Term 2, Week 10 2025 - 24th June 2025
Principal's Reflection
Celebrating All Kinds of Brilliance
The cartoon above, inspired by the great Albert Einstein, offers a powerful message: "For a fair selection, everybody has to take the same exam—please climb that tree." Before the examiner sits a monkey, an elephant, a penguin, a goldfish, a seal, a dog and a bird. The challenge is the same, but the capabilities of each animal differ vastly. What appears to be “fair” is, in fact, deeply unfair.
At St Mary’s school, we are committed to recognising that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests and ways of learning. A one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t allow every learner to shine. That’s why the overall growth of individuals, nurturing academic, emotional, social, physical and spiritual development—is at the heart of what we do.
We believe that intelligence is diverse. It might look like creative expression in the arts, problem-solving in mathematics, leadership on the playground, compassion shown in the classroom, or resilience in overcoming personal challenges. Our goal is to help each child discover and grow their own set of strengths and to feel deeply valued for who they are.
Holistic education prepares students not just for exams, but for life. It fosters a love of learning, confidence, curiosity and a sense of purpose. It ensures children aren’t judged by a single measure, but celebrated for the whole person they are becoming.
Let’s keep encouraging our children to find their tree—and to climb it in their own wonderful way.
All the very best,
Wes Rose
Principal
From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose
School News
- Our Year 6 students enjoyed their excursion to Cape Hillsborough today. On this trip, they learnt about the significant indigenous connection to the area, and enjoyed the natural beauty it has to offer. Thank you to the staff and parents who accompanied our children.
- We have 54 students representing St Mary’s at tomorrow’s Southern Suburbs Athletics Carnival. I wish them all the best for their track and field events. I am convening this carnival, with Mrs Sibley, Mrs Sorbello, Mrs Ahwong and Mrs McGovern also assisting.
- I advise that Semester 1 reports will ‘go live’ on Parent Lounge or via the Parent Orbit App this Thursday afternoon. I ask all families to make plans to access these reports and discuss them with their child.
- I will be away this Friday, attending the 125th celebrations for St Joseph’s Catholic School, Clermont. I was previously principal of this school, and it will be great to visit Clermont to celebrate with that school community.
- All the best to the many students who are attending the Tom Dearden Rugby League Gala Day and the Netball Gala Day. Thank you to Mrs van Lint, Mrs Sorbello, Mr Clancy, Mr Townsend and Miss Graham who are accompanying our students.
- I wish all families all the best for the school holidays. School resumes on Monday 14th July.
School Uniform Guidelines – Update
I advise that following consultation by our school board, please see below a copy of our updated Uniform Guidelines. Minor changes have been made, and I ask all families to familiarise themselves with the guidelines. A summary of amendments include;
- Boys formal uniform - plain white ‘crew’ socks to be worn (please note, that this will be phased in throughout 2025, i.e. boys can wear grey or plain white ‘crew’ socks for the remainder of 2025. From 2026, all boys to wear plain white ‘crew’ socks.)
- No make up to be worn.
- Jewellery and hair accessories to be minimal and in line with the guideline.
- Parents, please read through the hairstyle expectations in the guidelines and advise your child’s hairdresser of what is appropriate.
Position Vacant – Parish Office Secretary
The South Mackay Cluster is recruiting for a new Cluster Secretary. The Secretary plays a crucial role in carrying out the office administration for the South Mackay Cluster. Working closely with the Priests, liturgical teams, and schools, the Secretary is responsible for the preparation of sacraments, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and supporting sacramental programs. The role also involves a broad range of administration tasks, including answering the phones, monitoring emails, collecting and distributing mail, and weekly liturgical preparation.
This is a full-time position (38 hours per week), remunerated under the Clerks Private Sector Award, based in the Cluster Office (St Mary's Parish Centre). For a copy of the position description or to apply, please email Human Resources at hr@rok.catholic.net.au. Applications should include a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, and a current resume with two professional referees. Applications should be submitted by 10am on Tuesday, 24th June 2025. As we are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults-at-risk, a national criminal history check is required for this role.
Parish News – Priestly Appointment
Bishop Michael has made some changes to the priests of the Southern Cluster Parish. Beginning 5th July, Fr Sijo has been appointed as an assistant priest, alongside Fr Matthias. Fr Anthony, who has been an assistant Priest in our Parish for the past 18 months, is moving to Bundaberg. I thank Fr Anthony for his ministry in our Parish and school and wish him all the best for his new ministry in Bundy.
Quote of the Week
“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit."
- Banksy
From the Office - Important Reminders
- Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am-3:30pm
- If you have had any recent changes to your personal details, please update through the Parent Orbit App or Parent Lounge on our school website.
- All medications administered during school hours require a completed medication form available from the office. All medication must be brought into the office by a parent and labelled by a pharmacist with your student's name and dosage. This includes over-the-counter medication (e.g. Panadol).
- Please inform staff of any student allergies.
- Students who arrive late to school or are collected before 3pm, are to sign in/out at the School Office so the school roll can be updated.
- If your child is absent from school, the school must be notified before 9am. Our preferred way of notification is via the Parent Orbit App. Please see details below on how to download this app. Parents can also use our designated absentee phone number 4994 8271 or email SMM_Absences@rok.catholic.edu.au to inform the school if your student is to be absent.
