Week 3, Term 4 2025 - 21st October 2025
- News from our APC
- From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose
- Quote of the Week
- 2026 Confirmation of Enrolment and Sibling Discount Form
- Youth Mass & Children's Liturgy
- St Mary's Market Day
- Socktober - Silly Sock Day
- 2025 St Mary's Swimming Carnival
- St Mary's Christmas Fair
- Vinnies Christmas Appeal
- Chess Competition
- Student of the Week
- Community News
News from our APC
Homework
This week, our teachers revisited the St Mary’s Homework Guidelines. Through our discussions, we reaffirmed the value of homework in helping students develop early study habits, establish routines, and consolidate their classroom learning.
To further support our students, we’ve introduced a Homework Support Club, held every Thursday at lunchtime. This is a voluntary opportunity for students to complete homework or catch up on missed assessment tasks in a supportive environment.
Please see the updated St Mary’s Homework Guidelines below. If you have any questions about your child’s homework, feel free to reach out.
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
Homework is set to:
It should not be set over holiday periods. Homework tasks, including set reading, should not occupy more than 20 minutes per weekday in years P-2, 30 minutes in years 3-6. Where agreed, parents could be asked to sign homework books, listen to reading, hear spelling, read to the child, assist the child to find resources etc. |
Points to consider:
- Homework should be meaningful and relevant to the curriculum.
- If homework is set, then students should have a basic knowledge of the topic in order to be able to complete it. Uncovered work should NEVER be set.
- Work should be set at a level of suitability so that students can complete it rather than the parents.
- Give students enough time to complete homework, considering home obligations and extracurricular activities. Ensure that what you set matches the time allotted to homework.
- If work is set it must be marked. If it isn’t going to be marked then it shouldn’t be set. Commitment has to work both ways.
- Ensure parents and carers are aware of the school’s homework policy.
- It would be beneficial for class teachers to collaborate when planning homework to ensure that there is a level of consistency between classes.
What should homework include?
There is enough time at school to cover all the relevant work. However, the following should be encouraged:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Online tasks
What to do if a student fails to do their homework?
- Establish the expectations at the start of the year with both students and parents (e.g. through your class newsletter). Encourage parents to communicate with you (eg via the child’s homework book/email), and inform you if their child could not complete their homework for a valid reason. Be understanding!
- If the student fails to bring their homework in once, discuss the reasons with them and request that it is brought in on the next school day. The student may also be offered Homework club as a support to complete their homework in the given time.
- If the student fails to bring in their homework there will be consequences based on year level behaviour management expectations.
- If this problem persists, it needs to be discussed with the parents.
Belinda Battaia
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose
Staff News
- We welcome back Ms Lenz this week, who is returning from her Long Service Leave.
- Mrs Belinda Battaia will attend the regional Curriculum meeting this Wednesday, held at Emmanuel Catholic Primary School.
- This Thursday, we welcome Mr David Paul (Assistant Director: Schools) to St Mary’s.
- This Wednesday, we welcome back Mrs Caitlin McKenzie to St Mary’s. Caitlin will be doing various teaching duties in a part time capacity as she returns to work.
NSSAB Review
All non-government schools in Queensland are accredited by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB). NSSAB works predominantly with governing bodies of non-state schools on aspects of accreditation and funding eligibility. Today, we hosted a visit from an officer of NSSAB, who toured the school and inspected various elements of the school (curriculum program, record keeping, facilities, etc.) as part of our 5-yearly accreditation. I thank the reviewer, as well as Mrs Jo-Anne Perry (Cath Ed: Compliance and Risk Coordinator) for their visit and insights today.
Year 3 Instrumental Music Testing
In readiness for the 2026 band program, Mr Bauer will conduct musical aptitude testing with all our Year 3 students this Wed. These results will assist in ascertaining student eligibility into the instrumental music program for 2026.
Upcoming Events
- This Wednesday from 11:30am, our Year 4 students will lead a liturgy in the Hall. All year 4 parents and relatives are most welcome to attend. Following the liturgy, the classrooms will be open for parents to check out all the work students have been completing.
- This Thursday, our Prep students will host a ‘Grandparents Day’ celebration. This will commence at 9:30am in the Hall.
- All the best to our Instrumental Band, who will perform at the Rotary Fair this Friday evening.
- All the best to Nina L and Flynn P who will represent our school in the 400m event at the ‘Run with Cathy Freeman’ event at Harrup Park. Following the 400m event, Nina and Flynn will be joined by Lexie M and Hudson P in the 4x100m relay. All Mackay Primary schools have been invited to enter runners in these events, so it is sure to be a hotly contested field!
Quote of the Week
"Appreciate life as it happens. Moments will soon pass and you will wish you had treasured them more."
- unknown
2026 Confirmation of Enrolment and Sibling Discount Form
Dear Parents and Carers
The 2026 Confirmation of Enrolment and Sibling Discount Form was emailed to all families today. A copy is also available by clicking the link below. We ask that you complete this form by this Friday 31st October 2025. Only one form per family is required.
