Week 10, Term 1 2025 - 1st April 2025

Principal's Reflection

This Term, most of our Year 1-6 students completed the ‘Rumble’s Quest’ wellbeing game.

Rumble’s Quest is a robust and reliable measure of social and emotional wellbeing for primary school children. It is presented as an engaging computer game that makes it easy for children to respond to questions in a natural way.  Your child may have come home talking about the game, which offers the school important insights we can use to tailor wellbeing initiatives and responses.

An executive summary of our 2025 results (compared to our 2024 results) is as follows;

Overall

• 322 students in Years 1-6 completed the game in mid-Term 1, 2025.
• Overall wellbeing has improved from 55 to 59 points. (Australian average is 50).
• Pleasingly, we have less students in the vulnerable range for overall wellbeing (8.1%, down to 7.5%).
• Supportive relationships, (particularly for boys), has declined.

Commitment to Learning

• Students report feeling better in class.
• There has been a slight increase of students not trying hard in class (3.9%, up to 6.2%)
• Nearly 1 in 5 students report that they have no one at home to talk to about school.

Positive Values

• Students report lower rates of wanting to help others.

Positive Identity

• Slight (positive) reductions in worry, perception of troubles and self-image.

Safe Protective Environment

• Students who ‘know where to get help and who from’, as well as ‘feeling safe at home and school’ have all slightly (negatively) declined.

Key Findings

• Our school’s wellbeing relies on strong relationships between students, staff, parents, and peers. Nurturing these connections fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and engaged.  Empowering parents to discuss school with their children strengthens the home-school partnership. Providing strategies for meaningful conversations ensures students feel supported both in and outside the classroom.  To that end, our school counsellor has provided some wonderfully practical tips for parents to refer to in this area.  See her article below.
• Academically, all students must be challenged and encouraged to try their best. When learning is engaging and expectations are high, students develop perseverance and a strong work ethic.
• Beyond academics, we remain committed to fostering compassion through charitable works and social justice initiatives, encouraging students to help others builds empathy and social responsibility.

By prioritising relationships, parental engagement, academic motivation and social awareness, we ensure St Mary’s school remains a place where students thrive—growing into confident, compassionate individuals ready to contribute to the world.

All the very best,

Wes Rose
Principal

From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose

School News
- Please note that Mr Rose is away this week on Long Service Leave. In his absence,        Mrs Battaia is acting principal.  Please contact her if you have any queries.
- This Tuesday, Mrs Sorbello will attend the regional Learning Support meeting.
- We welcome Leila Menso (Holy Spirit College), who is completing her Yr 10 work          experience placement with 3P this week.

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 First World War.  To commemorate this special national day, I invite all staff and students to participate in the ANZAC Day Parade in term 2, week 1 (Friday 25^th April). 

Students are to dress in their formal school uniform and assemble in the Caneland carpark (Matsuura Drive) from 8:00am.  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.  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, however has been interrupted by the wet weather.  I am sure that once completed, this space will be a lovely and well-used feature of our school for many years to come.

Quote of the Week

Prep 2026 Enrolments

2026 Prep Enrolments are open for new and existing families. If you have a sibling commencing Prep in 2026, please complete your enrolment application ASAP so we have an idea of sibling numbers.

Enrolments close on the 30th May 2025 and interviews will commence in Term 3.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

From our Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Lent Reflection & Project Compassion Update 

 As we near the end of this term, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our 2025 Project Compassion appeal. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have raised over $1000 so far this year! Your kindness and dedication are truly making a difference in the lives of those in need. Every dollar raised brings hope and support to communities around the world, and it is because of your efforts that this important work can continue. 

As we enter the final weeks of Lent, may this time of reflection and prayer strengthen our spirits, preparing us to embrace the joy of Easter towards the end of the holidays.   

This Friday at 8:45am, our school will gather for our ‘Way of the Cross’ liturgy, with 6C leading us as we walk through the story of Jesus on His journey to the Cross. A gentle reminder that only 6C and Prep will be dressing up this year. It promises to be a meaningful occasion for all of us.  

