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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community.
Advent Prayer for Week 3
Let us pray
God, let our hearts rejoice and our spirits dance as we live hope filled lives known we are deeply loved by you ,
Help us to spread the Kingdom of God throughout our communities and within our families as we wait for Christ, Emmanuel
this Advent.
Amen
Our Fabulous Fair: The students are very excited for Our Fabulous Fair this Friday 3:45 to 8 pm. This time we are blessed with good weather so it is all go. Thank you to teh comittee, led by Jemima Bowen, who have been planning for months. We hope to see everybody there.
If you have not signed up to help out, please use this link to put your name down.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e45aea62ea6fac70-stmarys2
Step Up Day: This Friday we have Step Up Day where students get to meet their new teacher. A parent said to me recently about how parents play an important role on that day by being positive about which ever class they are in. Teachers spend many hours trying to get the balance right. Trying to move one student can sometimes mean four other students must move as friendships, gender, academic ability, supports and other factors are taken into consideration. Class lists are now finalised.
Staffing for 2023
Prep Charlotte Lipnicki (4 days) Kerri Gunn (1 Day)
Prep Danielle Salpigtidis
1/2 Danielle Mahony
1/2 Michelle Ebinger
1/2 Melissa Cowan (4 days) Kerri Gunn (1 Day)
Year 3 Jess Daaboul
Year 3 Jenny Sutton (3 days) Jordan Lovett (2 Days)
Year 4 James Howat
Year 4 Michelle Ristovski (3 days) Lucy McCarty-Hill (2 days)
Year 5 Kieran Condon
Year 5 Stephanie King-shipp
Year 6 Daryl Marmion
Year 6 Laura Banks
PE Teachers Karoline Cook Jordan Lovett
Art Teacher: Jenny Sutton
STEM: Brittany Rickman
Dance: Gina Coetzee
Italian: Melissa Edmonds
Lego Therapy/ Sustainability: Melissa Cowan.
Learning Support Coordinator: Hannah Power
Learning Enhancement: Rebecca Backman and Brittany Rickman
Learning Support Staff: Michelle Dunn, Donna Scerri, Mimma Cutroni, Michael Pehm, Catherine Anicic, Kristina Fortuna, Cathy Serovski
Library Staff: Deb Styzinski, Helen Tucker
Administration Team Gemma Marshall, Madeleine Grace, Sherralee O'Reilly
Maintenance: Stephen Donald
IT Support: Tony Jewers, Nick Falkenberg (Source Central)
Business Manager: Gavin Hatch
Psychologist Ebony Puopolo
Speech Pathologist: TBA (Speech Pathology for Schools)
Leadership Team. Anthony Hockey, Laura Graham (Curriculum and Literacy), Michelle Ristovski (Well being), Charlotte Lipnicki (Faith Formation) Brittany Rickman (Mathematics), Hannah Power. (Learning Support)
Staffing News:
This week we say good bye to Violetta Bassovitch, our Speech Pathologist, who is going on maternity leave in 2023. We wish Violetta all the best for this exciting time in her life. The school works with Speech Pathology for Schools and they will appoint a new Speech Pathologist for the school.
We will also be saying goodbye to Laura Baker at the end of the year, who also leaves us for maternity leave in 2023. We also wish her all the best and hope to see her back at St Mary's in the future.
(yes, we think there is something in the water too)
Another staff member we are saying goodbye to is our Learning Support Officer Kylie Neilson. Kylie has been working with us for a number of years supporting our students with need. We wish her all the best for her future endeavours.
Changes to Before School Care in 2023. Williamstown Primary school have changed their Before and After School Care supplier and are now using Team Kids. We have spoken to TeamKids and they are in no position to take on our After School Care and we do not have the numbers to run before school care here. This means that if families now wish to use before school care, they will need to use Team Kids https://teamkids.com.au/for Before School Care and OSHCLUB for After School Care. TeamKids will bring the students to our school in the morning as already happens currently. We know this is not convenient and we have tried to find an answer, however on our present numbers we have limited options.
Covid Reminder;
With Covid Numbers increasing, a reminder of the latest advice.
