Week 1, Term 1 2023 - 24th January 2023

Principal's Reflection

We are very blessed to have a wonderful school.  Two very important documents at St Mary’s is our School Mission and Vision statements, which articulate ‘Who we are’, ‘What we value’ and ‘What we stand for’.  They are important statements for all members of the school community to know and appreciate and for your reference, are included below;

As you can see, there is a real focus on the holistic development each child, based on the knowledge and inspiration of Jesus Christ.  The goal of educating ‘from and for a faith perspective’ is articulated, where the eventual goal is for students to grow as confident and well-rounded people who in adulthood, can ‘make a living, and have a life’.  It is optimistic, visionary, perhaps even a bit idealistic, but considering that we are dealing with the lives of our children, it has to be.

Everyone involved with the school; staff, parents and students, has a part to play.  At the commencement of the school year, I invite all of us to work together to make real these statements in our school.

All the very best,

Wes Rose
Principal

Quote of the Week

From our Principal-Mr Wes Rose

Welcome Back
It has been wonderful to see our 376 students return; refreshed and excited for the new school year.  I extend a special welcome to the 43 new families that have joined the St Mary’s community.  If parents have any questions, please do not hesitate to come and see me. 

It has been lovely to hear many students and staff regale of their adventures over the holidays.  The start of school is always filled with exciting stories and experiences, a time of renewal and fond memories.  I also acknowledge that during the break, some of our families received terrible news or experienced sadness and loss.  For these families, I offer my heartfelt support.  Please reach out if you need support of any kind.

New Staff to School
This year, we welcome the following new staff to St Mary’s. 

• Mrs Rachel Kelly (Yr 1K). Rachel comes to St Mary’s following several years teaching in secondary Catholic schools.  Her teaching career spans primary and secondary education in both the UK and Australia, and it is wonderful to have her on staff this year.
• Ms Taryn Potts (Yr 3P). A local girl, Taryn has returned back to Mackay following more than a decade teaching in various State schools in Townsville.  Taryn has extensive classroom teaching experience, as well as experience in specialist Drama and PE curriculum areas. 
• Mrs Renee Aslette (Yr 4A Tue-Fri). Renee joins St Mary’s following over a decade working at St John’s Walkerston as a teacher assistant. Renee is a mum of 2 boys and brings a vibrant and hardworking nature to her classroom.  Renee continues to finalise her teaching studies this year and will be supported by her teaching partner (Mrs Terri Leotta) as well as her mentor (Mrs Val Paul).
• Mr Rob Townsend (Yr 5T). Rob returns to St Mary’s after completing his first year of teaching at St Brendan’s North Mackay in 2022.  Parents may remember that Rob taught Year 5L in term 1 last year.  Rob is an enthusiastic and organised teacher and it is wonderful to have him back on staff.  Rob will continue to be supported by his mentor (Mrs Val Paul).
• Mrs Chana Sticklan (Yr 5SA - 5 days f/night). Chana commences at St Mary’s following a distinguished career at Mercy College, where she was a Maths/Science teacher and ‘Argos’ House Coordinator. A mum of 2 small children, Chana has made the move to St Mary’s and will work alongside Mrs Albert to team-teach Year 5.
• Mrs Angela Albert (Yr 5SA - 5 days f/night). Known to many of our students as the Kindy teacher, ‘Miss Angie’, we welcome Angela to St Mary’s. Angela has extensive teaching experience in Early Childhood education where she was a Kindy teacher for more than 10 years.  Most recently Angie taught Yr 1 at Beaconsfield SS, and is excited to now teach the ‘big kids’.
• Miss Laura Kulmar. Laura is a 3^rd Year Education student at CQUni and is a new recruit of our Career Assistance Program (CAP).  CAP students work with a mentor teacher (in a relationship similar to apprentices), deepening their knowledge and understanding of the demands of a classroom teacher.  We are very blessed to have Laura placed at St Mary’s, where she will work alongside Mrs Donna Berardi in Year 1B.
• Mrs Lynne Camargo (Librarian). Lynne commences as our new Library Coordinator following her work as a librarian at Mackay Regional Libraries. Lynne also has a background in fitness instruction and is an active mum of two children.  We warmly welcome Lynne to the St Mary’s school community.

