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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
We have reached the end of term one. Well done to our prep students who got through their first term of school. No doubt they will be very tired and need a bit of a rest (plus their mums and Dads)
Term 1 is always a hectic term as classes settle into routine and students build new friendships. As a school we kept our selves busy in the background with lots of things happening. Some of the things we have been doing in the background.
- Our Year one/two teachers have been involved in the 2023 Early Number and Algebra program, aMelbourne Archdiocesan Catholic School Project. They have been attending training and put that into practice.
- STEM Aviation Project. Brittany Rickman has been leading a group of students in this STEM project which they will showcase in the STEM MAD day for Catholic Education later this year.
- Instructional Coaching. Training has continued with now staff going through coaching cycles led by Lucy McCarthy-Hill
- Year 5 students went on Camp
- Lots of extra sport from swimming trials, interschool sport, cross country
- Faith. We are all looking forward to our Faith Spirituality day being led by Denise Arnel, however throughout the term we have also had Masses, paraliturgies, Lenten Celebrations, Project Compassion, Seniors Mass and other moments led by Charlotte Lipnicki
- Staff also attending training in Data literacy, Mathematics Assessment, Mathematics Differentiation and we had much professional Learning in Literacy throughout the term.
- Some of our community connection: Clean Up Australia Day, Ride to school Day, Teeth on Wheels Visit
- And let's not forget Naplan.
Staffing: We wish Laura Graham all the best for the upcoming birth of her new baby. Michelle Ristovski steps up to full time deputy with Connie Karangelis replacing Michelle in the classroom.
Maclean Reserve: I can see a section in the newsletter about needing extra volunteers for the Maclean Reserve roster. Please if you are able to help please let the school know.
May this Easter bring joy, peace, and renewed hope to our school community. Let's celebrate the spirit of love and togetherness with our loved ones. Wishing you all a happy and blessed Easter!"
Anthony
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
“Live Your Best Life in Love”
Every relationship is a journey and the grind of everyday life can cause you to lose touch with your spouse.
This experience gives married couples the tools to keep your passion alive in a gentle, nurturing environment, away from pressures and distractions of daily living.
The weekend is based around Catholic values and couples of all faiths are welcome.
Please check our website for more details.
Date: 28-30 April 2023 in Melbourne
(Book early to avoid disappointment)
Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
St Mary’s Faith News
School and Parish Connections
Palm Sunday– Sunday 2nd April 2023
Gospel – Matthew 21:1-11
When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me.
And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.”
This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
Say to daughter Zion,
“Behold, your king comes to you,
meek and riding on an ass,
and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them.
They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them.
The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.
The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David;
blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;
hosanna in the highest.”
And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?”
And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Project Compassion
‘Working together for justice and dignity. Walking together in hope. Building together a thriving future for all.’
A HUGE THANK YOU!
Last Week Patrick announced the new target of $1,000.
I am pleased to announce that we have successfully raised $1,186.65.
On behalf of the school, the Parish and Project Compassion, I would like to say a big thank you to our families and especially the children who donated icypole money, pocket money or did fundraising. You truly are KIND!
The Charism Team composed their own thank you that they presented at last Fridays Assembly.
A THANK YOU FROM THE CHARISM TEAM
We have been raising money for future generations,
With all of your amazingly generous donations.
All of your kind contributions,
Makes lots of great solutions.
That help all those poor people in need,
Find their feet so that they can succeed.
All of your support was so kind.
It will help them leave their troubles behind.
Just a small sacrifice can make a big difference.
We thank you for all of your assistance.
We have helped people in Australia Zimbabwe Vietnam and Nepal,
And we have raised 1,186 dollars overall.
Charism Team
I would like to give a big shout out to the Charism Team!
They are so supportive and dependable.
And as you can see we have some poets in our groups!
Thank you Charism Team. You are the Best!!
Stations of the Cross
This morning the school was open for Stations of the Cross.
This year each class had a Station on their classroom door. Parents were welcome to visit the stations at 9:30 am.
The Church was then be open for quiet reflection at the end of the journey.
Anzac Day Ceremony
It would be wonderful if St Mary’s could be represented at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service this year.
The Service will be held at 5:30 at the Cenotaph, Ferguson St, Williamstown.
We do ask that students attending wear their school uniform as a sign of respect.
Some important Dates to Remember for Term 2
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
Seniors Mass - Yr 6 attending |
5th May |
11:30am |
Church |
Year 4 Eucharist Information evening |
Wednesday 10th May |
7:00 pm |
School Hall |
Mother’s day Mass |
Friday 12th May |
9:15 am |
Church |
Year 4 Presentation Mass |
Saturday 20th May |
6:00pm |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation Information Evening |
Wednesday 24th May |
7:00pm |
School Hall |
4RM First Eucharist |
28th May |
10:30 am |
Church |
Seniors Mass - Yr 5 attending |
2nd June |
11:30 am |
Church |
4H First Eucharist |
4th June |
10:30 am |
Church |
Year 3 Family Mass |
18th June |
10:30 am |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
Tuesday 20th June |
4:00 - 6:00pm |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
Wednesday 21stJune |
4:00 - 6:00pm |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
Friday 23rd June |
4:00 - 6:00 pm |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
Saturday 24th June |
10:00 -12:00am |
Church |
Important information for Year Four Families
There will be an information booklet coming home with information about The First Eucharist before the end of term.
I hope that the booklet will answer any questions you may have about preparing the children for the Sacrament and what to expect on the day.
This information will be sent home as a hard copy and as an email so that everyone receives the information.
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.
Reconciliation, Easter and Holy Week at St Mary’s Church
Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia
The ‘Way of the West’ Group have sought our help with this new program to help refugees on permanent visas to assimilate in Australia. We are seeking the help of Parishioners to join this endeavor. The Program is called CRISP! This stands for COMMUNITY REFUGEE INTERGRATION AND SETTLEMENT PILOT.
There is further information in the Parish bulletin.
Additional information will be provided on the weekend of 29th and 3th of April.
Alternatively if you want more information you can email sandyandpeter@gmail.com They have been at the forefront of this potential program.
Thank you to Sophie Carter for organising a Mother's Day lunch for all our families. I know it has been on most of the Whatsapp groups, but if you have not seen the invitation, please see the flyer and try booking link. I know many mothers have already booked their spot.
Dates for your diary:
Mother's Day Stall - Wednesday May 10 in the Parish Centre
Mother's Day Breakfast - Friday May 12 8am to 9am
Mother's Day Mass - Friday May 12 9.15am in the Church
More details to follow
We are urgently seeking a few more volunteers for the Maclean Reserve roster – 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. Please click on ther link below -