Confirmation of Enrolment and Sibling Discount Form
This form will confirm your child’s enrolment in St Mary’s for 2026 and also help us to determine whether you are eligible for a family discount on your fees, dependent upon the number of children you have attending Diocesan Schools.
Section 3
When completing section 3, please ensure that you complete the name, school and year of all children attending Diocesan Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in 2026. Please list each student on a new line, e.g:
Michael Smith, St Patricks College, Year 11
James Smith, St Patricks College, Year 9
Sarah Smith, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Year 6
2026 School Fees Schedule
To view the schedule of fees for 2026, please click on the link below. We are asking families that choose not pay their term invoice in full, to enter into a payment arrangement. The schedule of fees will help you determine, based on your individual family circumstances, repayment amounts either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
You will be able to set up a payment plan using direct debit with your financial institution or by using Bpay (all details will be included in the first fees statement of 2026, which will be issued by the 30th January 2026).
Payment plans have been calculated over a 40 week period. If you would like to start your payment plan earlier to spread out your payments over a longer period, please contact me via phone on 4951 1743 or email smm_finance@rok.catholic.edu.au with your request.
Should you have any queries in relation to this form or would like clarification on a payment plan amount for 2026, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kathy Parrish
Finance Officer
Youth Mass & Children's Liturgy
PLEASE JOIN US!
St Mary's School will join with St Patrick's College to celebrate our Youth Mass on Saturday 25th October, St Mary's Church at 5pm. Children's Liturgy will be 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.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
St Mary's Market Day
Mercy Works Fundraiser – Donations Needed!
On Wednesday 29th October, the St Mary’s Student Leaders of Justice will be hosting market stalls to raise funds for Mercy Works. All students will have the opportunity to browse and buy from the stalls during the day.
We’re seeking donations of pre-loved books, toys, and games to help make this event a success. If you’re able to contribute, please drop off your items at the school office by Tuesday 28th October.
Thank you for supporting this wonderful cause!
Socktober - Silly Sock Day
A reminder to wear your silly socks this Friday and donate a gold coin for Catholic Mission.
2025 St Mary's Swimming Carnival
Our annual school swimming carnival will be held on Friday 7th November 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 Friday 24th October. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Junior Carnival Nomination Form
Senior 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
St Mary's Christmas Fair
Fair Coordinators
We’re currently seeking Fair Coordinators for each year level to help bring this year’s school fair to life! If you’re interested in lending a hand, please contact the school office.
Each year level can have one or two coordinators. Once coordinators are confirmed, a volunteer roster link will be shared via class pages to help organise shifts.
Your support makes all the difference—thank you for helping us create a fantastic fair experience for everyone!
Fair Raffle
This week, each child will be bringing home raffle tickets for our upcoming Christmas Fair. Please return all money and completed ticket stubs to the school office by Friday, 14th November.
If you would like additional raffle books, they are available for collection from the school office.
Thank you for your support and good luck in the draw!
Fair Rides Wristband Presale
Wristbands are now available online only until midnight Tuesday, 11th November.
🎟 Families who pre-purchase can join the Presale Line at the fair for faster entry.
✅ Open to everyone – not just St Mary’s attendees!
Thank you to our Fair Sponsors
Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Thank you to those families who have already contributed to The Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Each classroom has a basket where any donated items can be left.
The list below contains many items you may wish to include however, any other optional items will be appreciated as well. To uphold the dignity of those receiving the hampers, please ensure that all food items are in date and good condition.
Please Note: Our Year 2 classes will be supporting the 2025 Mackay Seafarers Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2025. This year the Seafarers aim to do up 1000 packs up for seafarers for Christmas within our region from Abbot Point, Mackay, Hay Point & DBCT. Items to be donated include; toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, razors, soap, card games, socks, beanies, lollies, small tissue packs, small bottles of sunscreen, puzzle books etc.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Chess Competition
St Mary's Catholic Primary school received an official invitation to compete in the 2025 Chess Queensland Interschool State Finals, held in Brisbane on the 17th and 18th October.
Wow, what an experience! Four of our students, Woodley, Mitchell, Creed and Kolby journeyed to Brisbane for this prestigious competition, finding themselves up against some of the state's best chess players. They worked hard as a team, achieving 7 wins, 3 draws and a few losses along the way. The boys held their nerve and did their best, with some games lasting well over an hour each.
Congratulations boys on a gallant effort and thank you to their families for supporting them in attending this event.
