Week 4, Term 4 2023 - 24th October 2023
Week 4 Reflection
10 Lessons Children Can Learn by Volunteering
Today we held a party for our Altar Servers who have generously spent one hour each month (or more for some) assisting in the Parish Mass. Volunteering really is a win-win situation. The reality is, for us to be truly fulfilled and not just have moments of fleeting happiness in life, we cannot just be self-serving, we also need to outreach to others. We are thankful to all those who regularly assist in classrooms, P and F and school initiatives. We also enjoy the participation of students in our MJR, Well-being, Eco Heroes and Mini-Vinnies groups which are often led by our Yr 6 student leaders.
Whether your family gives to charitable organizations, or assists with sport, church etc, there are many ways to get active and make a difference. When you donate or volunteer your time or talents to a cause, you not only offer needed support to the people, places and organizations you serve, but you and your children also learn important lessons and enjoy lasting benefits.
Here are just 10 of the lessons children can learn when they lend a helping hand:
Optimism
When children see that they can make a difference, they renew their sense of hope and learn to face challenges with persistence and optimism.
Empathy
Experiences can make a powerful and lasting impression on children by helping them to understand and show concern for others’ feelings, circumstances and needs.
Sense of Community
Local volunteer opportunities offer kids a unique chance to build a stronger connection to their neighbours and communities, instilling a sense of pride and belonging.
Gratitude
When children give to those who are in need, they learn the importance of being grateful for what they have and for their ability to help others.
Sense of Purpose
When kids are given the opportunity to choose how they’d like to contribute to a cause, like helping to clean up a park or collecting items for donation, they can find a strong sense of purpose.
Taking on New Experiences
Volunteering can help children build character by introducing them to unfamiliar experiences that challenge them to build new skills.
Boosting Self-Esteem
When children contribute to a cause they learn that they have the power to effect change, boosting their confidence and building their self-esteem.
Learning to Collaborate
Many volunteer experiences offer the chance to engage in teamwork, learn from others’ diverse perspectives and build friendships.
Mission
Whether it’s the mission of the Church or another organisation, children gain passion to strive for something long-term.
Bonding with Family
When families volunteer or donate together, children can create lasting memories and strengthen the values they will carry into adulthood and eventually share with their own children.
From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose
Happy World Teacher’s Day!
This Friday we celebrate World Teacher’s Day, a chance for us all to pay homage to our teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our students. On behalf of the school community, I sincerely thank our teachers for the great work they do each day to make a lasting impact on the lives of students. For more information, visit https://worldteachersday.edu.au/
Staff News
- This Friday is the last day for our Teacher Assistant, Brooke Anderson. Brooke has been working at St Mary’s for the past 2 years and has done a great job supporting our students and teachers. We wish Brooke all the best as she begins her new career as a train driver.
- I will attend the regional Principal’s meeting this Friday at Emmanuel Catholic Primary school. Mrs Leotta is acting principal in my absence.
Spirit Badges for Swim Carnival
During the month of October, students have been purchasing badges to earn points for their sports team which will be included in the Swimming Carnival ‘House Spirit’ tally. This is also raising money for Catholic Mission. Badges are on sale from 8:15am outside the library.
Families Leaving
As our total enrolment drives many aspects of our school (staffing, budget, class sizes and structure) it is important that we try to be as accurate as possible in predicting the school enrolment for 2024. If you know that you will be leaving at the end of the year, please notify the office as soon as possible. Your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated.
Quote of the Week
“The tyranny of relativism is the spiritual poverty of our time.”
- Pope Francis
Youth Mass & Children's Liturgy
PLEASE JOIN US!
St Mary's School will join with St Patrick's College to celebrate our Youth Mass this Saturday 28th October, St Mary's Church at 5pm. Children's Liturgy will also be held.
Mass will be followed by a pizza outside the church. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Terri Leotta
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Workshop 2: Thursday 26th October - 3:15pm (Early Years Classrooms)
Reconciliation Sacrament: 9th November 6:30pm (St Mary’s Church)
Day for Daniel
Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day. Held annually on the last Friday of October, Day for Daniel honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe. On this day, parents, carers, and educators are encouraged to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety. St Mary’s school will also conduct a child safety lesson, focusing on the three steps to personal safety - Recognise, React, Report.
Booklists 2024
**PLEASE NOTE: 2024 BOOKLISTS HAVE BEEN EMAILED TO ALL PARENTS**
Orders can be placed online here or by emailing your order to Mackay School Supplies. Each year level booklist can be viewed by clicking the appropriate link below.
Collection times are: Tuesday 28th November 2:30-3:30pm and Wednesday 29th November from 8am-8:45am in the School Hall. Orders are due by Friday 27th October and must be paid for prior to delivery.
If you have any queries, please contact Michelle at Mackay School Supplies on 0432 515 407 or ask at the school office.
