Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community,

What’s On This Week

Catholic Education Week

• Prep 2026 Information Session (for new families): Thursday, March 20 – 9:30 AM or 7:00 PM
• St. Patrick's Cathedral Mass (for School Student Leaders): Friday, March 21
• NAPLAN (Year 3 & 5) Testing:
  • Language Conventions (Spelling & Grammar): Monday, March 17
  • Mathematics Assessments: Tuesday, March 18
  • Catch-up Sessions: March 19 & 20

Upcoming Events

• School Photos: Monday, March 24

This week, we celebrate Catholic Education Week, a time to recognize the rich tradition of faith-based learning and the impact Catholic education has on our students and communities. Some of our students will have their artwork showcased in the Catholic Education Week Art Exhibition. Sarah Godde and Zara Collett's artwork is being exhibited this week until Saturday 22nd March at Celtic Hall in the Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade East Melbourne. Families are very welcome to attend the exhibition. Bookings are via https://www.trybooking.com A group of our senior students will also attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by the Picnic in the Park this Friday.

The Importance of Catholic Education

Did you know?

• Approximately 215,000 students attend Catholic schools across Victoria.
• More than 32,500 teachers serve in Catholic schools.
• There are nearly 500 Catholic schools in Victoria.
• 1 in 5 students in Victoria attends a Catholic school.
• Catholic schools are known for fostering strong academic and career outcome - graduates are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages.
• Catholic education and health services are among the largest private employers in Australia.

Bike Racks:

Parents would have seen the notice to encourage all students to put locks on their bikes as we had another attempted theft. It does feel like a no win situation as we had had a number of bikes stolen from the rear of the school through people coming in when the gates were open and the fence being cut with wire cutters. When the bikes were in the playground we also had a number of people hit by bikes or scooters as students arrived or left school. So it does feel like to solve one problem we have created another. Certainly not having the bikes in the school yard has made it much safer for everyone. At this stage we will continue to use the front bike racks but encourage all students to have a lock on their bikes.

Principal’s Leave Notice

This will be my last newsletter for a little while, as I will be on enrichment leave from March 26 to April 14, embarking on a pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey, retracing the footsteps of St. Paul. Following this, I will take long service leave during Weeks 1–4 of Term 2 and return on May 19.

During my absence, the school will be in the capable hands of Laura Graham and Michelle Ristovski, who will ensure everything continues smoothly.

Wishing you all a wonderful few weeks ahead.

God Bless,
Anthony

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.

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.

This week we have raised $229.16

The class that raised the most money is: Year 3 /4 White who raised an amazing $68.25.

Unite Against Poverty

Exciting New Events to Raise Awareness for Project Compassion

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!

There is further incentive to get behind this project. The winner will also receive the following as a prize.

We will also send the artwork to Caritas Australia to see if they are keen to use the winning artworks for their promotional projects in the future.

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!

? Guess the Number of Eggs in the Jar! ?

The Charism Team has come up with another egg-citing way to raise money for Caritas Australia—perfect for all our chocolate lovers!

They’ve filled a jar full of delicious chocolate eggs, and it’s your job to guess how many are inside! Each guess costs just $1.00, and all funds raised will support Caritas Australia’s important work.

The Charism Team will be promoting this fun challenge next week and have enlisted the help of their peers to collect guesses. So, get ready to take a guess and maybe even win a jar full of Easter treats!

Stay tuned for more details! ??

Lenten Liturgies 

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

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 the 30th March at 10:30 am.

Forms will been sent home for those wishing to participate. Please keep a look out for them.

Please indicate whether you child would like to read or do the offertory. All children are welcome to sing with the choir, but again please indicate this on the form, so we know who to call for practice.

For families new to the school, the 10:30 AM 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.

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 10:00 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.

Sports News

Interschool Sports

The St Mary's Easter Raffle is here again, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support of our wonderful school community.

We are asking for donations from families that will make up the prizes for this year’s raffle. 

All Easter related items are welcome.  Suggestions include:

           Chocolate eggs (all sizes)

           Soft Bunnies

           Easter baskets

           Easter colouring books

           Easter gifts

          Anything Easter related! (no alcohol please)

Please drop all donations in the tub at the office no later than 12pm Wednesday 2^nd of April.

We are grateful for your donations and ongoing support.

 Mother’s Day

Purchase your Mother’s Day stall tickets

Give your child the chance to pick out a heartfelt gift for the special women in their lives at our Mother’s Day Stall.

• Tickets are just $5 each. 1 ticket = 1 gift.
• A wide variety of beautiful gifts, including gift bags.
• Buy as many tickets as you like!

Purchase now via the NEW CDFpay app – download it from your app store today. Don’t miss out—secure your tickets today! 

Dear School Families

We are just wanting to let you know, that KingWill Catering, will be taking an extended break during the upcoming term holidays.

Lunch orders will finish on your regular ordering days during the last week of Term 1, except no orders on Friday 4th April, as this is the last day of term.

Lunch orders will not start again until Monday 28th April.

We wish you all a fun and restful break, and we look forward to feeding your children again on returning in Term 2.

Thank you for your support.

Regards
Nicole and Jo