Week 9, Term 1 2023 - 21st March 2023

Principal's Reflection

Reputation Matters!

Last week on assembly, I spoke about the importance of building a good reputation. 

Your reputation is what people think of you, and it can affect everything from your inter-personal relationships to your professional opportunities. Your reputation is one of the most valuable assets you have. It can take years to build, but only moments to destroy.  

People have been concerned with this aspect of themselves for millennia.  The authors of the Old Testament book of Proverbs (written over 3,000 years ago) wrote,

"A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." – (Proverbs 22:1)

This quote emphasises how valuable a good reputation is, even more so than material possessions. It encourages us to prioritize our reputation and work to maintain a positive image. 

Our reputation influences how others perceive us, and in today's digital age, it is more important than ever. With the rise of platforms like Uber and Airbnb, ratings and reviews have become a critical component of a person's reputation. Positive ratings and reviews can increase our credibility, trustworthiness and overall reputation, while negative ratings and reviews can damage them. This shows that our reputation can extend beyond our personal and professional lives, and into the digital realm.  In fact, reputation is often seen as the ‘currency’ of the digital realm.

So, how can we positively influence our reputation? Here are three ways:

• Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to building a positive reputation. Make sure you always act with integrity, treat others with respect, and follow through on your commitments.
• Cultivate a positive image: Your personal image is how others perceive you. Take the time to cultivate a positive image that reflects your values, skills, and strengths. This can include things like your appearance, body language, and communication style. A positive image can help build trust and credibility, which can enhance your reputation.
• Seek feedback: It's important to know how others perceive you. Seek feedback from people you trust and be open to constructive criticism. This can help you identify areas where you can improve and build a stronger reputation over time.

In conclusion, your reputation is something that you need to actively nurture and protect. By being consistent, building a positive self-image and seeking feedback, you can positively influence how others see you and build a reputation that will serve you well throughout your life.

Remember, as the saying goes, "Your reputation precedes you." So, make sure it's a good one!

All the very best,

Wes Rose
Principal

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

NAPLAN

Our NAPLAN tests were finalised today, with our Year 3 and 5 students having now completed the four tests (writing, reading, mathematics and conventions of language).  The online testing format ran smoothly and I thank all the students and staff for their efforts with this important diagnostic test.  Results should be received in July.  For more information about NAPLAN, click here.

P&F Meeting
Our next P&F meeting will be held this evening (Tuesday 21^st March) from 6pm in the staffroom.  At this meeting, we will finalise the 2023 P&F wish list and look ahead to some upcoming P&F events, including the Trivia night.  Our meetings are always kept to one hour and are a practical way to get involved with the school.  As an added bonus, our executive roles have been filled for the year, so you won’t get a job!  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Supervisor Visit
This Monday, we welcomed Mr Michael McCusker (Regional Supervisor) who met with Mr Rose.  Michael also visited some classes.

Staff News
This week, Mrs Terri Leotta is attending the Reef Guardians professional development in Cairns.  The Reef Guardians program encourages teachers and students to take actions that help protect the Great Barrier Reef and its connected ecosystems.  I am sure that Terri will find this training worthwhile.

This Wednesday-Friday, Miss Wendy Parker (school counsellor) will attend the Berry St Education Model training session in Rockhampton. The Berry Street Education Model provides strategies that enables teachers to increase engagement of students with complex, unmet learning needs and to successfully improve all students’ self-regulation, relationships, wellbeing, growth and academic achievement.

Work Experience Student
This week we welcome Gracie Ryland from Northern Beaches SHS, who will complete her work experience in our library with Mrs Camargo.  Welcome Gracie.

Touch Football Gala Day - CANCELLED
We had dozens of interested players for the upcoming Touch Football Gala Day that received a note last week.  Unfortunately, we have been informed that the gala day has been postponed to later in the year.

Newsletter Change
This will be the last newsletter for term 1. Our first newsletter in term 2 will be emailed on Tuesday 18th April. We wish all our families a relaxing Easter break. 

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

APRE News - Mrs Terri Leotta

This week we continue our fundraising for Project Compassion: Caritas.

Badges will be not be on sale this week. They can be purchased again from next Monday 27^th at 8:15am outside the Library.

Next Tuesday morning there will be a presentation of the Last Supper which is our Holy Week Service. It will be led by 6V and will be on in the hall at 9am.  Students will be invited to dress in 1^st Century Palestine costume as we hear the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, The Last Supper and we sing Lenten hymns.

This Saturday night we have our Youth Mass on Saturday 25^th March and Children’s Liturgy.

Next Thursday we have a disco from 2-3pm and an Egg and Spoon race on Friday at 10:20am followed by the Green Card Draw.

It is $2 entry for each event.

When we return to school after the holidays we will hold our Easter Prayer Celebration in the hall at 9am. All Welcome.

Youth Mass & Children's Liturgy

PLEASE JOIN US!

St Mary's School will join with St Patrick's College to celebrate our Youth Mass this Saturday 25th March, St Mary's Church at 5pm. Children's Liturgy will also be held.  

Mass will be followed by a pizza outside the church. Everyone is most welcome to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there. 

Mrs Terri Leotta
APRE/Teacher

Project Compassion-Fourth Week of Lent

Project Compassion brings together Australian schools, parishes and supporters to raise funds for people in vulnerable communities across the world. This year, we introduced you to the story of four inspiring people whose lives have been transformed with your generous support: Laxmi, Tereesa, Priscilla and Thu.

Today, they are creating a better world for their families, their communities and for all future generations.

Project Compassion is a demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. It is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia – without it, we could not do the vital work we do. Thank you for helping transform lives today and for all future generations

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

Don't forget to get your orders in for the St Mary's P&F 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 

Sport News

Congratulations to Harriet Shields, Mayson Vassallo and Sibella Mayer for their selection in the 10-12 Mackay District girls Touch Football team. Well done girls.

A reminder to all families, our year 3 to 6 students will be participating in the Cross Country/Fun Run on Monday, 27th March. If you are able to volunteer your time, please contact Mrs Sibley. simone_sibley@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Run Club Change

Student of the Week

Week 8, Term 1 Student Award Winners

Community News

CHRISM MASS INVITATION

Bishop Michael has extended an invitation for all to join in the celebration of the Chrism Mass, being held at 10:00am on Thursday, 30 March at St Joseph’s Cathedral. This is a marvellous opportunity for the Diocese to gather with our clergy as they conclude their time of pre-Easter gathering. At the Mass, the oils of Catechumens and of the sick will be blessed, and the chrism consecrated, to be used in Sacraments across all our communities for the next year.

For those unable to attend in person you can watch the Mass live, or later, via the St Joseph’s Cathedral YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/StJosephsCathRton.

This is an important celebration for our Diocese and as we lead into Holy Week.