Week 7, Term 1, 2024 - 5th March 2024

Principal's Reflection

Empowerment Through Encouragement - Cultivating a Culture of Support

In the vibrant community that is St Mary’s School, our school Mission Statement is a guiding document for all that we do.  The key values contained in this are well known to staff and students alike – ‘encouragement, care, and respect’.

Reflecting on our mission statement at last week’s assembly, I spoke briefly about the importance for us all to think, say and act with encouragement.

Encouragement is more than just a fleeting gesture; it's a powerful force that uplifts spirits, fuels aspirations, and fosters growth. When we cultivate a mindset of encouragement, we infuse positivity into every aspect of our lives. Encouraging thoughts serve as the seeds from which confidence, resilience and determination bloom. They propel us forward, igniting the spark of potential within ourselves and others.

In a world where negativity often clouds the horizon, the importance of thinking encouraging thoughts cannot be overstated. Our minds are fertile ground and the thoughts we nurture shape our reality. By consciously choosing to embrace optimism and belief in the capabilities of ourselves and those around us, we create a ripple effect of positivity that permeates our entire community.

However, encouragement is not solely confined to the realm of thoughts; it finds its true power in action. The words we speak and the deeds we do hold the potential to uplift or deflate, to inspire or dishearten. Each word of encouragement we offer is a little beacon of hope, lighting the path for others to follow. Whether it's a simple "You can do it!" before an exam or a heartfelt pat on the back after a job well done, these gestures of support have the transformative power to turn challenges into triumphs and setbacks into stepping stones.

In contemplating the essence of encouragement, we find a timeless model in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrated through his actions and words the profound impact of uplifting others, regardless of their circumstances. He exemplified the power of encouragement in transforming lives, healing wounds, and instilling hope.

As we navigate the labyrinth of life, let us remember the profound impact of encouragement. May we strive to cultivate a culture where uplifting others is not just a choice but a way of life. For in nurturing a community built on encouragement, we create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and shine.

All the very best,

Wes Rose
Principal

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

Enhancing Catholic Schools (ECSI) Survey

Catholic schools in Australia today often find themselves challenged to articulate their identity and vision in a society where the Christian faith is increasingly marginalized.  To assist our school, we have entered into a partnership with the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.  The goal of this work is to assist our school to better understand how our Catholic identity is expressed in work and practice and to support St Mary’s in our future development.

All parents received an email last week with a letter outlining the ESCI process and how they can assist by completing a survey.  As we want as many parents as possible to participate, we have several incentives, including;

• A pie voucher for each family that completes the survey. This voucher can be redeemed by your child for a free pie for lunch on Tuesday 26th March
• A class party for the highest percentage (per capita) of completed surveys. Well done to 2A class who currently have the most parent responses.
• A raffle that parents enter once they have completed the survey;
  • 1^st Prize $200 school fee discount
  • 2^nd Prize $100 school fee discount
  • 3^rd Prize $50 gift card

Please note, upon completion of the survey, you will need to print the certificate of completion and hand it in to the office to be eligible for the incentives. 

HOW TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY (must be completed by Friday, 26th April, 2024)

1. Go to www.ecsi.site/au/user/
2. Enter the ECSI Website password: Ghj654
3. Click on "new user" and enter our school’s survey access code cC7uQg so that your input will be linked to our school.
4. The ECSI survey should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
5. Upon completion, print the certificate of successful participation and return to our school office.

For further information, please refer to the letter that was emailed to you.  I thank you for your assistance with this important initiative and ask that you take the time to submit a response.

P&F Meeting 5^th March
Please note that our next P&F meeting is scheduled for tonight, (Tuesday 5^th March) from 6pm in the staffroom.  All parents are most welcome to attend.  At this meeting, we will brainstorm some ways the P&F can financially contribute to the school.  This is always a practical and interesting meeting, so please make it along if you are able.

Welcome Special Visitors
This Wednesday, we welcome Mrs Catherine Simmonds, FIARE (Faith, Identity ad Religious Education) team member, to our school. Catherine will work with Mrs Leotta and several teachers to assist them with their religion planning.

This Friday, we welcome Assistant Director: Schools, Mr Michael McCusker.  Michael will visit the Year 4-6 classes, as well as meet with Mr Rose.

Quote of the Week

St Mary's Centenary Shirt Competition

To commemorate 100 years of St Mary’s, we are holding a competition to design artwork that will feature on a polo shirt which will be on sale during the celebrations later this year.

        To enter the competition: 

1. Reflect on what makes St Mary’s a wonderful school.
2. Decide on how to present your thoughts artistically.
3. Fill a 20cm diameter circle (click on link below) with your coloured design.
4. Submit your design to the School Office by Thursday 28 March.

