Week 10, Term 3 2021 - 14th September 2021

APRE's Reflection

Dear Parents,

An elementary school teacher was giving a drawing class to a group of six-year-old children. At the back of the classroom sat a little girl who was not a confident academic. In art class though, her self-confidence exuded.

For more than twenty minutes, the girl sat with her arms curled around her paper, totally absorbed in what she was doing. The teacher found this fascinating. Eventually, she asked the girl what she was drawing. Without looking up, the girl said, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” Surprised, the teacher said, “But nobody knows what God looks like.” 

The girl said, “They will in a minute.” Robinson, K. (2009)

I love this story, sited in Sir Ken Robinson’s book, ‘The Element’.  It reminds me that young children are wonderfully confident in their own imagination and creativity and they develop their own ‘picture’ of God.  

Tonight as we enjoy the artworks our children have produced this term, it will also be a time to reflect on the importance of nurturing all elements of development; academic, social, spiritual, physical and their creativity. Don’t forgot though, that this is true for each of us, the young and the young-at-heart.

Terri Leotta
APRE

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

School Holidays
I wish all staff and families a safe and relaxing school holiday.  Term 4 resumes on Tuesday 5^th October.

Art Extravaganza
Tonight’s Art Extravaganza is sure to be a hit, with a showcase of student and parent artwork in the hall, live music ‘on the green’ and drinks and nibbles.  I am pleased to announce that Mezzanine + Klancie Keough will entertain us on the stage near F Block from 5:30pm. I sincerely thank Rob, Talia and Klancie for performing at our Art Show. 

I hope to see as many families as possible tonight.  A reminder to parents that there is no child minding available; the basketball court area can be used for handball only.

Reading Awards
Following the recent round of DRA reading assessments, we are pleased to award certificates in each year level to students who have shown outstanding achievement and also to those students who demonstrated significantly above average growth in their reading.  I thank all these students for their commitment to developing themselves as readers.

Staff Farewell
I advise that today is the last day for Mr Jerry Fitzgibbon, our IT support person.  Jerry has accepted a position at Catherine McAuley College.  On behalf of the school community, I thank Jerry for his efforts over the past three and a half years and wish him well in his new role.

Talent Show
A reminder that our famous ‘St Mary’s Got Talent’ show is being held this Friday from 11:15am in the Hall.  This is always a highlight of our calendar and parents and relatives are most welcome to attend.

Planned Maintenance
Over the holidays, several maintenance works will be carried out, including;

- air-conditioner servicing in the Early Years precinct.
- external washdown of the library
- electrical statutory maintenance (test and tag/ emergency lighting)
- security system servicing.

Quote of the Week

From our APRE - Mrs Terri Leotta

Child Protection Week

During assembly last week we spoke about Child Protection Week and the St Mary’s procedures for creating and maintain a safe environment for children at our school.

The graphic below depicts the various systems we have in place. These procedures are continually evaluated and updated as required. This is completed in conjunction with staff, students, parents, our Catholic Education Diocese and other relevant Child Protection Authorities.

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to our second group of children who celebrated the sacrament of First Holy Communion last Saturday night. 

Best wishes to Group 3 who will receive this special sacrament during 5pm Mass at St Mary's Church on Saturday. 

October - The Month of the Rosary

Beginning on the first day of next term, our school will say the Rosary together each day – led by the Year 5 students. Please check that your child has their personal set of Rosary Beads (as stipulated on Year’s 1-6 level’s booklist) ready for the month of October.

Soctober - Term 4

In term four we fundraise for Catholic Mission. The Mini Vinnies club have organized 4 great events for Soctober.

We would love to receive any donations of odd socks, old socks or those you no longer need, for us to use in our events next term. If you have any socks to donate please send them in to the school office. Stay tuned for further updates of the Soctober Challenges which will take place each Friday in October.

There are awesome prizes on offer to our challenge winners and all proceeds go to helping support those in Thailand living in poverty, where over 7.2% of the population live under the poverty line – which equates to over 5 million.

Terri Leotta
APRE

St Mary's Feast Day

Last Friday we celebrated St Mary’s School Feast Day. Our Mass to honour the birth of Mary our Mother was beautifully led by Fr Don and 6M.

Sean Choolburra entertained all our classes in middle session as he presented his lively cultural dance performance, fusing energy and humour with historical facts, spiritual wisdom and teaching ancestral understandings.

The 1st Century Challenge completed our day with Illawong Blue House taking home the Spirit Award for our inaugural sport house challenge event.

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Green Card Draw

Fit Running Friday

No Fit Running Friday this week. See you back in term 4. 

Student of the Week

Week 9 Term 3 Student Award Winners

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