St Mary's Primary School Newsletter Term 4 Week 1

Acknowledgement of Country

St Mary’s Primary School respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the
Wimmera Mallee area, the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk
peoples, and pays respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.

As partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue the fullness of life for all.  St Mary's Catholic Primary School  is committed to the safety and well-being of all students.

Key Dates

Principal's Report

Welcome to Term 4 Week 1

I hope everyone had a restful break and feels refreshed and energised as we dive into Term 4.  

We are very excited and blessed to have two new families join our school this term.  We warmly welcome Leah and mum Lauren from NSW. We also warmly welcome Galo, his mum Sofi and grandmother Eli. Galo and Sofi have only recently arrived in Warracknabeal from Argentina and  newly settled into town, embarking on new culture and language. Please say hello to our new families and students when you see them!  This term is an important time for students to continue to consolidate school routines and undertake steps necessary to prepare for and complete successful transitions into 2023.   Despite periods of ill health of students and staff during the year, we still have been fortunate throughout 2022 to be able to provide continuity in learning and an incredible range of extra curricular opportunities for every child.  Thank you everyone for your ongoing support of our staff, children and their families.

We continue hold in our thoughts and prayers the Jess family on the passing of Jan, and to all  memebers of our St Mary's community who may need our prayers at this time.

Last Sunday's Gospel reading from Luke 17:5-10 reminds us of the incredible power of faith.  Jesus speaks of the power of faith many times in his teachings. In this Jesus tells the disciples that even a little faith, the size of a mustard seed, is enough faith to do incredible things. God is present amongst us and is through us the world is changed.  This is a faithful presence .  

Travel safely with God's blessings

Nerrida Holland

Principal

Welcome Leah and Galo!

Calling for nominations for our School Advisory Board and Parent Club

Please consider becoming a member of our School Advisory Council (SAC) or an executive member of Parent Club.  The SAC is the leading advisory group for the Principal and an active forum for
parent and community participation. SAC is important in providing support and advice in the strategic planning, school improvement, educational outcomes and stewardship of resources for the school.  There are only two meetings in each of Terms 1, 2 and 3 , with the Annual General Meeting in Term 4, so it is not an onerous commitment.  It would be great to have more parents involved.  

All parents are automatically members of the Parent Club on enrolment of their children.  Perhaps you may like to have a role in the executive of the Club - please consider how you may be able to be more actively involved.  A nomination form is attached that can be downloaded. 

The AGM for School Advisory Council and Parent's Club, will be held on Wednesday 19th October at 6:30pm.

Transition Days for 2023 Foundation and Year 7's

Half Day Transition day for Grade 6 at WSC

Next Friday 14th October, Grade 6 students will be attending a half day transition day at Warracknabeal Secondary College from 9:15am-12:45pm.  They will need to bring snacks for recess, a drink bottle, a book to write in and a pencil case. They are also asked to wear their sports uniform for the day including hat.  Students will be walked to and from WSC with St Mary's staff. 

Grade 6 families - an Operoo will be sent out for permission for your child to attend.

 (Students attending Holy Trinity Lutheran College next year will have a transition day on Tuesday 6th December)

Transition for Foundation Students

Transition dates for Foundation Students are Tuesday 29th November 9am-11am; Tuesday 6th December 9am-12pm amd Tuesday 13th December 9am-1:45pm.  

Getting your child set for Prep

Starting school can be an exciting but stressful time for you and your child. For some children it may be the first time that they have been away from their parents. They may be going into a strange environment with unfamiliar people and things around them.  The following article has some simple steps to help make your child's time at school more enjoyable and relaxed. 

Curriculum

STOMP

Each afternoon this week students enjoyed the STOMP program with Maddi, learning new dances and routines to present to parents and families at our end of year Basket Tea on Thursday 15th December.  Whilst we had lovely sunny days Monday and Tuesday, the rain may have forced activities indoors for the rest of the week, but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm and energy from our students!  We look forward to the students showcasing their dance moves later in the year. 

Barley and Lentils Technology - Using Microbits

Barley and Lentil students completed further coding and programming using the microbits this week.  Students could aptly create flashing lights and manipulate the programs to create random number generators and even pedometers (step counters)!

School TV - Grief and Loss

Following the death of someone close, parents are often concerned about how to best support and meet the needs of their children. Like adults, children experience, express and process grief in a variety of ways depending on their age, stage of development, personality, family culture, understanding of death, past experiences of loss and the context of their bereavement. When considering how best to provide support, the child’s unique grieving needs should also be considered. Attached below is a pdf which shares further information particularly for primary school aged children dealing woth grief.  There is further information also available on our School TV website. 

Community News

Parish Bulletin