Sport News
Junior Athletics Carnival Reminder
Senior Athletics Carnival Age Champions
We would like to congratulate the following sporting superstars for achieving 2025 St Mary's Athletics Age Champion:
Emilie F, Oliver M, Alanna O, Malachi N, Ava C, Rohan T, Lexie M and Flynn P. Well done everyone!
Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher
Year 3 Excursion
Last week, our Year 3 students enjoyed a fantastic morning excursion to the beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens! This enriching experience supported our History, Geography, and Science units from Semester One.
Students explored natural, managed, and constructed features of the gardens, observed a variety of plants and animals, and worked through an activity booklet filled with engaging tasks and concepts. A big thank you to the parent helpers who joined us and helped during our excursion.
Student of the Week
Week 9, Term 2 Student Award Winners
| Prep C | Tess | For your fantastic effort with writing this week, Tess! You are working hard to create interesting sentences and confidently sounding out tricky words. Keep up the great work! |
| Prep C | Henri | For your amazing reading in Boost this week! You're reading with greater fluency, blending your words well, and using expression that your group is really enjoying. Keep it up! |
| Prep R | Jayden | For being a lovely addition to Prep R. Thank you for following instructions, trying super hard and being a wonderful new friend in Prep R. |
| Prep R | Rumi | For working hard on open-ended problem-solving tasks in maths. You are solving tricky problems like a maths wizard. Keep up the amazing work! |
| 1B | Mia | For the wonderful sentences you have been writing. You are using different sentence starters, adding detail and using punctuation. Well done Mia! |
| 1B | Nikolas | For the persistence you showed when looking for patterns in the number chart to find where your numbers went. The light bulb moment when you worked them out was a joy to see. |
| 1C | George | For your superb mathematical skills! You use your quick recall and forward thinking to eagerly participate in math lessons. You love solving number patterns and worded problems and enjoy helping others to do the same. Keep up the outstanding effort George! |
| 1C | Charlize | For your participation this week across all subject areas. Your teachers loved the way you volunteered to answer questions, demonstrated your learning on the board, and engaged in role play. Wow Charlize, what a super effort! |
| 2A | Thea | For the hard work and effort you have put into developing your knowledge of place value. I am so proud of you. Keep up the great work Thea! |
| 2A | George | For the cracker week you have had. You have been focused, engaged and excited about your learning this week. I love seeing that big smile on your face when you have tackled a challenge. Keep being you George! |
| 2L | Zoey | Zoey your teacher is super-impressed with your efforts in mathematics this week! You are focused, you are persistent, you are determined….you are AMAZING! |
| 2L | Willem | Your teacher enjoyed your narrative about 'Jeffrey the Crying Baby'. What an emotional roller-coaster ride it was! Who knew one baby could have so many complications? Your writing has improved this term! Well done! |
| 3M | Ainnah | For always being prepared and ready for lessons to begin. You organise your materials well and start your work straight away. Keep it up. |
| 3M | Lincoln | For working hard to complete your work in class. We are so proud to see you trying your best. Keep it up, Lincoln. |
| 3P | Porsha | For the focus and effort you have put into all our maths lessons and activities. Your hard work and persistence are really paying off. Keep up the super work Porsha! |
| 3P | Livie | For your fantastic ideas during our poetry lessons and your clever use of rhyming words. Thank you for your creativity, focus, and effort. Keep up the great work – your imagination and persistence are shining through! |
| 4G | Charlotte | For helping so diligently around the classroom, to make activities run smoothly. You are a mature and valued member of the class. |
| 4G | Reuben | For coming into the classroom ready to learn each and every day. You are a great role model for your peers. Keep it up! |
| 4R | Isla | For demonstrating a positive attitude toward completing assessment tasks. You've shown great focus by listening carefully to instructions and putting in your best effort to complete your work efficiently. Great effort Isla! |
| 4R | Chet | For your recent efforts to make good choices in the classroom. Your vibrant spirit and sense of humour bring a wonderful energy to our learning environment. Well done, and keep up the good work Chet! |
| 5C | Indie | For your outstanding contributions to visual arts throughout the term. Indie your artwork has consistently showcased remarkable attention to detail, a profound understanding of artistic principles, and a unique creative vision. |
| 5C | Nate | For your positive attitude, consistently staying on task and showing a genuine commitment your learning this week. Keep up the great work Nate! |
| 5C | Macy | For your excellent understanding of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Your grasp of sentence structures has enhanced your writing clarity and showcases your dedication to learning. Keep up the great work! |
| 5F | Jayda | For your concerted effort in completing your Venn diagram assessment in Science and your focus in our Religion jigsaw activity. You started straight away, setting a great example for your group. Well done and keep up the great work! |
| 5F | Rohan | For displaying confidence in reading another group’s notes to the class during our Religion lesson this week. Your willingness to step up and contribute to our discussion on The Holy Spirit showed great leadership and support for your peers. Well done! |
| 6C | Millie | For your ongoing commitment to all of your work. It is great to see you persevering with set tasks and showing your true capabilities. Great work Millie! |
| 6C | Aliyah | For your organisation and commitment to your group's Caritas stall. It was great to see the way you managed your time to ensure your contributions to your stall were met, even in your absence. Well done Aliyah! |
| 6T | Mark | For your enthusiasm and persistence demonstrated during our Caritas stalls. Your leadership skills in running your stall were outstanding. Well done, Mark! |
| 6T | Nina | For consistently demonstrating organisation and readiness to learn. Your commitment to giving 100% effort in all tasks is truly commendable. Well done, Nina! |
Community News
To apply please click on this link. https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1385