Dear Parents, Guardians and Community

Lord,

Hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families
for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of
need.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

This week we remember and pray for people who have served for our country in the military. We thank them and their families for their sacrifice to protect our country and make us safe. We remembered them at our Remembrance Day Ceremony led by our School Leaders.

Events of the Week.

• Monday, November 11 – Grade 3/4 Camp begins
• Monday, November 11, 10:45 am – Remembrance Day Service

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday, November 19, 9 am - Parent Science of Learning Learning Walk
• Thursday November 21 School 12 Noon . School Captain Speeches
• Friday November 22. Jogathon/Colour Run.
• Friday November 29 8am Prep Breakfast
• Monday December 9 10:45 Step Up Day (Students to their new classes)
• Thursday December 12 End of Year Excursion day
• Monday December 16 Year 6 Graduation
• Tuesday December 17. 1:30pm End of School Year (Prep to Year 5)

ST MARY'S FAMILY SUPPORT 

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 or other school costs.

If you would like to support another family in our school, use our normal bank account with a reference; 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 School Building fund

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: 435931250

Reminder - Last day for Year 6 is Monday December 16

Prep to Year 5 finish on Tuesday December 17 at 1.30pm

St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connection

Gospel: Mark 13: 24-32

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.

‘Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. So with you, when you see these things happening: know that he is near, at the very gates. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

‘But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.’

Reflections from our Pilgrimage

ROME

In this week’s newsletter, I’m excited to share more about some of the sacred sites that Michelle and I had the privilege of visiting in Rome.

Basilica of St John in Lateran

We were fortunate enough to explore the Basilica of St. John Lateran, one of the city's most sacred sites. Founded in the 4th century, it is the Cathedral of Rome and the "Mother Church" of the Catholic faithful worldwide. The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope.

Until 1870, it was the site for papal enthronements, and today the Pope still celebrates Holy Thursday Mass here.

The basilica's architecture is stunning, with a grand facade, statues of the Apostles and Jesus, and a breathtaking interior filled with statues, mosaics, and frescoes.

One of the most moving parts of our visit was climbing the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa) that are located nearby. It is believed to be the steps Jesus ascended during His Passion. We followed tradition by climbing these stairs on our knees, offering prayers along the way.

Visiting St. John Lateran was a deeply spiritual experience, a powerful reminder of the enduring faith and history that continue to shape the Church.

Papal Basilica of St Mary Maggiore

We also visited the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome's largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. What impressed me most was how it blends architectural styles from different eras, from early Christianity to the Baroque period.

Despite 18th-century renovations, the basilica retains medieval elements like its bell tower, fifth-century mosaics, and original marble floors. Ionic columns from ancient Roman buildings link the church to Rome's past, while Renaissance ceilings and Baroque domes add grandeur.

It was here at Santa Maria Maggiore that we were treated with the magnificent sight of the church’s most precious treasure, the crib of Christ relic - five pieces of sycamore wood bound by bits of iron. The relic is kept in a crib shaped crystal reliquary. This relic has given the church its alternative name - The Bethlehem of the West.

Santa Maria Maggiore tells the story of faith through these historical layers, offering a powerful reminder of Rome's spiritual legacy

and the growth of our own faith journeys. Our visit was a journey through time, connecting us to the rich tapestry of Christian heritage that still inspires today.

Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls

Another visit was to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the second-largest of Rome's four major basilicas, built over St. Paul's burial site.

Originally a small shrine, it was expanded into a grand church completed in 395, though a fire in 1823 destroyed much of it. The basilica was beautifully restored with international support, preserving medieval elements like the cloister and mosaics.{

Inside, we were struck by the marble columns, golden mosaics, and portraits of all the popes, including the current Pope, bathed in sunlight. The exterior, with its 150 columns and golden facade, was equally impressive, highlighted by a statue of St. Paul.

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Our visit reminded us of the enduring legacy of faith and inspired us to reflect on our own journeys with renewed purpose.

Prep Mass/Children’s Mass

We are delighted to invite you to join us for our upcoming monthly Mass on Sunday, 1st December. This will be a special celebration as our current Prep children welcome the new Preps and their families into the St. Mary’s community.

To make this Mass even more memorable, we warmly encourage older students who enjoy singing to join the Preps in a special reflection song. Additionally, older students will be invited to read the Liturgy of the Word, while the Prep children will share the Prayers of the Faithful.

If your family will be attending and your child would like to participate in the Mass, please complete and return the form that was sent home yesterday.

We look forward to celebrating this joyful occasion together as a school community!

Important Dates for Term 4

The countdown is on – there’s just 8 days to go until our Colour Explosion Jogathon is here!

Thanks to those students and families who are already fundraising, keep up the great work.

In order for this event to run smoothly, we need volunteers to help us out on the day. Thanks to those who have already signed up. If you are available on Friday 22 November, we’d love your help, so please add your details at this link.

Some reminders for the day:

• If possible, we’d encourage students to wear a white t-shirt (not mandatory, but recommended to maximise the colour explosion) and closed in shoes.
• Students will be given free sunglasses and a rainbow headband for the event.
• Students will be covered in non-toxic, biodegradable colour powder from head to toe. Colour Powder is made of high-quality corn starch and permitted food colours. A safety data sheet is available upon request. Please email the office if you’d prefer your child not participate.
• Come along and cheer the students on:
• Prep – Year 2 – running from 12.10pm – 12.50pm
• Year 3 – 6 - running from 1.00pm – 1.40pm

To create some friendly competition, the class that raises the most money will win “slime time”, where they’ll have fun on the day of the jogathon sliming their classmates. Leading the fundraising so far is Prep M, closely followed by Year 1C. Remember this can change quickly, so keep that fundraising going.

We’re still looking for help from our school community, and hoping a generator can be supplied for the event. If you’re able to help us, please contact the school office.

Happy fundraising!

P&F Coordinating Group

See you there!

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)