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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
We are getting closer to the end of the school year each week and things are starting to head towards Christmas. Next week we start to begin our Advent work with the students and other activities as we head into this Holy time. At school we try to get the balance right where we remember the Christian celebration that this season marks and the commercial element of it.
International Day of Tolerance: This week we are marking the International Day of Tolerance on Wednesday November 16. "Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human." St Mary's school supports that all students should be treated the same no matter their beliefs, race or culture. Racism is not acceptable in our school as all students and families have the right to feel safe and respected. Students will be having lessons from the Racism No Way Resource. https://racismnoway.com.au/
In 2023, Naplan testing for Year 3 and Year 5 students is moving from May to March nationally. The testing window is 15–27 March. There is a set day for the writing component is the first test and takes place on March 15. (March 16 is a back up day for technical problems) As the other tests are adaptive and change according to each students progress through the test, they can be scheduled by the school throughout the testing window. We ask that parents note these dates so they are not away from school during this time.
Despite the weather this week, our Year 6 and Year 5 students have started their swimming program at Williamstown swimming beach. Our Year 5 and 6 students take part in the Nippers program run by Williamstown Surf Lifesaving.
Congratulations goes to Stephanie King and her partner Will who celebrated their wedding on Saturday Night. A big celebration was enjoyed by all. We congratulate them and wish them all the best for the future.
God bless
Anthony
St Mary's Families Supporting Each Other
Financially: Did you know that families often financially donate to support other families. This may come in the form of offering to pay for another families school fees, camp fees or other costs. We cannot give money to another family directly, however we can use that money to supplement their school fees, camp fees etc.)To support another family in our school, use our normal bank account with a reference;
ST MARY'S FAMILY SUPPORT DONATION
Bank Account BSB 083 347 Account Number: 658206494
Second Hand Uniform Shop: Many families donate old uniforms to our second hand shop. These second hand uniforms are either resold or donated to families in our school.
Book Exchange: Did you know we have a book exchange near the entry of our school? Many families use this to donate and swap books.
St Mary's Parish School Building fund (Tax Deductable) You may also choose to support the school by making a donation to the St Mary's Parish School Building Fund. All donations to this fund are tax deductable. Funds can only be spent on a set criteria which include building maintenance, repair, replacement or a new building. BSB: 083 347 Account Number: 153900034
2023 Camp Program and Fee Levy
2023 Camp Program & Fee Levy
Dear families
The 2022 Camp Program has been a great experience for the students at St Mary’s and we are very excited for the 2023 Camp Program. We have reviewed the camp experiences and had to make some changes to the Year 4, 5 & 6 camps.
Year 4- Changed from Urban Camp to Boomerang Ranch
This will give our students a country experience which includes horse riding as one of the main activities.
Year 5- Changed from YMCA to Candlebark Farm
YMCA were unable to accommodate our needs in 2023. Candlebark Farm offers outdoor activities and a day at Healesville Sanctuary.
Year 6 - Changed from 5 days to 4 days. Bus up to Canberra and plane back to Melbourne.
We have revised the Canberra trip and made the decision to travel for 4 days. Whilst traveling time is reduced, the students will still participate in all the activities and experiences.
Below are the dates and information for the camps planned for 2023.
Year Level |
2023 Camp Program |
Fee Levy |
Prep |
Term 4- Breakfast at school |
*N/A |
Yr 1/ 2 |
Term 4- Big Day Out |
*N/A |
Yr 3 |
Term 3- School sleepover 1 night |
$30 |
Yr 4 |
Term 4- 1 night camp Boomerang Ranch 19th-20th October |
$190 |
Yr 5 |
Term 1- 2 nights camp Candlebark Farm 27th Feb- 1st March |
$440
|
Yr 6 |
Term 2- 4 nights camp Canberra 1st -4th May |
$880 |
*Cost is included in the Student levy
Faith News - School and Parish Connection
Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Luke 21:5-19
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said,
“All that you see here, the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.”
Remembrance Day Service
Thank you to this amazing group for leading the school in a very reverent Remembrance Day Service
On Friday, Max, James, Jacob, Tia, Ava, Lachie and Curtis led the school in a Remembrance Day service in the school hall. Our readers, read beautifully and Lachlie and Curtis ensured the slideshow was timed to perfection. Their leadership set the tone for the rest of the school who followed their lead and made sure the service was very reverent.
Thank you to the parents who attended.
Sacrament Programs for 2023
Reconciliation - Year 3 Students
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Church celebrates Jesus’ gift of forgiveness. Through their preparation, the Year 3 students will explore their ability of making good choices and the importance of forgiveness.
Next year, the children in Year 3 will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Term 2. At St Mary’s this a very intimate celebration with the candidate’s family and Fr Greg. Each candidate will need to book in for a ten minute session. Further information about booking a time will be shared in Term 2 next year.
The dates are as follows:
Tuesday 20th June 2023 - 4:00 - 6:00pm
Wednesday 21st June 2023 -4:00 - 6:00pm
Friday 22nd June 2023 - 4:00 - 6:00pm
Saturday 23rd June 2023 - 10:00 -12:00 am
First Eucharist - Year 4 Students
Eucharist is the Sacrament that completes the process of initiation and is when the students can fully participate in the Eucharist by receiving Holy Communion. Eucharist is unique among the sacraments as it at the heart of our faith. The Eucharist, or Mass is the most powerful way we encounter the presence of Jesus Christ.
