Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community,

Here's a look at what's happening this week and some exciting upcoming events.

What's On This Week

• Wednesday, August 13: Preps attending Parish Mass at 9:15 a.m.

• Wednesday August 13: District Athletics.

• Thursday, August 14: Prep Excursion to Digger's Rest Farm

• Friday, August 15: Feast of the Assumption of Mary Mass at 9:15 a.m.

Upcoming Events

• Monday August 18 3/4 Excursion CERES. CERES is a popular environmental and educational centre in Melbourne.
• Thursday August 21: 5/6 at Mount St Joseph Musical
• Thursday August 21: School Board
• Friday August 22: Book Week Parade
• Friday, August 29: School Disco! Get ready to dance!

Feast of the Assumption.

On August 15, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. This is when we remember that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into heaven to be with God. Mary’s life shows us how to say “yes” to God with love and trust. On this day, we thank Mary for her care and ask her to pray for us, so we can follow Jesus just like she did. Please join us for Mass, 9:15, this Friday.

We need to talk about parking!!

We need to talk about parking. I need to draw to parents attention to some things I am worried about for the safety of our students and the students at Williamstown Primary school. A number of parents are double parking, parking in a no standing zone and the Disabled Parking spot. We have a few near misses of students walking across the road unaccompanied across the road to a parent waiting in a car. This is extremely dangerous. Children are not able to use their peripheral vision well at primary school. it is not until they are in their teens until they can use it well.

Ages 5–7 – Peripheral vision reaches a functional adult-like range (about 180° field of view). However, the ability to use peripheral information for complex tasks—like sports or road safety—keeps improving through the teen years as the brain refines processing.

So, for the sake of all the students, would parents please take the time to use the crossing and or walk your child across the road

District Athletics.

Today we had just under 50 students competing in the District Athletics. We wish them well and look forward to hearing about how they went when they return to school this afternoon.

St Mary of the Cross pray for us.

Anthony

St Mary’s Faith News

 School and Parish Connections

Gospel: Luke 12:35-40

See that you are prepared

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what hour the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house. You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

Way of the West

 The Month of August

 This week we are collecting Toiletries:

Shampoo, soap

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Sanitary products

Shaving products.

Just a quick reminder that each class has its own donation box. We ask that school families please place their donations in these class boxes, and leave the box in the office for parishioners.

There are two reasons for this:

1. Some classes are eager for a special shout-out at assembly for their generous contributions.
   
   
2. It helps keep the office area tidy during the week, as donations can build up quickly, while some classroom boxes are still quite empty.

Next week we are collecting other household items- Please see the posters displayed around the school, on the school noticeboard and on the flyer sent home.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of this program, which makes such a difference in the lives of others.

New Front Office Display

Crosses from Around the World

We received our second Cross - Thank you the Vezspremi Family

As part of our recent staff Reflection Day, we were inspired by the idea of creating a new display in our front office – a collection of crosses from around the world. This will be a whole school initiative, and we warmly invite our families and staff to take part.

If you have a cross from your travels – whether from overseas or within Australia – that you would like to donate, we would be honoured to include it. The crosses will be thoughtfully displayed on the wall beneath the mounted monitor in the front office.

We look forward to creating an inspiring and meaningful space that invites contemplation, discussion and reflection for all who visit.

Thank you for helping us bring this idea to life.

Wednesday Morning Masses

As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing the spiritual life of our students, each class has been taking turns to attend the Wednesday morning Parish Mass at 9:15am.

The response from teachers has been positive. The children have been able to connect with parishioners and pay attention to rituals that they have been taught in class.

Moving in to term 3, we warmly invite parents and carers to join their child’s class on the day they are rostered to attend.

You may receive an email invitation or a paper invitation, so please check emails, children’s reading folders or take heed of your child’s verbal invitation.

This is a beautiful opportunity to come together in prayer and strengthen our connection as a school and parish community.

The class Mass timetable should have been sent home as a PDF last week by your child’s teacher.

We encourage you to check when your child’s class will be attending the Wednesday Mass.

We look forward to welcoming you to this special part of our faith life.

During this Mass you are welcome to sit with your child, but we ask that you join us as a class - so please come along and sit with us at Mass.

Sacramental Program 2025

Confirmation - Thursday 14th August

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

If your child is in Year 6 and is yet to make their “Confirmation” please contact Mrs Lipnicki at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

Confirmation will be held on Thursday 14th August at 7:00pm.

Term 3 Masses

At the weekend family Masses, families sit together. Children who are reading are encouraged to sit with their family near the front of the church and ideally to have the reader sit in the aisle seat.

Get Ready for the St Mary’s School Disco! 

The P&F Committee is thrilled to announce that ticket sales are now open for our much loved St Mary’s School Disco! This is always a highlight of the school year—a fantastic opportunity for the kids to come together, have loads of fun, and show off their best dance moves.

For those who prefer a quieter vibe, we’ll also have dedicated chill-out zones where kids can take a break and relax.

This fun-filled evening is all about our students, and it's sure to be a night to remember!

Date: Friday 29th August 2025

Location: St Mary’s School Hall

Sessions:

• Session 1: Prep, Grade 1 & 2 | 6:00pm – 7:15pm
• Session 2: Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6 | 7:30pm – 8:45pm

Tickets: $10 per child – available now via CDF Pay. Please note: This event is for St Mary’s students only.

Can You Help on the Night?

We’re looking for parent volunteers to help serve treats and keep an eye on our energetic partygoers! If you're able to lend a hand, please reach out to cg@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au

All volunteers must hold a current Working With Children Check.

We can’t run this event without your support—thank you in advance!

P&F Committee