Term 2, Week 1 2025 - 22nd April 2025
Principal's Reflection
Vale Pope Francis
Yesterday, the world learned the sad news that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, in the twelfth year of his Pontificate. He was 88.
Pope Francis was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17th December, 1936 in Flores, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. He was the eldest of five children; his father was an Italian immigrant accountant and his mother a housewife. When he was 21 years old, after life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts, he had part of a lung removed. This medical event had made him particularly vulnerable to bronchitis for the remainder of his life. Bergoglio joined the Jesuits in 1958 and was ordained a priest on 13th December, 1969; consecrated a Bishop in 1992 before becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He was made a Cardinal on 21st Feb, 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28th Feb, 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as the 266th Pope on 13th March 2013. He was the first pope from the Jesuit Order, the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century.
In choosing his Papal name, Bergoglio chose to honour St Francis of Assisi, the 13th century cleric now celebrated in the Catholic church as the patron saint of animals and the environment. He said St Francis inspired him as "the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation."
For our students, Francis has been the only Pope they have known, a remarkable man whose papacy was focused on the centrality of Christ, a deep care for the Earth and urged us all to remember our common humanity. Francis was a bridge builder, seeking to work with all faiths and denominations. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and the Church. He taught us to live Gospel values with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. He will be greatly missed.
(A picture I managed to take of Pope Francis during my visit to St Peter’s Basilica, June 2019).
From Mark Coleridge – Archbishop of Brisbane;
For Francis, those on the margin were at the centre and any society, he insisted, would be judged on how it treats the poorest and most vulnerable. That sounds like Jesus; and it gave him a voice that was heard around the world. We pray for him now as he so often asked us to do. With the burdens of office now behind him, may he find ultimate liberation as he comes face to face with the Risen Christ and that when he wakens into eternity he will be not just surprised but deeply astonished by the vision of God in which the joy of the Gospel comes to its fulness.
Eternal rest give to Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Wes Rose
Principal
Sources:
https://catholicleader.com.au/news/pope-francis-has-died-aged-88-on-easter-monday/
https://catholicleader.com.au/news/australia/brisbane-archbishop-mark-coleridges-statement-on-the-death-of-pope-francis/
https://www.9news.com.au/world/pope-francis-dies-aged-88-first-latin-american-pope-live-updates-latest-news-headlines/16670af8-dfe9-4ab3-b697-7856e153b82b
https://abcnews.go.com/International/popes-ages-facts/story?id=107776238#:~:text=However%2C%20although%20most%20popes%20select,of%20animals%20and%20the%20environment.
From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose
Welcome Back
It was lovely to see our students, staff and families back at school today. We look forward to a great term full of great learning experiences and growth. Please check our calendar of events to ensure you are aware of all the goings on this term.
Tuckshop News
I advise that our Tuckshop Coordinator, Yasmin Gillis has tended her resignation. Her last day will be Friday 2nd May. Yasmin has done a great job as our tuckshop coordinator this year. I thank her for a job well done and wish her all the best for her future endeavours. Please note that our tuckshop will operate as normal for the next 2 weeks. I am hopeful that we can make the necessary arrangements to continue its operation after that time.
School News
- I extend a welcome to pre-service teacher Lucy Hamilton (QUT), who is completing her 4-week placement with Mrs Cornell in Prep C.
- Next week, we welcome several principals and guests to assist us with our school review. This review forms part of our continuous school improvement journey, and I am sure that the insights they provide will be beneficial to our school.
ANZAC Day Parade
Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the World War One. To commemorate this special national day, I invite all staff and students to participate in the ANZAC Day Parade this Friday.
Students are to dress in their formal school uniform and assemble in the Caneland carpark (Matsuura Drive) no later than 8.15am. Either drop your child off in the allocated drop-off area or park in the upper-level car parking (P1) or and walk your child to the ground-level car park. Look for the St Mary’s flag and staff members in G16. The march will start at 8:30am and will proceed down Victoria, Wellington, Gordon, Macalister and Alfred Streets (a different route than last year). Following the march, our students will be collected in a new place, in the Mackay Central School’s grounds on Alfred St. For more information, please see the relevant maps that show assembly, the parade route and dispersal (X marks the pick-up spot).
Sacred Garden
Construction of our new Centenary Garden continues and once completed, this space will be a lovely and well-used feature of our school for many years to come.
Quote of the Week
“Be kind, for everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about."
-Wendy Mass
From our Assistant Principal: Religious Education
Easter Season
At Easter, we share the good news that Christ is Risen. He is alive and He lives in us and with us. As believers, we are filled with joy and hope. The news that Christ is Risen brings peace and hope and fills Easter celebrations with happiness. I hope that all of our students and their families had a wonderful Easter and got a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones.
It was lovely to begin our first day back sharing the news that “Christ is Risen’’ during an Easter liturgy celebration led by some of our year 6 students.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
Sacrament of Confirmation Workshops
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will begin with a parent/child workshop on Monday 19th May at 3:30pm at St Mary's School.
Our second workshop will be on Monday 2nd June at 3:30pm. Attendance at each of these events is required. We will meet in the school hall.
Please add the following dates to your calendar;
Confirmation | Confirmation | Eucharist Workshop 1 | Eucharist | Confirmation |
Monday 19th May | Monday 2nd June | Monday 21st July | Monday 4th August | Saturday 16th August |
Project Compassion Thanks
Throughout Lent our students have been thinking about others and donating to the Project Compassion Appeal with an emphasis on providing access to clean water for communities in need. It has been an amazing effort from all classes with $1805.40 raised.
In an act of solidarity with people who must cover many kilometres to access food, water, attend school or work, or flee from natural disaster or conflict, our students participated in a water carrying relay challenge today. It was a fun way to finish the term and make us think about people who don't have any fresh water near their homes and schools.
The class that raised the most money this year was 3P. As a reward they chose four staff members who would be their targets in a sponge throwing challenge. Thank you to Mrs Aslette, Mrs Lewis, Mrs Brand and Mr Brooks for being such good sports. Well done 3P for your fundraising efforts.
Prep to Year 2 Fun Run
All parents with students in Prep to Year 2 were sent an email today with details of approximate event times. Students are invited to wear their house colour shirt on this day with their sports shorts.
All parents and friends are most welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact the school office or send me an email simone_sibley@rok.catholic.edu.au
Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher
ANZAC Day Liturgy
Youth Mass & Children's Liturgy
PLEASE JOIN US!
St Mary's School will join with St Patrick's College to celebrate our Youth Mass on Saturday 26th April, St Mary's Church at 5pm. Children's Liturgy will be 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.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
Book Fair - Volunteers Needed
Please contact the school office if you can help.
Community News
