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Welcome to Week 10!
A reminder to parents that school finishes at 1:30pm this Friday, 4th April and that students return on Tuesday 22nd April. Please join us at 12:45pm this Friday 4th April for our end of term assembly and Easter egg raffle. Mr Anthony has arrived safely and has sent us this beautiful photo taken while on a bus heading to Corinth.
 Karoline Cooke our wonderful PE teacher is heading off on maternity leave to welcome baby number two! Karoline is a dedicated, passionate PE teacher who makes an incredible contribution to our school staff and community. Karoline, we wish you, Brenton and Ollie all the very best for your new arrival and we can’t wait to have you back at some point in 2026.  With Karoline heading on leave we welcome Mr Condon into the PE role on a Mon-Wed. Mr C will then remain in 3/4 Blue on a Thur/Fri. Mrs King Shipp makes the move from 1 Blue to 3/4 Blue working on a Mon-Wed. We also officially welcome Jenni Flynn to the Year 1 Blue classroom Thur-Fri for the remainder of the school year. Parents of the 1 Blue students have had the opportunity earlier this week to meet Mrs Flynn and I am sure they will join me in welcoming her officially to the St Mary’s staff and community.
This week we also farewell the Hill family (Natalie, Jason, Alex and Xavier) who are making the move to Geelong. Xavier and Alex have been loved members of their classrooms and the wider school community over their time at St Mary's. In recent years, Natalie has supported our Prep students with vision assessments and we are grateful for her expertise and time. We wish them all the very best with their move and hope to see them return for a visit soon.
We are busily running lots of prep tours at the moment and are excited to see so many students keen to join the St Mary's community. An important reminder for our current families that applications are due by the end of April as we will be sending out acceptance letters early May. As we approach the Easter break, I would like to take a moment to wish all our students, staff, and families a safe and joyful Easter and holiday period. May this season of renewal bring peace, hope, and blessings to each of you. We hope you enjoy this special time with loved ones and look forward to you returning refreshed and ready for a big term two.
Laura Graham Acting Principal |
Meet our Year 1 Teachers
 Meeting my first granddaughter Layla Dawn 6 weeks ago Name: Judith Alves How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I have worked at St Mary’s and in Grade 1 for two years however have been a CRT teacher at St Marys for over five years. What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 1? I have taught primary aged children for over 30 years however, I love the way grade 1 children are so motivated and have a genuine love of learning. My daily bucket fills up with their great acts of kindness and wonderful work. What’s an interesting fact about you? God made me in a unique way with my heart on the right side. I also had 3 thumbs as a baby!
 Name: Kerri Gunn How long have you worked at St Mary’s? In July this year it will be 20 years since I started at St Mary’s!!!! I took over a Grade 6 class from their teacher Kylie Irving, who was having a baby. What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 1? For much of my teaching career I have been a senior primary teacher but since giving up full time teaching I have been a Prep-Year 2 teacher and I LOVE IT!!!!! The students are so innocent and attentive and listen to every word. They even laugh at my attempt at humour. I love my Thursdays and Fridays in 1 Yellow. What’s an interesting fact about you? I cannot believe it myself, but in June this year I am going to be a NANNA of 8 grandchildren!!!! Being a Nanna is the BEST! On par with my school family!
 Name: Elle Marioli How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I spent 2024 casual relief teaching at St Mary’s and was lucky enough to get to know many of the students across the school! It’s been a joy having my very own grade 1 class in 2025! What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 1? The wonderful sense of community and the students eagerness to learn! What’s an interesting fact about you? I have been a volunteer with Camp Quality for the past 8 years, bringing fun and magic back to the lives of children aged 0-13 impacted by cancer. I’m extremely passionate about my volunteer work and wrote my master's thesis on how educators can support children impacted by long term hospitalisation, reintegrate back into school!
 Name: Jennifer Flynn How long have you worked at St Mary’s? Since my daughter was born in 2022, I have been doing casual relief teaching a couple of days a week. I came to St Mary’s a few times in 2023 and 2024 and it immediately became one of my favourite schools. I reached out this year to see if there were any casual positions and I found out about the part time role. I have really enjoyed the days I have been here so far this year and I look forward to officially joining the school and teaching grade 1 Blue with Elle next term. What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 1? I love how welcoming all the staff and students at St.Mary’s are. There is such a beautiful culture here with the whole school community focusing on creating and building a supportive learning environment. I have previously taught Grade 5/6 , literacy intervention, prep and P.E so this will be my first time teaching year 1 but I love how the students are so curious and keen to participate and engage in their learning. What’s an interesting fact about you? I’m from Dublin, Ireland and when I was 12, I came to Australia on holiday for my cousin's wedding. I told my parents I wanted to come back and live here and as soon as I finished university in Scotland in 2009, I booked my flights and I’ve been here ever since. I love my home away from home in Melbourne.
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What’s happening in Year 1What an amazing term we've had in Year 1! In Maths, students have been diving into the world of data, learning how to collect, categorise, and represent information in different ways. Students have been developing a strong understanding of place value, exploring how to partition numbers up to 20 into 2 or 3 parts and how to order numbers up to 120. It's been fantastic seeing their understanding grow! In Literacy, students have been learning how to use nouns and adjectives to write engaging sentences. The grade 1 cohort have loved the new Spelling Mastery Program, which we will continue next term. Each Wednesday afternoon both grade 1s are exploring music through song and drumming with Mrs Alves and Miss Elle! The grade 1’s have created wonderful rhythms on the djembe drums and learnt an extensive repertoire of new songs! Your child is welcome to continue this at home on an upturned pan or bucket. Ear plugs are optional! Thank you for your continued support this term. It has been a joy teaching your children and we can’t wait for Term Two. Keep up the great work, Year 1!
