Term 1 Week 2 - Friday 3rd February 2023
Principal's Welcome
Dear families,
In last week’s Gospel we heard ‘The Beatitudes’ - a series of declarations that Jesus makes when preaching about God’s love. This has been particularly pertinent for me this week, as I have reflected on what it means to be blessed. Every new year brings its own energy and excitement. I am hopeful that this year will be full of opportunities and blessings for us as we learn and grow together.
It was wonderful to welcome 125 new and returning students and to witness their enthusiasm for the new year. The Foundation class is buzzing with 11 students. We also welcomed 5 new students in other year levels.
We also have some new staff members joining our community in 2023:
Julianne Pender - Grade 1/2
Melissa Schwab - Grade 5/6
Rachel Chaffey - Learning Support
Thank you to all for your endeavours to ensure such a smooth start for our students. I am very aware of the energy it takes to support young people to get used to new routines, people and experiences. I am impressed with the care taken by some of our students as they support younger students at St Mary’s.
To encourage the most successful outcomes for students at school, it is vital to establish a positive home and school partnership. We encourage parents to feel welcome to make an appointment with your child’s teacher, should you wish to discuss your child’s learning or social emotional development. Please also know that I am always more than happy to assist with any concerns. You are always welcome to contact me by phone or email or make a time for a chat.
Entering the New Year
God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly,
thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others,
mindful that our steps make an impact and our words carry power.
May we walk gently.
May we speak only after we have listened well.
Creator of all life, help us enter the New Year reverently,
aware that you have endowed, every creature and plant, every person and habitat with beauty and purpose.
May we regard the world with tenderness.
May we honour rather than destroy.
Lover of all souls, help us enter the New Year joyfully,
willing to hope laugh dance and dream,
Remembering our many gifts with thanks and looking forward to blessings yet to come.
May we welcome your lavish love.
May we cast off the small, vindictive voice our fears make.
May the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead.
Amen.
Vinita Hampton Wright
Every blessing for the year ahead.
Roxanne Leed
rleed@smararat.catholic.edu.au
Fr Andrew Reflects on the Burial of Cardinal George Pell
Parents and guardians, you may have been following this week's news from Sydney. Media have reported on both the ceremonial Church farewell to the cardinal and the protestors making their voices heard. George was always a vibrant, energetic and polarising person in the Catholic Church, even this week in death. It is appropriate that we pause to pay our respects to the dead and to pray for eternal rest.
A church funeral for the Cardinal was proper. However, I wish to share with the St Mary's families, as strongly as I am able, that my thoughts are firmly with every person who has been hurt, whether by action or inaction by church leaders, including in Ararat. Sexual abuse of children is appalling and for many people leads to life-long pain. Others including my friends haven't survived.
This week the Australian Catholic Church missed an important moment to bring about some healing. The people who have long felt unheard (thus the loud fence ribbons) are feeling more unheard this week. The removal of ribbons is so damaging to people. For many that is their voice. That's enough. I am feeling the pain of the survivors. They are my friends. I am sure Roxanne will join me in reaffirming that at St Mary's we will do everything in our power to protect and look after your children. We have strong child-safe policies and procedures. Speak up if you are concerned.
Never again.
Fr Andrew
Around the School - First Week Photos
Foundation's first week
OUR CLASS OF 2023 ❤️
Important PAM Account Information
Most of our families should be aware that our student administration system SIMON upgraded PAM over the holiday break. This week we rolled out our new PAM accounts via email. If you haven't done so already, could you please ensure your PAM account is active and that your child/ren's medical profiles are updated ASAP.
Thank you!
2023 School Fee Information
CSEF & Family Fee Assistance
Fee assistance forms are now available at the front office for eligible families to receive an annual discount on your school fees. Please bring your up to date health care card or pension card with you so that we can obtain a copy.
Forms will need to be completed by FRIDAY 24th FEBRUARY
Pink Family Forms Due
You should have also received our pink family form this week. These need to be handed in to the office by FRIDAY 24th FEBRUARY
Parish Bulletin
TERM 1 DATES
Wednesday 8th February
Foundation Rest Day
Tuesday 14th February
Whole School Mass 12.15pm @ The Church
Friday 17th February
Book Club orders due
Wednesday 22nd February
Foundation Rest Day
Parent Teacher Interviews from 3.30pm
Thursday 23rd February
Parent Teacher Interviews from 3.30pm
Wednesday 1st March
Foundation Rest Day
Thursday 2nd March
Black Ranges Swimming
Wednesday 8th March
Final Foundation Rest Day
Thursday 9th March
School Photos
Black Ranges Tennis
Monday 13th March
Labour Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 15th March
Foundation students at school full time
Wednesday 15th March - Monday 27th March
NAPLAN - Grade 3 & 5
Thursday 23rd March
SSG Meetings
Friday 24th March
SSG Meetings
Thursday 30th March
SSG Meetings
Friday 31st March
Athletics Carnival @ Alexandra Oval
Thursday 6th April
End of Term 1
Whole School Music Performance from 1pm
Early finish at 2.15pm
Monday 24th April
Start of Term 2
Tuesday 9th May
Student Free Day - Staff PD
2023 St Mary's Canteen Price List
Expressions of Interest - Piano Lessons
PIANO LESSONS WITH
VIRGINIA ON FRIDAYS
Please call Virginia on 0455 139 101 if interested
In Our Community
ADJFA REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Visit PlayHQ to register
