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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
This week we begin our Advent Preparation. Please join us in the Church at 3:15 this Friday for our first Advent Liturgy.
Advent is a four week season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and it always has a theme of looking towards the future coming of Christ at the end times. One of the prayers of the early Church which is linked with the season of waiting and longing, was the Aramaic word 'MARANATHA', which means 'Come Lord'. Use this prayer often this week as one way to begin preparation for Christmas.
Prayer at the lighting of the first candle
God of our waiting,
We light this candle to remind us of the great promise that your Son, Jesus, will be born anew among us.
We pray that you may deepen our awareness of the mystery of God in our lives, as revealed in your Son, Jesus.
COME LORD, A LIGHT PIERCES THE NIGHT!
Stay awake, you must be ready
Matthew 24:37-44
School Fair: By now everyone should know that the School Fair has been rescheduled for Friday December 9 as a Twilight event. A huge thank you to the Fair committee who have been able to pivot such an event so quickly. It is also the Night of the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce event so there will be a real buzz in the air in Williamstown. Our Fair will run from 3:45 to 8pm. We encourage families to collect their children at 2pm to allow us to set up the grounds. We will still supervise any children who cannot be picked up at the school, but if we have a few free staff we can help out with the set up too.
This week we also have our final School Board meeting for the year. I thank our Board Members for all the work they have done this year and the support and advice they offer. It is something we really value as a school. Thanks to Julie Carey (Chair) Elaine Garner, Martin Griffin, Marcia English, Steven Sagona and Lisa Rogers.
Prep Mass this Sunday. This Sunday we have our Prep Mass at 10:30. It also marks when we welcome new families to our school as the 2023 families are also invited to this ceremony
Covid. After many weeks of no cases, we are starting to get a few covid cases going through the school. I know of one local school that had eight teachers off last week. Can I remind families to please do the Covid test if your child has any symptoms and please keep them home if they are unwell. If your child does have covid, please notify the school as we still have processes where we have to notify Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic schools who then have to notify the Health Department. No names are mentioned, it si just tracking numbers of cases.
God Bless
Anthony
Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Religious Education Survey
Dear Parent,
Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools (MACS) seek your input into a review currently being undertaken on the Religious Education (RE) Curriculum in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Review is being led by Ms Netina Giacco, Professor John Haldane and Professor Gerard O’Shea.
A crucial part of this review is learning from the perspectives of school parents. To gather that input, MACS warmly encourage you to complete a survey on RE in Catholic schools.
The survey can be accessed and completed via this link: https://onlinesurvey.cecv.catholic.edu.au/surveys/2022-RE-Curriculum-Review-Survey
The survey questions are broad and open-ended, in order to allow you to provide as much or as little input as you feel appropriate. You can complete it with any, and varying, level of detail - as you see fit.
Contribution to the survey will be anonymous, although the survey does request some demographic information about you, in order to contextualise results.
In acknowledging the challenges and pressures on everyone at this time of year, the deadline for responses has been set to 20 December 2022.
MACS are grateful for your assistance and support in this important work.
2023 Camp Program and 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
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 |
3pm - 3.15pm |
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 |
Medical Updates for Primary Schools
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools has made updates to Medical Authority in Schools.
The updates require parents to complete a Medical Authority Form when their child requires medication at school. This form must be completed and signed by a Health Practitioner (Doctor, Pharmacist or Nurse).
Examples for when this form would be needed is if your child requires allergy medication such as Claratyne, regular daily medication such as Ritalin or a course of antibiotics.
You do not need to complete this form if your child has a management plan such as Anaphylaxis or Asthma.
A copy of the form is attached and there are copies in the office.
If you have any further questions please contact Michelle Ristovski or Madeleine Grace
MEMORIAL MASS FOR RECENTLY DECEASED
The last P&F Association event for the year will be dinner & drinks on Monday 28th November, starting 6.30pm. This invitation is open to all school parents, however places are limited, so please secure your spot early by booking through the Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CDYIE
WE HAVE A NEW DATE!
The St Mary’s Primary School Fabulous Family Fair will now be held on Friday 9th December as a twilight event from 3.45pm - 8.00pm. Super fun and easy for kids to go from school to the Fair!!
What to expect - rides, cakes, entertainment, BBQ, lucky-dip, buy-a-bottle, choc-toss and more. The major raffle will be drawn on the 9th for the 22 beautiful hampers on offer. The bar will be open and the entertainment swinging!
If you have purchased Ride Wristbands these will be issued on 9th December. If you have purchased a wrist band, and can no longer attend, you can request a refund from David Velardo via treasurer@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Christmas shopping event the same evening and both the school and COC are supportive of both events bringing more trade into Williamstown that night.
We can't believe we have found a new date and we all want this to be a magical evening for the kids. Thank you again for your ongoing support, commitment and patience.
Any questions please email fair@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
Maclean Reserve Roster - Next Week
Monday 28th November - Susannah Andrews
Tuesday 29th November - Jenny Dzomba 5H
Wednesday 30th November - Natasha Alatan Prep L
Thursday 1st December - Courtney Stubberfield Prep L
Friday 2nd December - Suzie Hoey 5C
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.
There are only 15 slots left to fill for the first term 2023, so it would be great if all volunteers could use the link below and choose their own date. The link is below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA5A82DA3F4C07-maclean
Many thanks to our volunteers.
The next 2nd hand uniform shop has been postponed until after the Fair, but will be back on Wednesday 30th 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 2022 and 1st Term 2023?
Date |
What’s happening |
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) |
Friday 9th December (3.45pm - 8pm) |
St Mary’s Fabulous Family Fair twilight event (Robertson Reserve and school grounds) |
Friday 9th December |
St Mary’s Fabulous Fair Raffle Drawn |
2023 |
|
Monday 30th January (9am) |
Prep parent welcome morning tea (School Hall) |
Monday 13th February (TBA) |
P&F Association AGM (TBA) |
Tuesday 21st February |
Shrove Tuesday Pancakes |
Wednesday 5th April (Proposed) |
Easter Raffle Drawn |