    
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St Mary’s Faith News
School and Parish Connections
Signs of HOPE
Luke 7: 11-17
Jesus raises the Son of a Widow at Nain
Soon afterwards, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and the disciples and a large
crowd accompanied him. As Jesus approached the gate of the town, a dead body
was being carried out- the only son of a widower mother. A considerable crowd of
townspeople were with Jesus and was moved with pity upon seeing her and said,
“Don't cry.” Then Jesus stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this, the
bearers halted. Jesus said, “ Young man get up.”
The dead youth sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his
mother.
Fear seized them all, and they began to praise God. “ A great prophet has risen
among us,” they said, and: God has truly visited us”. This was the report that
spread about Jesus throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
Project Compassion
Project Compassion – Bringing Hope to Others
Project Compassion is an amazing opportunity for us to offer hope and support to those less fortunate than ourselves. Through kindness and generosity, we can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Let’s come together as a school community to show compassion and care for those in need. Every contribution, big or small, helps create a brighter future! ✨
Last Chance to Give – Project Compassion
This is the final week to offer our donations and show that we care for others. Let’s come together and support those less fortunate than ourselves by giving what we can. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!
Thank you for your generosity and kindness. Let’s make this last week count! ❤️
Unite Against Poverty
Exciting New Events to Raise Awareness for Project Compassion
Art Competition Time!
Calling All Young Artists!
Time is running out! ⏳ Don’t forget to submit your artwork for the Project Compassion Art Competition. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and make a difference!
The winning artwork will be announced after the Easter Egg Raffle on the last day of school.
Get your entries in soon – we can’t wait to see your amazing creations! ✨
Don’t forget the theme is “United against poverty”
For more details, please speak to your teacher or Mrs Lipnicki.
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.
Guess the Number of Eggs in the Jar!
Guess the Mini Easter Eggs & Win!
Time is running out! ⏳ Have you made your guess yet? The winner gets the entire jar of delicious mini Easter eggs!
The Year 6 students will be collecting guesses at recess and lunch – just $1 per guess!
The lucky winner will be announced after the Easter Egg Raffle on the last day of school. Don’t miss out!
Get your guesses in and good luck!
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.
Where: in the Church.
When: Thursday, April 3rd.
At: 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!
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.
Fr. Greg is in the process of organising the training. Once I have all the details, I will contact the interested families.
There is still time for anyone who is interested in training to sign up. Please let me know.
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.
There will also be an information evening session for candidates and their parents. Details will be provided next term.
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Tuesday 3rd June |
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
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Wednesday 4th June |
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
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Friday 6th June |
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
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Saturday 7th June |
9:30 am - 12:00 pm |
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
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Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
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Mother’s Day Mass |
9th May |
9:15am |
Church |
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Year 3&4 Family Mass |
1st June |
10:30am |
Church |
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Year 2 Family Mass |
22nd June |
10:30am |
Church |
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 UPDATE
Summer Interschool Sports
Winter Interschool Sports
Cross Country
Girls
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9-10 YO |
11 YO |
12 -13 YO |
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Kira Simpson Isla Toal Charlie McCrae Eloise Pante Back up/s: Isla Cooney |
Frankie Glasic Ella Rinaldi Audrey Trethowan Annelise Frendo Back up/s: Ava Matina |
Estelle Ristovski Back up/s: N/A |
Boys/Mixed
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9-10 YO |
11 YO |
12 -13 YO |
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Roman Pantelleresco Quinn Vasiliou George Donati Jacob Nguyen Back up/s: Owen Dewerson Ivan Krakic |
Zachary Cross Ned Bracken Back up/s: N/A |
William Trethowan Baz Lehocz Luka Bjazevic Cristian Cassar Back up/s: Tom Murphy |
House Points
AFL School holiday Program
Holy Week at St Mary’s Church
Palm Sunday weekend:
- Saturday April 12 6 pm Mass ( preceded by Reconciliation Rite 2 at 5:15pm – 5:45pm ( forgiveness of sins)
- Sunday April 13 8:30am & 10:30am Mass
Holy Thursday Night – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper:
Thursday April 17th 7pm Mass.
Good Friday :
- Stations of the Cross: 10:00am Service
- Main Service: 3pm Celebration of the Passion of the Lord.
Holy Saturday Night:
7pm Mass
Easter Sunday:
8:30am & 10:30am Mass
Blessings on all families for the Easter and Holiday Periods.
Fr Greg
- Skill Development: Focuses on fundamental netball skills including passing, catching, and shooting.
- Fun and Inclusive: Games and activities are tailored to be enjoyable and engaging for all skill levels.
- Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork and making new friends in a supportive environment.
- Physical Fitness: Helps children develop coordination, agility, and overall fitness.
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Experienced Head Coach and Junior coaches: Sessions are run by experienced NetSetGO Coordinator, Naomi McCurry who is experienced in working with young players. Naomi is supported by Junior coaches, who also play netball with Willi Tigers.