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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
Congratulations to our First Communion students. It was a long time coming, but we got there in the end. Thank you to the families, staff and the students for all their work. A big thank you to Charlotte Lipnicki for coordinating it all with a special mention to Michelle Ebinger who did much of the preparation last year when this group first planned to have their First Communion.
This week our Year 5 and 6 students are going on their annual school camp. Every second year the students go to Canberra, however this is our local year. The school is working on a camp program so that students have an introduction to school camps throughout the years. Details of this will be shared with families soon.
Just to confirm that voluntary RAT testing for students has been announced that it will continue to the end of the Term. Obviously, like many schools, we had problems with our delivery of the RAT tests. We do apologise for this inconvenience. Hopefully we do not have any further problems. Coincidentally, one of my children got a false positive from a RAT test this week only to get a negative result on their PCR test. It is highly recommended that any positive RAT test is followed by a PCR test as we know that RAT tests are not as reliable.
This week our Year 3 students have their annual excursion Try Sailing at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. It is certainly one of the advantages of being in Williamstown!!
Shade Sails. Our shade sails are almost through council and we are coordinating when they will be installed. We are looking at the school holidays and try to work in with our painters who will paint the outside of the school at that time.
God bless and stay safe
Anthony
The students have all settled nicely back into school life for 2022 in Years 8 – 12 and our newest community members have made an exceptional start to Year 7. Co-curricular activities have started again and these bring an exciting extra dimension to school life.
We are very excited to be hosting our two Meet the Principal experiences in coming weeks. Bookings are essential and can be made by clicking on the Tours and Events tab on the right hand side of the College webpage, www.ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
Meet the Principal events at each campus are as follows:
St Paul’s Campus, Thursday 3 March commencing at 9.30 am
Notre Dame Campus, Thursday 10 March commencing at 9.30 am
Our first transition event for Year 7, 2023 students will also occur in coming weeks with the virtual fun and games night. Keep a look out for information about this.
Also, please check out the website for information about our Annual Alumni Business Breakfast featuring Mr Kevin Sheedy AO. This event is open to all former students of the College and again, bookings are essential.
We are looking forward to seeing you at some of our events this year
Faith News - School and Parish Connections
School Prayer
Creator God,
We at St Mary’s school pray that we continue to live by the Gospel in our work and play.
Help us to care and respect for each other as Jesus teaches us.
Bless everyone in our school, parish and beyond as we go forth and work together as followers of Christ to reach out to those in need.
Jesus be in our thoughts. (use thumb to make a cross on your forehead)
Jesus be in our words. (use thumb to make a cross on your lips)
Jesus be in our hearts. (use thumb to make a cross on your heart)
Amen
Congratulations to our Year 5’s
Congratulations to all our Year 5 students who received their First Eucharist last weekend. It was a beautiful and reverent event for all that participated.
Children, you were all so wonderful and it was evident to Father Greg and the Parish community that you were truly ready to take this next step on your faith journey. Father Greg was very impressed with how well you all presented yourselves.
Thank you to all the parents who supported their children and made this a memorable event for them.
Thank you too, to the musicians, especially Monique who volunteered her talents, to ensure that there was music for the Saturday evening Mass.
Most impartantly, a big thank you to Kieran Condon and James Howat, the Year 5 teachers who prepared the children so well for this important Sacrament.
Saturday Evening
Sunday 8:30
Sunday 10:30
Ash Wednesday - 2nd March
At this stage we are hoping that we can gather as a school community in the Church. The Mass will be at 9:15.
The children will present their lenten promises and receive the Ashes from Fr Greg.
If there are any changes to the venue, information will be sent out from the school.
