Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community,

What's On This Week

Wednesday, Feb 19: District Swimming

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Mar 4: Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday, Mar 5: Ash Wednesday

A fairly quiet week on the school calendar—something we all appreciate. Thanks again to everyone; it really has been a smooth start to the year. We have been spending a lot of time establishing good routines to ensure a great learning environment for the rest of the year.

Parents in the Office

For new families: The office area is for parents who need to access the office. We have noticed some families using it as a passage to the playground. To help the office run smoothly, we ask parents to use the side gates to access the playground. Thank you for your cooperation.

District Swimming

No reports yet from District Swimming. A number of our students left this morning to compete—good luck to them all!

Closure Days 2025

Tuesday, Mar 11: Flourishing Learners - Writing
Monday, May 19: Mathematics
Tuesday, June 10: Faith Formation
Monday, July 21: Literacy
Monday, Nov 3: Time in Lieu
Wednesday, Dec 17: 2026 Planning

God Bless,
Anthony

St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

Luke 6: 17, 20-26

Happy are the poor. Woe to the rich!

Jesus came down with the Twelve and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon who had come to hear him and to be cured of their diseases.

Then fixing his eyes on his disciples he said:

‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.

Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied.

Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh.

‘Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets.

‘But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now.

Alas for you who have your fill now: you shall go hungry.

Alas for you who laugh now: you shall mourn and weep.

‘Alas for you when the world speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.’

St Mary’s Family Mass

Children’s Mass - Sunday 23rd February

St Mary’s School Mass – Get Involved!

We have our first St Mary’s Children’s Liturgy on Sunday 23rd February at 10:30am

Forms have been sent home for those wishing to participate.

Thank you to all those who have returned their forms.

The choir will have a practice on Thursday.

Children reading will have an opportunity to practice their readings in the Church on Friday.

For families new to the school, the 10:30am Mass on the last Sunday of each month is dedicated to St Mary’s Primary School students. The children lead the Mass with the support of the Charism team and have the opportunity to volunteer as readers or sing with the choir.

A heartfelt thank you to all families who encourage their children to participate. It is always wonderful to see familiar faces at these Masses, and we hope even more families will join us in this special school tradition.

Altar Servers

Join Our Altar Server Team!

We are looking for students in Years 3-6 who would like to train as Altar Servers!

As an Altar Server, you play an important role in supporting Fr. Greg during Mass. You will be part of the entrance and recessional processions and, most importantly, assist in preparing the gifts for the Eucharist.

If your child is interested in this special opportunity, please contact Mrs. Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au or Fr. Greg at greg.trythall@cam.org.au

We look forward to welcoming new Altar Servers to our team!

Prayer cloths

Calling All Sewers! Help Create New Prayer Cloths

Thank you to all those who contacted me and offered to make these prayer cloths. Your time and talents are greatly appreciated!

Very soon each class will be given their new prayer cloths and the prayer tables should start looking a little rejuvenated.

Sacramental Program 2025

This year the only Sacrament the school will be facilitating is the “Rite of Reconciliation”.

If you child is in Year 4 and is yet to make their “First Eucharist” please contact Mrs Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au.

Likewise if your child is in Year 6 and is yet to make their “Confirmation” please contact Mrs Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

School Masses

Some important Dates to Remember for Term 1

All families are welcome to attend the school Masses.

At St Mary’s, students sit as a class with their teacher in reserved pews.

The Altar servers sit in the first pew to the left of the Altar. The pews to right of the Altar are reserved for the choir and music ministry.

Parents are asked to find a seat towards the back of the church and not sit in the pews reserved for the school children.

Congratulations to our Class Representatives for Term 1

Cybersafety - Term 1

District Swimming

Interschool Sports

Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Williamstown will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re popping up in town from 10 to 27 March. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95