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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
Thank you for all the work everyone has done this term. Term 2 always throws in some challenges as we head into the colder months. A good time for a break.
Congratulations to our Year 6 Poets who performed brilliantly at the Williamstown Literary Festival. Mantra, our host, really got the crowd into it and there was a real buzz in the air. As it is a slam there are winners. Well done to our individual winners Leo and Amelie and Alice and Lila as our teams winner. The festival committee was very excited by the performance and I had many people come out of the crowd to congratulate the school. Well done to all involved, especially Laura Banks and Daryl Marmion who drove this project.
Bishop Martin Ashe. This Thursday, Bishop Martin Ashe is visiting our Year 6 students as part of their preparations for their Confirmation. He will then be joining the staff for morning tea, which will also be our celebration for Father Greg's Birthday.
Andrew Chinn. Andrew Chinn has been with us today and the students are having a brilliant day with him. His songs are very uplifting and have a lot of energy. They will be a great inclusion into our Masses and Liturgies.
Painting over the holidays. The school will be a busy place as our painters paint the bottom floor of the school. The predominate colour throughout the school will be whisper white, which I know many people have in their houses. Programme Maintenance are completing the works.
Student led Conferences: Our Student led conferences will be taking place on Tuesday, July 19, Week 2 of Term 3. Student finish classes at 1pm in order for the conferences to begin. If you are unable to collect your child at this time, your child will be supervised in the hall until 3:30, when normal end of school arrangements begin.
Long Service Leave: I am taking some long service leave in the first two weeks of Term 3. I am leaving the school in the capable hands of Laura Graham and Michelle Ristovski. I will be back at the start of Week 3.
God Bless and have a great break,
Anthony
Transport of children to school by positive cases
A further change to the pandemic orders is that from 11.59 pm on Friday 24 June, parents/carers who are COVID-19 positive can leave self-isolation to transport children to or from school via private vehicle.
The parent/carer must travel directly to and from the school only. They must remain in the vehicle at all times, unless it is reasonably necessary to leave the vehicle to walk the child to and from the entrance of the school safely. They must wear a face mask at all times.
Faith News - School and Parish Connections
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about what it means to be his follower
There are many ways, we can show that we are following Jesus and how we share God’s love with others.
We can make the choice to help people who are trying to find somewhere safe to live.
We can also make a choice to help those who are hungry to get enough food, or thirsty to get enough drink. We can help those who are homeless find somewhere safe to stay.
We can share what we have and care for those who are sick or lonely or sad.
Lord of perfect love,
I give to You my whole mind, heart, soul and strength.
Help me to love You above all things and in all things,
and from that love,
help me to love those whom You have put in my life.
Jesus, I trust in You.
LOCAL - Charity starts at home - Williamstown
There are also many local community groups we can support:
One of those is a group that Mr Burke is involved in and one we have hopes of supporting with our school garden.
The group is: Reaching out in the inner West
Please jump on the link and see if you can help out in any way.
St Vincent de Paul is also looking to provide for those in need.
Pease jump on the link and see what they need to support those less fortunate in our community.
Andrew Chinn Concert
Today the children participated in a wonderful singing experience with Andrew Chinn.
Each Year level spent time practicing a song to perform at a concert at the end of the day. I am sure you will be hearing the children singing lots of Andrew’s songs in the coming weeks and we hope to include some of the songs in our future year level Masses.
Visit from the Bishop - Thursday 23rd
This Thursday our newly appointed Bishop Martin will be visiting the Year 6 children as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. He will spend some time getting to know the children and answering any questions they have about the Sacrament. He will also spend some time getting to know the staff during recess. Hopefully we will have some photographs to share in the next Newsletter item.
Important dates to Remember for Term 3
Event |
Date |
Time |
Where |
Year 6 Family Mass - Presentation of Confirmation candidates |
Saturday 16th July |
6:00 pm |
Church |
Confirmation Information session for Year 6 parents and sponsors |
Wednesday 20th July |
6:30 |
School Hall |
Confirmation |
Tuesday 26th July |
6:00 pm |
Church |
Confirmation |
Wednesday 27th July |
6:00 pm |
Church |
Confirmation |
Thursday 28th July |
6:00 pm |
Church |
Mary MacKillop Mass |
Tuesday 9th July |
9:15 am |
Church |
Assumption of our Lady |
Monday 15th August |
9:15 am |
Church |
180 Year’s of St Mary’s Archbishop to celebrate the Mass |
Tuesday 23rd August |
11:30 am |
Church |
Fathers day Mass |
Friday 2nd September |
9:15 am |
Church |
Congratulations to St Mary's very own Max Bakker for his huge effort with the Team Vic AFL squad. Max was 1 of 900 of the states best footballers to register for the Victorian team, he underwent intense trial days and a gruelling selection process to make it down to the final 44 footballers. Unfortunately Max fell just short of making the final team this time but nonetheless it is a huge accomplishment and he's done St Mary's proud. Well done Max!
Our school disco is scheduled for Friday 19th August in the School Hall.
