Filter Content
Dear Parents , Carers and Community,
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is actually forty-six days before Easter. We say that Lent is forty days in number because the six Sundays are excluded from the rigours of Lent in order to afford the faithful a time to pause and rejuvenate, gathering new strength. Since the restructuring of the Liturgical Year after Vatican II, the Easter Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday, is not included in the Lenten season, so the actual days of rigorous Lenten observance are approximately forty days. So why do we say 40 days. The number forty is found frequently in scripture to signify either a time of penitential preparation, or a time of punishment and affliction sent from God. Think the story of Jesus being 40 days in the desert. There are many other examples of 40 being used in the Bible, it is quite symbolic.
Tomorrow we have the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) in the school conducting interviews on Digital school Reports. ACER will be interviewing groups of parents, students and staff throughout the day. Their aim to create guidelines for schools and systems to create a better digital school report for students. I thank all have volunteered their time for this important work.
Flourishing Learners. This Friday School leaders are venturing to Geelong for training for Flourishing Learners (Science of Learning). We have a further three days of training with all teachers later this year which are our school closure days. There has been recent media supporting this work after the Grattan Institute released their latest report on the teaching of Reading in Australia. If you wish to read more about the Gratten Institute Report, this link will take you to the report. https://grattan.edu.au/report/reading-guarantee/
Melbourne Archdiocesan have now released their position paper on the future direction of Instruction for Learning for Melbourne Catholic schools. https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/Our-Schools/Curriculum-Learning-Programs/Vision-for-Instruction.aspx
This new "Vision for Learning," is fully supportive of the work St Mary's has been doing with Reading, Spelling and Phonics in the Early Years. The flourishing Learners project will allow us to extend that work into all our grade levels and further improve our current practices.
Divisional Swimming. We have a number of students representing our school at the Divisional Swimming competition. We wish them all good luck.
School Fair Update: Our School is officially set for November 17 Sunday, so please mark that in your calendars. We will have our next Fair meeting on Tuesday 7pm. We were having problems with our online meetings but we have now rectified this (we think). We were setting up meetings for an hour and a half, but we are only licensed for an hour, so the meeting will be definitely shorter than an hour. The link to the meeting is on the school calendar and can be accessed here
School Fair Meeting
Tuesday, March 12 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Time zone: Australia/Melbourne
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/urq-mash-fqb
Or dial: (US) +1 347-915-7711 PIN: 712 844 130#
God bless, Anthony
(Enjoy the long weekend)
Late Arrival to School/Absentees
St Mary’s Faith News
School and Parish Connections
Gospel: John 2:13-21
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there.
He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables,
and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”
The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?”
But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
Year 3 Reconciliation
This week the Year three students will be making their first reconciliation. We keep them in our prayers.
If you have forgotten your booking date and time please reach out to me, Charlotte Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au.
‘Working together for justice and dignity. Walking together in hope. Building together a thriving future for all.’
Caritas Australia is an international aid and development agency of the Australian Catholic Church.
They strive to seek social justice and dignity for every person.
They work with local communities in Australia and overseas, listening to concerns and assessing the needs of communities.
With help, compassion and our support, Caritas hopes to work towards a world where all people may thrive!
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 how the school’s contributions will support those less fortunate that us!
Lenten Liturgies
As part of our school Lenten journey we will be holding a Lenten Liturgy in the Hall every Friday during the season of Lent.
This will be part of the Friday school assembly.
All are welcome to attend
Lenten Liturgy |
Date |
Year Level Leading |
4 |
8th March |
Year 2 |
5 |
15th March |
Year 1 |
6 |
22nd March |
Prep with the support of charism Team |
Some important Dates to Remember for Term 1
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
Feast of St Joseph - led by Yr 3/4 |
19th March |
9:15 am |
Church |
Sacramental Program 2024
If you have any queries can you please contact me directly at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
Sacrament |
Term |
Date |
Where |
Notes |
Reconciliation Year 3 students |
1 |
Tuesday 5th Wednesday 6th Friday 8th March Time: 4:00-6:00 and Saturday 9th March Time: 10:00-12:00 am |
Church |
|
Eucharist - 3 / 4 RM |
2 |
Saturday 18th May 6:00 pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Eucharist - 3 / 4 C |
2 |
Saturday 25th May 6:00 pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Eucharist - 3 / 4 T |
2 |
Saturday 1st June 6:00 pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation - 5 /6 D |
3 |
Tuesday 27th August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation - 5 /6 S |
3 |
Wednesday 28th August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation - 5/ 6 A/K |
3 |
Thursday 29th August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Round 5 Interschool Sport
When: Friday 8st March (Week 6)
Time: 9:30-10:30
Versing: Sacred Heart Primary School
Location/s: Sacred Heart school grounds (volleyball and basketball) and Bryan Martyn Oval (Teeball and tennis)
Transport: Train
Thank you for supporting our book club! Our Issue One orders have generated an *amazing* $156 in book rewards for St. Mary's School and we are grateful for your support!
