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Dear Parents, Community and Guardians,
After spending a week in Hobart, I never thought I would look forward to the warmth of Williamstown. Our Principal group had a wonderful week together learning about Indigenous culture and history in what was a very busy week. Certainly we were challenged in our thinking. Some people have asked why Tasmania and not Melbourne (Boonwurrung/ Wurundjeri) The response is that we are working with both, however there is northing locally that is as organised as the Tasmania trip we were involved in. As a school our next step is to work with staff which will then flow through to our students. I have spoken to the Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic school Indigenous department and we try to organise a session for parents as well.
Mother's Day Stall. Thank you to all who helped on the Mother's Day stall today and a special mention to Tanya Dias who coordinates the whole activity. I know many of our mather's will be very happy with the gift they receive on Mother's Day.
Year Six Poetry Slam. Last year our year six students worked with Poet, Emilie Zoey Baker on Poetry. The students then performed twice including the Willliamstown Literary Festival. The festival was so impressed they they have asked us to be part of the festival again and to make things easier for the school they have worked the event into the school day with the event to take place in our school hall. Emilie has began to work with teh students this term with the event to take place in Friday June 16th 11:30 to 1:30.
Congratulations to Laura Graham too!! Welcome to the world Harriet Eloise Born 5/5/2023. All going well.
God bless
Anthony
St Mary’s Faith News
School and Parish Connections
Gospel – John 14:1-12
Jesus said to his disciples: Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I shall go, and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself; that where I am, you also may be.
And where I go you know, and the way you know.
Thomas said to him: Lord, we know not where you go; and how can we know the way?
Jesus said to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me.
Jesus said to his disciples: If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him, and you have seen him.
Philip said to him: Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.
Jesus said to him: Have I been so long a time with you; and have you not known me? Philip, he that sees me sees the Father also. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abides in me, he does the works.
Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
Otherwise believe for the very works’ sake. Amen, amen I say to you, he that believes in me, the works that I do, he also shall do; and greater than these shall he do. Because I go to the Father:
A BIG THANK YOU TO FR GREG
On behalf of all the mother’s who attended the Mother’s Day evening hosted by Fr Greg on Friday, I would like to say a big thank you. It was fantastic to see so many mothers take the opportunity to catch up with friends and in the case of the Prep mothers hopefully develop some lasting friendships.
THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S
There is a lot happening at St Mary’s this week.
Wednesday 10th May - An information session for all year 4 students making their First Eucharist and their parents. This session will be held in the hall and will start at 7:00pm. The session will be run by Denise Arnel and will aim to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist.
Friday 12th May - Mother’s day Mass. This will be in the Church and will begin at 9:15. The children will be allowed to sit with their mothers and significant female representatives attending the Mass, but will need to line up as usual and go to their classrooms. Mother’s, Grandmothers and significant female members are invited to find a seat in the church. Please be aware there will be some reserved seating for those who are reading at the Mass.
As the children enter the church they will come and sit with their mothers. If your child is reading you are invited to sit with them in the reserved seating together with siblings.
IMPORTANT - YEAR 5&6
MOTHER’S DAY LITURGY
There will be a Year 5 and 6 Mother’s Day Liturgy in the Church on Friday the 12th May at 11:40.
This will be led and attended by the Year 5 and 6 students and their teachers.
We look forward to seeing you and celebrating the wonderful people you are.
Desperately needed -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
Some important Dates to Remember for Term 2
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
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 6 attending ● Swapped with Year 5’s |
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 dates and times later this term.
You will receive an 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 |
.
Class Representatives
A reminder to families that Class Representatives for each class will be presented with their badges this Friday at Assembly at 3:00.
Cyber Safety
Students in Years 1-6 have participated in the Inform & Empower Digital Safety & Wellbeing Program this term. They tuned into live streamed incursions (with their teachers) to focus on healthy and safe digital habits.
It is beneficial that families continue the Cybersafety conversation at home to enhance student learning.
The linked "tip sheets" for parents/carers below gives an overview of the content covered within the session and some helpful conversation starters.
Please find the following Tip Sheet to support and enhance your child’s incursion.
St Mary’s Lego Station
St Mary’s School is gratefully asking for donations of any unwanted Lego you might have at home.
We would like to top-up the supplies in the Lego Cart for students to use their creative skills during recess and lunchtimes.
Donations are being accepted at the school office.
Lunchtime Clubs
Students have suggested that they would like to participate in more Lunchtime clubs.
One club suggested was the board game and puzzle club.
To support this idea, the school is asking families if they have any unwanted puzzles, jigsaws or board games that they would like to donate to the school.
We are asking that you ensure that all the pieces necessary to play are included.
Donations can be made at the school office.
Thank you kindly for your continued support
SPORTS UPDATE - Cross Country
Mother's Day Breakfast & Coffee Cart and Special Mass
Mothers Day Photos
There is an opportunity for an experienced Parish Secretary to undertake office administrative functions at St Mary’s Parish in a part time role reporting to the Parish Priest.
This permanent part-time position is based at the Parish Office in Williamstown. The hours required for this role are 21 hours per week each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This role offers flexibility with hours. The successful applicant will work with the Parish Priest and volunteers. Terms and conditions are governed by the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
More information and a detailed job description see below
Parish News
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.
Scholastic Book Club 2023 - Issue 4 Out Now!
This issue has an AMAZING line up of New Releases and books for all readers and budgets. Book Club has returned back to a kid-friendly size and lowered prices on New Releases and includes even more heavily discounted titles!
Please place & pay orders online by 12th May 2023.
There is always something happening at Emmanuel – students competed under the ACC banner at the VSAC Swimming Championships. Students are also competing in the winter football and soccer competitions and continue to perform well.
In addition to sports, our Year 7’s are having fun with Maths and Year 11’s head off to spend time together on a Social Justice Retreat as well as many students rehearsing and practicing for both onstage and behind the scenes roles in the upcoming musical The Addams Family
This Friday gives us the opportunity to show appreciation to mums and other significant women in childrens’ lives by sharing a special Mass for Mother’s Day and breakfast at each campus.
The next opportunity for you to come along and see the fantastic facilities here at Emmanuel will be on Open Day, where you can hear from our College Principal Dr Janine Biggin and Campus Leaders, meet students and join us on a campus tour. Please register your attendance here: Open Day registration
Times for each campus are below:
Open Day – Sunday 21 May 2023 |
|
St Paul’s Campus |
Between 10:30am and 1:30pm |
Notre Dame Campus |
Between 11:00am and 2:00pm |
Is your child currently in Grade 5?
Enrolment applications are now being accepted for students due to commence Year 7 in 2025.
Applications will close on Friday 18 August 2023. A Prospectus Pack containing an application form can be requested from the Enrolment Information tab on the right hand side of the College webpage, by emailing enrolments@ecmelb.catholic.edu.au, calling the College Registrar on 8325 5119 or visiting the friendly staff at reception of either of our campuses. It is a requirement for everyone that would like to apply to Emmanuel to submit an application by 18 August, even if your older children already attend.
I hope that you can join us on Open Day.
Yours sincerely
Jenny Hendricks
Community Engagement Officer