Term 2, Week 6 2025 - 27th May 2025
Curriculum News
Last Wednesday and Thursday, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Student Wellbeing Gathering in Rockhampton. This important event brought together educators and leaders from across our Diocese to explore how schools can continue to support the wellbeing of our students.
Key speakers included our Diocesan Director, Mr Michael McCusker, Educational Consultant Mr Maurizio Vespa, and award-winning author and TEDx speaker Mr Daniel Sih. Each presentation offered valuable insights into the many ways schools can foster positive wellbeing—from government policy and data-informed practices to the growing impact of digital technology on young people’s lives.
One presentation that particularly resonated with me was Daniel Sih’s talk, “Wellbeing in a Digital Age.” Daniel shared a balanced and thoughtful perspective on technology, reminding us that not all technology is bad. Instead, he encouraged us—as both educators and parents—to focus on how we manage and engage with it.
Daniel suggested that open conversations about the “best of times and worst of times” with technology can help children develop healthy digital habits. These discussions can happen at school, at home, and even within ourselves as we reflect on our own tech use.
To support families in this space, I’ve included a helpful resource from Daniel titled “Summary of the STARTER Framework.” This guide is part of his free Tech-Healthy Parenting series for Catholic parents and outlines practical steps for supporting children in their use of technology.
I encourage you to take a look and consider how these ideas might support your family’s digital wellbeing journey.
Belinda Battaia
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose
In our Prayers
Please keep Mrs Caitlin McKenzie (Year 3M teacher) and her family in your prayers. Caitlin was injured earlier in the month and remains in hospital. Her recovery is progressing really well, but she will be absent from her teaching duties until further notice. For the remainder of Term 2, Mrs Paul (Mondays) and Mrs Donna Berardi (Tuesdays-Fridays) will share the teaching duties of 3M. I thank Val and Donna for assisting us.
P&F Meeting
I advise that our next P&F Meeting will be held tonight (Tue 27th May) from 6pm in the staffroom.
School News
- Mrs Deb Quinn (School Counsellor) is away for the next 2 weeks, visiting family in the Netherlands. We look forward to her return on Monday 9th June.
- Mrs Leigh Ford (5F teacher Wed-Fri) is on leave for the remainder of the year as her and her husband Aaron prepare to welcome their fourth child. For the remainder of Term 2, Mrs Melanie Parrott (Mon-Wed) and Mrs Jenni Motteram (Thu-Fri) will teach the class.
- Mrs Parrish is away this Tue-Thu, attending the Diocesan Finance Gathering in Rockhampton.
- I will be away this Thu-Fri, attending the Regional Principal’s meeting and retreat at Eungella. Mrs Battaia is Acting Principal in my absence.
- This Wednesday, Mrs Sorbello (Learning Support), Mrs Aslette (2A) and Mrs Carmody (5C) will attend the interschool NCCD training day.
- This Thursday afternoon from 2pm, we welcome members of the St Patrick’s College Cultural group, who will perform for our students. Parents are most welcome to attend.
Quote of the Week
"Diligence is the mother of good luck."
- Benjamin Franklin
Sacrament of Confirmation
REMINDERS:
Second Confirmation Enrolment Mass - Saturday 31st May
St Mary's Church @ 5pm
Second Confirmation Workshop - Monday 2nd June
School Hall @ 3.30pm
Tinnies for Vinnies
We kindly ask for all families to please get involved with "Tinnies for Vinnies" by gathering canned food donations and dropping them at the school office or your child's classroom. These donations help provide nutritious meals for people experiencing food insecurity this winter. All donated food must be non-perishable, such as soups, beans, pasta sauces or canned vegetables.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to think about how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we work together to create a nation strengthened by respectful relationships.
Today our teachers and students gathered outside their classrooms to raise their voices in support of reconciliation. Together we sang ‘ I am Australian’, a song recognised for its references to Australian history, culture, and landscape, particularly its First Nation heritage. The song is a reminder of Australia's shared identity and belonging.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
P&F News - St Mary's Trivia Night
REMINDER: Ticket sales close this Sunday 1st June.
Click on this link to get your tickets now!
Sport News
Parent volunteers for Senior Track Event Day are still required. Please email simone_sibley@rok.catholic.edu.au if able to assist.
Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher
Student of the Week
Week 5, Term 2 Student Award Winners
| Prep C | Laurence | Laurence, your teacher is proud of the fantastic progress you’ve made this year. Your improved focus during lessons and your willingness to share your ideas during group learning experiences have been wonderful to see. Keep up the great work! |
| Prep C | Poppy | Poppy, your thoughtful nature and kind heart brightens our classroom each day. You always look out for your friends and offer help without being asked. We are so lucky to have you as part of our Prep C family. Keep being you! |
| Prep R | Adam | For working hard during Boost sessions and reading literacy rotations. You have been working super hard to sound out and write words. Keep trying hard Adam! |
| Prep R | Sophia | For working hard during Maths lessons. You are becoming more confident when working with numbers and doing a fantastic job. Keep it up! |
| 1B | Anaya | For the persistence you’ve shown in RTI groups this week when working through our number patterns. You took your time and followed the strategies, leading to success. Great effort Anaya! |
| 1B | Shanaia | For your efforts this week in BOOST reading. You’ve worked hard to chop up more complex words using learnt letter combinations, and shared your thoughts on the books with growing confidence. Keep it up Shanaia! |
| 1C | Thomas | For your amazing help in the classroom. You always offer to run errands, tidy up after others and keep our class iPads charged. Your teacher loves your caring nature and your ability to make others smile. You are a valuable member of 1C Thomas, keep up the awesome effort! |
| 1C | Greta | For your happy and cheerful personality that you bring to the classroom every day. Your welcome circle announcements make us smile and your caring nature means everyone wants to be your friend. You follow all task instructions, and you help others to do the same. Keep up the super effort Greta! |
| 2A | Leo | For the hard work and dedication you have put into this weeks learning activities. I am so proud of the way you worked with your partner during the 'Mindset Monday' Challenge to save Fred the worm from his boat disaster. Keep up the great work Leo! |
| 2A | Matilda | For the persistence and practise you put into maths this week whilst learning about division by sharing. You never gave up and you always try your best. You are a shining star Matilda! |
| 2L | Henley | Henley your teacher is impressed with your focus this week. You are showing a positive ‘have a go’ attitude and ‘can do’ mindset!! Keep up the great effort you little superstar! |
| 2L | Easton | Easton you always ask questions when you aren’t sure about something and that takes courage. Well done on your persistence and perseverance when the going gets tough. You rock! |
| 3M | Hayden | Hayden you have shown outstanding dedication to your learning, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and the persistence needed to complete every task - even when challenges arise. Your ability to seek help when needed shows maturity and a true commitment to growth. Keep shining Hayden, we are so proud of you! |
| 3M | Willow | Willow, thank you for being a kind and friendly member of our classroom community who consistently brings warmth and positivity to those around them. Your insightful and thought-provoking contributions enrich our discussions and encourage deeper thinking among your peers. Congratulations, Willow! Keep being amazing! |
| 3P | Levi | For fantastic work in our soundwaves literacy lessons this week. It’s been great to see you segmenting challenging words successfully, showing a strong understanding and growing confidence. Keep up the amazing work Levi! |
| 3P | Evelyn | For the wonderful effort during our maths lessons this week. You've shown great confidence in sharing your thoughts and ideas, even when the problems were challenging. Your persistence and positive attitude are helping you grow every day. Keep up the amazing work Evelyn! |
| 4G | Ramani | For showing great confidence in rounding numbers to the nearest 100 this week. Your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to share your thinking show great confidence and a positive attitude in maths. Keep up the great work Ramani! |
| 4G | Alexander | For showing wonderful confidence in reading and English this week. You've been reading with expression, sharing your ideas, and working hard to improve your writing and understanding – a fantastic effort Alex! |
| 4R | Olivia | For the imagination and creativity you’ve shown into creating a modern-day parable that teaches an important lesson about treating others with love and respect. Your thoughtful storytelling and effort truly shine - well done Olivia! |
| 4R | Hunter | For demonstrating a fantastic ‘You Can Do It!’ attitude by diving into your work and creating a thoughtful, modern-day parable. Your determination and effort in completing this task have truly impressed your teacher. Great effort Hunter! |
| 5C | Henare | For your hard work in class this week! Henare it is great to see an improved work ethic, keep up the great work! |
| 5C | Elyse | For your hard work in mathematics this week. Elyse you have shown such determination with division with remainders this week. Keep up the great work! |
| 5F | Santiago | What a fantastic start to your Monday this week. You approached the day with readiness, focus, and organisation—jumping straight into your work and completing the activity. We are truly impressed and hope this newfound effort continues. Keep up the great work! |
| 5F | Tane | For your strengthened work ethic, focus and work completion. We proudly acknowledge your efforts and we commend you for your perseverance. Continue striving for greatness and keep up the fantastic work! |
| 6C | Ewan | For your dedication and proactive approach to completing class tasks and making the most out of every learning opportunity. Keep up the great effort Ewan! |
| 6C | Sophia | For your focus and hard work and willingness to share your insightful reasoning in Maths this week. Keep up the fantastic work Sophia! |
| 6T | Ava | For your hard work and persistence in mathematics. You are demonstrating a growth mindset by asking questions and showing your working to overcome challenging problems. It is very impressive to see. Well done, Ava! |
| 6T | Jayce | For the smile and positivity you bring to class each day. Your humour and quick wit brighten our days in 6T, making us all laugh—even when it's directed at Mr. Townsend. |
| Sport | Jai | Jai you certainly turned up to PE with a positive attitude this week. Your teacher loved the effort and enthusiasm you demonstrated during long jump. Keep up the great work. |
| Sport | Shanaia | Shanaia, you are an excellent role model for your peers. You listen attentively and are always organised and ready to start each new activity. Keep up the great work. |
| Drama | Class 5C | For creating and performing the most wonderful memories for all to enjoy. Keep up the good work! |
Community News
HAVE YOUR SAY ON ELECTORAL DIVISIONS IN THE MACKAY REGION
Mackay Regional Council is seeking community input on the idea of reverting to electoral divisions.
Council currently has an undivided council, 10 councillors and a Mayor, representing the entire local government area.
At the March ordinary meeting of council, a resolution was carried to undertake a preliminary, low-cost consultation process to assess community sentiment on the idea of having a divided council.
In a divided council, Councillors are elected to represent divisions.
You can have a say via council’s Connecting Mackay website Have your say on electoral divisions | Connecting Mackay or pop into anyone of council’s Customer Service Centres or Libraries and request a hard-copy survey.
The survey closes at 11.59PM on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Should you have any questions about this consultation, please contact council’s Community Engagement Team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au.
