St Mary's Primary School Newsletter Term 4 Week 2

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 2

With the large rainfalls across Victoria and flooding throughout many regional and metropolitan areas I do hope all familes, your friends and relatives are safe and well.  We continue to keep an eye on the weather forecast, flood warnings and road closures and I urge everyone to follow emergency services advice if the need arises. Whilst we are able to keep our school open and functioning, many of our regional counterparts are struggling and we keep these in our thoughts and prayers, those who are working hard to protect their properties and especially our emergency service providers who are working tirelessly across Victora to keep people safe.

This week we farewell Claire Schulz as she starts her family leave in readiness for the arrival of the new addition to her family. Thank you Claire for your amazing work with Chickpeas. I know Chickpeas students and parents will miss Claire, the rapport she has built with families and her terrific work in setting a strong foundation for our students in their first years of schooling. 

We are very lucky to have Stefanie Knight join our teaching staff to be with Chickpeas for the majority of Term 4.  Stefanie comes to us with Early Childhood and Primary School training and expertise, and we have already been fortunate to have Stefanie undertake some relief teaching to get to know the students. We are very much looking forward to having Stefanie join our St Mary's community.

October is Catholic Mission month. World Mission Day is celebrated every year in every country
wherever there are Catholics committed to building a better world for all of God's people, a world
where everyone has all they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life. It is the day on which we reflect on the urgency to proclaim the Gospel in our times.

This year our school will celebrate Mission Day on November 2. Mrs Letts, Bron and the Lentils class have been working very hard to organise a fabulous, fun filled day for the school which will also raise money for Catholic Mission for their many projects around the world. Thank you for your support of these activities, thereby ensuring we play our part in building a better world for all.

You might like to pray the following at home.
Father, you care for your children. Help us to be as you are and show justice and love to all.  Amen

Travel safely with God's blessings

Nerrida Holland

Principal

A break from the rain and so a whole school picnic lunch outside today!

Farewell Mrs Schulz!

The school gathered together to wish Claire a final farewell and best wishes for her new baby, with lots of cards and many a Thank You!

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.

Thank you Parent Club

Thank you Parent Club for your incredible generosity in providing funds to update our Sporting and Maths equipment.  The students are already using the new play equipment outside including soccer balls and skipping ropes, and our sports shed has updated equipment including ball nets, T-ball game sets and a range of other equipment to be used across the school for all sporting activities.  For maths, hand -on material have been ordered to supplement our maths program.

Thnak you parents, for your time, commitment and support in fundrainsing to make these opportunities available for your children.

Transition Days for 2023 Foundation

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.  

Transition to Warracknabeal Secondary College

Our Grade 6 students this week were able to experience their first opportunity of secondary life at Warracknabeal Secondary College.  Thank you Bron and also staff at WSC for today's activities. 

Curriculum

Positive Drama Incursion

This week Barley and Lentils enjoyed a drama incursion hosted by Kate Ellis and Drama Victoria, another free activity we have been fortunate to obtain through the Positive Start Program with the Depatment of Education.  The students enjoyed improvisation and role play.

Child Safe Standards - Commitment Statement

Below is a link/file attachment that is the updated Statement of Commitment to Child Safety from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV). This statement has been updated in light of the revised Child Safe Standards that came into effect on July 1st.
Please take the time to read the updated statement.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further
strengthen our child safety policies, procedures, and practices.
If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please contact Nerrida via phone or email.. 

Sun Smart

A reminder that our SunSmart Policy is now active. Therefore everyone needs to wear a hat whilst outside - 'no hat, no play'.

Australian Parents Council

The Australian Parents Council is a representative body that bridges the gap between parents and government policymakers. Please see their newsletter below. 

School TV

All parents and families have access to our subscription to School TV.  In many newsletters I include articles and links to special reports, including cyberbullying, school transition and youth mental health. Please go to the link below and explore the many resources on offer which are available to you as a St Mary's parent at all times. 

Community News

Parish Bulletin