ICAS Congratulations
Congratulations to the large number of St Mary’s students who participated in ICAS this year. Students tested their knowledge against a broad range of subject areas including Maths, Science, Spelling and English. On Friday at assembly we celebrated the success of these students with the formal presentation of their certificates. Well done, we are very proud of your confident and persistent approach to a new opportunity.
Belinda Battaia
Assistant Principal: Curriculum
ICAS participation awards | Matilda Allardyce, Violet Fairbairn, Mia Moore, Ashlyn Mullaney, Brydie Egan, Samuel Hy, Levi Otto, Ewan Ruddick, Zander Otto, Flynn Pace, Deepthi Yuvaraj and Mayson Vassallo. | |||
ICAS Merit, Credit and Distinction awards | Elly Wang, Charlotte Hesselberg, Reniel Zapico, Raj Quetua, Josh Sadural, Daniel Saw, Ryder Reynolds, Jessica Sibley and Will Symons. | |||
St Mary's Swimming Carnival
St Mary's Christmas Fair
Year 5 Camp
Last week our year 5 campers really enjoyed the activities on offer at Seaforth Pines. Thank you to the staff and parents who supervised our students, for what were a fun-filled, educational and adventurous couple of days.
Student of the Week
Week 3, Term 4 Student Award Winners
| Prep P | Tobias | For wonderful work during our maths lessons this week. You work through all tasks quickly and love a tricky challenge! Keep up the great work Tobias! |
| Prep P | Luis | For great work with your writing. It is wonderful to watch you grow in confidence and ability as you work so hard to become a super writer. Keep working hard Luis! |
| Prep R | Olive | For working hard on your numbers and adding this week. You are doing a fantastic job when writing your number sentences. Well done. |
| Prep R | Georgia | For the recount writing you wrote about performing at the Eisteddfod. You wrote some tricky words and I loved the way you used capital letters and full stops. Amazing work. |
| 1B | Narnia | For your excellent manners and enthusiasm at the year one visit to the Parish Centre. What a star! |
| 1B | Amber | For your willingness to always offer to help your teacher and do extra jobs for her. Your kindness is much appreciated! |
| 1K | Louis | For explaining different Mathematical strategies needed for problem solving. Amazing number skills this week! |
| 2A | Matilda | For your carefully created Rube Goldberg machine. Awesome work, Matilda! |
| 2L | Ila | Ila you are a thoughtful and caring student who often considers the needs of others. You have been working hard since the beginning of the term and you strive to do your best. Keep being the wonderful person you are! |
| 2L | Mackenzie | Mackenzie you’ve worked really hard during class to work on your procedure and ‘Rube Goldberg Machine’ ideas. Keep up the fabulous effort and focus! |
| 3B | Jayda | For working hard this week to complete your tasks on time. Super effort! |
| 3B | Boston | For the creativity and enjoyment you’ve shown when writing your own poems this term. They are very entertaining. |
| 3P | Sinead | For her determination and studious attitude to work. She always works to her full potential and completes extra homework for her own self-improvement. Well done Sinead, you are a star student! |
| 3P | Theo | For focusing on and making improvements to his handwriting in class. I definitely have noticed a change already. Keep up the great work Theo. |
| 4A | Charlotte | For being positive, happy and motivated to take on new challenges and tasks. You are such a pleasure to have in the classroom. Well done! |
| 4A | Jayce | For setting an example of excellence in behaviour and manners. You are a positive role model to your peers. Keep up the great work, Jayce! |
| 4C | Mitchell | For your wonderful participation in class. It is great to see you explain your thinking and ideas with the class. |
| 5SA | Chase | For your participation on school camp, you worked well with others and showed a great deal of responsibility. Well done Chase! |
| 5SA | Ryder | For acting with maturity and respect on school camp. You are a natural leader and a wonderful role model to others. |
| 5T | Blake | For the perseverance and resilience you demonstrated at camp this week. You overcome challenges to achieve your goals. Well done Blake! |
| 6M | Hamiora | For increasing your participation in learning experiences this week. You are making a concerted effort to remain on task and to make positive contributions to class discussions. Keep it up Hamiora! |
| 6M | Heidi | For making a huge effort to catch up on all the work you missed during your participation in the eisteddfod. You are displaying all the qualities that will ensure your success in high school Heidi! |
| 6V | Chloe | For working out percentage discounts with speed and accuracy during RTI this week. Great effort Chloe. |
| 6V | Hudson | For having a conscientious attitude towards your school work and making valuable contributions to class discussions. |
Community News
Master Blasters is a learn to play cricket game format for primary school children played Wednesday afternoon 5pm - 6:30pm at Harrup Park. All registrations receive a playing shirt. No equipment needed and training is done during games. For more information contact Brothers Cricket Club through Facebook or register with the link.
Brothers Master Blasters Registration