Next Year, the students in Year 4 at St Mary’s will receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist in Term 2. There will be one Mass for each Year 4 class. This will be the 10:30 Sunday Mass. Once classes and teachers for 2023 have been confirmed, a Mass date will be assigned to each class. Further Information about the program and requirements will be provided next year.
The Dates are as follows:
Sunday 28th May 2023 - 10:30 am
Sunday 4th June 20232 - 10:30 am
Confirmation - Year 6 Students
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of initiation. Confirmation completes Baptism, by which, in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism oil, the students are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely. In their preparation for receiving this sacrament, the students will be reminded of their participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus.
Next Year, the students in Year 6 at St Mary’s will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in Term 3. There will be one Mass for each Year 6 class. This will be held on a weeknight at 6:00 pm. Once classes and teachers for 2023 have been confirmed, a Mass date will be assigned to each class. Further Information about the program and requirements will be provided next year.
The Dates are as follows:
Tuesday 22nd August 2023 - 6:00pm
Wednesday 23rd August 2023 - 6:00pm
Important dates to Remember for Term 4
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
First Advent Liturgy Parents Welcome |
25th Nov |
3:00 |
Church |
Prep 2023 Welcome Mass |
27th Nov |
10:30 |
Church |
Seniors Mass |
2nd Dec |
11:30 |
Church - Yr 4 |
Second Advent Liturgy Parents Welcome |
2nd Dec |
3:00 |
Church |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
8th Dec |
9:15 |
Church |
Third Advent Liturgy Parents Welcome |
9th Dec |
3:00 |
Church |
End of Year Mass |
15th December |
11:40 |
Church |
MEMORIAL MASS FOR RECENTLY DECEASED
Racism No Way!
Racism is an issue that has been experienced in our school community at St Mary’s. To educate and support our students and families we will be using the ‘Racism No Way!’ resource in our school.
Today is International Day of Tolerance and the students will be participating in class and buddy activities that recognise and address racial issues. In doing this work we hope to make a difference in the lives of the students and families in our community.
Wednesday 16th November is International Day of Tolerance
"Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human."
Planning for 2023
With 2023 fast approaching, the P&F Association is busily planning the activities for 2023. Many thanks to the following people who have once again agreed to coordinate the following activities for 2023:
St Mary’s Pantry - Kitty Colton
Shrove Tuesday - Annette Bakker
Icy Poles - Monika McKellar
Easter Raffle - Ness Meikle
Jogathon - Amanda Osuchowski & Clare Beckton
Scholastic Book Club - Jacqui Pace
Second Hand Uniforms - Sherrine McInerney & Meagan Bourke
Maclean Reserve Roster - Nicole Bennett
We are currently looking for coordinators for the following proposed Term 1 activities:
Prep welcome Morning Tea for first day of school
Parents Cocktail Party
If you would like to coordinate either of these events, please let either Bianca Paton or Victoria Crowe know and we will be in contact in the New Year.
MacLean Reserve Roster - Next Week
Monday 21st November - Mirielle Constantine-Eid 3E
Tuesday 22nd November - Natalie Reynolds G5
Wednesday 23rd November - Liz Sleeman/Jeremy Turner G3
Thursday 24th November - Diem Hoang
Friday 25th November - Amy Frendo 6B
Sign up for next year:
A very big Thank you to those parents who are currently on the Maclean Reserve Roster and a very warm welcome to all our new families who are thinking about assisting for the first time.
The Maclean Reserve roster involves collecting rubbish from the Reserve to keep the area safe and clean for our students who use ‘the green’. It takes 10-15 minutes anytime between 8.30 - 10.45am on your rostered date.
We are trialing Signup Genius as an alternative to the paper forms to populate the Term 1, 2023 roster, and hope that this will assist people who would like to be involved to manage their time.
If you can spare 10-15 minutes once or twice a term, please nominate some dates using the Signup Genius form by 24th November. Please note that if you are currently on the roster, please complete the Signup Genius form also to nominate the dates you would like. The link is below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA5A82DA3F4C07-maclean
May thanks to our volunteers.
The Fair Committee is working very hard behind the scenes to come up with an alternative date for the Fair. No alternative date will suit all stakeholders and suppliers, so please be patient while the committee works through the alternative dates. We will communicate the future arrangements with the school community as soon as possible…..so stay turned.
At this point in time, the P&F Association dinner & drinks event will still be on Monday 28th November, 6.30pm, however we are still waiting for an alternative date for the Fair, so we will keep you updated if this event changes. The event is free to enter, however places are limited, so please secure your spot early by booking through the Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CDYIE
The next 2nd hand uniform shop has been postponed until after the Fair, but will be back on Wednesday 16th November, from 8:30-9:30am in the hall. Uniforms can still be ordered at any time by emailing Sherrine and Meagan at uniformspf@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
What’s happening in the 4th Term?
This is just a snapshot of what the P&F Association has planned for the fourth term.
Date |
What’s happening |
Wednesday 16th November (8.30am - 9.30am) |
2nd Hand Uniform Sales (School Hall) |
Monday 28th November (6.30pm - 9.30pm) |
P&F End of Year Christmas Evening (Customs House Hotel) |
Wednesday 30th November (8.30am - 9.30am) |
2nd Hand Uniform Sales (School Hall) |