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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
Welcome back everyone and welcome to Term 2. We have a great term planned with lots of things happening. We also return having celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus in our Easter Celebrations. I know our Greek families also celebrated Greek Easter during the break, so it has been a busy two weeks for some of our families. Welcome also to Connie Karangelis who replaces Michelle Ristovski in Year 4 as Michelle steps into the Deputy Principal role full time.
Sink holes. You may have noticed the temporary fencing at the front of the school returned as they began the repairs to the sink holes. I met with our plumber this morning and our pipes are all in good shape, so I am not too sure if we have identified the cause of the problem yet, so my thinking is that it will be still with us for a while.
Anzac Day. A number of our students were involved with the local ANZAC Ceremony in school uniform. I thank them and their families for their efforts so they could attend this event and learn more about its significance.
Staff Closure days: We had two wonderful and productive days at the end and beginning of the term. The last day of term was spent at St Joseph's by the Sea with Denise Arnel leading staff in a Spirituality Workshop to help us use Biblical stories better in our school. Denise is a wonderful presenter and staff were highly engaged. On Monday we spent a day working on Mathematics using some of our Data Literacy Strategies to dig deeper into the improvements we want to make. Our Next school closure day is at the beginning of Term 3.
Uniform Update: Two things. Some parents have asked if students need to be in winter uniform now, the simple answer is that we have a couple of weeks grace while the weather is still changing, so by week 3 we expect the students to be in winter uniform. Secondly, we move have moved one step closer for our Indigenous designed sport uniform to become a reality. Our uniform supplier has now dropped off tops for sizing. So if you wish to be one of the first ones to get the new uniform, please come to the office and try on the sample sizing tops we have. We do not have a sample of the actual uniform yet, but we expect to have it soon.
Absent from school. Next week I am away from school as I join 27 Principals from the Western Region in an immersion tour to Tasmania to explore Indigenous Spirituality. Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic schools have a number of similar Immersion programs for Principals. As a group we are also working with Local indigenous communities to improve our knowledge and awareness.
Canberra trip. Our Year Six students are also off to Canberra next week for their big trip. So it will be a busy week for the school.
Parents and Friends: We hope many people can come Thursday night at 7pm as we launch our Parents and Friends structure which we hope works better for our community in our busy lives. We hope to see you there!!
God Bless
Anthony
Parents and Friends Involvement
Dear Parents and Guardians,
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and for nearly 200 years “the village” has been an important part of supporting St Mary’s students.
I often think about what makes St Mary's unique or special and the importance of family involvement in our students' school life. Every single thing we do at St Mary’s starts with the question “How will this help the children?” I’m sure it’s the same in your families and in your homes.
We want students to be supported, thrive with the opportunities presented to them, have fun and make great memories of their years at primary school. The broader St Mary’s community is an important part of that.
However, we also face a challenge when it comes to managing all those extra activities and fundraising projects – the work of the P&F Association.
The P&F Association at St Mary’s has always been extraordinary. Their workload is enormous and we must recognise the time pressures of busy lives. Reflecting on discussions with a number of parents and the Advisory Council, I feel it is time to find a way to keep the ethos of the P&F alive but share the load or find an easier/more manageable way for more families to be involved in our school.
Therefore, instead of the formal P&F Association we want to try a new way forward where all families can contribute in a way that is most manageable and enjoyable for them.
The trusty favourite activities will continue, but a few things might change and hopefully some new great projects/ideas/fun/educational ideas will emerge. The exact calendar and the way you can become involved will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Your ideas would be valuable so please contact Julie Carey at julieacarey0@gmail.com or me at principal@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au if you have any thoughts. For example you may have the skills to help out at Science Week, which I mentioned in this week’s newsletter, or you may have a fundraising idea you could run … we’d love you to be involved.
I would also like to share more insight into the projects, and educational programs that the staff are working on. So this year – now the uncertainty and disruptions of COVID are mostly behind us - there will be more opportunities for face-to-face parent sessions and webinars with me or other members of the St Mary’s staff. If there’s a topic you would like to hear more about, no matter how controversial, let me know and I will try to run a session on that.
In 2023 we have a clear goal for our fundraising efforts to give our children some wonderful experiences and in particular a more exciting outdoor schoolyard environment to learn in and enjoy. We want to create an outdoor environment that is a great learning space, a space for curiosity, to take risks and have adventure, a place for quiet and a place for students to connect, be social and create lifelong friendships.
In summary, I hope you all have a chance (probably via an easy online sign up app) to nominate for a way to be involved with our school this year. We want it to be easy, we want less meetings, lots of ownership and the privilege of our students benefiting from the many skills out there in the St Marys community. Your involvement in St Mary’s should be fun for you and your children.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
God Bless
Anthony
St Mary’s Faith News
School and Parish Connections
Gospel – Luke 24:13-35
And behold, two of Jesus’ disciples went, the same day, to a town which was seven miles from Jerusalem, named Emmaus.
And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
And it came to pass, that while they talked and reasoned with themselves, Jesus himself also drawing near, went with them.
But their eyes were held, that they should not know him. And he said to them: What are these discourses that you hold one with another as you walk, and are sad?
And the one of them, whose name was Cleophas, answering, said to him: Art thou only a stranger to Jerusalem, and has not known the things that have been done there in these days?
To whom he said: What things? And they said: Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in work and word before God and all the people; And how our chief priests and princes delivered him to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
But we hoped, that it was he that should have redeemed Israel: and now besides all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning And not finding his body, came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who say that he is alive.
