Week 4, Term 4 2022 - 25th October 2022
APRE's Reflection
Dear Parents,
Fostering the wellbeing of our students is a pivotal component in all that we do at St Mary’s. We have several approaches to achieving this; including monthly Well-being Club meetings and teaching specific wellbeing lessons, as well as the pastoral support we all offer. Allowing students to ‘have a voice’ is another.
Student voice allows active participation in decision-making at school on things which shape their educational experiences. Student voice is more than just students 'having a say' and 'being heard'. To be successful, we value the perspectives and opinions of students and act on them in a way that genuinely shapes learning and decision-making.
This year our Mini-Vinnies group led the way with their Socktober Activities and fundraising ideas. Similarly, the Environmental Club has shaped the videos and assembly speeches presented.
Yet again, students have astounded me with their insight and perception and creativity. The entries in our school’s Mission Challenge show the messages which resonate with students and how they relate these to their lives. Here are some of our fabulous entries and I encourage all parents to submit your insights as well. Your voice is also important to us.
Terri Leotta
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose
Prep 2023 Parent Session
We welcome new and existing parents for our Prep 2023 parent information evening, held this Thursday from 5:30pm-6:30pm in our school hall. I thank the leadership team, Prep teachers and Yr 6 school leaders for providing a relevant and holistic picture of St Mary’s for our new families.
Happy World Teacher's Day!
This Friday is World Teacher’s Day, when we pause to recognise and celebrate the great work that our teachers do each day to make St Mary’s a great place to learn and work. On behalf of the school community, I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our teachers for their efforts. Keep up the great work, it is greatly appreciated!
Staff Training
This Wednesday, St Mary’s hosts the regional Curriculum meeting. Mrs Belinda Battaia (APC) will be in attendance. Also, this Friday, I will attend the Regional Principal’s meeting at St Joseph’s. During my absence, Mrs Leotta will be acting principal.
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 2023. 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.
Quote of the Week
"Being humble is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
-C.S Lewis
From the Office - Finance Department
Dear Parents
Each year we require confirmation of your child's enrolment in St Mary's. A Confirmation of Enrolment and Sibling Discount Form for 2023 was emailed to all parents last Friday for completion. This form also helps us to determine whether you are eligible for a family discount on your fees, dependent upon the number of children you have attending Diocesan Schools.
If you haven't already completed a form, please click on this link. We ask that you complete this form by the 28th October 2022.
When completing section 3, please ensure that you complete the name, school and year of all children attending any Diocesan Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in 2023. Please list each student on a new line, eg:
Michael Smith, St Patricks College,Year 11
James Smith, Mercy College, Year 9
Sarah Smith, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Year 6
This form only needs to be completed once per family.
Should you have any queries in relation to this form, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Kathy Parrish
Finance Officer
Day for Daniel
Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day. Held annually on the last Friday of October, Day for Daniel honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe. On this day, parents, carers, and educators are encouraged to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety. St Mary’s school will also conduct a child safety lesson, focusing on the three steps to personal safety - Recognise, React, Report.
Students are encouraged to commemorate this day by wearing an item of red, this Friday 28th October
Silly Sock Day
As our final 2022 Socktober fundraiser, we invite all students to wear
silly socks and donate a gold coin on Monday.
Silly Socks Day is our last chance to really give of ourselves for the
people in need in Ethiopia.
Please show your support through participation and generosity.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Workshop 1 | Enrolment Mass | Workshop 2 | Reception of the Sacrament | |
St Mary’s Parish | Thursday 3rd November 3:30pm Early Years Precinct | Saturday 5th November 5pm St Mary’s Church | Thursday 10th November 3:30pm Early Years Precinct | Thursday 17h November 6:30pm TBC St Mary’s Church |
St Francis Parish | Monday the 31st of October | Enrolment Mass on 5th/6th of November | Monday the 7th November | TBC |
Socktober
Last Friday we held our second last Socktober event: The Sock ‘o’ war.”Many students enjoyed testing their strength against their peers. We’re very thankful to all who have joined in the events and fundraising this month.
St Mary's Swimming Carnival
PLEASE NOTE: Swimming carnival nomination forms were emailed to all parents on the 11th October. These were due to be returned to your student's classroom teacher today. Please have these returned as soon as possible. Copies of these forms are available at the school office or can be printed by clicking on the appropriate link below.
We welcome any parent hlpers to assist in the smooth running of the carnival. There are a variety of jobs available and we would greatly appreciate your assistance. Please complete the section on the nomination form or email me directly at simone_sibley@rok.catholic.edu.au
Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher
Congratulations to Madison who competed in the 11-12 year old Aquathlon trials at the Frenchville Frogs Triathlon Club event on the 16th October. Madison made the qualifications for the Capricornia team and will compete in the State Championships at Hervey Bay in February 2023. We wish you all the best Madison.
