What’s On This Week

Monday – School Closure Day: Mathematics
Wednesday – National Simultaneous Storytime: The Truck Cat
Thursday – Divisional Cross Country
Friday – Assembly in the Hall, 3:00pm

Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 29 – School Board Meeting
Tuesday, June 10 – School Closure Day: Faith Formation
Tuesday, June 17 – Athletics Carnival
Sunday, June 22 – Poetry Slam at Williamstown Town Hall, 1:30pm
Tuesday, July 1 – Year 5/6 Shark Tank, 6:30pm
Friday, July 4 – End of Term: School finishes at 1:30pm

Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,

It is with great pleasure and renewed energy that I return to our wonderful school after my long service leave. The time away has been both rejuvenating and reflective, allowing me to return with fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for the year ahead.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional Acting Principals, Laura Graham and Michelle Ristovski, and leadership team who maintained our school's high standards and warm community atmosphere during my absence. Their dedication ensures that our school continues to be a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Walking through our corridors once again, I have been deeply moved by the warm welcomes from students, staff, and parents. It's a powerful reminder of what makes our school community so special – the connections we share and the support we provide one another.

On Monday, we held our school closure day focusing on Mathematics, led by our Maths Leader, Rebecca Backman. Staff explored the stages of learning in Mathematics, Maths Fluency, the new Explicit Mathematics Programs in Prep to Year 2, and how to better utilise the Times Tables Rock Stars program. The feedback to Rebecca was extremely positive—staff got a lot out of the day.

Change of After School Provider

A significant change is coming to all Catholic schools: Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools (MACS) has created a new entity—Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Early Years Education (MACSEYE). MACSEYE will be responsible for opening kinders in some schools and taking over before and after school care, as well as holiday programs.

This transition has been occurring across Catholic schools over the past year, and many have already made the change. Behind the scenes, much work has gone into ensuring a smooth transition for St Mary’s.

One of the key benefits of this change is that school holiday programs will now run on-site at St Mary’s in the future. We’ve now been officially notified that the new after school care will begin at the start of Term 3. More information will be shared soon, including how to register your children.

Attached to today’s newsletter is the official letter of notification regarding this change.

As a result, OSHClub will conclude its service at the end of this term. We sincerely thank them for their many years of service and dedication to St Mary’s School.

Name: Michelle Dunn

Photo: My family celebrating Hawthorn's Centennial Match at the MCG

What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? I really love working with your children, supporting, engaging and encouraging them in all aspects of their education and learning. Seeing the students growth from their 1st orientation day walking in the portable for the 1st time with wonder and some with tears, to the “light bulb moments “ of understanding , the friendship built, to them leaving the gates and the end of Yr 6 as confident young people with the world ahead of them. At St Mary’s our LSO team is like a family. We are very supportive of each other and have formed great friendships over the years

What’s an interesting fact about you? I grew up in Canberra where my mum & dad still live. I got to experience Canberra as a tourist last year attending many exhibitions  with the students of St Mary’s, which was a really great experience. All 3 of my girls Samantha, Ruby & Grace attended St Mary’s for primary school to follow the tradition of their grandfather Maurice Dunn & has siblings also who also attended St Mary’s as  students in the early 1940’s

Name: Charlotte Jezard

How long have you worked at St Mary’s? In July I will have been working at St Mary’s for 2 years

What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? Being a learning support officer is an amazing job. It has been incredible to watch students grow, not just academically but also in their self-confidence. I also have built up foundational knowledge that will support my future career as a teacher, which would not have been possible without working at St Mary’s 

What’s an interesting fact about you? At the end of this year I will have finished my Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) and will be a graduate teacher! 

Name: Kristina Fortuna

How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I have been working at St Mary’s since Term 3 2022

Photo: This Dalia and I in the Sahara Desert looking at the Pyramids

What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? My favourite thing about being a learning support officer has to be building strong and trusting relationships with students. Supporting you all through your learning and watching you grow is the best!

What’s an interesting fact about you? I have been very lucky to travel all over the world. My favourite place was when I got to travel to Egypt. Seeing the pyramids was something I’ve always wanted to do since I was in primary school

Name: Donna Scerri

How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I started here in 2008, 17 years ago, together with Jim Sheedy

Photo: In the bush at Harrietville

What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? There is no one favourite thing so I’ll answer with just two out of my many, many favourite things.  Firstly, (not necessarily in any order) I would say I love greeting students and have them return big, happy smiles in return. It gives me the best feeling! Secondly, observing students progressing educationally, emotionally, socially and seeing them grow into confident individuals. I love this role!

What’s an interesting fact about you? I love nature and try to get away camping with my husband as often as possible to immerse myself in the wonder and diversity of our extraordinary world.  I am also currently establishing my backyard into a habitat garden using Indigenous and native plants and have built a pond modelled on the one I saw in the bush at Harrietville. I have even attracted some native birds even though the garden is still young! I have two adult children who attended St Mary’s. Prior to working at St Mary’s, I worked at the TAC for 13 years in very interesting and varied roles, however working as an LSO at St Mary's this is the best job by far!

