Week 2, Term 3 2021 - 20th July 2021

APRE Reflection

Dear Parents,

Today our school captains and selected students celebrated the Catholic School's NAIDOC Mass at St Joseph's Church. NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Students from our Mackay Catholic Schools were involved in the Mass which brings school and community together to pray, celebrate, learn and reflect.

This year’s theme is Heal Country.  It aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role that Country plays in both cultural identities; linking people to their people, land and water and sky, and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites.

When we pause to think about the richness that respecting the traditions, beliefs and spirituality of all people brings to our lives, it serves as a strong reminder to work together on our mission to bring about love, peace and faith.

This Friday we will join as a whole school to celebrate NAIDOC Week. The day will begin with a reflection on assembly, followed by rotational activities. Parents are welcome to join with us on Friday. Events will conclude at 12:30pm.

Peace and best wishes,

Terri Leotta
APRE

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

Challenge Cup
Congratulations to the staff, parents and students involved in the Catholic Schools Challenge Cup last week.  Our Rugby League and Netball teams played extremely well, both finishing 6^th in the Diocese.  I was very proud of the sportsmanship and camaraderie that was displayed by all players.  Many thanks to the coaches and managers, Caroline Kerrisk, Phil Clancy and Belinda van Lint, for their efforts with our teams. 

Parent Teacher Interviews
A reminder that this week we are hosting formal parent/teacher interviews.  All parents are invited to schedule an interview with your child’s teacher, to discuss your child’s progress and areas for improvement.  Bookings have closed on parent lounge but there may be availability by phoning the School Office.

Staff News
I am pleased to advise that we have appointed Mrs Lisa Cusack as the 2A classroom teacher for the remainder of the year.  Lisa is a very experienced teacher and has worked extensively in both primary and secondary schools in central Queensland and in London.  Lisa is currently a learning support teacher at Mercy College and prides herself on her professionalism, organisation and her ability to offer a high-quality education for all students.  On behalf of the school community, I warmly welcome Lisa to St Mary’s and look forward to working with her to get the very best of educational outcomes for the students of 2A  Lisa will commence at St Mary’s on Monday 2nd August.  In the interim two weeks, Mrs Val Paul will teach the class.  In her role as literacy coach, Val already works closely with the students of Year 2 and will continue to collaborate with Miss Azzopardi and Mrs Burchill (Year 2B teacher) to ensure the high-quality teaching and learning program is continued in 2A.

Blessing and Opening
We will formally recognise the construction of our new buildings at our Blessing and Opening, which will be held next Thursday 29^th July at 1:00pm in the school hall.  On the day, we will welcome several special visitors, including Parish Priest, Fr Don White and Diocesan Director, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat.

Classroom access before school
A reminder to all families that classrooms are open 8:15am each morning.  If a teacher is not in their classroom, I ask that all parents and students refrain from entering the room.

Quote of the Week

From the Office - Finance Department

Dear Parents
Please note that school fees were emailed last week and are due for payment on the 30th July 2021.
Thank you to those families who have already made payments or entered into a payment arrangement.
If you did not receive your fees statement or have any queries regarding fees, please don’t hesitate to email me at smm_finance@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Mrs Kathy Parrish
Finance Officer

From our APC - Mrs Belinda Battaia

2021 International Competition for Schools (ICAS) Invitation

Children in years 4-6 are invited to take part in the 2021 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS).  The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. Your child will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.  The competitions form the largest independent assessment program for schools in Australia, Asia and the Pacific region.

At St Mary’s we will be offering the following competitions this year:  Science, Mathematics, Spelling and English.

The entry fees for the competitions are as follows:

If you would like your child to participate in one or more of these competitions, please obtain an entry form from the office, make your payment using the ICAS parent payment system by Saturday 31^st July and return the completed note to school by Monday 2^nd August.

Belinda Battaia
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum/Teacher

Youth Mass & Children's Liturgay

PLEASE JOIN US!

Challenge Cup Wrap Up

Rugby League

What a week! We started in mud and rain and finished in beautiful sunshine. Our Battlers had a great lead into the carnival winning 3 out of 4 games placing them second in their pool.  Day 3 started with a semi-final against St Patrick’s Bundaberg with the score ending at 10-10. Due to our early try we were declared winners, progressing to the Shield Grand Final against local school, Emmanuel.

At the start of the carnival, we asked the team to do a few things… defend together, move forward together and leave nothing behind. 10 weeks of preparation for this final game. Our team of little legends did that and more. At the final whistle the team were totally spent with not one ounce of energy left. No coach can ever ask for more than that. Sadly after leading most of the game, we went down at the end but even a victory couldn’t have made Coach Phil Clancy and I any prouder. Thank you 2021 Battlers for leaving such great memories.

Caroline Kerrisk

Netball

The Challenge Cup girls didn't let a last-minute change of venue due to the rain deter them. We started strong, winning the first three games on Day One convincingly. Day two was another successful day with another three wins but unfortunately, our final game for the day against St Patrick's Emerald ended with a 5-3 loss. The girls played amazingly and we came second in our pool, going on to compete for the Shield on Day Three. We started the day back on the grass, winning the semi-final against St John's, Walkerston and progressing to the Shield Final against St Anthony's, Rockhampton. The girls gave it everything they had but unfortunately we were defeated 18-12. 

The Challenge Cup netball team has a lot to be proud of. They were fantastic representatives for our school and their sportsmanship, attitude and effort were excellent. Lots of fun was had along the way and lots of great memories were made. 

Thank you to Kalani Kavanagh for umpiring our games for us and thank you to our wonderful parent support crew. 

Belinda van Lint

100 Days of Year One

Yesterday we celebrated “100 days of Year One” and the students (and teachers) looked every bit the part!! 

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School Banking

Get involved in the School Banking Program.

School Banking day is Monday. Each week your child needs to drop their Dollarmites deposit wallet to the library.
If you would like to know more about School Banking, please visit www.commbank.com.au/schoolbanking

Deb Anderson
School Banking Coordinator

Whitsunday Voices

Students in years 4-6 attended the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival last Thursday to see Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.   

This was a highlight for our students and provided a unique opportunity for them to experience a literary and cultural event, as a live audience. 

Mrs Belinda Battaia
APC/Teacher

Student of the Week

Week 1 Term 3 Student Award Winners

Commonwealth School Data Collection Notice

Community News