St Mary's Christmas Fair
Year Level Christmas Fair Coordinators
As we start the preparation to the St Mary's Christmas Community Fair, we are requiring preferably two (2) Fair Coordinators from each year level. If you are interested in volunteering your time, can you please contact Tanya Davies on 0438 138 392 or email tanya_davies@rok.catholic.edu.au. A roster for the night will be communicated to all year levels from your coordinator via Facebook or email. Thank you to the wonderful parents who have already volunteered.
Stalls Coordinators
Prep - Fairy Floss & Snow Cones Aileen Balding (Prep C)
Grade 1 - Mini Cent Sale Lisa-Ann McNamara (1B) & Bianca Miles (1L)
Grade 2 - Cold Drinks
Grade 3 - Hot Chips
Grade 4 - Bar Nikita Kinnane (4K) & Ashley Miles (4C)
Grade 5 - Sweet Stall Natalie Phelan (5L) & Kate Vella (5R)
Grade 6 - BBQ & Food Preparation
STEM Club
Our first Stem Club session took place in the Makerspace last Thursday. It was a speed session but the students thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of creating a Lego Domino Chain. They quickly realised that design challenges are not as easy as they first seem! Congratulations to Jayce, Ashton, Levi and Samuel who take out the first of our awards for the best teamwork and most successful chain.
Student of the Week
Week 3, Term 4 Student Award Winners
| Prep C | Adeline | For your organisation and positive attitude towards your learning this week. You are showing superstar listening and trying your best in all that you do. Your teacher is very proud of you! |
| Prep C | Adelaide | For being a polite and responsible member of our classroom. You show kindness to your friends every day and can be trusted to do important jobs with care. Thank you for being you! |
| Prep P | Amelia | For the enthusiasm you bring to our writing sessions. You just love writing and did a wonderful job with your 'Mr McGee' sentence this week. Well done Amelia! |
| Prep P | Declan | For the great attitude you bring to all aspects of your learning. You love a challenge and work hard to achieve success! Thank you for working so hard Declan! |
| 1B | Elena | For praying the rosary so reverently and respectfully every day. You are a wonderful role model! |
| 1B | Olivia | For sharing your insights on the night sky. Your knowledge of the constellations was outstanding! |
| 1L | Isaac | Isaac, you could have this award every week! You are a wonderful student in all ways. You always give your best and are so conscientious and engaged in your learning! Never change! |
| 1L | Mia | For the perseverance you show on all your tasks. You always make sure you have done them to the best of your ability! |
| 2A | Archer | For demonstrating the virtue of perseverance in reading and writing. You have made awesome progress this year! Well done, Archie! |
| 2A | Mila | For demonstrating the virtue of perseverance in all your learning. You should be very proud of your achievements this year. Awesome work, Mila! |
| 2B | Malachi | For your amazing week and your fantastic enthusiasm during our L.A.N.D dance lesson. Keep up this positive and diligent attitude. YOU ARE A SUPER STAR! |
| 3B | Levi Otto | For the confidence and rhythm you showed on Monday to get up in front of the classes to play the different percussion instruments. |
| 3B | Millie | For the positivity and confidence you had in your abilities when calculating change this week. It was so great to see you celebrate your successes. |
| 3M | Zoe | For the effort and positive attitude you have put into your work this week. You have tried hard to complete all set tasks to the best of your ability. |
| 3M | Ewan | For your fabulous shape poem about popcorn. You worked hard to include onomatopoeia and humour to engage your audience. |
| 4C | Rahill | For your insightful contributions in all classroom learning activities. It is wonderful to see you so engaged in your learning. |
| 4K | Venice | For your kind, caring and helpfulness you show to your fellow classmates. I see the spirit of Jesus in your gentle willingness to assist those around you. We are blessed to have you in our class. |
| 4K | Griffin | For consistently working hard across all subject areas. I am constantly impressed by your eagerness and willingness to complete any task. I am proud of all your efforts. You are an inspiration, well done! |
| 5L | Sibella | Sibella you have worked so hard on all of your assessment tasks this week. The mythological creature you drew (the minotaur) has so much attention to detail . So impressive! AND..the presentation of your science poster about Saturn is outstanding! Well done! |
| 5L | Ariah | Your teacher is super-impressed with the amount of time and effort you have put into the research of information and presentation of your science poster about the planet Saturn!! Fabulous work!! |
| 5R | Alexis | For the effort and determination you are showing in Maths lessons. Keep up the fantastic work. |
| 5R | Tavonga | For always showing your teachers and peers consideration and respect. You are a role model student, well done! |
| 6M | Millie | For displaying the virtues of enthusiasm, confidence and joyfulness. You bring so much positive energy and happiness to our classroom Millie! |
| 6M | Robert | For displaying the virtues of humility, trustworthiness and compassion. Your kind heart is very much appreciated in 6M Robert. |
| 6V | Georgia | For researching the geographical features of Asia will skill and accuracy. Well done Georgia! |
| 6V | Darcy | For displaying grit and persistence to solve word problems using a variety of strategies. Well done Darcy! |
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