Week 1, Term 4 2024 - 1st October 2024

Principal's News

Welcome Back
Welcome back to school.  I trust that the school holidays provided much needed rest and relaxation, ready for term 4.  We have a big term ahead filled with great learning experiences as well as many school events - it is sure to be a busy time.  Please note the following important dates for term 4;

7/10                       King’s Birthday Public Holiday
13/10                     P&F Bike-a-Thon (Caneland Park from 8:30am)
28/10                    St Mary’s Swimming Carnival; ARC pool
31/10                     Prep 2025 Information Evening; 5:30pm-6:30pm
16/11                     St Mary’s Christmas Fair
28/11                     Orientation Day - Prep 2025 to Year 7 2025 (St Pat’s and CMC)
2/12                       Year 6 Graduation Dinner
5/12                       Christmas Concert
6/12                       Report cards published on Parent Lounge
6/12                       Last day of school
11/12                      School Office closes

20/1/2025            School office reopens
28/1/2025            Term 1 2025 commences

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

Art Extravaganza
The art show in the last week of Term 3 was a wonderful cultural celebration, showcasing the many and varied talents of the St Mary’s school community.  The student work that was created during three art lessons under Ms Lenz’s tutelage was simply outstanding.  

Congratulations to this year’s winners and runner ups:
Prep - Ryker H and Thomas C
Year 1 - Theo A and Isabella B
Year 2 - Hayden M and Porsha C
Year 3 - Dillon M and Annabelle N
Year 4 - Sinead R and Lexie T
Year 5 - Ainslee M and Charlotte H
Year 6 - Ryder R and Kalani V

I also thank the many parents for exhibiting their artwork.  Our photography club, led by Mrs Virginia Lewis also showcased their skills with some breathtaking images.  The music on the night by Sarah Rozekrans and Rob and Talia Cookson sounded amazing, and Sam Bauer did a great job setting up and managing the PA! 

Events like this are a celebration of the holistic educational offering here at St Mary’s, and are only made possible by the creative and organisational efforts of many people.  From catering to framing, set up and child minding, many and varied talents come together to see the event realised.  On behalf of the school community, I thank these people for their efforts, they are very much appreciated.

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Staff News

• We welcome Mrs Belinda van Lint to the role of Acting APRE for Term 4. I thank Belinda for assisting the school in this way.  Belinda will be in the office each Thursday and Friday; during this time, Mrs Paul will teach 6V.
• Ms Wendy Parker (school counsellor) and I attended the regional Student Protection Conference today, held at St Patrick’s College.
• Mrs Donna Berardi and Miss Stacey Banks are on Long Service Leave this week, returning 8^th In their absence, Mrs Hollie Cleaver and Mrs Sue McGann will teach the Year 1 classes.
• Mrs Donna Wood is on Long service leave for the next 3 weeks. In her absence, Mrs Leigh Ford will teach Performing Arts.
• We had several staff (Mrs Battaia, Mrs van Lint and Mrs Sorbello) attend the NCCD regional reflection last term.

School Maintenance

Over the holidays, we had several maintenance jobs completed, including;

• Air conditioner servicing in the Early Years.
• All Aircon filters cleaned throughout the school
• Repair of several doors and windows around the school
• Emergency lighting and safety switch servicing.
• Pressure cleaning of all concrete surfaces.
• The fan controllers in the Hall were repaired. I sincerely thank Bart van Lint for assisting us with this job, as we were facing a very expensive replacement cost without Bart’s expertise!

Year 6 Graduation Dinner – Helpers Meeting

As previously advised, we have a short meeting planned this Thursday from 2pm in the staffroom to finalise the Year 6 graduation dinner.  All interested Year 6 parents are most welcome to attend.

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.

A message to children/families arriving before 8:15am

We have noticed that many students are arriving at school before 8:15am and are spread out across various areas of the school.  I remind students and parents that before 8:15am, there are no teachers on supervision duty.  Therefore, students are to either sit with their parents, or if unaccompanied, sit in the tuckshop area.  There is to be no play before 8:15am.  Once the 8:15am play bell rings, students can play handball/skip/walk the track/visit the library.

Uniform Guidelines

A reminder to all families of our uniform guidelines.  Some important areas to note include;

• Students are to wear plain black footwear (formal shoes or joggers).
• No coloured nail polish or acrylic nails.
• Boys: No earrings.
• Boys hair styles. Be neat in appearance and not falling into eyes or past the collar. Hair may not be dyed or worn in a style that is extreme or inappropriate for school (e.g. no tracks, rat’s tails, mo-hawks, top knots, mullets, hair no shorter than gauge 2 or undercuts that have a large variance between length).
• Girls hair styles. Be neat in appearance and not falling into eyes. Girls with shoulder or longer length hair must have it tied back. Hair may not be dyed or worn in a style that is extreme or inappropriate for school. Hair accessories should be minimal and must be in colours of navy, blue or white.
• Watches - please keep them basic, avoiding electronic watches that include games and cameras, etc.
  