It's time for the kids to have a boogie and show off their dance moves at the School Disco. This is set to be a fun night just for our children. The cost is $10 per child and tickets can be purchased via CDF Pay. Please note that only St Mary’s children are able to attend this event.
To help ease congestion, this year we are running the disco in 2 x Sessions.
Session one is for the Preps, Grade 1 & 2’s and will run from 6.00pm to 7.15pm.
Session two is for Grade 3, 4, 5 & 6’s and will run from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.
A flyer with details on the event will come home in early Term 3 with more information, including how to volunteer.
Now that Maclean Reserve has opened, we would like to keep it a clean and safe space for our students. If you would like to help keep Maclean Reserve safe for our students, then please consider volunteering for the Maclean Reserve roster for Term 3. Volunteers collect the bucket and gloves from the office in the morning, and police the area before school; it takes approximately 15 minutes of your time. If you would like to volunteer, please collect a form from the office, or alternatively email your contact details and availability to volunteers@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au. Thank you to all of those parents who have already volunteered.
The first 2nd hand uniform shop will be scheduled for Wednesday 13th July, from 8:30-9:30am in the hall, and fortnightly after that. In addition, uniforms can still be ordered at any time by emailing Sherrine and Meagan at uniformspf@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
What’s happening in 3rd Term?
This is just a snapshot of what the P&F Association has planned for the second term
Date |
What’s happening |
Monday 11th July (7.00pm - 7.45pm) |
P&F Association Meeting (Proposed in person at this stage) |
Wednesday 13th July (8.30am - 9.30am) |
2nd Hand Uniform Sales (School Hall) |
Tuesday 19th July (7.00pm - 8.30pm) |
Fair Working Group Meeting (TBA) |
Wednesday 27th July (8.30am - 9.30am) |
2nd Hand Uniform Sales (School Hall) |
Monday 8th August (7.00pm - 7.45pm) |
P&F Association Meeting (Online) |
Wednesday 10th August (8.30am - 9.30am) |
2nd Hand Uniform Sales (School Hall) |
Tuesday 16th August (7.00pm - 8.30pm) |
Fair Working Group Meeting (TBA) |
Friday 19th August (6.pm-7.15pm & 7.30pm-9.00pm) |
School Disco (School Hall) |
Wednesday 24th August (8.30am - 9.30am) |
2nd Hand Uniform Sales (School Hall) |
Friday 26th August (TBA) |
Father’s Day Stall (Parish Centre) |
Friday 2nd September (TBA) |
Father’s Day Breakfast and Mass (School Hall then Church) |
Wednesday 7th September (8.30am - 9.30am) |
2nd Hand Uniform Sales (School Hall) |
Monday 12th September (7.00pm - 7.45pm) |
P&F Association Meeting (Online) |
Fair Update
As we wind down for the end of Term, our Fair working group is planning for a big Term 3 upon our return! Our plans are progressing well and over the school holidays we hope you have a big rest and some quality family time. We would also love you to think about ways that you may be able to contribute to the Fair as every little bit helps us along the way.
Sponsorship
Each fair year, our school community steps-up to volunteer our time, our skills and our spirit to create one of the largest community events in the Williamstown social calendar. P&F Fair Working Group would like to invite you to support our school as we begin up our sponsorship campaign. The support packages are designed to be accessible to all in our community and can be customized to the preferences of each sponsor.
Thank you to those that have reached out to us regarding sponsorship, a more detailed sponsorship document will be shared in early Term 3, please contact us if you are keen to promote your business through sponsorship at our school Fair.
Donations
While you are enjoying the holidays please start thinking about how you might be able to contribute to our monthly donations and pledges. These items can be dropped off at the school office.
JUNE & JULY: COLLECTING NOW!
LUCKY DIP
Empty Jars (with labels removed) empty or full with fun prizes
Eg: stationery / fun erasers / beads / marbles / lego / soaps / nail polish / small toys / arts & crafts / nail polish / footy & pokemon cards / squishies
&
CRAZY HAIR
Eg: brushes / coloured hair spray cans / hair accessories / scrunchies / ribbons
Here's a quick overview of the months ahead (not taking donations for these now)
AUGUST : Second Hand Books / Puzzles / Board Games & Lollies
SEPT : Buy a Bottle & Wrapping paper
OCT : Blocks of Chocolate, Water Bottles & Soft Drink Cans
NOV : Baked Goods & Jams
We'll remind you along the way with follow along pamphlets and newsletter prompts.
Thank you!
Any questions? Please forward them to fair@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
Thanks so much,
Jemima, Louise & P&F Association
Dear Families,
We are excited to have Teeth on Wheels Visiting our school for dental visits starting on the 15th of July.
Below is a link to their E-form which needs to be completed by 15th of July for your child to participate.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND NO PAPER FORMS WILL BE GOING OUT FOR 2022.
https://teethonwheels.com.au/consent-forms/consent-eform/
Teeth on Wheels are focused on providing a positive dental experience and specialise with working with children. They can provide check-up and clean appointments and more onsite and will be able to advise you if your child is eligible to received dental care for FREE under the Child Dental Benefit Schedule.
Complete your form today and the Teeth on Wheels team will be in contact to schedule your child’s appointment.