Week 6, Term 2 2021 - 25th May 2021

Reflection - Week 6

This week is National Reconciliation Week. It has been designated as a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for NRW are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

On 27 May 1967, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

On 3 June 1992 , the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. On Friday at Assembly we will acknowledge our support and commitment to Reconciliation.

Watch the video below to find out more about National Reconciliation Week.

Peace & blessings,

Terri Leotta
APRE/Teacher

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia
In 2021, Australia celebrated 200 years of Catholic Education.  Our Diocese of Rockhampton celebrated this special milestone with a Mass on Monday 24^th May, the Feast day of Our Lady Help of Christians.  As well as the Mass, Prime Minister Scott Morrison extended his thanks and appreciation to the dedication and commitment of all involved in Catholic Education.  I include below his media release and a short video featuring Mr Morrison.

Prep Enrolment Interviews
We continue interviews for Prep 2022.  I thank the many existing families who have completed their prep applications for next year.  A reminder that if you are yet to complete your Prep 2022 child’s online application, please do so asap, as it is past due.  Please see the school office for assistance if needed.

Changes to Tuckshop
Last week, I informed that our Tuckshop convenor, Mrs Sharon Smith, has tended her resignation.  Sharon’s last day is Friday 28^th May. On behalf of the school community, I sincerely thank Sharon for her expertise and dedication and wish her all the best for the future. 

I also advise that Mrs Belinda Amos, our part-time tuckshop assistant, is also finishing her time at St Mary’s.  Belinda’s last day will be Friday 4^th June.  I thank Belinda for her assistance over the past two years in our tuckshop and wish her well in her new work ventures.

We have commenced the search for a new tuckshop convenor for St Mary’s.  If you know of anyone that may be interested, please have them contact the school office.

Due to these staff changes, I advise that from Monday 7^th June and for the remainder of Term 2, our school tuckshop will close.  It is our intention to reopen the tuckshop in Term 3, once a suitable tuckshop convenor has been appointed.  If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.

APRE Conference
Please note that Mrs Leotta (Assistant Principal: Religious Education) will be attending the APRE gathering in Rockhampton this Monday - Thursday.

Curriculum Gathering
Please note that our Assistant Principal: Curriculum, Mrs Belinda Battaia, will attend the regional Curriculum meeting this Wednesday.

NAPLAN
I sincerely thank the students and staff involved in the 2021 NAPLAN tests, which concluded last week.  Our results should be returned later in the year.

Quote of the Week

Reminders from the Office

Telephone Numbers
A reminder to to parents that when receiving a call from St Mary’s school, the number will display as a Rockhampton number - 4994 8270.

However, if you wish to contact the school office, please continue to call on the usual number - 4951 1743.  Please check that this is the number stored in your telephone to call us!

Office Hours
Monday to Friday
8am to 3:30pm

Students who arrive late to school, are to sign in at the School Office. If you collect your child early before 3pm you must also notify the school office before leaving school, so the school roll can be updated.

Student Absences
Student absences from school can now be advised through our St Mary's Schoolzine App by clicking on the 'Absentee' tile and completing your student's details. Parents can also use our designated phone number 4994 8271 or email SMM_Absences@rok.catholic.edu.au  to inform the school if your student is to be absent.

Details on how to downloand the St Mary's App can be found below. 

Once downloaded, please complete your registration, using our school passcode 4142. 

If you have any queries or difficulties downloading the app please contact the school office.

Sport News - Mrs Caroline Kerrisk

Rugby League
Well another second place again for us but we’re leaving the grounds feeling better each week. Moving up in defence was our focus at training and once we do that more consistently in the game we’ll feel the momentum change. Holding the ball for a full set is certainly another goal, as soon as we did it we scored! By Challenge Cup we will be a well-oiled machine. Our tackling stand-out players were again Blake Battaia, Harper Shields and Fynn Shears. Blake produced the tackle of the day with a well-timed impact to send the ball flying! Henry Ford continues to put his body on the line and is growing each week. Lucas Collins, Logan Attard, Helena Day and Sonny Richardson earnt us metres down the field for the Zane – Harper combo to finish off.  Hang in there team, trust the process!

“Don’t aspire to be the best on the team, aspire to be the best for the team.”

Mrs Caroline Kerrisk
HPE Teacher

Sustainable Cutlery - On Sale Now!

Our very own sustainable cutlery packs are now on sale! This is a wonderful initiative to care for the earth by reducing the use of plastic cutlery from our tuckshop. Packs cost $7.50 and can be purchased via Quickcliq.

St Mary's Trivia Night - 11th June 2021

 THE SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Trivia Night tickets on sale now! 
Click here to secure your table! 

😴 17 SLEEPS UNTIL TRIVIA
🤑 $500 CASH PRIZE for winning table!! 
🧠 Gather your brains trust, TABLES OF 8 OR 10 AVAILABLE
👜👨‍👩‍👧 WHO WILL YOU BOOK WITH: Work crew or family/friends??
💃 Get ready for a FUN NIGHT!
🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/BQTBF

Nikita Kinnane
Event Coordinator
0401 928 281

Sacrament of Confirmation

The preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Mary’s Parish will begin on Tuesday June 15 at 5:30pm in the school hall.

The Enrolment Mass will then take place on Saturday June 19 at 6pm.

Our second and final workshop will be after the holidays on Tuesday July 13 at 5:30pm.

Attendance at each of these events is required.  All paperwork will be completed at our first workshop.

The date for the Sacrament of Confirmation is Wednesday July 28.

I have not yet received a date for Holy Communion.

If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to email me at therese_leotta@rok.catholic.edu.au.  Also, if your child is no longer continuing with preparation at St Mary’s please let me know.

Peace and blessings,

Terri Leotta
APRE/Teacher

Student of the Week

WEEK 5 TERM 2 STUDENT AWARD WINNERS

Community News