Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community,

What’s On This Week

• Monday, March 10 – Public Holiday
• Tuesday, March 11 – School Closure Day
• NAPLAN (Year 3 & 5) Testing:
  • Writing: Wednesday, March 12
  • Reading: Thursday, March 13
  • Language Conventions (Spelling & Grammar): Monday, March 17

Upcoming Events

• Mathematics Assessments: Monday, March 18
• NAPLAN Catch-ups: March 19 & 20
• Catholic Education Week
  • Prep 2026 Information Session (for new families) – 9:30 AM or 7:00 PM
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral Mass (for School Student Leaders) – Friday, March 21
• School Photos: Monday, March 24

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and had a chance to refresh.

This week, our Year 3 and 5 students begin the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing. Since the tests adapt to each student’s level, we have some flexibility in scheduling. While St. Mary's does not specifically teach for NAPLAN, we may introduce Year 3 students to the test format, including multiple-choice questions, to ensure they feel comfortable. NAPLAN is just one of many assessments we use to support student learning. We wish all our students the best!

Flourishing Learners West Project – Staff Professional Learning

On Tuesday, all staff attended the final Flourishing Learners West Project professional learning session. It was a practical and insightful day, focusing on improving literacy instruction. Teachers responded positively and are eager to implement new strategies, including:
✅ Building Rigour at the Sentence Level
✅ Differentiating the Writing Sessions
✅ Structuring an Effective Literacy Block

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

To support education and bridge the digital divide, the Australian Government is offering free NBN service to up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged children. Key details:
? Extended until all places are filled (2025)
? Free internet access available until June 30, 2028

How to check if you qualify:
1️⃣ Contact the National Referral Centre:
? 1800 954 610 (Mon–Fri, 10 AM–6 PM AEDT)
? www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet
2️⃣ They will check your residential address and ask basic questions to confirm eligibility.
3️⃣ If eligible, you will receive a voucher to redeem with a participating internet provider.

For more information, visit the official website.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

God Bless

Anthony Hockey

Principal

St Mary's Williamstown

St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Project Compassion

Project Compassion brings Australian schools and parishes together to raise money for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.

This year the theme is “Unite Against Poverty”.

The word “Poverty” is used to describe people who do not have enough money for food, clothing and shelter.

Some of these people go without some of the necessities of life that we take for granted -

water

basic shelter

Food

Education

On Friday, the Charism team visited each classroom to discuss Project Compassion, encourage donations, and help students set realistic fundraising goals using the campaign poster. 

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:

1. Put some of their pocket money into the box.
2. Choose to donate icy pole money.
3. If the children have given up a treat - try and donate the cost, so the children can see their abstaining is benefiting someone else.

Some of the Year 4 students have already started their own fundraising project, approved by Mr Anthony. They have made bookmarks and bracelets that they will be selling. All proceeds will be going to Project Compassion

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!

Each week of Lent, the Charism team will be counting the donations made to Project Compassion and will report back to the school community at Friday afternoon’s assembly.

 Unite Against Poverty

Exciting News! Art Competition Time!

This year, we’re having a fun art competition, and the theme is “Unite Against Poverty”! This theme is super important because it’s part of our Project Compassion, which helps people who need support.

Everyone! If you love drawing, painting, or creating art, we want to see your ideas

All you have to do is make your art and hand it in to your classroom teacher. Don’t forget to write your name and class on your artwork.The winning artwork will be displayed around the school and even in the school newsletter!

We can’t wait to see all the amazing art you’ll create to help spread the message of kindness and helping others. Get creative and join in!

Lenten Liturgies

As part of our school Lenten journey we will be holding a Lenten Liturgy in the Church every Monday afternoon at 3:15pm during the season of Lent.

All are welcome to attend.

Our First Lenten Liturgy will be have to be held in the school hall at 3:00 on Monday the 17th March. The Church is unavailable.

Stations of The Cross

Stations of the Cross – All Are Welcome!

Our Year 5 and 6 students will be leading a reflective Stations of the Cross in the Church on Thursday, April 3rd, from 10:00am to 11:00 am. All classes will be attending, and we warmly invite parents and parishioners to join us for this special time of prayer and reflection.

If you would like to attend, please feel free to take a seat at the back of the church. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you!

Prayer cloths

Calling All Sewers! Help Create New Prayer Cloths

Thank you to the parents who volunteered to make the new coloured prayer cloths for our prayer tables.

We are now in need of new white prayer cloths for our prayer tables. The fabric has already been purchased, but we need volunteers with sewing machines who are willing to help make them.

Each class requires one white prayer cloth, used throughout the year to reflect the liturgical seasons. If you can assist with this meaningful project, please contact me at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

Your time and talents are greatly appreciated!

Altar Servers

Join Our Altar Server Team!

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

We have had a couple of students keen to train, but we do need a few more children to sign up before we can begin the training.

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!

Sacramental Program 2025

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

Below are the dates for Reconciliation

Two weeks prior to the Sacrament you will receive an email requesting you to book a time for child to make their Reconciliation.

Eucharist and Confirmation

Instruction will be conducted through the Parish with the Support of Mrs Lipnicki

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

Term 2

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 or any free seats once the children are all seated.

Please do not sit in the pews reserved for the school children.

Junior Council at Hobsons Bay City Council

Last Friday our School and Vice Captains attended their first Junior Council sessions at the Hobsons Bay Council.

Annika had the opportunity to be the first speaker. She began by sharing about the events that have taken place at St Mary’s this term and then presented the issue that our school would like to bring forward to the council.

Harmony Day

Thursday 20th March 2025

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging.

On Thursday, St Mary’s will celebrate Harmony Day. This is our first Wellbeing Day where students will be involved in activities that recognise diversity and celebrate the many cultures in our community.

Students are able to come dressed in colours or clothes that represent their cultural background. Students may also choose to wear something orange which is the colour theme of Harmony Week.

Interschool Sports

Divisional Swimming

 Mother’s Day Stall – Volunteers Needed! 

Our much-loved Mother’s Day Stall is back on Friday 2 May!  This is a special event where students get to choose gifts for their mums, grandmas, and the incredible women in their lives.

We’d love some parent volunteers to help make the morning extra special! If you can spare some time to assist, please sign up via this form: https://forms.gle/kWzSaSKKJphicDwb8  

It’s a fun and rewarding way to be part of the school community.

Thank you for your support; tickets will be available via the NEW CDF app shortly.