Our students demonstrate pride in St Mary’s school by the way they wear their uniform correctly.  From next week, an infringement letter may be sent home to notify parents of any areas that need to be addressed.   If you have any queries about this, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Early Departure and Late Arrival at School

For the safety of all students, it is important that the following procedures are followed when students are collected early or arrive late for school;

• If your child needs to leave school during the day for any reason, they must be collected from the school office and signed out. Advanced notice to the school office will assist in having students ready at the collection time.
• Please do not go directly to your child’s class, as the class teacher is unable to amend the attendance roll.
• When returning to school following an appointment, students must report to the office so that the class roll can be marked accordingly.
• Students who arrive late to school in the morning (after 8:30am) must report to the school office before going to their classroom. This will prevent SMS messages being sent to parents when children are present at school.

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 2025. 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

October - Month of the Rosary

Yesterday, we commenced praying a decade of the Rosary. We will pray the Rosary each day in October. 

St Mary's honours the Blessed Mother of Jesus and our school booklist requires that each student from Prep to Year 6 have their own set of Rosary beads.

If your child does not have rosary beads, please purchase a set through our school office for $12 or source them from home or St Vincent de Paul Store in Macalister St.

Thank you. 

Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal: Religious Education (Acting)

Sacramental Program

Students in Year 3 or above are invited to begin preparing to receive their Sacraments; Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Communion.

Enrolment forms are available at the school office and can be completed and brought along to the first workshop.

If you would like further information please contact the school office.

St Mary's
Workshop – 17^th October 3:15pm
Workshop – 24^th October 3:15pm
Tuesday : Reconciliation –  29^th October 6pm

St Francis Xavier
Workshop – 14^th October 3:15pm
Workshop – 21^st October 3:15pm
Monday: Reconciliation – 28^th October 6pm

St Michael’s
Workshop 1 - Sunday 13^th Oct 
Workshop 2 - Sunday 20^th Oct 
Sunday: Reconciliation – 27^th October after 9am mass

Workshops will take place at the school.

Belinda van Lint 
Assistant Principal: Religious Education (Acting)

Term 4 Clubs

This term, we are offering several lunch time clubs to all students. Please encourage your child to participate if they are interested. 

St Mary's Bike-a-thon

Registration Is Open!

We are excited for our next school fundraiser - the P&F St Mary's Bike-a-Thon.  It was a super fun event last year giving everyone a chance to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather. 

Meet at Caneland Park (near Bluewater Lagoon) and ride, walk or scoot to old Hospital Bridge and back - approx. 3km. 

Invite your friends and family to join in, too. Prizes on the day for best dressed boy/ girl & best dressed family. 

Please click on this link for ticket information.

2024 Swimming Carnival

Our annual school carnival will be held on Monday 28^th October at Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex.  

Once again the day will be divided into two sections: a Junior Carnival (Prep to Year 2) and a Senior Carnival (Years 3 to 6).

In order for your child too participate in the carnival, please complete the nomination forms below by 9am on Monday 16th October. Entries after this time cannot be accepted.

Senior Carnival Nomination Form

Junior Carnival Nomination Form

We would welcome any volunteer parent helpers to assist in the smooth running of the carnival.  There are a variety of jobs available and we would greatly appreciate your assistance.  Please indicate on the nomination form if you are able to assist and in what capacity (e.g. lifesaving, marshal, timekeeper, set up, pack up, etc.).

We are looking forward to a fun filled, exciting day.

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

Don't Forget to Download the Parent Orbit App

St Mary's Got Talent Wrap Up

Last term, we celebrated the many talents of our amazing students at our annual SMGT Grand Finale. Congratulations to all students involved. Thank you, for letting your light shine!

Many thanks to our wonderful judges, Miss Nat and Miss Molly. Thank you also to our Cultural Leaders, Lacey and Nicole for assisting Mrs Wood.

3rd Place – Ewen, Flynn, Hudson, Nate and Ashton – stunt jumps!
2nd Place – Olivia – singing and playing the ukulele
1st Place – The Magic Sisters – Ila and Annabelle (and their lovely assistant Ava)

Student of the Week

Week 10, Term 3 Student Award Winners

Community News