Newsletter Term 4 Week 3 - Friday 25th October 2024

Dear families, 

Earlier this week we celebrated St Luke - a physician, writer, disciple and a friend of Mary. Through his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, he is responsible for writing over a quarter of the New Testament, and most importantly, out of the four evangelists, he has left us the most information we have about Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the midst of so much warfare in Gaza, Ukraine and Lebanon we pray for people who are being injured every day and for doctors, surgeons, nurses and all who are coming to the aid of so many in distress. May St Luke, the healer, strengthen all hands and hearts where needed today. And may there be peace, lasting peace in our world.

Term 4 can always be a bit of a juggle; one foot in the current year and the other foot planted in next year.  Our leadership team begins the important process of planning for the upcoming year, including staffing, timetabling and class allocations. There are always multiple factors to consider, including student needs, class sizes, curriculum requirements and the allocation of qualified educators.  At the centre of all our decision-making is what is ultimately best for our students. Our number one goal  is to create an environment that promotes learning, collaboration and personal growth for all our students. We place a strong emphasis on creating balanced and diverse groups, believing that this fosters rich learning experiences. If you have any feedback that you think will help support your child in 2025 and in turn inform our decision making please get in touch with me as soon as possible. 

The first week of Term 2 next year contains two public holidays - Easter Monday and ANZAC Day. With the support of our governing body, DOBCEL and our School Advisory Council (SAC), Tuesday 22nd April, Wednesday 23rd April and Thursday 24th April will all be student free days. St Mary’s staff will be participating in professional learning days with St Coleman’s, Mortlake and St Thomas’, Terang. The focus for these professional learning days will include Structured Literacy and Strengthening our Universals in School Wide Positive Behaviours.  This creates a three week break inclusive of Easter and ANZAC Day for our students. I understand that this extended time off can require careful planning for families. I am hopeful that by providing you with advanced notice, you will have ample time to make any necessary arrangements, whether it be coordinating childcare, planning family activities, or simply enjoying some time together.

Every blessing for the week ahead. 

Roxanne

TERM 4 2024

WEEK 4
Thursday 31st October
MLC Camp - Halls Gap
GWR Primary School Basketball Tournament @ Colac
Friday 1st November
MLC Camp - Halls Gap
WSP hosted by SLC1
NO LUNCH ORDERS (due to VCE exams)

WEEK 5
Monday 4th November
Student Free Day
Tuesday 5th November
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Thursday 7th November
Foundation 2025 Information Evening
Friday 8th November
School Fees Due
No WSP

WEEK 6
Friday 15th November
JLC "The Gruffalo" Excursion @ Horsham Town Hall
WSP hosted by MLC
NO LUNCH ORDERS (due to VCE exams)


WEEK 7
Thursday 21st November
Foundation 2025 Transition Session 1
Friday 22nd November
No WSP

WEEK 8
Thursday 28th November
Foundation 2025 Transition Session 2
Friday 29th November
No WSP


WEEK 9
Tuesday 3rd December
Year 6 students @ Marian College - Transition Day
Wednesday 4th December
Science Discovery Dome Incursion
Thursday 5th December
Foundation 2025 Transition Session 3
Friday 6th December
WSP hosted by JLC1
LAST LUNCH ORDER DAY
Carols by Candlelight Performance

WEEK 10
Tuesday 10th December
Whole School Transition Day
Wednesday 11th December
SLC Excursion - details to follow
Friday 13th December
End of Year Mass

WEEK 11
Monday 16th December
Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday 17th December
Students Last Day
Year 6 Big Day Out
Normal finish at 3.15pm
Wednesday 18th December
Staff Planning Day
Thursday 19th December
Staff Last Day

TERM 4 WSP SCHEDULE

Friday 1st November - hosted by SLC1
Friday 8th November - no WSP
Friday 15th November - hosted by MLC
Friday 22nd November - no WSP
Friiday 29th November  - no WSP
Friday 6th December - hosted by JLC1
Friday 13th December - end of year mass

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to the following students for this week:

Charlie H & Ruby C