Week 6, Term 3 2024 - 13th August 2024
APRE's Reflection
Bullying No Way: National week of action
This week we are once again participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action, 12 to 16 August 2024.
Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.
The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour.
The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.
“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).
For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.
During the week we will be engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. We encourage parents and carers to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their children about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support. You can visit the Bullying No Way website for tips around how to have this discussion.
You can access the school’s bullying prevention policy by clicking here to learn more about our process for preventing and responding to bullying.
If you have concerns that your child is being bullied, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. If the matter is unresolved please contact the St Mary’s Leadership Team. We have a wrap-around-approach to combat bullying which originates with our school mission statement “To show encouragement, care and respect” and is supported by our You Can Do It program, class lessons and the Daniel Morcombe Curriculum/Health lessons.
From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose
Centenary Celebrations – Thank you!
Last week’s Centenary celebrations were a memorable time which brought together past and present members of the school community. The festivities began with a whole-school Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael. The large number of past students and parents who gathered for Mass commented on the lovely student behaviour and obvious sense of school spirit and pride on display.
Our centenary dinner was held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Friday 9th Aug and was a highlight of the week-long celebrations, with over 180 guests gathering to observe the school’s milestone. Special guests included Bishop Michael McCarthy, Mr Michael McCusker (Diocesan Director: Catholic Education), Mayor Greg Williamson and Mrs Julieanne Gilbert (State Member for Mackay). MC for the evening was the Chair of the St Mary’s School Board, Mrs Vicki Smith, who undertook her task with grace, good humour and style. The evening was made even more special by the presence of multi-award-winning songwriter and musician Graeme Connors, a proud past-student of St Mary’s. Graeme delighted the audience with stories and songs from his childhood in South Mackay and had everyone singing along to some of his well-known songs, ‘St Mary’s Fair’, ‘Mango shade’ and ‘A Child of this Land’ to name but a few.
Our celebrations concluded with a community open day on Sunday, 11th August. This event welcomed both past and current students, staff and parents. Visitors explored our memorabilia display that highlighted the school’s history, enjoyed student performances on the main stage and participated in a scavenger hunt around the school grounds.
The week’s events were a fitting tribute to the legacy of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, South Mackay, celebrating a century of education and community spirit. On behalf of the school community, I sincerely thank all staff, students and parents who were a part of the preparations and planning. Volunteers were instrumental in helping set up the memorabilia display, organising and preparing the dinner venue, and assisting with our open day in various ways. I really appreciate your assistance. I was speaking with our 1999 P&F president, Mr Paul McLennan, on Sunday and he remarked that it was great to see that the connection between the school and families is still strong after all these years. I particularly acknowledge the efforts of Mrs Mel McGuinness, whose dedication, creativity and planning skills helped make our events memorable. Thanks Mel!
Time Capsule Entries
We will be accepting entries for the Centenary Time Capsule until Tuesday 3rd September 2024 with envelopes available from the school office for $10 per entry.
The Time Capsule will be dedicated on St Mary's Feast Day at 11:30am.
Centenary Yearbook and Cookbook
We still have copies of these books available to purchase from the school office. All students who are enrolled this year have their photo included in this book, which will be a great keepsake for families. Please see the ladies in the school office to get your copy.
Book Week Parade
Next Tuesday, we invite all parents and friends to attend the famous St Mary’s Book Week dress up parade! Commencing at 8:40am on our basketball court, it will be a showcase of colour and flair as students and staff dress up as a myriad of book characters. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Staff News
- Yesterday we heard the good news that Mrs Stella Rodrigues gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Harper! We wish Stella and her husband all the very best at this happy time.
- This Thursday and Friday, I will be attending the Regional Principal’s meeting at St Francis Xavier School and the principal’s retreat up at Eungella. During this time, Mrs Terri Leotta will be acting Principal.
- We keep Ms Andrea Pembroke and her family in our prayers following the passing of her grandmother, Mrs Rita Pembroke. On behalf of the school community, I offer Andrea and the Pembroke family my condolences at this sad time. Andrea will be away Tue-Wed attending Rita’s funeral.
- Well done to Mrs Kathy Parrish (Finance Secretary) who over the weekend, completed the Sunshine Coast Marathon in personal best time.
Quote of the Week
“Find gratitude in the smallest things and your well of gratitude will never run dry.”
- Antonia Montoya
Important Dates
Book Week Parade
This year, Book Week will officially run from 17th-23rd August.
St Mary’s will be holding its annual Book Week Parade during this week on Tuesday 20th August. This year’s theme is 'Reading is Magic'. Everyone is welcome.
Students are encouraged to start thinking about their favourite book characters and how a creative costume might come to life for this celebration.
Tuckshop News
2024 Prime Minister's Spelling Bee
The 2024 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee is on now. During the next few weeks students from Years 3 to 6 will participate in an online spelling bee. The Spelling Bee allows students to complete 30 spelling words in a fun format where they aim for accuracy, to beat the clock and finish ahead of their fellow students right across Australia. Students may not be familiar with all the words they are asked to spell. However, exposing students to new words and their definitions will help expand their vocabularies and encourage them to continue apply spelling strategies and to read widely. There are prizes to win and finalists will be invited to take part in the State and National finals.
Students are able to have a try at home before they compete: Click here to try The Bee
If you have any questions please see Mrs Paul.
Father's Day Stall
Our wonderful P&F are once again making it easy to spoil Dad this Father’s Day!
From Wednesday to Friday next week, from 8am - 8:25am, 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.
We wish all our fathers a very happy Father's Day on Sunday 1st September.
St Mary's Feast Day Celebrations
On Friday 6th September, we will be celebrating St Mary's Feast Day with the following activities, all parents are welcome to attend the Assembly and Mass:
- 8:30am: Assembly
- 9:00am: St Mary's Feast Day Mass
- 11:20am: Time Capsule Dedication and Burial
- 12:30pm: International Food Day
Today we sent out communication to all parents asking if they are interested in sharing their culture through a food dish for the International Food Day. All groceries costs can be reimbursed. If you are able to assist, please complete the following google form here.
Students are asked to bring money to purchase tokens for food, with all funds raised on the day go to support Caritas’s work in Australia and around the world.
Jump Rope for Heart
Wow St Mary’s. Only 5 weeks completed, and we have almost hit our goal of $3000. What a fantastic effort. Last week we tried Double Dutch and Egg Beater with the long ropes at skipping club. Both are tricky skills to master but we had plenty of students achieving success with Egg Beater and a few managing to skip a few times in Double Dutch. Thanks to the teachers who came and helped turn ropes and to Mrs Battaia for her excellent Double Dutch demonstration.
A big shout out to Eddie Richards (2L), Adeline Cunningham (2L), Mackenzie Pratt (3C), Hudson Long (2A) and Ryker Harris (PP) who have all raised over $200 each.
The challenge of the week is ‘The Pretzel’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgGXW7jtUrY&list=PLh8a3llPdCchqe1dLxgNIzpuG-87_p6c7&index=4
Here are our results thus far:
- 27 students registered on the portal.
- 14 students actively fundraising.
- Raising $2765.19 to date.
- Logging 19.5 hours of skipping practice! ♥
Let’s continue this great effort until the end of our program!
Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher
Swap It - Week 6
Community News