Name: Mimma Cutroni

How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I have been working at St Mary’s for 23 years.  I started in 2002 when my son David was in Year 3 and my daughter Laura was in Year 1

Photo: This is a photo of my husband Tony, my son David and my daughter Laura

What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer?  I find my role as a Learning Support Officer very rewarding. Watching the students’ determination, resilience, love of learning develop over their primary years is very satisfying. I enjoy working across all different levels of the school and with our wonderful staff of St Mary’s. I love bumping into ex students outside of school and seeing what they are up to

What’s an interesting fact about you? I love meeting for coffee, cooking, quilting, embroidering, musical theatre and singing in a Community Choir. One of my favourite pastimes is to collect thimbles.  My collection has increased over the years.  I currently have over 60 from all over the world and from Australia. I hope to continue adding to my collection

Name: Cathy Serovski

How long have you worked at St Mary’s? I started working at St Mary’s 12 years ago. I had a complete career change after I had my three children

Photo: Christmas Eve 2024

What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer? My favourite part of being a Learning Support Officer is building strong relationships with the children and watching them grow. It’s rewarding to see them develop new skills and gain confidence. I love being able to support each child to reach their full potential and help them succeed in their learning journey

What’s an interesting fact about you? When I was 8 years old, I lived in Italy for a year and even attended school there. When I returned, I couldn’t speak English anymore. It took a couple of months to become fluent again

Name: Ana Nikolic

How long have you worked at St Mary’s?

My journey at St Mary's began in 2018, soon after I moved to Australia. This is my 7th year in this vibrant and beautiful community.

Photo: Waterfall and Three little bears

What is your favourite thing about being a learning support officer?

One of the most rewarding parts of being a learning support officer is sharing in the everyday moments of growth and discovery with children. It’s a journey taken together - full of small steps, quiet progress, and meaningful connections. Supporting children as they build confidence, explore their interests, and begin uncovering their own passions is a privilege. There’s something truly special about watching them flourish and gradually growing into more self-assured, capable young people.

What’s an interesting fact about you?

An interesting thing about me is that I grew up in Serbia, where I completed both my BA and MA degrees in Education before moving to Australia in 2017 with my partner. Since then, we’ve made a home here and started a family - our son Luka keeps us on our toes, and we’re excited to welcome another little one soon! I’ve always cherished nature, and living here has only deepened that connection. Children from school often spot me with a snorkel and fins at the local beach, where I love diving into the ocean and exploring its rich underwater world and rhythm. I also have a love for art and stories - through books, galleries, theatre, or conversations with others.

St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

Gospel:  Fifth Sunday of Easter

John 13: 31-35

 

I give you a new commandment: love one another

When Judas had gone Jesus said:

‘Now has the Son of Man been glorified,

and in him God has been glorified.

If God has been glorified in him,

God will in turn glorify him in himself,

and will glorify him very soon.

My little children,

I shall not be with you much longer.

I give you a new commandment:

love one another;

just as I have loved you,

you also must love one another.

By this love you have for one another,

everyone will know that you are my disciples.’

 St Mary’s Family Monthly Mass

Sunday 25th May 2025

Please indicate whether your child would like to participate in Mass

Forms will have already been sent home.

Please fill in the forms and return as soon as possible - especially if you would like your child to read at Mass. There are limited readings and we need to make sure the children have time to practice at home and then in the church.

Anyone is welcome to sing with the choir. There will be a practice in the church with Monique and myself the week before the Mass.

Thank you for your support!

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.

Year 3 Reconciliation evening with Maria Forde

We invite all Year 3 students and their parents to attend an important Information Session about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which will be celebrated this term.

The session will provide an overview of the preparation program and key dates. It is essential that at least one parent attends with their child.

Date: 27th May
Time: 7:00pm
Location: The school Hall

We look forward to supporting your child on this special faith journey.

An Information booklet will be sent home with your child this Friday 2nd May.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s teacher or Charlotte Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

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

At the family Masses, families sit together. There will be reserved signs for families when their child is reading at the Mass

St Mary’s Poetry Slam – Come Join the Magic!

For the past 10 weeks, students from across the school have been writing, rehearsing, and adding a whole lot of pizazz to their poems – and now it’s time to showcase their hard work!

When and Where:
 Sunday, 22 June
 12:30pm – 1:30pm
 Williamstown Town Hall – Supper Room

This one-hour event promises to be fun, sweet, and (honestly) SO CUTE – our Grade 1s alone bring the full "aww" factor! We’re aiming for a sold-out event and would love to see as many St Mary’s families there as possible. Even if your cherub isn’t performing, we’d be so grateful if you could spread the word to extended family and the local community.

The list of student performers is: TBC (I will get to you by Tuesday arvo)– but one thing’s for sure: we are incredibly proud of every student who has participated. It’s going to be a heartwarming afternoon you won’t want to miss!

Thanks, 

Daryl 

CHAIRPERSON OF THE ST. MARY'S POETRY DEPARTMENT

(Taylor Swift Reference  )

Looking for a Rewarding Volunteer Opportunity?

St Mary's 'Way of the West' (WOW) Group assists newly arrived refugees to settle into Australian life by partnering with the Australian Government's CRISP program (more information is available at https://refugeesponsorship.org.au/what-we-do/crisp/).
In 2024 St Mary's WOW group supported a Syrian refugee mother and her two children by providing housing, financial aid, and help connecting with essential services such as education, Medicare and Centrelink. Encouraged by their experience, the group plans to assist another family in 2025 and invites others interested in helping refugees to join them. To learn more, contact Fr Greg Trythall at 0400 524 363 or Gerard Colla at 0416 141 772.