1. Parents/carers should inform the school by phone or written notification if a student tests positive to COVID-19 (via a PCR or rapid antigen test).
2. Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test should be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning.
3. There is no longer a requirement for Principals to inform the school community of a positive case associated with the school.
God Bless
Anthony
Week 10
Week 11
2023
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 |
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
The registration form for Icy Pole roster (Term 1 2023) will close this Thursday 8th December. We are attempting to go digital with the collection of information, so if you would like to be a part of the Icy Pole roster for Term 1 2023, click on the link below to fill in the Google-form:
https://forms.gle/6ybH59JgCAUSR7x57
MacLean Reserve Roster - Next Week
Monday 12th December - Michelle O’Mahoney Prep L
Tuesday 13th December - Maria Butterfield 3S
Wednesday 14th December - Hannah Hage 3E
Thursday 15th December - Mirielle Constantine-Eid 3E
Many thanks to our volunteers who have contributed to this roster in 2022, and a very special thank-you to Nicole Bennett for her continued dedication over the last 12 years to this roster.
What’s happening in the 4th Term 2022 and 1st Term 2023?
Date |
What’s happening |
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 |
It’s FINALLY HERE - Fair Week!!!
The weather is all clear for a great evening on Friday 9th December, 3.45pm - 8pm within the school grounds and Robertson Reserve.
Things to remember this week
-
URGENT - review volunteer sign up sheet for any shifts that still need to be filled
-
Pre-purchase all day ride tickets by 7th December
-
Pre-purchase your raffle tickets by 8th November
-
Pre-purchase your showbags by 7th December
-
Drop off cake pledges on Friday 9th December anytime between 9am - 3pm or Thursday 8th December between 3.30pm - 5.30pm
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Organise kids performance outfits
-
Send in ASAP your eskie pledge to fair@smwilliamstown.catholic.
edu.au
Thank you again for your ongoing support, commitment and patience.
Any questions please email fair@smwilliamstown.catholic.
Volunteer Sign Ups - HELP URGENTLY NEEDED
With only two days to go we still have 36 shifts to fill.
Thank you to everyone that has signed up to date Volunteers, We still don’t have enough volunteers to run each of the stalls even with a reduced number of stalls, please sign up for a shift!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/
Grab a friend and sign up together. It is a great way to contribute to a fun community based event.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Raffle Tickets - Purchase by Thursday
This has to be the BIGGEST most extreme raffle we have ever pulled together, thank you to all of our donors and contributors. Get your tickets early through CDF Pay so you don’t miss out!
There are a whopping 22 hampers to win on the day, winners will be announced at 7.00pm on Friday 9th December on the stage. Lucky winners will be called to the stage to select and collect their prize. If you have headed home for the day we will hold your prize to be collected from school.
Major prizes include
-
Signed Western Bulldogs Jersey by 2022 Team (valued at $500) will come framed with a certificate of authenticity
-
Emporio Armani watch (valued at $449)
-
Husky Counter Fridge (valued at $429)
-
10kg Cadbury Chocolate Block
-
10kg Toblerone Chocolate Block
-
Hemp Co Australia, Hemp skin care kits (valued at $199)
Some people have been asking for a bit more detail of the 22 hampers so please find the list below:
-
Cooking and Garden Hamper - includes variety of cookbooks, seedlings, utensils and crockery
-
Kids (boy) Hamper - includes a variety of toys, craft and books
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Kids (girl) Hamper - includes a variety toys, craft and books
-
Pandora Hamper - includes bath products, a Pandora ring and $30 Silk Body Voucher
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Ladies Hamper 1- includes hand and body products, Versaci perfume and a Nelson Nails manicure voucher.
