2023 St Mary's Primary School Term 4 Newsletter - Final

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

This Sunday 17th December is the third day of Advent. 

Over the past few weeks we have revisisted the symbolic importance of  the candles present on or inside the advent wreath, often featured in churches on Sunday. At school we have thus far lit our candle of peace and candle of hope.  On Monday morning in our staff liturgy to finalise our last day of the school year, we will light the third candle, the candle of joy. Otherwise known as the Shepherd Candle, this third candle of Advent reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival, and through the salvation he has gifted us.

Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen

Students finished the school year with a very exciting and busy week.  On Wednesday morning we had a bacon and egg muffin breakfast kindly donated and organised through Warracknabeal Rotary. Then Wednesday evening we had our end of year Graduation Mass where we formally farwelled our Grade 6 students.  For Zoe, Arielle, Campbell, Kendra, Jesse, Evan, Fergie, Mia, Blake, Olivia, Bianca and Colby - congratulations on your achievements and thank you for your contributions throughout your time here at St Mary's. May you be blessed and filled with grace and opportunites for your next chapter in secondary education.  The mass was a lovely evening led by Fr. Matt Restall, with our Foundation student buddies playing an active part in the Mass. It was big night for the little ones and they did a terrific job - their presence made the evening very special for their Grade 6 buddy.

Through the mass we farewelled families who are finishing up their time of their children completing their primary education through at St Mary's - Krystal (Kendra), Teaghan (Jesse), Emma and David (Campbell), Tracey and Mick (Zoe), Tammy and Chris (Fergie). I would like to say a very special farewell and thank you to Tammy Marshall, who has been involved at St Mary's as a parent and active school community member for the past 18 years. This is a huge accomplishment. Thank you Tammy for your time, dedication and commitment to St Mary's for such an extensive time.

The Shine Award this year was awarded to Mia. This award is presented to a student who is recognised for espousing the values of St Marys throughout their time at St Mary's. On behalf of the St Mary's Ladies Club and presented by Frances Casey, Mia received a certificate and $150 towards her secondary education.  

On Thursday we had Santa visit ANZAC Park by helicopter - a wonderful community event organised by Chris Kellett from Warracknabeal Primary school and our emergency services members. Our local school communites and Woodbine clients thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of two helicopters whirring overhead and landing in on ANZAC park oval with Santa and his elves.  The children and visitors then said hello to Santa, received a small gift and had a photo taken. Thank you very much Chris and those involved for organising the fun morning. 

We finished the week on Friday with our Pool Party and then a sausage sizzle kindly supported and cooked by our local St Vincent de Paul members. Thank you SVDP- this was gratefully appreciated.  

At the end of the day we gathered together as a whole school as our last farewell to children and staff leaving for new schools - students Braxton, Lily and Aurora and teachers Marg Clancey and Andy Malcolm. Thank you for your contributions and all you have offered St Mary's during your time here. We hope 2024 is amazing for you.  And we look forward to Claire Schulz and Victoria McPhee returning from family leave and rejoining our staff for 2024. 

A special shout out to Cody from Warracknabeal High School who completed work experience with us over the past two weeks. Thank you Cody, it was lovely to have a past student return, you were a great asset for us over this busy time. Best wishes for your studies in 2024. 

Whilst it has been another challenging year with lots to navigate, it has also been one of great achievements and memories, especially for our Grade 6 graduates. Thank you to all staff at St Mary's for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. Also thank you to Fr. Matt Restall, who has been a regular visitor to our school and integral in developing the faith and mission of our school. We look forward to Fr. Matt being an active member of our school as well as parish community next year.

Please see below a Christmas message from Fr Matt to our St Mary's school community. 

To the families, friends and extended community of St Mary's, I wish you all a safe and blessed Christmas, and look forward to seeing you all again in 2024. 

Travel safely with God's blessings,

Nerrida

Mia with the Shine Award

Reports have been released through PAM

Students' end of semster reports were released to families through PAM last Thursday. To access the report, log into PAM and select your child. From the Profile Menu, select “Assessment Reports” and then click on the link to open the desired report. If viewing the reports on your phone it is best to download the reports and view as a pdf, rather than in preview mode. If you are having any difficulties please contact the school on Monday 20 December.

Students return Wed 31st January - book collection and uniform purchase times

Please remember Monday 29th January and Tuesday 30th January are student free days next year. ALL St Mary's students return on Wednesday 31st January. Parents can collect books and purchase uniform at the times below:

Monday  29th January                     1pm -4pm

                                                                  (please do not come in earlier as the office will be closed)

Tuesday  30th January                    9am - 2pm

Santa Visit

Thank you Chris Kellet from WPS and our emergency services providers for an exciting morning at ANZAC park.

Rotary Breakfast

End of Year Pool Party and SVDP BBQ

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School TV

In this edition of SchoolTV - SCHOOL TRANSITIONS

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the School Transitions edition of SchoolTV
https://smwarracknabeal.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

School Fees - please finalise accounts

Families please finalise your accounts for 2023 . Statements have been emailed.

School fees for 2024 are:

Family fee $895  per family

Capital fee $90 per family

Student fee $180 per student

Technology levy $100 per student

If you have concerns regarding fees and fee payments, or wish to have a confidential discussion regarding how you can best contribute to your child's fees, please call the school or contact Nerrida at principal@smwarracknabeal.catholic.edu.au

2024 Beginning of year arrangements and School Closure Dates

For your planning for 2024, our school closure dates have been allocated in consultation with Catholic Education Ballarat staff and external providers for staff professional development. The first school closure day for 2024 will be Tuesday 30 January.  This means all students, including Foundation, will have their first day of school on Wednesday 31 January. Foundation students will then have each Wednesday as a school free rest day from 7th February until 6th March inclusive. 

Our school closure dates for 2024  are:

Tuesday  30th January  (details as above)   Family Engagement in Learning

Friday 8th March (Friday before the Labour Day Long Weekend)  Learner Agency and Data Analysis

Tuesday 11 June (Tuesday after King Birthday Long Weekend)   Catholic Culture and Identity

Monday 15th July (first day of Term 3)  Wellbeing and School Wide Positive Behaviour

These professional development days for staff align with our school Annual Action plan for 2024

Catastrophic Fire Danger Days

Closure of the school due to a forecast Catastrophic day will be confirmed on the day prior and we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day when possible. Any information regarding potential or confirmed Catastrophic fire danger days will be communicated to you by our Family Facebook page and email and School Newsletter.  Please see below DOBCEL's communication regarding BARR (Bushfire at Risk Register) schools including St Mary's.

Community News

Virtual Emergency Department

Staff updated their First Aid Certificate recently and were shown this terrific service - the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department  which allows you to access care for non-life-threatening emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will be  connected to our doctors and nurses via a video call, and receive medical advice from the comfort of your home.  See the flyer below.