Prep 2025 Enrolments

Do you have a Prep student beginning in 2025?

Thank you to those families who have already submitted their enrolment application online. We encourage both existing and new families who have a child starting Prep in 2025 to lodge their enrolment application as soon as possible. Applications are to be made via our online enrolment application available on our website www.smmrok.catholic.edu.au/enrol-now

Applications close on the 3rd May, with interviews commencing on the 17th May.

 Please contact the school office for further information or any assistance required.

Project Compassion - Fourth Week of Lent

Memory is 26 years old and lives in rural Malawi. As the eldest child in a low-income farming family, Memory had to take on many household chores and farming activities to support her parents. They struggled to pay for Memory’s school fees and school supplies, and Memory often had to walk to school barefooted. 

With the support of Caritas Australia and its partner the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM), Memory was able to enrol at a technical college where she learnt technical skills in carpentry. She undertook a three-year carpentry course, with CADECOM supporting part of her tuition and boarding fees.

Memory became the first female carpenter from her village. Today, she works as a carpenter at one of Malawi’s largest hydroelectric power stations. With the income from her job, she can provide financial support to her family and inspire other young women in her community so that they may have the opportunity to succeed in a male-dominated industry.

Please donate to Project Compassion.
Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations.

You can donate through Project Compassion using donation boxes in student classrooms  and envelopes available from your parish, scanning the QR code, by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413.

Photo: Tim Lam/Caritas Australia

Caritas Classroom Tally

Tuckshop News

Tuckshop News
We continue to advertise for a new tuckshop convenor. In the interim, our tuckshop remains closed.  However, we will hold the following special order days, that all students can participate in;

• Tue 12^th March: Student Pizza Day
• Order via  Quickliq by 11am Monday 11th March
  
• PLEASE NOTE: You must choose the date 12th March in Quickcliq, then select different pizza options in the 'Select Meals' area

• Tue 26^th March: Student Pie Day
• Byrne’s beef mince pie only.
• Order via Quickcliq from week 8. Orders close at 11am 22/3. 
• Please note the change of date from 27/3 to 26/3.
• For parents that complete their ECSI parent survey, when you submit your certificate of completion to the school office you will receive a voucher entitling your child to a free student pie.  Use this voucher when ordering your child’s pie via Quickcliq. 

Sport News

Congratulations to Lauren Shields, Rylie Hanson, Flynn Pearce and Sefton Tass who were selected in the Mackay District 10-12 girls and boys touch football teams. These students will participate in the Capricornia trials during March. Good luck to you all.

Good luck to Lauren Shields, Harper Standish and Addison Cookson who will be trying out for the Capricornia 10-11 years netball team this week.

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

Cross Country/Fun Run

Our St Mary's Year 3-6 Cross Country/Fun Run is next Friday 15th March. A reminder for students to bring their hats and drink bottles.

The order of events and approximate times will be:

• 9:10am               9 years and under (2016,2015)

• 9:30am               10 years (2014)

• 9:50am               11 years (2013)

• 10:10am             12 years (2012)

• 10:40am             Fun Run
  

P & F News - St Mary's Pie Drive

The P&F are excited to kick off this year's fundraising with a PIE DRIVE.

Thanks to Byrnes Pies, we have a great selection of pies and sweets to choose from. Fill the fridge or freezer with quick, easy, and tasty dinner solutions.

Orders will close Monday 8th April
Delivery will take place during the second week in Term 2.

Scan the QR code to order, click on this link or alternatively print out the order form (click on link below) and drop back to the office with money orders by Wednesday 27th March.

Contact Melissa McGuiness - 0439 375 509 for any enquiries. 

Music Program

Hi parents/guardians! I am Chelsea Jansen, Instrumental Strings Tutor, teaching Violin and also teach the Cello. I would love for you to consider your child learning strings at St Mary’s with me and help us grow a string community at the school.

I have 10 years teaching experience at various local Catholic Education schools, conduct local school string ensembles, am a performer with extensive performance experience and studying at the Conservatorium of Music. I provide my students with a tailored-approach learning experience and expose students to a wide variety of music with a passion for developing their music skills whether for specific goals or purely fun and enjoyment. I offer both private and group lesson options (groups only subject to availability).

For enquiries and further information, please contact me on 0402 231 740 or email Chelsea.jansen@outlook.com.  As soon as an instrument is organised (I will help you with this), students can have an immediate start!

Swap It - Week 7

Student of the Week

Week 6, Term 1 Student Award Winners

Community News