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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
A Children's Prayer for Lent
Lord, please show me what I should give up for
Lent
And when I've given it up
Remind me to pray to You instead
To thank You
To love You
To hear from You
Each and every day in Lent
Amen
As we begin the season of Lent, I invite you to take time to reflect on your relationship with God and to deepen your faith through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Lent is a time to grow closer to God by following the example of Jesus and making sacrifices for the sake of others. Let us use this time to examine our hearts and minds and to ask for forgiveness for any wrongs we may have committed. Together, let us support one another on this journey of faith and strive to become better versions of ourselves. May this season of Lent be a time of renewal and spiritual growth for all of us.
Last week we celebrated Clean Up Australia Day, an opportunity to show our commitment to the environment and to care for our local communities. Let us reflect on the impact of our actions and make a conscious effort to reduce our carbon footprint. Whether it is by using reusable bags, conserving water or picking up litter, small actions can make a difference. Let us work together to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Thank you to Melissa Cowan for organising last Friday's activities.
Update: We will be giving students the opportunity to be involved in some competitions later this year. Looking at the timetabling of these events, most occur Term 2 and 3. For example the Australian Maths Competition runs in August, so it is no point asking who wants to be involved until late Term 2. We are hoping to students involved in the Australian Maths Competition, Global Academic Challenge - science and the National History challenge. All will be voluntary with the student paying the costs of the competition eg The Australian Maths Competition is around $8.
International Women's Day. Finally, thank you to all the inspiring women in our school, whether that be staff, families or students. Who continue to strive to make our world and community a better place. I have the privledge to work in a female dominated industry where I get to work with many talented and passionate co-workers and I am thankful for all that they do.
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
St Mary’s Faith News
School and Parish Connections
Gospel – Sunday 5th March 2023
Matthew 17:1-9
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Project Compassion
‘Working together for justice and dignity. Walking together in hope. Building together a thriving future for all.’
In every classroom there is a project compassion box. During this time of Lent, the children are being encouraged to be compassionate and think of others in need. As part of our Lenten journey we think of those less fortunate and consider ways we can help.
We would like to fill the boxes as much as we can - ways the children can contribute are:
- Put some of their pocket money into the box.
- Choose to donate icy pole money.
- If the children have given up a treat - try and donate the cost, so the children can see their abstaining is benefiting someone else.
You will see posters around the school encouraging participation, but also letting you know what the school’s contributions will support!
Lenten Liturgies
There will be a Lenten Liturgy held every Friday afternoon in the school hall at 3:00pm.
The Liturgy will be followed by the school assembly, where Student of the week and birthdays will be celebrated.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing as many of you at the next few Liturgies/assemblies.
Some important Dates to Remember for Term 1
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
Feast of St Joseph - led by Yr 4 |
17th March |
9:15 |
Church |
Sacramental Program 2023
All dates and times for the Sacrament Masses are outlined in the table below. Year 4 and Year 6 students will be making their Eucharist and Confirmation as a class this year. Early in Term 2 we will open the ‘booking online’ for parents in Year 3 to make a time for their child to make their Reconciliation.
Sacrament |
Term |
Date |
Where |
Notes |
Reconciliation |
2 |
Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st, Friday 23rd June Time: 4:00-6:00 and Saturday 24th June Time: 10:00-12:00 am |
Church |
Will need to book a time early in Term 2 |
Ecuahrist - Year 4RM |
2 |
Sunday 28th May 10:30 am |
Church |
No booking required |
Ecuahrist - Year 4H |
2 |
Sunday 4th June 10:30 am |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation - 6D |
3 |
Tuesday 22nd August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation - 6B |
3 |
Wednesday 23rd August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Information Sessions for the Sacramental Program
Sacrament |
Date and Time |
Location |
Presenter |
Reconciliation - Students and parents |
Wednesday 24th May 7:00 pm |
School Hall |
Maria Forde |
Eucharist - students and parents |
Wednesday 10th May 7:00 pm |
School Hall |
Denise Arnel |
Confirmation |
Thursday 20th July 6:30 pm |
School Hall |
Fr Elio Capra |
Altar Servers
Any student in Years 3, 4, 5 or 6 who would like to train as an Altar server, please contact with Fr Greg at greg.trythall@cam.org.au or Mrs Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au.
Training will be organised by Fr Greg. Fr Greg will also put together a roster which he will share with families.
Sporting News
TENNIS
SWIMMING
Interschool Sports
24/03 (St Mary's Primary School)
Maclean Reserve
A very big Thank you to those parents/carers whom are currently on the Maclean Reserve Roster and a very warm welcome to all our new families who may like to think about assisting with the below. Term 2 roster is about to be completed and I am seeking a few more volunteers – be it mums, dads or carers. It involves collecting rubbish from Maclean Reserve to assist in keeping the area safe and clean for our students and siblings alike that use ‘the green’. It takes 10-15 minutes anytime between 8.30 - 10.45am on your rostered date. Currently, there are several volunteers on the roster meaning that it is a maximum of twice per term or should you only be available once per term - we completely understand.
Emmanuel College News
St Paul’s Campus – Altona North
Notre Dame Campus – Point Cook
Another activity filled week at Emmanuel College, has seen Interschool sport being played by students at both campuses in the SACCSS and ACC competitions, with all teams demonstrating outstanding support and encouragement for all competitors.
At St Paul’s Campus this week Year 12 students headed off for their retreat where they heard from inspiring speakers, undertook study technique sessions, planning workshops and a range of positive interactive activities. We also welcomed Dr Janine Biggin our new College Principal to her first Meet the Principal event, where she met families and future students and then our current students took families on a tour.
At Notre Dame Campus we will have a Meet the Principal event this week and our Year 7s head off to their camp at Portsea. We look forward to hearing great stories about the adventures had and new friendships made.
Year 7 2025
If your child is currently in Grade 5, it is a requirement to submit an application if you wish to be considered for a place in Year 7 2025, even if you already have an older child who attends the College.
A Prospectus Pack containing an application form can be requested under the Enrolment Information tab on the right-hand side of the homepage of the College website: Request a Prospectus here, by coming into either campus office or by calling our College Registrar on 8325 5119.
We look forward to seeing you at the College soon.
Yours sincerely
Jenny Hendricks
Community Connections Officer
St Mary's School is a Child Safe School and as such complies with all aspects and legal obligations that relate to the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (VIC)