And some of our people went to the tomb, and found it so as the women had said, but him they found not.
Then he said to them: O foolish, and slow of heart to believe in all things which the prophets have spoken.
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and so to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him.
And they drew night to the town, where they were going: and he made as though he would go farther.
But they constrained him; saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in this way, and opened to us the scriptures?
And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were staying with them,
Saying: The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon.
and they told what things were done in the way; and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread.
ANZAC DAY CEREMONY
Yesterday’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the cenotaph in Williamstown was attended by an exceptionally large number of locals. It was wonderful to see so many people come together as a community to pay their respects and honour those who have lost their lives in effort to protect us and keep our country safe from harm.
I would like to thank all the students and their families who attended the service and especially those who came long as representatives of St Mary’s Primary school.
There’s something New Happening at St Mary’s school and Church!
Children’s Masses
This Sunday, the 30th April, sees the start of something new at St Mary’s Church - St Mary’s School Children’s Liturgy.
The last Sunday Mass of each month will be dedicated to and involve the children at St Mary’s Primary School.
What does this mean?
- The children from the school will be involved in the singing led by Monique.
- The children from the school will be invited to read.
- The Gospel and Homily will be directed at the children.
- There will be a special children’s bulletin.
- Some Masses will have a theme where children are invited to bring a teddy or wear their footy team’s colours.
This Thursday, Monique, the Pastoral Associate at St Mary’s Church, parent of children at St Mary’s School and a member of the music ministry at St Mary’s Church will be coming in at lunchtime to practice with children who would like to sing at the Mass.
The Charism team and students who have indicated an interest in participating in the Mass will lead us in the readings and the Prayers of the faithful.
All students who wish to be involved in the Mass will be invited to a meeting on Wednesday and readers will be given their readings to take home and practice. Mrs Lipnicki will also take the readers for a practice on Friday.
Fr Greg has kindly organised for the ice-cream truck to be outside the Church at the end of Mass.
We look forward to seeing as many of you at Mass on Sunday and hope this is the start of something exciting which will see us all come together as a community.
An letter was emailed out to all families on Monday and a flyer will be sent home to each family today. The dates have been added to the school calendar and in the ‘Important Dates to Remember’ section below. Please add these dates to your diary.
Some important Dates to Remember for Term 2
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
1st Children’ Mass |
30th April |
10:30 |
Church |
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 |
2nd Children’s Mass |
Sunday 25th June |
10:30 - 11:30 |
Church |
Important information for Year Four Families
An information booklet was sent home on the last day of term with information about The First Eucharist. If you did not receive yours, can you please let your child’s teacher know and will give you a copy.
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.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at clipcnikci@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au or speak to your child’s teacher.
Important information for year Three Families
Bookings will be open for Reconciliation - TBA
You will receive and email inviting you to book a date and time. Once you have made your booking can you please add it to your diary.
In the next coming weeks your child will bring home a booklet with information about Reconciliation at St Mary’s. I hope that it will answer any questions you may have about the Sacrament.
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 |
Eucharist - Year 4RM |
2 |
Sunday 28th May 10:30 am |
Church |
No booking required |
Eucharist - 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.
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 endeavour. The Program is called CRISP! This stands for COMMUNITY REFUGEE INTERGRATION AND SETTLEMENT PILOT.
There is further information in the Parish bulletin.
Alternatively if you want more information you can email sandyandpeter@gmail.com . They have been at the forefront of this potential program.
St Joseph’s by the Sea 2023 retreats
LET US ENJOY --- 16 Esplanade Williamstown---22nd May -28th May
A Retreat can be a holiday with God! We appreciate and enjoy contemporary artists’ interpretation of the Song of Songs and the story of Mary Magdalene in the Garden. (John 20: 11-18). Jesus sends Mary Magdalene to the brothers and sisters. She goes. Here is a woman disciple specifically sent by Jesus on his mission.
Therese Quinn rsj will lead the reflections. Cost $750
To book for this St Joseph by the Sea retreat, you need to ring Kate at the
Heritage centre. Phone (03) 9926 9300 Email: admin.mmhc@sosj.org.au
Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College Altona invites you to explore our faith and learning community at one of our Open Events in 2023
OPEN DAY
Join us for our vibrant and interactive Open Day on Sunday 7 May from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Explore the College on a guided tour led by our student ambassadors and participate in all the fun educational activities that we have to offer. As part of the carnival atmosphere, listen to our talented musical acts and enjoy a snack from the BBQ. Meet our Principal and teaching staff and see why Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College is the best choice for your child’s education.
Register to attend by visiting our website HERE.
OPEN MORNINGS
Open Mornings provide an opportunity for families to witness learning in action on a regular school day. Our Year 9 student ambassadors will give you a personal tour of the College. Visiting families will have the unique opportunity to ask questions of our ambassadors and gain an honest insight into our programs and what it is like to be a student at Mount St. Joseph Girls' College.
Register to attend by visiting our website HERE.
Thursday 8 June - 9:15am – 10:30am
Thursday 20 July - 9:15am – 10:30am
Thursday 3 August - 9:15am – 10:30am
Thursday 7 Sept - 9:15am – 10:30am
ENROLMENT APPLICATIONS
A reminder that enrolment applications for Year 7 in 2025 close on 18 August 2023. Apply online HERE or contact the College Registrar, Mrs Sherri Collins for further information.
Contact details: registrar@msj.vic.edu.au or phone 8398 2007.