Week 7, Term 4 2020 - 17th November 2020

Principal's Reflection

School Culture Matters!

All of us are members of various clubs, associations and workplaces.  These organisations are described and defined by their culture.  Culture is a notoriously challenging thing to quantify, and is often best explained as a feeling or vibe that you get from the people within an organisation.

Culture generally refers to the prevailing beliefs, values and attitudes that influence how people think and behave.  In the context of education, the influence of school culture is a very powerful force, one which has been the subject of many studies over past decades.  One consistently strong theme from these studies is that a positive school culture significantly impacts student learning.

Positive school culture is more than the school’s curriculum, or doing a few team-building activities as a staff. Culture goes a lot deeper into the perspectives staff members have of themselves, of each other, and of the students.  Essentially, school culture is shaped by a group of people who are committed to a common goal and are actively using their gifts and talents to enhance the overall growth of all students.

At St Mary’s, we take seriously the importance of a positive school culture.  This culture is shaped and defined by the actions and behaviours of staff and parents.  Our entire educational endeavour relies on the strong partnership between between school staff, parents and the wider community.  It is only when these forces are aligned that we get the necessary environment that promotes positive outcomes for all students. 

Ultimately, our school’s culture is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and articulated in our Mission and Vision statements.  As we edge closer to the end of one of the most stressful and challenging years in living memory, I invite you to consider the ways your individual and collective efforts have contributed to making this mission and vision real in our school.

All the very best,
Wes Rose

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

Christmas Assembly
Our students have been busily learning several Christmas dances under the expert tutelage of our Performing Arts Teacher, Mrs Wood.  On Friday 4^th December from 8:45am in the basketball court we will host our Christmas Assembly, where our students will showcase these performances.  All parents/relatives are invited to attend.  Due to health requirements, there will be a QR Code sign in register that all visitors will need to complete upon arrival.  Parents are asked to remain in the parent seating section and adhere to COVID-safe protocols during the event.

Regional Leadership Mass
This Wednesday 18^th November, our school leadership team will attend the Regional Leadership Mass at St Mary’s Church.

In our Prayers
On behalf of the school community, I extend my deepest condolences to Olivia Mansfield (Teacher Assistant) and her family, on the passing of her Grandmother on Saturday.  May she rest in peace.

2021 School Leadership
Next Wednesday 25^th November from 8:30am in our hall, the year 5 students will present their leadership speeches to teachers and year 4 and 5 students. Below is a list of nominees for 2021 leadership positions.

Leaders will be announced at assembly on Friday 27th November.

2021 Orientation Session
On Thursday 26^th November, all St Mary’s students will participate in an orientation morning in readiness for the 2021 school year.  Our current year 6 students will attend the Mercy College orientation day, from 8:30am-3pm.  All current prep – year 5 students, as well as several new students to St Mary’s, will spend the morning with their class teachers for next year.  We will also host our 2021 preps, who will visit from 9:00am- 10:15am. 

Semester Two Reports
Please note that Semester 2 report cards will be available via Parent Lounge from 4pm on Wednesday 2^nd December.  To access Parent Lounge, follow these simple steps;

1. Open the St Mary’s schoolzine app and click the ‘Parent Lounge’ tile. Alternatively, click here.
2. Login with your username (6 digit ID code which can be found on your school fee account). Your password remains the same as previously used.
3. Click on the ‘Academic Reports’ tab.

If you have any issues accessing your Parent Lounge account please contact the school office.

Quote of the Week

From our APRE - Mrs Terri Leotta

Dear parents and caregivers

Our End of Year Mass will be held on Tuesday 1^st of December. The Mass usually concludes with a farewell to Year 6 students and a symbolic handover by Year 6 to Year 5 students.

This year we require registered attendance to ensure we can safely meet our Covid expectations.

In order to do this we request that if you are planning to attend the Mass, you please complete this Google Form by Friday 20^th of November, so that we can safely plan for our final Mass for 2020.

Mrs Terri Leotta
APRE/Teacher

Remembrance Day Prayer Service

Thank you to our school leaders who led us so reverently in our Remembrance Day prayer service last Wednesday.

Year 6 Creative Students

I depict the Holy Spirit as a guiding light through the rocky harsh path of life that eventually leads to heaven.
Elena Paskins 6M

A flame is a great representation of the Holy Spirit. Once sparked the Holy Spirit will spread throughout a community like a flame through a forest. While the doves represent the hope and peace of a fresh start. 
Adysen Ruddick 6M

Tuckshop News

St Mary's Swimming Carnival

Our annual school carnival will be held this Friday 20^th November at the Memorial Swimming Pool. 

The carnival will again be split into two distinct sections. The Junior Carnival will be for prep through to the younger year 3 students.  These students will return from the carnival before lunch. Tuckshop is available once back at school. The breakdown of the day is as follows (times are approximate):

Junior Carnival - Children born in years 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012

Students arrive at school in swimming togs.
8:45am Students depart from the school
9:00am Arrive at Memorial Pool
9:20am Races (widths)
11:30am Depart from the Memorial Pool

On arrival back at school, children will change into their school uniform. Lunch will take place at school.

Senior Carnival – Children born in years 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

Time allowed for an early lunch.

11:00am Students depart from the school
11:30am Races commence – widths then lengths
2:00pm Carnival concludes.  Students return to school by bus.

Students will get changed at school prior to the carnival. Children are asked to apply sunscreen, wear a sun shirt or a sports shirt over their togs, take a towel, hat, water bottle and a snack to eat.  Lunch will be eaten at school.  The pool canteen will NOT be open to school children.

At this stage, spectators are allowed to enter the Memorial Pool. Following the Memorial Pool’s COVID Safe Plan, spectators will be asked to sign in for contact tracing. Please remember to socially distance during the day and sanitise. Shaded areas may be limited, so if  you have an umbrella you may want to bring it along. 

Thank you to the parents who have volunteered their time to ensure the smooth running of our carnival. Please click on the link below to view the jobs list to check your allocation. If I have not written you in this year, don’t despair! Please see me on the day if you are still available as changes inevitably occur.

See you at the pool!

Caroline Kerrisk
HPE Teacher

Student of the Week

Term 4 Week 6 Student Award Winners

Community News