Week 7, Term 1 2023 - 7th March 2023

Principal's Reflection

Attention Please!

As a primary school principal and father of three, I have noticed that many children struggle with their attention spans. This is a common issue, and source of frustration, when I talk with other parents.

In today's world of constant distractions and instant gratification, it can be challenging for children to focus for extended periods. There are several reasons why attention spans are shortening, including;

• Technology: With smartphones, tablets and computers readily available, children are often distracted by notifications and the temptation to check their devices.
• Fast-paced media: Television shows, movies, and video games are designed to capture and hold children's attention, making it difficult for them to concentrate on other tasks. The recent rise of ultra-short videos (e.g. Facebook and YouTube shorts) has further exacerbated this issue.
• Lack of sleep: Sleep plays a crucial role in attention and cognitive function. Many children are not getting enough sleep, which can negatively impact their attention spans.

Despite these challenges, developing strong attention skills is crucial for success in school and life. Here are three things that parents can do to help children improve their attention spans:

• Limit screen time: Too much screen time can have a negative impact on children's attention spans. Set limits on the amount of time your child spends on electronic devices and encourage them to engage in other activities such as reading, drawing, or playing outside. For some expert advice on this, click here.
• Encourage mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness exercises can help children develop their attention skills. Encourage your child to take deep breaths and focus on the present moment. You can also try guided meditations together. For further information about Christian meditation, click here.
• Create a structured routine: Children thrive on routine and predictability. Establish a daily routine that includes set times for meals, homework, and play. This structure can help children feel more focused and in control. If like me, your family struggles in the mornings, click here for some handy tips.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your child develop stronger attention skills, which will benefit them in school and beyond. At school, we will continue to support students in developing these skills through engaging, hands-on activities and strategies to help them stay focused during lessons.  Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

All the very best,

Wes Rose
Principal

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

Congratulations
Special congratulations to Phil (Groundsman) and Kris Clancy on the marriage of their son, Jake on Saturday in Brisbane.  Jake is a past pupil of St Mary’s. 

Principal's Meeting
I am away this Tuesday-Thursday in Rockhampton for a Principal’s meeting.  Mrs Leotta is acting principal in my absence.

Work Experience Students
This week, we welcome five students from St Patrick’s College who are completing work experience at our school.  All the best to Estelle Appo (1B), Cooper Cavell (1K), Francesca Vella (Prep P), Pippa Maher (6V/PE) and Sophie Hodder (4A/PE). 

Baby News
Congratulations to the Truscott Family who welcomed baby Luca last week. Lucas is a little brother to Gwen (1B).

Basketball Gala Day
All the best to the 92 students from Years 3-6 participating in the Basketball Gala Day this Friday 10^th March.  Our attending staff are Mrs Standish, Mrs van Lint and Mr Townsend.  We also have several parents assisting on the day; thank you to them for assisting.  Some reminders about the day;

• Students to arrive at school by 8:30am, dressed in their school uniform. Rollcall at 8:30am in the St Mary’s basketball court area (do not go to assembly).
• After rollcall on the St Mary’s basketball court, students will walk down to the basketball courts with the teachers.
• Bring lunch, hat, water bottle. Students need to bring a reading book, colouring activity to do between games.
• Students will be placed into teams for the day and should play 3-4 games.
• Play should be finished by 2:30pm. Students will then walk back to school with staff.
• Parents are most welcome to attend. If you collect your child from the stadium, please advise a staff member before leaving.

QRL League Sessions
This week, we have welcomed staff from Qld Rugby League who have been conducting skills sessions with students during first break. Thank you to QRL for this visit, our students have thoroughly enjoyed these activities.

Vaping – Information for Parents
Over recent months, there has been growing concern about the epidemic affecting young people in relation to the use of e-cigarettes and the trendy pastime of vaping. As this activity grows in popularity, most young people are unaware of the associated risks and the potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. 

At St Mary’s, we have a zero tolerance of any vaping use/equipment at school, and any students who bring e-cigarettes or vaping materials to school will receive a ‘red card’.  For more information, please access our school TV page.  There is an excellent video by Dr Michael Carr-Greg, explaining the issue.

https://smmrok.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

School TV
St Mary’s is very excited to introduce a new initiative to help support the wellbeing of our students. After all, happy and well supported students are better equipped to learn and succeed.

