2024 St Mary's Primary School Newsletter Term 3 Final
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Key Dates
- Principal's Report
- Year 5 and 6 Melbourne camp
- Footy Day and Parent Club Special Lunch on Friday 20 September - school finishes 2:25pm
- STOMP program Week 1 Term 4
- Class Assemblies Term 4
- New Fee Statements now sent.
- Dealing with Disappointment
- Child Safe Standards - What are they?
- Warracknabeal Show Day Thursday Oct 10
- Community News
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
2024 | Term 4 Monday 7 October – Wednesday 18 December (Staff finish 20 December) |
Term 3 | |
Week 10 | Monday 16 September to Tuesday 17 September Years 3 and 4 Halls Gap camp Wednesday 18 September Learning Walk through the school for current, interested and prospective families Thursday 19 September Announcement of new principal for St Mary's Friday 20 September Sports themed day, casual clothes, students can wear footy/sporting attire. Parent Club providing lunch. Term 3 finishes Friday 20 September 2:25 pm |
TERM 4 | Monday 7 October Term 4 commences - students return |
Week 1 | Monday 7 - Friday 11 STOMP program - students can wear PE uniform this week Thursday 8 October Warracknabeal Show Day Public Holiday - no school |
Week 2 | Tuesday 15 October Golf Clinic for Canola Wednesday 16 October Dental Van visit Friday 18 October Foundation- Year 2 Day trip to Halls Gap Zoo |
Week 3 | Tuesday October 22 Parliament visit to the school for Canola Friday October 25 International Teachers' Day |
Week 4 | Monday 28 October Whole School Assembly Japanese; Canola Mission Day |
Week 5 | PAT testing week for all students Tuesday 5 November Melbourne Cup ( not a public hioliday - this is a school day) |
Week 6 | Thursday 14 November Wheat Assembly; excursion to Warracknabeal Primary School for CEP perofmance BMX Bandit day. |
Week 8 | Tuesday 26 November Foundation Transition Day 9-11 am Thursday 28 November Chickpeas Assembly Sunday 1 December Prelude to Christmas (time and venue TBC) |
Week 9 | Tuesday 3 December Foundation Transition Day 2 9:00 -11:30 am |
Week 10 | Tuesday 10 December statewide transition Day - whole school transition from 9-11 am, 2025 Foundation students at St Mary's until 1:30pm, for 2024 Grade 6 students there is no school at St Mary's this day. Wednesday 11 December Year 6 Graduation Dinner Thursday 12 December Canola Assembly |
Throughout Weeks 10 and 11, there will be the Year 6 Graduation Dinner, Graudation Mass and whole school end of year pool party. Some dates are still tbc, awaiting confirmation from venue availability Students' last Day Wednesday 18 December |
A prayer for our upcoming holiday break
Dear God, may this time be marked by laughter, joy, and shared memories. Help us to cherish one another, for we know that time is a fleeting gift. Help us to be fully present, to cherish each moment, and to create lasting memories that will strengthen the bonds between us. Guide our interactions, that they may be filled with grace, kindness, and appreciation for one another. May Your love and joy flow through us, making this time together a beautiful reflection of your blessings and may we create memories that last a lifetime. Amen.
Principal's Report
As we approach the end of what has been yet another very busy term, we know it’s been a challenging time for many. We've seen lots of tired children, teachers, and a fair share of sickness going around. Thank you everyone for your ongoing patience. If your child needs a rest day, please keep them home to recharge. It’s important they have the energy to finish the term well. And as always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or concerns.
This Thursday September 19, the new principal for St Mary's will be announced. This is an exciting step for St Mary's and we will welcome the new appointee soon as they step into this important role in the community.
Last Day of Term dismissal time- we have now received confirmation from the Secondary College that the shuttle bus is to leave St Mary's at 2:30pm. Please note the change to dismissal of students is now 10 minutes later than previously advertised to now be 2:25pm Friday 20 September.
Let’s all hang in there for the last stretch!
Travel safely with God's blessings,
Nerrida
Year 5 and 6 Melbourne camp
The students had a fantastic time in Melbourne last week, having a true Melbourne urban experience. As well as visiting Melbourne's iconic sights including the MCG, Shrine, Arts Centre, Victoria Market, Chinatown, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, students took public transport, travelled in peak hour on trams and trains, (including a typical train cancellation!), they moved through the CBD, witnessing the homeless and many people from different nationalities and backgrounds. Thank you to Clare Letts, student teacher Will Martin and grandparent Gail Boyd attending with me to make this camp so memorable for the students.
The Year 3/4 students Halls Gap overnight camp at the Halls Gap Baptist Centre is Monday 16 September to Tuesday 17 September. Students will leave St Mary's around 9:15 am Monday (or earlier if all ready!) and will return to St Mary's at approximately 3:00 pm on Tuesday.
The F-2 students will have a day trip to the Halls Gap zoo on Friday 18 October.
Year 5 and 6 Urban Camp
Footy Day and Parent Club Special Lunch on Friday 20 September - school finishes 2:25pm
On the last day of Term 3, Friday 20 September, students can come to school dressed in footy/sport team colours, and Parent Club will be providing all students a special footy themed lunch. Thank you parents for your generosity. School finishes at 2:25 pm.
STOMP program Week 1 Term 4
We are excited to have return to St Mary's the team from STOMP for our annual hip hop dance intensive. The majority of students really enjoy this program. Whilst dancing and performing may not be for everyone, this is another opportunity for students to take themselves out of their comfort zone, challenge themselves and be an important part of the class team. Students will learn their moves through Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Remember there is no school on Thursday 10 October due to the Warracknabeal Show Day. On Friday 11 October, students will have a double STOMP session and then will present their class and whole school dances to families available to attend from 2:30 pm onwards. Please contact Nerrida if your child has significant concerns with the STOMP program.
Class Assemblies Term 4
Assembly time table for T4
Week 4 | Monday Oct 28 | Whole School Japanese |
Week 6 | Thursday Nov 14 | Wheat |
Week 8 | Thursday Nov 28 | Chickpeas |
Week 10 | Thursday Dec 12 | Canola |
New Fee Statements now sent.
All families have received new fee statements, with the camp costs included. Now we are well into Term 3, please be aware all fees need to be finalised by November 8. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your fees please contact Nerrida. For direct debit and payment plan availability, please contact Paula at the office.
Dealing with Disappointment
Child Safe Standards - What are they?
The new Child Safe Standards came into effect in July 2022 and are a vital part of what we do here at St Mary's. What do these standards look like in practice? Each newsletter we will look at a standard in closer detail.
For more information please visit this link Child Safe Standards
Warracknabeal Show Day Thursday Oct 10
The 136th Warracknabeal Show is being held on Thursday 10th October 2024 at the Warracknabeal Showgrounds Reserve. There are several competitions which students are encouraged to compete in. The theme being everyone is good at something, so the organisers are particularly interested in encouraging first time participants.
The competitions include:
- Cooking
- Craft Work
- Lego Construction
- Photography
- Art
- Other
- The Warracknabeal Community Garden Scarecrow Competition
At the end of the newsletter are attachments which outline the details of the competitions.
All students are encouraged to participate in the Show and enter some of the competitions.
Community News
