2025 St Mary's Primary School Newsletter Term 3 Week 7

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.

Principal's News

Dear families,

Recently, I had the privilege of joining colleagues from across Australia at the Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns. With over 1,400 Catholic educators and leaders gathered under the theme ‘Hope, Anchored in Faith’, it was a truly inspiring experience. The conference offered a valuable opportunity to listen to thought-provoking keynote speakers, participate in engaging workshops, and contribute to panel discussions. It was also a time to pause, reflect on our shared mission, and consider both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for Catholic education. I came away with a renewed commitment to ensuring that faith, excellence, and equity remain central to all we do.

Last week, we held our Term Three School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting. I continue to be deeply grateful for the SAC team, who provide invaluable support and wise counsel—especially as we plan for the future direction of St Mary’s. The SAC will next gather for our Annual General Meeting next Term in Week 4, and I warmly encourage parents to consider joining this important group.

To put it simply: the SAC is a vital advisory body that connects parents with the school leadership team. It provides a space to share feedback, celebrate achievements, and explore areas for growth—together.

With just under three weeks to go before the school holidays, there a still some events and important dates to consider. Please refer to the calendar below.

• Friday: Fathers/Special friends Breakfast and a visit from CEB Director 

• School closure Day Friday 19th September (Staff Literacy PD in Horsham)

• Student’s last day Thursday 18th September

*I am looking forward to seeing and meeting many fathers/special friends this Friday for breakfast at St Mary’s.*

We encourage families to regularly take a look at our St Mary’s FB Page. Schools and family life in general are very busy places.  Often reminders or events and activities are posted.

Continue reading for Special Editions and Flyers for some special editions

 Julie Leonard

Key Dates

School Promotional Video

WWSSA Athlectics

On Wednesday 20th of August selected children from years 1-6 went to the WWSSA Sports at ANZAC Park. Students were allowed to compete in the max of 4 events plus a Relay. I competed in the Triple Jump and Relay. The weather was really nice and it wasn't raining like every other time.  My Mum, Dad and Nanny came down to support me, Harlow and Arlie. We had a really nice lunch provided by the Parents Club. I had a meat pie and a fruit box.  I came third in the Triple Jump and the Relay. Nash                                                           

Hi my name is Harry and I was the cheer leader at the WWSSA Athletics. I cheered for the people from my school. It was a good sunny day. I cheered for everyone I know and that is everyone at my school, my class and everyone else in my school. Harry                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Students in Years 1 to 6 went to the WWSSA Athletics. It was amazing in my opinion, I could see 5 races going on at the same time. It was a thrilling experience, like a breathtaking movie. The weather was perfect for running and there was delicious food from the Parents' Club and a wide range of competition. I ran an 800m sprint, it was tiring but exhilarating, so many people were cheering for me. I came 6th overall. I don't care about my place, I care about my effort. I tried my best to not stop running, that's all that matters.                                                                                                                                Penny

How about this,  I got selected from the years 1-6 to attend the WWSA Athletics. I got to compete in the 1500m, 800m, 200m, 100m and the Relay. It was a very busy day as I was competing in the maximum amount of events. The sun was shining and the conditions were perfect for some fast times. I started with the 1500m, I ran well but felt exhausted after. Not long after I was being collected for the 100m. I had a short break and then I had to run my 800m. After a snack and drink I had to go over to my 200m, then my Relay with my team. I had a great day!                                       Ollie George

Science Roundup

This week our budding and very excitable scientists in Canola had a fantastic time creating their own volcanoes as part of our science unit! The learning intention was to understand how volcanoes erupt and how they can change the Earth’s surface. Students built and decorated their own models before conducting exciting ‘eruptions’ using a simple chemical reaction. 

This hands-on experiment helped bring 'Earth Science' to life and sparked lots of curiosity and discussion about the powerful forces that shape our planet.

Mrs Werner

SPECIAL REPORT: Sibling Relationships

“Willingly or not, we have all been exposed to a piece of bad news that has lingered in our thoughts for days afterwards. This seems to be more common in the current environment than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place, so it is easy to see why we might feel impacted. It can often seem like there are many stressful events occurring simultaneously, and the hyperconnected nature of our environment means we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.

We are a BARR school (Bushfire at Risk)

Pleae read the communication below. As a Bushfire at Risk school, on days there is a Catastrophic fire danger forcasted in our district, the school will close. Other educational providers in our area will also close, and there will be no school byses running. We need to receive notification from the Department if Education and also DOBCEL in order to close. The school will always endeavour to notify families as soon as practical. We did have two Catastrophic school closure days earlier this year. 

Please ensure you have downloaded the SIMON everywhere app to receive the first notification of a sudden school closure through PAM, as this is the official school emergency notification platform.

Then emails will be sent to families, followed by a Facebook update. 

DOBCEL Strategy 2035

Please find below a letter from Catholic Education Ballarat Executive Director, Tom Sexton and DOBCEL Board Chair Terry Harney regarding the DOBCEL Strategy 2035.

This letter introduces the new strategy that all DOBCEL schools will be working through over the next ten years.

Child Safety at St Mary's

St Mary's is committed to zero tolerance of child abuse, listening to and empowering children and young people and keeping children and young people safe. We are committed to being proactive in the care, wellbeing and protection of children and young people. Child Safe Standard 11 as below highlights what we as an organisation must do. regarding documentation. If you ever have any concerns, regarding the safety and wellbeing of your child please contact the Principal. Your information makes us more aware of what needs to be addressed and how we can improve. 

For more information please visit this link Child Safe Standards 

Thunderstorm Asthma

Community Events