We know that it can be difficult and time consuming for parents to source credible information when it comes to ongoing wellbeing support strategies for their children.   To aid with this we have partnered with SchoolTV, an online resource designed to empower parents to better deal with the challenges for raising happy, well and resilient young people.

Because parenting doesn't come with instructions, the SchoolTV resource has now been implemented at our school to assist parents and caregivers in navigating the challenges of modern-day parenting. This outstanding resource delivers credible information with practical strategies featuring video interviews with leading specialists, supported by a host of resources from key wellbeing organisations.

SchoolTV offers parents a fresh approach to the issues and pressures faced by children and young people in our communities throughout Australia.

Some topics featured include:

• Youth Anxiety
• Raising Girls
• School Refusal
• Positive Parenting
• Digital Reputation
• Managing Screen Time
• Cyberbullying

We encourage you to visit our SchoolTV site and view the content but more importantly use this resource if and when needed to support your child and family through particular needs as they may arise. At a time when the wellbeing of our youth has never been more challenged, we are pleased to be able to offer this accessible, credible and empowering resource to our families.

Many thanks again to the support provided by Catholic Education Rockhampton Northern Region to get this up and running across all schools in the region.

Quote of the Week

NAPLAN

NAPLAN Online
Assessment Window:  15th – 27^th March 2023

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. 

This year 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. 

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 sit catch up 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

Project Compassion-Third Week of Lent

Priscilla lives in the Hwange district in Zimbabwe with her husband, Charles, and their two grandsons. Climate change continues to bring unprecedented challenges for people living in the most vulnerable and remote communities in Zimbabwe.

With the support of Caritas Hwange, Priscilla learnt conservation farming skills to grow drought-resistant crops to support her family during the current food crisis. Priscilla was able to produce a bumper harvest in her first year of practising conservation farming. Priscilla used the funds from her harvest to start poultry farming, which enabled her to sell eggs to pay for her grandchildren’s school fees, books and stationery. The poultry farming provides a safety net for Priscilla and her family during times of hardship, like the current drought.

While the situation in Zimbabwe and across eastern Africa remains dire, the work of Caritas Hwange means that Priscilla can learn the skills she needs to build resilience and support her family during this current food crisis.  

Please donate to Project Compassion 2023.
Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow For All Future Generations.

You can donate through Project Compassion using donation boxes in classrooms, scanning the QR code, by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion, or by calling 1800 024 413.

Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia

Caritas Classroom Tally

P & F News - St Mary's Pie Drive

The P&F are excited to kick off this year's fundraising with a PIE DRIVE.

Thanks to Byrnes Pies, we have a great selection of pies and sweets to choose from. Fill the fridge or freezer with quick, easy, and tasty dinner solutions.

To place your order, please scan the QR code at right or click the link below.

BYRNES Pie Drive Order Form - St Mary's (cognitoforms.com)

Orders will close Friday 31st March (last day of Term 1).
Delivery will take place during the second week in Term 2.

PLEASE NOTE: If you prefer to pay by cash, please use the paper order form by clicking the link below and hand into the office with cash by Thursday 30th March.

Melissa McGuiness
P & F Committee 

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

Sport News

Congratulations to Jax Fidler and Thomas Hurley for being selected in the 10-11 Boys Southern Suburbs team and will trial for MDSS next week.

Congratulations to Magenta Newland, Harriet Shields and Lauren Shields for their selection in the 10-11 Girls Mackay District Netball team.

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

Student of the Week

Week 6, Term 1 Student Award Winners

Community News

Job Opportunity: Caritas Australia Diocesan Director for Rockhampton

Caritas Australia is seeking a passionate Diocesan Director for the Rockhampton Diocese. This paid role is appointed by Caritas Australia in conjunction with the Bishop of Rockhampton and promotes the work of Caritas Australia through fundraising, advocacy and relationships with schools and parishes.

The role is flexible, working 1 day/7.6 hours per week on average across the year and involves engaging with communities across the Rockhampton Diocese, supporting Caritas Australia appeals and coordinating volunteers.

Duties include:

• Coordinating Project Compassion including the Diocesan Project Compassion Launch
• Providing a communications pathway between Caritas and the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton parishes and schools
• General administration tasks

For more information, including a copy of the role description and overview, contact the HR Manager on 4887 3090. To apply for the position, submit your resume and cover letter to hr@rok.catholic.net.au. Diocesan employees are encouraged to apply.