Hollie Cleaver
Chess Club Coordinator
Student of the Week
Week 2, Term 4 Student Award Winners
| PC | Lincoln H | Lincoln, your enthusiasm for Mathematics this year has been outstanding. You have consistently demonstrated effort and determination in tackling new concepts, and your persistence when problem-solving is truly impressive. Keep up the amazing work! |
| PC | Elva H | Elva, your reading in BOOST this term has been fantastic! You're reading with greater fluency, blending words well, and using expression that your group is really enjoying. Keep up the great work! |
| PR | Amaira A | For working hard during literacy sessions. You are trying your best during boost and writing sessions. Keep up the great work! |
| PR | Kiarah G | For always being a kind and thoughtful friend. You bring a beautiful smile and positive attitude to the classroom each day. We are so lucky to have you in Prep R! |
| 1B | Shanaia D | For your resilience in class this week and bouncing back from challenges with a positive attitude. Your determination and ability to keep going has been wonderful to see Shanaia! |
| 1C | Harper B | For your super effort in writing this week! Mrs Cleaver loved the way you persistently practiced using alliteration to describe characters. Awesome work Harper! |
| 1C | Thomas C | For remembering the ‘Power of Yet’ when completing your Automathic fluency maths practice. Mrs Cleaver loves the way you work hard to beat your own record. Keep up the super effort Thomas! |
| 2A | Logan R | For bringing curiosity and enthusiasm to every class discussion. Your thoughtful questions spark deeper thinking and inspire others to engage. Keep sharing Logan! |
| 2A | Matilda Z | For showing incredible persistence and dedication in her learning this week, and the results speak for themselves! Your hard work and commitment to practising new skills is truly inspiring—well done, Matilda! |
| 2L | Brooklyn P | Brooklyn has been absolutely unstoppable in her reading this week! She’s tackled tricky words, stretched her decoding muscles, and shown what true perseverance looks like. Her determination to grow as a reader is inspiring! You are amazing Brooklyn! Keep up the magnificent effort! |
| 2L | Charlotte M | Charlotte dives into class discussions with gusto, making connections with personal stories and showing a curious mind in her questioning. She has a big heart and is always ready to lend a hand. Her willingness to help others and her love of learning make our classroom a brighter place. |
| 3M | Raine M | For your fantastic start to the term and the impressive progress you’ve shown in maths and reading! Keep up the wonderful work. |
| 3M | Amelia H | For your consistent work ethic, enthusiastic attitude, and dedication to improving your handwriting. You set a wonderful example for your peers! |
| 3P | Lacey T | For the effort you have demonstrated across all areas of English. You’re an enthusiastic reader during our Boost reading sessions, think of creative and interesting sentences during vocabulary writing time, and you stay focused and engaged during our information report lessons. Keep working hard Lacey! |
| 3P | Porsha C | For your incredible effort during our vocabulary writing sessions. You’ve been working so hard to think of interesting, creative sentences— and it’s really showing in your writing. Keep working hard Porsha! |
| 4G | Mackenzie P | For always trying your best in everything you do! You give 100% effort in your learning, show a positive attitude, and never give up, even when things get tricky. Your determination and enthusiasm is inspiring Mackenzie! |
| 4G | Reagan B | For working really hard on developing your narrative writing this week. You have shown great effort in creating interesting characters and vivid settings, making your stories come alive for the reader. Keep up the excellent work Reagan! |
| 4R | Lincoln M | For showing great effort and enthusiasm in Maths. You’ve worked hard to improve your speed and accuracy in our Automathic Maths challenges. Your teacher is so impressed with your determination and focus. Keep up the fantastic work Lincoln! |
| 4R | Jack Q | For making a wonderful start to Term 4 and settling in so well. Your positive attitude and friendly nature have helped you quickly build connections with your classmates. We are so pleased to have you join our class Jack, welcome to St. Mary’s! |
| 5C | Elsie Q | For demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability during a time of transition. Despite the challenges of starting at a new school, Elsie you have embraced change, learned new processes and expectations, and continued to strive for excellence. Your determination, positive attitude, and commitment to success are truly inspiring. |
| 5C | Liam M | For your outstanding growth in reading fluency and comprehension. Your dedication to learning is impressive. You've shown remarkable progress, perseverance, and a love for reading that inspires everyone around you. Keep up the amazing work! |
| 5F | Erynn C | For being an absolute shining light of courtesy and respect in treating peers and Teachers with kindness and consideration. You help create an inclusive and positive environment for all. Your tireless efforts and exemplary character make you a true role model and an inspiration to others. |
| 6C | Raj Q | For the responsible and mature approach you showed in literacy rotations this week. You transitioned seamlessly, commencing the work and being a role model for your peers. Well done Raj! |
| 6C | Violet F | For always putting in 100% effort in all classroom tasks. Your organisation and listening skills will support you well as you transition into high school next year. Well done Violet! |
| 6T | Alice C | For demonstrating an impressive understanding of the relationship between graphemes and phonemes in Soundwaves this week. You successfully segmented challenging words with great skill and accuracy. Well done, Alice! |
| 6T | Paulina G | For consistently demonstrating a caring and helpful nature towards both your prep buddies and classmates. Your kindness and support make a positive difference at St Mary’s. Well done, Paulina! |
| Sport | Ollie D | For consistently showing initiative and kindness by helping set up and pack away PE equipment—without ever being asked! Your quiet leadership, teamwork, and positive attitude make a big difference to our class. Thank you for being such a thoughtful and reliable team player! |
| Sport | Class 4R | For showing outstanding effort and determination during PE, even with a small class and scorching sun overhead! You gave it your all, encouraged your classmates, and kept the energy high with your teamwork and support. |
| Drama | Class 3P | For exceptional focus and teamwork while learning how to navigate and editing app to create delightful digital stories. Your creativity and persistence shone brightly throughout the process! Special mention to Remi and Lochlan who led the way with enthusiasm and skill! |
Community News
