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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
Welcome to Term 4. The good news is that there is a plan for students to return to school and that we may have had our last remote learning. Of course, it is a very fluid situation and things can change, but the future does look a bit brighter. Mandatory vaccination now comes in for all education staff and we await the delivery of ventilation systems. We expect that we will need around 17-18 ventilation systems as one is required for every classroom and other areas of the school. We are still waiting on information about the shade sail program with all schools to receive $25000 to create an outdoor teaching area.
We officially welcome Jordan Lovett (PE) and Daryl Marmion (Year 6) to staff. Beginning in a remote learning situation is unusual, however, like may things, we have had to learn to adapt really quickly. We hope they feel welcomed and supported.
Maclean Reserve Upgrade. It appears we have moved another step closer to the upgrade of Maclean Reserve with the works officially put to tender. The communication from Hobson's Bay Council indicating the upgrade will begin in the next few weeks. During this time we will have no access to Maclean Reserve and we will be sharing Robertson Reserve with Williamstown Primary School. Temporary toilets will be installed for students to use. The new area will include more climbing equipment, an in-ground trampoline and swings. The students will be very excited.
Traffic Plan. I think we have all noticed the works around the school on the Hobsons Bay City Council traffic plan. Already we have seen the installation of raised crossings and our footpath's widened to make it easier and safer for students to get to school. Major works on Cecil st will include it becoming a one way street, a large raised area and drop off and pick up zones. I have been told that these works started from a conversation the school had with the mayor at the jogathon the year he ran around with the students. Whether that is totally correct, I cannot confirm, but it did show him on the day that we are a very active community and want the best environment for our students.
To Summarise the Return to school
Week 1 (Beginning) Oct 4 - Remote Learning - Essential Workers etc Children at School
Week 2 Oct 11 - Remote Learning - Essential Workers etc Children at School
Week 3 Oct 18
- Preps - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
- Grades 1/2 Thursday/Friday
Remote learning continues for all other students when not at school. Essential worker's etc Children at school
Week 4 Oct 25
- Preps - Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
- Grades 1/2 -Thursday/Friday
- Grades 3 and 4 -Tuesday/Wednesday
- Grades 5 and 6 -Thursday/Friday
Remote learning continues for all other students when not at school. Essential worker's etc Children at school
Week 5 Nov 1
Monday Nov 1 - School Closure Day
Tuesday Nov 2 Melbourne Cup. Public Holiday No School
- Preps - (Wednesday and Friday)
- Grades 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday)
- Grades 3 and 4 (Wednesday and Friday)
- Grades 5 and 6 (Thursday and Friday)
Remote learning continues for all other students when not at school. Essential worker's etc Children at school
From Friday Nov 5 - All students return to school full time.
2022 180 Years Celebration. 2022 marks 180 Years of Catholic Education at St Mary's Williamstown. Although it will not be as big as the 175th, we are looking to mark this year in some special ways. If you would be like to part of a small committee to look at ways we can celebrate please contact the school. info@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
200 Years of Catholic Education: Finally, St Mary's was recently featured in the Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools (MACS) circular for our long history of providing Catholic Education in Victoria. Here is a link to the Article
https://www.macs.vic.edu.au/News-Events/2021/September/Melbournes-first-Catholic-schools.aspx
God Bless and Stay Safe
Anthony
We thank you God
For bringing us all back safe and well,
We say thank you God.
That we can now see some light at the end of the tunnel.
We thank you God.
That we can now breathe a little easier without so much fear and anxiety.
We thank you God.
For the days we were simply grateful for some sunshine and fresh air on our face.
We thank you God.
When we received a surprise gift or kind gesture from a friend or neighbour,
We thank you God.
To hear the laughter and banter of family enjoying each other's company.
We thank you God
For helping us reassess what is truly important deep in our hearts.
We thank you God
We thank you for protecting us, guiding us and loving us through this time.