When we return to school after the Easter holidays, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, renewing our sense of hope and community.  

Thank you again for your generosity and commitment to Project Compassion. Wishing you all a peaceful and blessed Easter.  

Belinda van Lint 
Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Project Compassion - Fifth Week of Lent

The transformative work of Caritas Australia is only possible thanks to supporters like you and the dedication, passion, and resilience of our local partners, who tirelessly work to empower communities and create brighter futures.

In Vietnam, Caritas Australia’s partner programs, like I-SHINE, helped Lam, a young man with a disability, gain graphic design skills and start a successful freelance business, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

In Samoa, Caritas Australia works with Caritas Samoa to improve access to clean water and sanitation through initiatives like water tank installations, transforming health and well-being for families like Toefuata’iga’s.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Caritas Australia partners with Caritas Kongolo on the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program. This initiative equipped Irene, a single mother, with sewing and farming skills, enabling her to support her family and empower others in her community.

Through partnerships like these, Caritas Australia creates lasting change in communities across the globe.

Please donate to Project Compassion.
You can support Project Compassion using donation boxes in student classrooms, scanning the QR code, by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413. There are also envelopes available from your parish.

Caritas Classroom Tally

Sport News

Southern Suburbs Cross Country

Well done to our year 3-6 students who ran out the Southern Suburbs Cross Country today in very trying conditions. The track was full of puddles and mud and by the time the 12 year olds started it was also pouring rain.

Congratulations to the following students for their top 6 finish. They will now compete at the Mackay District trials next term.

Malachi Nyenuh, Alanna Oliver, Jessie Ricciardi, Ava Corrigan, Ewan Ruddick, Flynn Pearce, Nate Peady, Levi Otto and Nina Lucas.

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

Prep to Year 2 Fun Run - Save the Date

From our School Counsellor - Rumble's Quest

Dear parents and carers,

As you are aware, children in Year 1 – Year 6 participated in Rumble’s Quest, a computer-based assessment tool designed to measure children’s social-emotional wellbeing in the middle of term 1. As a result, data provided to St Mary’s leadership staff recommended looking at ways to encourage supportive relationships at school between students, staff, parents and peers. A strong, positive relationship between parents and the school fosters academic success, emotional well-being, and a sense of community. Please find below 5 meaningful ways you can get involved and support your child’s education:

1. Stay Connected & Informed

Attend parent-teacher conferences to stay updated on your child’s progress. Read school emails, newsletters, and updates to stay informed about important events. Follow the school’s social media or website for announcements and resources.

1. Engage in School Activities

Volunteer for school events, excursions, trips, or classroom activities when possible. Join the parent committee. Support school initiatives like book fairs, fundraisers, or cultural events.

1. Foster Open Communication

Encourage your child to share their school experiences, both positive and challenging. Reach out to teachers or school counsellors if you have concerns or questions. Work collaboratively with educators to support your child’s learning and emotional growth.

1. Create a Positive Learning Environment at Home

Set a regular routine for homework and study time. Encourage a love for learning through reading and curiosity-driven discussions. Model positive attitudes toward education and respect for teachers.

1. Support Social & Emotional Well-Being

Talk to your child about friendships, emotions, and school-related stress. Reinforce kindness, respect, and problem-solving skills. Connect with the school counsellor if your child needs additional support. By being engaged, supportive, and communicative, parents play a crucial role in creating a positive school environment where students feel encouraged to succeed. Your involvement—no matter how big or small—makes a difference!

If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. Together, we can make St Mary’s a nurturing place for all students.

Warm regards,

Mrs Deborah Quinn
School Counsellor

P&F News

TRIVIA NIGHT SPONSORSHIP

St Mary's Catholic Primary School is preparing for our upcoming Trivia Night Fundraiser to be held on Friday 6th June 2025.

We really appreciate the support from local businesses like yours, and we simply could not achieve the fundraising outcomes we do without your help. There are a number of ways you can assist this year in order to make our event a success. 

Click the link to sponsor now! 

https://events.humanitix.com/st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-2025-sponsorship

Student of the Week

Week 9, Term 1 Student Award Winners

Community News