St Mary's Primary School Fortnightly Newsletter Term 3 Week 3

Acknowledgement of Country

St Mary’s Primary School respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the
Wotjobaluk Nation, the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk
peoples, and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Nation Peoples of the Wimmera Mallee area. 

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 3 Week 3

Dear Families and Friends, Staff and Students of St Mary's,

Whilst the foggy mornings have been rather chilly, it is lovely to see the sunshine brighten our days after the fog lifts. The students have enjoyed being outside and making the most of dry days . It also meant we could have our AFL clinic which all thoroughly enjoyed. Keep an eye out for the Warracknabeal Herald for an article.  Unfortunately, due to AFL staffing unavailability, we will no longer have these clinics this year, but we are very grateful to the AFL for this wonderful opportunity for our students.

School Improvement Survey

Some families will be randomly selected to participate in the School Improvement Survey on behalf of St Mary's and the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL).  This is designed to assist St Mary's in gaining an understanding of parents' perceptions of their children’s experience of school. The results will benefit everyone within the school by providing valuable information about the ways in which the school can use staff, student and parent input to plan programs and activities to improve your child's experience at school. Please check your child's bag. If you receive a letter home requesting your participation please take the time to participate in this survey. Although we strongly encourage you to participate, your participation is voluntary. It is important to remember, however, that the success of this important project is dependent on parents’ involvement. 

Thank you parents for your attendance at the Parent - Teacher interviews last week and to the classroom teachers for your dedication and professionalism in conducting these. We appreciate life gets busy and parents may not have been able to make the interviews - if parents still wish to make a time to discuss their child's learning, please email your child's teacher. 

Thank you Parent Club for your efforts in organising and facilitating the Pie Drive, and to all who bought the yummy goodies from Warracknabeal Bakery. The funds raised will benefit all our students.

The parables in Matthew's Gospel have been shared in Mass recently which try to set for us some kind of understanding of what the kingdom of Heaven might be like, with an overall message that the scriptural understanding of Heaven has to do with acceptance, welcome, love and peace.  This is a gentle reminder to all of us to be kind to each other and look out for how we might be able to help a friend in need.  Through our words and deeds may we be able to make someone’s day brighter, thereby allowing them to do the same for others too. In this way, hopefully we are building and celebrating the love of God together, here on earth. Through our actions may we plant seeds which just might bear fruit in time with the children in our care. It’s a work in progress and we can only do our best.

Travel safely with God's blessings,

Nerrida  (principal@smwarracknabeal.catholic.edu.au)

Lentils Assembly - Thursday 27th July

Thank you to Mr Malcom and Lentil's for your assembly this week. The Lentil students presented their inquiry projects which demonstrated the students’ understanding of geological and extreme weather conditions upon the earth. Students were given the option to present their project as either a model, poster or power point.

Students also presented their limerick poems. They had a lot of fun creating group, partner then
individual poems. Students have also been exploring hyperboles, similes and onomatopoeias to enhance their writing. They have been demonstrating their learning by using picture prompts to create short texts. Students have also been challenged to omit certain key words so that the reader must make an inference. The work also needed to be were produced within a 7 minute time frame. All of the students produced exciting pieces.

Also at this assembly we presented the Cross Country perpetual trophy, place getter ribbons and House aggregate ribbons. Congratulations to Gold house for the 2023 trifecta - Athletics, Swimming and now also the inaugral Cross Country trophy - Congratulations to all!

With our focus on Learner Agency and Writing, Lentils have been studying how inferences are used by authors to make their writing more interesting.  Inferences encourage the reader to think more about the text where they can draw their own conclusions.

Students were required to write a short passage of text describing the picture below, but were not not allowed to use the words car, truck, ute, Land Rover or mud. There were some very exciting pieces presented! Below is Evan's intepretation, followed by attachments of work from other Lentil students.  Well done everyone!

As he fangs around the corner he comes upon a pit full of wet dirt, he drives through. His wheels were covered in slush, the stench of water filled the air. The exhaust started to smoke as it was being smothered. Dirt flicking all of the bonnet and windows. His wheels started to spin, flicking slop everywhere. He revved changing gears, the lights started to be covered, his new toy had been turned from pretty to dirty. GRRR as his engine started to heat, his wheel guards started falling off. Finally he gave up, his new toy just wasn't up to the job.  (Evan - Lentils)

NAIDOC Week Art

Sun, 2 July 2023 – Sun, 9 July 2023 during the school holidays was NAIDOC week. On return from the holidays, St Mary's students acknowledged this through class activities and took time to reflect and celebrate the histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, recognising them as the ongoing Custodians of the land. Our administration wall and art room now have beautiful artwork and reflections from the students. 