Important dates to Remember for this Term
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
Ash Wednesday Mass |
2nd March |
9:15 am |
Church |
Year 3 Reco Family information night |
7th March |
7:30 pm |
online |
Feast of St Joseph |
18th March |
9:15 am |
Church |
Year 3 Family Mass |
20th March |
10:30 |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
22nd March |
4pm - 6.30pm |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
23rd March |
4pm - 6.30pm |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
24th March |
4pm - 6.30pm |
Church |
Year 3 Reconciliation |
25th March |
4pm - 5.30pm |
Church |
Sacramental Dates for 2022
Reconciliation - Year 3
The Year Three children at St Mary's School and Parish are underway in their learning and understanding of what it means to reconcile with one another and with God. We have secured Maria Ford to speak to Year 3 parents and candidates about the Rite of Reconciliation.
This will be an online event
Date: Monday 7th February
Time: 7:30 pm.
Maria asks that those attending find a quiet place in the house. She also asks that you bring a candle and lighter to the meeting. These will be used during the session.
The link for the meeting will be sent out on the Friday 4th March. Please let the school know if you do not receive the link.
The dates for Reconciliation are:
Tuesday 22nd March 4pm - 6.30pm
Wednesday 23rd March 4pm - 6.30pm
Thursday 24th March 4pm - 6.30pm
Friday 25th March 4pm - 5.30pm
Bookings are now open and the link has been sent to families via email.
Eucharist - Year 4
Saturday 21st May, 6pm
Sunday 22nd May, 8.30am & 10.30am
Confirmation - Year 6
Tuesday 26th July, 6pm
Wednesday 27th July, 6pm
Thursday 28th July, 6pm
Clean Up Australia Day for St. Mary’s School
St Mary’s School is proud to do their part in helping the environment by participating in the annual Clean Up Australia day on:
Friday the 4th of March.
Students, with their teachers, will be assigned areas around our local area and school to help clean up.
Remember: Students will need to bring to school a pair of gloves from home for the day.
Teachers will also ensure that all hands are washed and sanitised at the end of the clean up.
Earth Hour
Throughout the month of March, students and teachers will help in the reduction of Greenhouse gasses by reducing the amount of unnecessary power being used. This will include turning off lights in rooms not being used, turning unused power switches off and encourage the use of minimal lighting when natural light is sufficient.
How can your family help at home?
You can also support the Earth and the Earth Hour at home by participating the World-wide EarthHour.
Click on this link to find out the many ways that you can help.
Just note that the Sustainability Leaders for each class group will be presented with Certificates of Recognition at next week’s assembly.
Shrove Tuesday – 1 March 2022
To celebrate Shrove Tuesday the Parents and Friends Committee will be offering pancakes to all students on Tuesday 1 March. For details, please see the green form sent home last week. Many thanks to Annette Bakker for volunteering as our event coordinator.
Kids will enjoy a pancake prepared by our parent helpers in the morning. Each student is asked to donate a gold coin, with all donations going to charity. We are seeking your support as helpers, see note below and seeking donations for:
- Plain/Original pancake mixture bottles (Green’s Brand only)
- Greens Maple Flavoured Syrup
- Lemons
- Drop off point is the school office before or after school.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteers@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
Icy Poles
A big thank-you to all of the parents who volunteered to sell icy poles. Rosters will be sent home on Friday, or Monday for Grades 5&6 families. Quench Berri Icy Poles will be on sale each lunch-time for $1 each, from Monday until the end of Term 1.
St Mary’s Fabulous Fair
Save the date: St Mary’s Fabulous Fair will be on Sunday 13th November. If you would like to be involved with the working group, please email Jemima at special_events@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
Second Hand Uniform Pop Up Shop
A big Thank You to all those that have been dropping off their donations over the last few weeks - please keep it up!
The next pop-up shop in the hall is coming up on Wednesday March 2nd; and fortnightly after that, from 8:30-9:30am.
The shop is now cashless and payment can be made by credit card/eftpos etc. Don’t forget you can order any items from the 2nd hand shop at any time by emailing your request to uniformspf@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
After 2 years of so many lockdowns, much of the stock is in excellent condition and is well worth checking out for those that have never been!
Lunch Order Update
Lunch orders are underway, we are keen to receive feedback over the next two weeks, this can be shared via secretary@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for your patience as we work through the details.