Long Serving Staff Plaques
Last Friday, all Mackay Catholic Schools gathered for our Regional Opening Mass.  At this mass, two of our staff members were recognised for their commitment to Catholic Education.  Congratulations to Ms Stacey Banks (20 years), and Mrs Belinda van Lint (21 years) and Chris Burchill Ret. (20 years) for their outstanding contribution to St Mary’s and the wider Mackay Catholic School family.

Leadership Badge Ceremony
Congratulations once again to our 2023 student leaders:

Our Year 6 school leaders will be presented with their badges at our first school assembly this Friday 27^th January.  All families are invited to attend the ceremony, which will start at 8:30am in our school hall.

Uniform Guidelines
A reminder to all families of our uniform guidelines.  Some important areas to note include;

• Fingernails. No coloured nail polish or acrylic nails.
• Boys Hair. We have noticed quite a few boys hair styles that are not appropriate for school. Hairstyles must be neat in appearance and not falling into eyes. Hair past the collar must be tied back.  Hair may not be dyed or worn in a style that is extreme or inappropriate for school (i.e. no tracks, rat’s tails, mo-hawks, mullets or undercuts that have a large variance between length).
• Girls Hair. Be neat in appearance and not falling into eyes. Girls with shoulder or longer length hair must have it tied back. Hair may not be dyed or worn in a style that is extreme or inappropriate for school. Hair accessories should be minimal and must be in colours of navy, blue or white.
• Shoes. Plain black footwear for boys and girls. (see pic below)

Our students demonstrate pride in St Mary’s school by the way they wear their uniform correctly.  From next Monday, an infringement letter will be sent home to notify parents of any areas that need to be addressed.   If you have any queries about this, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Peanut Policy
The start of the school year is a timely opportunity to remind all families that we are strictly ‘peanut free’ at St Mary’s school.  We have a number of students who are highly allergic to peanuts and for their safety, we ask that you are vigilant with ensuring your child packs a peanut free lunchbox.

Parent Teacher Interviews
In week 3, parents are invited to talk to their child’s classroom teacher about their child.  This will allow teachers to be fully informed about each child’s needs and strengths.  There will be 10 minute time intervals.  If some parents need more time this can be arranged during the interview. Classes will have their interviews after school on Monday 6^th to Friday 10^th February.  Parents will receive an email with instructions on how to book an interview. 

School Photo Day
Please note that this year’s school photos are Wednesday 8^th February.  Students are to wear their formal school uniform (Preps to wear their prep uniform). If your child has specialist lessons on Wednesday (HPE or The Arts), please pack their sport uniform for them to change into after photos are taken. Photo order packs will arrive at school in the coming days and will go home with students. This year, all families with siblings will receive a personalised sibling order form (attached to the eldest child's order form), should you wish a sibling photo taken on the day. 

Student Mobile Phones/Smart Watches
A reminder to students  and parents that student mobile phones are to be brought to the office each morning for safekeeping.  No student is to keep their mobile phone with them or store it in their school bag.

We have also noticed quite a few students with smartwatches with camera capabilities and access to games, etc.  I ask that these special watches remain at home.  For more information, please see our Digital Technology Guidelines.

Afternoon Pick Up Procedures

• All students in Prep are to be collected from their prep classroom by a parent or guardian.
• For all other students, the car park works effectively when everybody follows the procedures. 
• Please allow others to come out of car parks. Drive slowly through the car park, especially when merging in front of the parking bays. 
• Cars should drive from MacDonald St. into Morley St. and turn right into the school car park. 
• Everyone must turn right into the car park in the afternoon and turn left when exiting. (In the afternoon those that turn left into the car park are pushing in and this upsets others!)
• If everyone is considerate it will be safe and fair for all users. I encourage parents who are not Prep parents to actively use our drive through pick-up protocol. 
• We have two staff members supervising this area. Parents are asked to drive on and line up if their child is not ready.  This avoids any unnecessary delays.
• Please ensure your name is displayed on your sun visor as this will speed up the process. 
• In the afternoon please turn left when leaving MacDonald Street as this speeds up the line-up. 
• Please do not encourage children to wait outside of the school or church where they are not directly supervised.  We have had some unpleasant situations in the past when children have been told to wait outside the school by parents. It is simply not worth the risk! 