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Ladies Hamper 2 - includes Mimco perfume, Royal Doulton Candle, Aesop products and ladies’ fashion scarf
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Ladies Hamper 3 - includes picture frames & coffee mug set, handbag and Nelson Nails manicure voucher
-
Candle making kit - includes a Luxury Candles Supplies (LCS) candle making starter kit
-
Wine Hamper - includes a Bottle of Red Wine, 4 x matching wine glasses and $70 Ricardo's Hairdresser Voucher
-
Toddler - includes a Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stage BBQ, Jake and The Neverland Pirate Ship, various story books and kids parachute game
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Hemp & Co pack 1 - includes $30 silk body voucher
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Hemp & co pack 2 - includes $50 national pharmacy voucher
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Mens Hamper - includes books, James Boags Beer glass set and a $130 Royal Yacht Club of Victoria Membership Voucher
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Kitchen Hamper - includes white crockery set, utensils and a $25 Interia voucher
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Lego Hamper 2 - includes Harry Potter Lego, Williamstown Juniors Football Club Merchandise
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Lego Hamper 1- includes Junior Lego City, craft and Williamstown Football Club football, socks and scarf
-
Youth Voucher Hamper - includes craft & Essendon Football Club beanie and Football, plus a $20 apple & $30 Sports Power Voucher
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Collingwood footy pack - includes junior legends series football jumper, merchandise and picnic rug
-
Board games Hamper 1 - includes a variety of board games and Williamstown Cannons Basketball merchandise
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Board games Hamper 2 - includes a variety of board games and Williamstown Cannons Basketball merchandise
-
Tulle Hamper - includes $100 tulle voucher pack
-
Hobsons Bay Yacht club sack - includes $130 voucher
Purchase your tickets today!!!
Rides pre-sale wristbands close this Thursday
Pre-sales of ride wristbands are now available on CDF Pay at a discounted rate until Thursday 8th December of $30. All day ride tickets are a great way to keep the kids entertained all day. Wristbands entitle your child to keep on riding as much as they want, on any ride!! All day wristbands are $35 on the day and single rides are $7.
Rides available:
-
Giant Slide
-
Tea Cups
-
Sizzler
-
Bad boys
-
Laser Tag
You will find the link under Fair in CDF Pay via the schoolzine app.
Pre-purchased wristbands can be collected from the Rides Stall from 3.30pm Friday 9th December.
Showbags special pre-sale!
A Fair classic is the glorious showbag, coming back to 2022 but this year we have some exciting news. This year St Mary’s Fabulous Family Fair will be the first to trial a pre-sale system where kids can choose from a much wider range of showbags and then collect them on the day.
Simply use our specific URL https://stmarys.showbagworld.
Complete your order by Wednesday 7th December 5.00pm and you can collect your showbags from the showbag stall on Friday evening at your convenience.
Avoid the rush and don’t miss out on a bag you are desperate to get your hands on. Order Today!m If you can’t collect your pre-ordered showbag at the Fair these will be available for collection at school the following week.
ESKIES
Do you have an esky at home? We need a total of 15 Eskies or camping fridges on loan for the school fair. If you are able to borrow for the day these can be dropped off on Thursday 8th December or Friday 9th December before 1pm.
They need to be clearly labeled, clean and we will return them in the same state to be collected from school the week commencing 12th December. If you have already submitted a pledge previously just please drop these off, if you have submitted a pledge and can no longer provide the eskie please contact me on the email below.
Please email fair@smwilliamstown.catholic.
Cake Pledges
Thank you to everyone that has been able to pledge a cake stall item, you should have received an update from Karen Vella with instructions for packaging and drop off. Please get in contact with Karen if you have any questions.
Thank you
Stage Performances St Mary's Fair 2022
4.15 - 4.50PM St Mary’s Class Performances
4.15 - 4.20PM Prep Performance
4.20 - 4.25PM Yr 1 Performance
4.25 - 4.30PM Yr 2 Performance
4.30 - 4.35PM Yr 3 Performance
4.35 - 4.40PM Yr 4 Performance
4.40 - 4.45PM Yr 5 Performance
4.45 - 4.50PM Yr 6 Poetry Slam
4.50 - 5.00PM St Mary’s school Dance Club – St Mary’s students
5.00 - 5.05PM St Mary’s Christmas Choir
5.05 – 5.25PM The creative music studio – individual/solo students performers
5.25 - 5.45PM MDX Performing Arts School – Dance school
6.00 - 6.45PM Hello Music – St Marys’ Music school- student performers piano
violin and guitar
6.45- 7PM Raffle DRAW
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