Amen
A Message from Father Greg
Once again the generosity of the St Mary’s Parish and School community was evident with our 7th Annual Food Collection for Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
Despite COVID and being locked out of church and school, over 3000 food and household items flowed in again over August, and ended up filling Fr Greg’s dining room.
With travel restrictions easing to allow 10km travel, goods were delivered two weeks ago to the ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre) in Footscray.
The ASRC provides food and free groceries for over 1000 people in the Western Suburbs, many of which would otherwise have nothing or little to eat.
Many of these people have no income or work rights and about half the recipients are children.
The ASRC were delighted to get a full van load of food and household items from St Mary’s with volunteers there declaring that the donation “really made their day”.
This year we also were able to assist the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP) with a food donation delivery to them also. Sr Brigid who has spoken to us at mass
in past years about asylum seekers is one of the coordinators of BASP. BASP provides accommodation, food and emergency relief to a large number of people
seeking asylum, usually those who have no money, and often haven’t been able to get into other agencies. BASP provides emergency assistance as well as either
short term or long term services, that save families and individuals often with nowhere else to go from homelessness. BASP manages over 40 houses around
Melbourne for Asylum Seekers including the house in Newport that St Mary’s pay the rent for.
Once again, thank you St Mary’s for a terrific and generous contribution of food and household again this year – over the past 7 years we have provided over 20,000 items.
Sacraments 2021
Please note that the Communion dates for Year 4 & 5 in October have been postponed.
We are currently planning and waiting for restrictions to lift on the amount of people who are allowed to gather in the church. Because of this, the dates for First Holy Communion for Year 4 & 5 are still unknown at this stage. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please be aware that Father Greg is away on annual leave from Monday 25th October until Friday 19th November.
Feast of St Francis of Assisi - 4th October
Francis of Assisi is one of the most well-known saints of the Roman Catholic Church. He is one of the patron saints of Italy. He founded an order, or group, of monks called the Franciscans. The Franciscan order is one of the largest orders in the Roman Catholic Church.
Love for Nature
Francis was known for his love of nature and animals. There are many stories about Saint Francis and his preaching to animals. It is said that one day he was talking to some birds when they began to sing together. Then they flew into the sky and formed the sign of a cross. It was also said that Francis could tame wild animals. One story tells of a vicious wolf in the town of Gubbio that was killing people and sheep. The people of the town were frightened and didn't know what to do. Francis went to the town to confront the wolf. At first the wolf growled at Francis and prepared to attack him. However, Francis made the sign of the cross and told the wolf not to hurt anyone else. The wolf then became tame and the town was safe.
Transitioning Back
Here is an informative video presented by Michael Carr-Gregg with positive advice on how to assist families to support their children to successfully transition back to school.
Although the reality of COVID is not quite over, there still remains a considerable amount of uncertainty. We have all experienced this event together and we are all at various levels of transition and adjustment. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted students, parents and teachers alike.
Emotions during this time have been varied. For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things. One thing that has remained constant - the need for good parenting and supportive teachers. Both of which offer young people stability and familiarity, and are vitally important during this time of transition.
Whilst many children may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted, others may be experiencing mixed emotions. Each child’s reaction will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. As families adjust to new routines, it will be vitally important to keep a check on our young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Encourage them to focus on the things they can control or enjoy in order for them to remain motivated and ensure their sense of belonging.
St Mary’s Lego Station and the Rainbow Retreat
St Mary’s School is gratefully asking for donations of any unwanted lego you might have at home. We have set up “Leah the Lego Lorry” and are looking to increase supplies at school for students to use their creative skills during recess and lunchtimes. We are also seeking any Matchbox cars you no longer need to top up the ones available in the Rainbow Retreat.
Donations are being accepted at the school office.
eSafety parent guide to digital technologies and mental health
This webinar will provide parents and carers with strategies to help young people and their mental health when they are online.
It is designed for parents and carers of young people aged 10–18.
It will cover:
- what do to about accidental exposure to content about suicide, self-harm or eating disorders
- using games, apps and social media to support mental wellbeing
- the pros and cons of digital mental health platforms
- strategies for young people to support friends online.