Please support us to ensure the safety of your children. For those families using the drive through for the first time, please contact the office for your laminated name card.

Office Reminders

Personal Details
Do we have your correct personal and address details?

Please ensure all residential addresses and other personal details held by the school are up to date and correct. 

The easiest way for families to check this information is by logging into their Parent Lounge account by using the 'Parent Lounge' tile on the St Mary's App or on our St Mary's School website to review what is recorded.

1. Click on the Parent Lounge icon
2. a) Enter your Username (Parent code located on school fees statements-6 digit number) and
    Password
    If you do not know or have misplaced your password,  click on 'Forgot Password?'
    b) Click 'Login'

Once logged in - Click “Parent Details” then “View Address Details”.

• If address details are correct, no further action is required.
• If the address is incorrect, change it via “Update Address Details” then “Update Address” in Parent Lounge.  Once saved the address will be updated.

Office Hours
Monday to Friday
8am to 3:30pm

Students who arrive late to school, are to sign in at the School Office. If you collect your child early before 3pm you must also notify the school office before leaving school, so the school roll can be updated.

Student Absences
Student absences from school can be advised through our St Mary's Schoolzine App by clicking on the 'Absentee' tile and completing your student's details. Parents can also use our designated phone number 4994 8271 or email SMM_Absences@rok.catholic.edu.au  to inform the school if your student is to be absent.

Details on how to install the St Mary's App can be found by clicking the link below. 

Once downloaded, please complete your registration, using our parent sign-in code 4142.

If you have any queries or difficulties downloading the App please contact the school office.

Student Medication
All medications administered during school hours require a completed medication form signed by a parent. These are available from the school office. Medication needs to be labelled by a pharmacist with your student's name and dosage.

Please inform office staff of any student allergies. 

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Forms

In order for your child to access technology resources at school, you must read the ICT Code of Practice and complete a google form for each child attending the school.

An email was sent today to all parents requesting completion of this form. 

Failure to complete the form will result in loss of access to technology for your child.

You can also access this form by clicking on the relevant link below and complete for each child attending St Mary’s.

Prep – Year 2: https://forms.gle/CtWhhMpKuG3CfRsA9 

Year 3 – Year 6: https://forms.gle/FdZmx8NT2iWwgLZ88

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Tuckshop News

Our St Mary's School Tuckshop is available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Ordering is done using a Quickcliq account which is easy to access using the ‘Tuckshop’ tile on the St Mary’s App or via www.quickcliq.com.au prior to 08:30am on the day required. The only items available for over the counter purchases are biscuits, ice blocks and drinks (these can also be ordered). All other food must be pre-ordered online. 

Setting  up a Quickcliq account is easy. Simply follow the steps below; 

• visit www.quickcliq.com.au
• SIGN UP by completing the registration form
• receive a confirmation email with activation link
• ACTIVATE your account and login to the website
• ADD STUDENT - add your child's details, select their school and save to your account
• ADD CREDIT to your online wallet before ordering
• select MEAL ORDER and you're good to go

Library Help

Sport News

MDSS Swimming 
Any students who are NOT affiliated with a swimming club who are interested in the MDSS Swimming Timed Trials on February 3rd, please see Mrs Sibley or email simone_sibley@rok.catholic.edu.au for forms and further information this week. 

Capricornia Swimming Trials
Could any students interested in direct nomination to  Capricornia Swimming 2023 Regional Trials please contact Mrs Sibley for forms or visit https://capsport.eq.edu.au/. Only students affiliated with a swimming club can nominate direct for Capricornia Trials.

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

Run Club

Run Club is back and everyone is invited!!

P-6 student ALL welcome
Starting Week 3, Thursday 9^th February
Time: 3.00pm-3.45pm
What to bring:  comfortable shoes for running, hat, water bottle and a ‘have a go’ attitude

A great way to get ready for the cross country and have some fun!!

See you there!

Mrs Dalglish, Mrs Sibley & Mrs McGovern.

Community News