Week 2, Term 2 2022 - 26th April 2022

APRE's Reflection

The Gospel for this weekend, the Second Sunday of Easter, (John 20:29-31) tells the story of Jesus appearing to His disciples. It then recounts how Thomas, a disciple who was not there when Jesus appeared, did not believe his friends and asked for proof.

You may be familiar with the term “Doubting Thomas.” It has been used to describe a sceptic who refuses to believe without direct personal experience. As the disciple who has been remembered for doubting, it is easy to look down on Thomas because at first he did not believe in Jesus’ resurrection. 

In fact, Thomas is the disciple who is most like us.  You see, the other disciples all believed because they saw the Lord.  They saw his risen glory. 

But Thomas was asked to believe, not because he saw, but only because he heard the testimony of the other disciples.

We have not seen the risen Lord.  Our faith is founded on the witness of others and testimony from believers.  So since we are, essentially, standing in the shoes of Thomas, perhaps we be more sympathetic and ask:  What was the problem?  Why did he fail to believe?

Perhaps we can reflect on what proof we would require to embrace our faith fully?

Peace & blessings,

Terri Leotta
APRE/Teacher

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

Staff News
This Thursday we will host a wellbeing in-service for staff, led by Rowena Hardy from Minds Aligned. Rowena will work with all staff in a half-day work shop and her focus will be:

• Goal Setting (professional and personal) with a focus on wellbeing and behaviour
• Promotion of Teamwork and ‘above and below the line’ behaviours
• Encourage staff to overcome obstacles, seek solutions and be positive about their impact on the world
• Encourage ownership of wellbeing

I know that this session will be very beneficial for all staff.  During this time, classes will be taught for a half-day by various relief teachers.

Assistant Director: Schools Visit
This Friday we welcome to St Mary’s our Assistant Director: Schools, Mr Michael McCusker.  Michael will be meeting with the school leadership team.

ANZAC Day March
Sincere thanks to the over 130 students and staff who made it along in wet and windy conditions for the ANZAC Day parade.  ANZAC Day is always a very important commemoration, and your attendance was an important way to show our respect to all servicepersons who have served their country.

Public Holiday
A reminder that Monday 2nd May is the Labour Day public holiday. 

Miss Loban away
Please note that Miss Yrad Loban will be away the next two weeks (Tue-Thu) as she completes her teaching practicum.

Sporting News

• Well done to our 6 teams who participated at the Futsal gala day in Sarina. Thank you to Belinda van Lint and Tanya Davies for managing the teams.
• Well done our 7 teams who participated at the Basketball gala day today at the Mackay Stadium. Thank you to Tami Standish and Sarah Krause for coordinating the day.
• All the best to the players participating at the SS Tennis trials this Friday.

Personal and Social Development Session for Yr 6 students
Tomorrow, Wednesday 27^th April, Year 6 students will be involved in a presentation exploring concepts from the personal and social development education program.  We endeavour to assist the children in their journey of discovery about life, learning and relationships. We welcome Ms Kristin Honeyball, our diocesan personal development consultant, who along with Mr Rose will be discussing the following topics with the students:

• changes in the body (puberty) for both boys and girls;
• the male and female reproductive system; and
• who can students go to if they need assistance or further information.

Quote of the Week

NAPLAN

NAPLAN Online Update

Assessment Window:  10th – 20th May 2022

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australian children. NAPLAN tests fundamental skills rather than specific content, and as such is not a test for which students can study or drill.  It is important to remember that the NAPLAN tests and report is only ONE aspect of the school's assessment and reporting process, and does not replace the more extensive and informed judgements made about your child by their teachers. 

Our year 3 and 5 students will undertake NAPLAN testing online, with the exception of year 3 writing which will be done on paper. The assessment schedule for NAPLAN online has been finalised and can be found below:

The tests are taken in a specific order: Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. Should a student be absent for a test, on their return to school they will complete any missed tests in the required order. Examples of the questions and key features of NAPLAN online can be found on the NAPLAN public demonstration site.

The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to let them know that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day.

If you have any questions regarding NAPLAN please contact me or your child’s teacher.

Kind regards

Belinda Battaia (Assistant Principal: Curriculum)

Sacramental Program 2022

Environmental Club News

Eco Heroes

Our Environmental Club, which meets each month, is on a mission to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill from our school.  In order to do this we need to check that everyone is using  the correct bins for different rubbish items and this our eco heroes will take on this responsibility. Eco Heroes will be wearing a pink or blue Reef Guardian cap. They  will be monitoring the bins at the end of lunch breaks every day to ensure our recycling procedures are followed. We ask that you help us to reduce the rubbish that is going to landfill and take care of our precious world by reducing lunch packaging waste.

Sport News

Congratulations to the following students for their efforts at Southern Suburbs Cross Country last Friday. They will now compete at the Mackay District Trials at Rowallan Park on the revised date of Thursday 5^th May.

10 year old boys- Thomas Hurley and Cooper Ricciardi
10 year old girls- Madison Malagueno
11 year old girls- Mayson Vassallo and Emmi Burgess
12 year old boys – Zac Callinan

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

Run Club

Run Club will return this term in Week 3 (Wed 4 May) and is now opening to students from ALL year levels.

The focus this term will be on athletics and training for the 3km Mackay Marina Run (5 June).

ANZAC Day Liturgy

Last Friday, we were privileged to have Mr Ken Higgins speak to us about the heroism of his father-in-law, who served in WW2 as a fighter pilot. This was followed by an ANZAC liturgy led beautifully by Evie, Oliver, Finn and Georgia. All classes processed out of the hall and placed a poppy at designated commemoration areas.

Mother's Day Stall

Student of the Week

Week 1 Term 2 - Student Award Winners

Community News