Welcome back to Term Two!

We hope you all had a wonderful and restful Easter break, filled with joy, chocolate eggs, and quality time with loved ones. It’s lovely to see everyone’s smiling faces back at school, ready for an exciting new term ahead!

This week we remember Pope Francis, a kind and humble man who dedicated his life to helping others and spreading messages of love, peace, and kindness. He encouraged people all over the world—no matter their background—to look after the poor, care for our planet, and treat one another with respect and compassion.

At school, we will be taking time to reflect on the many ways he inspired us to live out our values. We offer thanks for his leadership and pray for him and for those who loved him.

Teaching and Learning news/updates:

We are excited to announce that our school is implementing the Explicit Mathematics Program (EMP), a comprehensive and research-based curriculum designed to enhance mathematical understanding in Prep to Year 2.​

In Week 10, Term One all our P-2 staff were trained in the EMP program alongside the majority of our learning support officers. EMP offers a structured approach to teaching Mathematics. It includes explicit lessons, daily reviews, student workbooks, assessment, daily fluency tasks and is all aligned to the Victoria Curriculum. The program has been successfully trialled in schools across Australia, with promising results indicating significant improvements in student outcomes.

EMP is currently the only Mathematics program in Australia offering a research based explicit direct instruction program. It was launched earlier this year and St Mary’s are lucky to be one of few schools in Victoria rolling out the program.

Once we settle into the program we hope to hold an open morning where you will be able to come in and see it in action.

We are now heading into our second term of the Spelling Mastery program in our Years 1-6 classrooms. We would love to welcome all families into the school on Monday 12th May between 8:45am-9:15am for an open classroom visit followed by the opportunity to watch a 15-20minute Spelling Mastery session. 

We are very close to launching our implementation of the Nessy Reading and Spelling program, a structured literacy tool designed to support students in developing strong reading and spelling skills. This online program will be mainly used at home. The program utilizes engaging, game-based learning to motivate students and reinforce concepts taught in class. Each student begins with a personalised assessment, ensuring that lessons are tailored to their individual needs and learning pace.

The program is designed for students in Years Prep-4 with some students in 5/6 accessing. Currently, students are completing/finalising their personalised assessments. Next week, I will send home a parent information letter which will outline more about the program and how often students should be logging in to take full advantage of the program. It’s an exciting opportunity to have our students accessing a research based online learning tool at home that supports all the work we are doing in the classroom.

A reminder that Friday, 25th April is ANZAC Day and therefore a school closure day.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Let’s make this term a fantastic one!

Warm wishes,

Laura Graham

Acting Principal

Meet our Year 2 Teachers

Name: Michelle Ebinger

How long have you worked at St Mary’s?  I have been at St Mary’s for 17 years and have had the opportunity to teach every year level.

Photo: Waiting for the Pope to arrive at the Vatican City last year.

What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 2?

My favourite thing about our school is the strong sense of community and the warmth that comes from being in such a welcoming and supportive environment. Living and working in Williamstown has given me the chance to meet so many wonderful and interesting people over the years. Plus, there's no traffic in the morning, which is a huge bonus!

Teaching Year 2 is incredibly rewarding. The children’s curiosity is boundless, and they are eager to explore and learn. As they begin to develop a sense of responsibility and leadership, watching their growth is both inspiring and fulfilling. It’s truly a privilege to be part of their journey!

What’s an interesting fact about you?

I love to snow ski, especially in Japan! I’ve been lucky enough to go three times and it’s my favourite kind of family holiday. The snow is incredible, the scenery is breathtaking and there’s nothing better than spending the day on the slopes and then warming up with a bowl of ramen!

Name: James Howat

Photo: Me with my two sisters

How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I started working at St. Mary’s in 2022, as a Year 5 classroom teacher. More recently, I have taught Year 4 as well as Year 2.

What is your favourite thing about our school and especially teaching Year 2?

The Year 2 students have such a keen desire to learn new topics, and a strong determination to get even better at what they already know. On top of this, they are very kind and respectful towards their peers and teachers. The school community, from the staff, other students and parents have been also so welcoming since joining.

What’s an interesting fact about you?

I’ve been a basketball referee for over 13 years now, and have been fortunate to referee at state level, national championships and even a few NBA players.

What’s happening in Year 2

The children have settled in well to the routines, expectations and demands of Year 2. Every morning begins with Spelling Mastery and it’s been wonderful to see their spelling knowledge develop. Our Literacy block then continues with a mixture of Daily Review, Phonics, Grammar, Vocabulary and Writing - there’s certainly no time to rest in Year 2!

Maths is always a favourite part of the day and we are beginning our new Explicit Maths Program (EMP) which will be challenging for both children and teachers alike!

We are especially excited about our Term 2 Inquiry Unit on Light and Sound. This hands-on learning experience will culminate in an excursion to Science Works in Week 4, where the students will deepen their understanding through interactive exhibits and activities.

We are incredibly impressed with how well the children have settled into the rhythm of Year 2, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and development!

Michelle & James

The Year 2 Children Hard At Work and Play!

St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

Gospel: Easter Sunday

John 20: 1-9

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

A Prayer for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Pope Francis has passed away. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he was a man of great compassion, humility, and wisdom. Pope Francis dedicated his life to bringing people together, standing up for the poor, protecting our planet, and reminding us all to be kind and caring to one another.

At school, we have taken time to remember and give thanks for his life. Many of the values we talk about every day—respect, kindness, forgiveness, and love—were at the heart of everything Pope Francis said and did.

Although we are feeling a great sense of loss, this year, which Pope Francis called the Jubilee Year of Hope, is a special reminder to keep his spirit alive. We can all do something to continue his work: by looking after our friends, helping those in need, standing up for what is right, and bringing joy to others. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

We keep Pope Francis, his family, and everyone who is mourning his loss in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace, and may we honour his memory by being people of hope in our own lives.

St Mary’s Family Monthly Mass

April’s Mass is cancelled

Project Compassion

On behalf of everyone involved in Project Compassion, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous support and enthusiasm throughout our fundraising efforts.

We are especially grateful for the way you embraced our new initiatives this year – from the creativity shown in the art competition, to the fun of guessing the number of eggs in the jar, and of course, your generosity in purchasing the delicious cakes and handmade bracelets created by some of our talented students.

Your involvement and encouragement mean so much and truly make a difference. Thank you for helping us build compassion and community together.

Congratulations to Olivia in Grade 3/4 Yellow for her winning artwork highlighting the theme ‘Unite Against Poverty’. You will see this artwork made into posters and displayed around the school as a reminder of what we can all do to help.

Once we have a final total of the amount raised, I will share this in the newsletter.

Anzac Day Dawn Service

Families are warmly invited to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, which will be held at 5:50am at the Cenotaph located at the bottom of Ferguson Street, Williamstown.

Mr Daryl will be supporting some of our Year Six School Leaders as they represent our school and lay a wreath during the service. This is a special opportunity for our students to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans on behalf of our school community.

It is also a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together in remembrance and reflection. We encourage those who are able to join us in honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

Lest We Forget

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 in next week's newsletter.

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.

Winter Interschool Sports

Cross Country

WELCOME BACK!

Try Booking