Week 2, Term 4 2021 - 12th October 2021

APRE's Reflection

Dear Parents,

Last Thursday night we hosted a webinar called Building Mentally Healthy Kids led by Andrew Fuller. As a clinical psychologist and family therapist Andrew holds a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the needs of children, primarily dependent on how we navigate ‘ourselves’ as parents. His insights into many challenges children face, were presented with expertise and humour.  A particular resource Andrew offered was the importance of focusing on developing learning strengths.

In his research located at mylearningstrengths.com he offers the following food for thought.

The way your brain processes information is as unique to you as your fingerprints. There are some 300 trillion powerful connections between your brain cells. You also have many neurons in your stomach. 

Smart phones, Youtube clips, TED talks, books and computers are now common tools we use to increase brain power.  Therefore the potential of humans is unprecedented.

Success involves working out what you enjoy and are good at and doing more of it. As well as working out what you are not so good at and doing less of it.

Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to change. When we practice in areas we aren’t developed in, we improve. A few minutes practice a day for 30 days changes your brain.

By identifying your learning strengths you can capitalize on areas where you are strong and build these into powerful areas of expertise. Learning how to play to your strengths  is a major advantage in life.  

Everyone gets anxious when something is difficult to learn. Stress really becomes a big problem when we become immobilized by it and don’t do anything. 

Just one hour less sleep a night diminishes your intelligence. An excess of sugary foods and lack of good nutrition also deflates abilities substantially.

Student wellbeing is an intricate compilation of many factors and these tips from Andrew can offer one piece of the puzzle where parents can take some action to assist children in their development.

Visit Andrew Fuller’s website if you would like further information:

A free Learning Skills letter can be accessed at: www.mylearningstrengths.com

A Personalized learning Plan is also available for a nominal fee.

Terri Leotta
APRE/Teacher

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

P&F Bike-a-Thon
St Mary’s P&F is proud to host our first Bike-a-Thon fundraising event!  All funds raised will go towards the construction of our new senior playground.  All families and friends of St Mary’s are welcome to attend.

Date: Sunday 17^th Oct from 8:30am – 10:30am
Venue: Blue water Quay (Playground/Park near Bluewater Lagoon)
Cost: $5 per person (entry fee covers sausage on bread)  Book here
Prizes for best dressed child, best dressed team, best decorated bike
Theme: Tropical

In our Prayers
Over the weekend we heard the sad news that Mrs Eva’s mother, Mrs Ursula Murray, passed away.  On behalf of the St Mary’s community, I offer my deepest condolences to Paula and her family at this sad time. Paula has indicated that the funeral will be Tuesday 19th October at 11am.  Eternal rest grant to Ursula, o Lord and let perpetual light shine on her, may she rest in peace. Amen

Eisteddfod
All the best to the Year 1 and 2 students who participate in verse speaking sections this week.  I also thank Mrs Wood (year 1) and Mrs Aliceon Ramsay (year 2) for conducting our groups.

Families Leaving
As our total enrolment drives many aspects of our school (staffing, budget, class sizes and structure) it is important that we try to be as accurate as possible in predicting the school enrolment for 2022. If you know that you will be leaving at the end of the year, please notify the office as soon as possible. Your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Staff News
I advised last week that Mrs Ruth van Lint has accepted the position as Principal’s Secretary at Mercy College.  Ruth has been our Administration Secretary for the past 13 years and over that time has done a marvellous job with parents, staff and students.  Always known for her warm personality and high level of care, Ruth will be greatly missed.  Ruth’s last day is this Friday 15^th October. On behalf of the school I sincerely thank Ruth for her dedication to St Mary’s school and wish her all the best in her new role at Mercy College. 

New Senior Playground
Following extensive consultation with the P&F, I am excited to announce that the school will construct a new senior playground for our students.  As you may remember our previous senior playground was removed during our recent building works and the P&F was very interested in funding a new play space that was tailored to our middle/upper years students.  As you can see from the images below, the design will certainly be an exciting space for our students to play.  Site preparation has already commenced, with the cricket nets removed and ground levelled ready for the playground.  We anticipate construction to occur in December, ready for the 2022 school year.  This is an exciting project and I thank the P&F for their encouragement and financial support.

Important Dates

12^th Oct                P&F Meeting 6:30pm in the staffroom
17^th Oct                P&F Bike a thon (8:30am Blue Water Trail)
22^nd Oct               Prep Grandparents Day
29^th Oct                World Teacher’s Day/Day for Daniel (wear an item of red)
3^rd-4^th Nov        ‘World of Maths’ visit. All classes attending this interactive presentation
23^rd Nov               2022 School Leadership speeches
25^th Nov               2022 Orientation day (Mercy College/Catherine McAuley College)
26^th Nov               2022 school leaders announced on Assembly
29^th Nov               Year 6 Graduation Dinner
30^th Nov               End of Year Mass
1^st Dec                    Semester 2 Report cards published
3^rd Dec                   Last day of school
17^th Jan 2022       School office opens
24^th Jan 2022      Term 1 2022 commences

Quote of the Week

Soctober

This week’s Soctober Activity is a Scavenger Hunt. The Scavenger Hunt will take place at break times on Friday 15^th October. Those students have who have paid will receive an entry form showing patterned ‘socks’ they need to find in the playground. There are separate entry forms for p-2 and 3-6. To enter children can bring in a $1 coin to their teacher by Friday morning. Every player will receive a prize and again the winner will receive a tuckshop voucher.

We had a lot of fun stacking socks last week to raise money for the first week of Socktober. Our overall winner was Mila (2A) and Magenta (4P) came in at a close second. Thank you to all our entrants!

October-The Month of the Rosary

Thank you wholeheartedly to our Year 5L students who have led us in saying the Rosary each day last week. We continue this week with the Sorrowful Mysteries. 
Could you please ensure your child has their rosary beads at school so that can fully participate in the Rosary.
Thank you to year 5,  Mrs Lewis and Mrs Rokic for organising this sacred time of prayer in honour of the patron saint of our school.

Sacramental Program

Last week all Year 3 parents were emailed to advise that the Sacramental Program; Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion will begin in late October. Parents were asked to register their interest for their child as soon as possible.

If there are any other students in year 4-6 who would like to involved, you are most welcome to register your interest by email to therese_leotta@rok.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Terri Leotta
APRE

Student of the Week

Week 1, Term 4 Student Award Winners

Community News

MONSTER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

There may not be NORFAIR this year, but our parish is selling tickets in an amazing raffle. With a First Prize of $10 000, tickets are great value at $5.00 each. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 10 December, just in time for Christmas. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Tickets are available online, outside the churches before and after weekend Masses and from St Joseph's Parish Office. (Monday - Friday 9am to 2:30pm phone 4957 4855).