Issue 2 is now open for orders
Check out our affordable selection of titles ranging from $2 to $6 as featured on the back page of the catalogue. This Easter consider giving the gift of pure imagination with so many delightful titles to choose from!
Please ensure that orders are received by Wednesday, March 13th, to guarantee delivery in time for school holiday reading.
To our new parents, to make an order simply visit www.scholastic.com.au/loop or download the LOOP APP to create a profile and place your order online.
Existing parents, please remember to update your profile with your child's new teacher and class.
Please note that we are unable to accept cash at the school. All orders must be placed and paid for online.
Last Monday a group of students and staff went to Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne to hand out meals, non-perishable food items, clothing and hygiene items to those in need. Students saw the impact of their efforts in helping others, and the experience served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community outreach and the positive change that can be achieved.
Year 12 students retreated to Rutherford Park and Anglesea last week, where they participated in outdoor team building activities, sessions on study and social skills as well as a variety of ‘self management’ activities such as tai chi and yoga. One of the guest speakers, Michelle Newland, is an Ambassador for the Summer Foundation and it was inspiring for our students to hear Michelle’s story of resilience.
The Music program at Emmanuel College starts in Year 7, with students learning how to play an instrument for two semesters. Some students have never played an instrument before, some are trying new ones for the first time and it is great to see everyone enjoying their music class.
It was wonderful to welcome families at St Paul’s Campus, Meet the Principal last week, where visitors heard from College Principal, Dr Janine Biggin and had a campus tour with student leaders.
Year 7 2026
Do you have a child in Year 5 this year? Applications for Year 7 2026 close on Friday 16 August 2024. If you would like to apply, a prospectus can be obtained:
- Via the College website under the Enrolment Information tab or by following this link: Prospectus Request here
- By registering and joining us at a College event
- Or by coming in to see our friendly staff at reception of either campus
We look forward to seeing you at a College event soon.
Yours sincerely
Jenny Hendricks
Bees Wax Wrap Workshop – Thursday 18 April -10am
Here at St Josephs by the Sea we are committed to finding ways to live more environmentally friendly. We will be holding and teaching participant to make their own bees wax wraps. These wraps are a great alternative to using plastic wrap in the kitchen.
Facilitated by Carmel and Sharon
Morning tea provided. Cost $ 20
Address: 16 Esplanade, Williamstown, VIC 3016
Phone: (03) 9397 6012
Email: admin.sjbtsw@sosj.org.au
How are we Treasuring our Later Years? - Wednesday 18th September -1030am – 330pm
-Presenter – Nicole Rotaru rsm
The second half of life’, our later years continue to hold potential. We bring a wealth of experiences to treasure and to share with others. We are also open to new opportunities, to come alive in new ways.
This one-day workshop will explore the following themes that are part of our journey:
Adjustment ~ Transformation ~ Fulfilment
Nicole Rotaru is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. For some time she has had a particular interest in the ‘second half of life’ that has its fill of joys and challenges. She has enjoyed offering workshops for older folk for a number of years and valued learning from their experiences. These learnings as well as reflection on her own life and reading, inform the workshops she continues to offer.
Morning tea provided, please BYO lunch. Cost $30
Address: 16 Esplanade, Williamstown, VIC 3016
Phone: (03) 9397 6012
Email: admin.sjbtsw@sosj.org.au
Retreat- Art as Prayer2
9 June 2024
Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, the less the artist does the better. Contemplating art works, allowing the visual language of line, colour, shapes, tones and textures to speak and to help us recognise and accept the gifts of life of our Creator God. Making an Art Journal, mandalas, zen of seeing, playing with clay.
Directed by Therese Quinn rsj
Cost :$800 (Cost includes live in Retreat with all meals provided)
Address: 16 Esplanade, Williamstown, VIC 3016
Phone: (03) 9397 6012
Email: admin.sjbtsw@sosj.org.au