August

The annual St Mary's Art Show is back for 2023 showcasing artwork from students Prep to Year 6 following their lessons with our resident artist, the talented Ms Maria Lenz.

The entry fee is a gold coin donation (to purchase your child(s) artwork).

There will also be art displays from our photography club, teachers and parents.

Live music, a bar and food will take place on the green.  Bento boxes are available to pre-order from www.quickcliq.com.au, enter the date 29/08/2023 for the item to be available.

This event is always a highlight of the St Mary’s calendar and we look forward to seeing everyone from the St Mary’s community on the evening.

If any parents would like to volunteer on the night, please contact the school office. 

Father's Day Stall

Our wonderful P&F are making it easy to spoil Dad again this Father’s Day!

Students will have an opportunity to buy Dad something special from our Father’s Day Stall which will be set up inside the school hall in week 8 (see dates below).

Sport News

Mackay Basketball will be holding a Primary School Gala Day on Monday September 11. This is open to students in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Parents must give permission for their child to attend via Parent Lounge by clicking on the 'Events & Payments' section. 

The Term 3 Gala Day will have 6 Divisions:

BOYS                                                                    

🏀 Grade 3-4 Rookies* Boys
🏀 Grade 5-6 Rookies* Boys
🏀 Grade 3-6 Stars** Boys                                      

 GIRLS

🏀 Grade 3-4 Rookies* Girls
🏀 Grade 5-6 Rookies* Girls
🏀 Grade 3-6 Stars** Girls

*Rookies division is for players that are fairly new to the game or have not played before
**Stars division is for players who are already playing club or rep basketball

To ensure games are fast paced, we will play 12 minute halves with a running clock.

Each team will play a minimum of 3 games throughout the day.

🏀 Date:                     Monday September 11
🏀 Where:                  McDonald’s Mackay Multi-Sport Stadium
🏀 Time:                    Games will be played between 9:00am & 3:00pm
🏀 Cost:                     $50 per team

If there are any parents who are able to help on the day, please email simone_sibley@rok.catholic.edu.au

Student of the Week

Week 5, Term 3 Student Award Winners

Community News