Chickpea and Wheat excursion to Swan Hill

On Monday 14th August Chickpea and Wheat Students will be travelling to the Swan Hill Pioneer settlment for their excursion.  Please check PAM for details and excursion permission.  It will be an early start and later return so please have children here at 7:30am, we will return by 4:30pm. Please dress your child warmly.  If your child requires travel sickness tablets or other medication through the day that we do not already oversee,  please email your child's teacher or Nerrida for a medical form to complete and bring the medication to school prior to the excursion.

Trip to the Theatre - Cinderella

With the generous assistance from Country Education Partnership, students will be attending the Horsham College's production of Cinderella on Friday August 18th. Permission forms will be sent home through PAM soon.

Horsham College proudly presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’

The Tony Award-winning musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music!

Douglas Carter Beane’s adaptation of this well-loved classic invites us to build a better, kinder world together. When she meets a dragon-slaying young prince who is just assuming control of his government, Ella helps spark transformation and empower the disenfranchised in their kingdom. With the help of her fairy godmother, a pumpkin and a little magic and humor, Ella, Prince Topher and their generous friends will inspire and delight the whole family.

Book Week Celebrations - Parade Wednesday 23rd August

The Children's Book Council of Australia Book Week is from 19th - 25th August. On Wednesday 23rd August, will be our Book Week Parade and we will also combine the day with other activities to celebrate as a St Mary's Feast day.  More details will soon be shared, but for now save the date and know the day for costumes is Wed 23rd August. Please have students wear sports uniform under their costume, or bring in their school bag to change afterwards for other activities in the day. 

Father's Day Breakfast Friday September 1

St Mary's would like to invite all fathers and significant adult male family members to breakfast from 8:00am on Friday September 1.  We will provide a bacon and egg roll and a morning cuppa. Please let us know of your attendance and dietary requirements for catering purposes - don't forget to bring a keepcup/travel mug for a cuppa! Please complete the google form below or email principal@smwarracknabeal.catholic.edu.au

Camp /Excursion Costs and School Fees

The Chickpea and Wheat day trip to Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement for Monday 14th August has now been organised with PAM permission notifications sent to families. Whilst the entry fee, activities and bus will cost $83.50, this will be subsidised by the school. As such, the cost per student will be $30 which will be added to your school fee account. Please have your child at school at the school by 7:30 am on Monday 14th August

The 4 day camp to Robe from 17th - 20th October for 2023 will cost approximately $910 per student.  This year, Lentil parents will be asked to contribute $400 per student. 

The 3 day camp for Barley to Lady Nortcote from 25th - 27th October for 2023 will cost approximately $575 per student. This year, Barley parents will be asked to contribute $330 per student.  

Please note camp and excursion costs are always dependent on student numbers.  Families who are health care card holders will also receive additional funding towards camps and excursions for their children, so their contribution cost will be less.  Camp and excursions costs are added onto students' fees. 

School fee statements have now been sent to families. If you are having difficulties in making payments for your school fees and camp costs,  please call Nerrida for a confidential discussion.  

St Mary's Beanies are on their way!

Update - these should be here soon!

WWSSA Sports ANZAC Park

Thursday 17th August is the WWSSA sports carnival held at ANZAC park.  Students eligible for this level have been informed and permission forms will be sent to families via PAM early next week.

We are urgently seeking volunteers to assist with the day - we need helpers for events and also this year is St. Mary's turn to run the canteen. Please note this day in your calendars as many volunteers and also food donations will be sought.  There will be further information from Parent Club - please keep an eye on the school Facebook page. 

Wellbeing - SchoolTV - Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual’s brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.

Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.

Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.

Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek help from a medical professional.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://smwarracknabeal.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/neurodiversity

Parent Club Fundraiser- Wonder White Recycling Program

This fundraiser finishes on Monday 31st July - this is the last day bring all bread bags in. Thank you for your contributions here. 

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