Term 2 Week 5 - Friday 26th May 2023
From our Principal
Dear families,
I wish to thank everyone for their well wishes as I recover from an unexpected illness that rendered me sick for the first few weeks of term. A big shout out to the staff team who continued to provide high levels of learning and step-in to navigate the day-to-day operation of the school in my absence. They are an amazing bunch of people that I am blessed to work with each day.
This week we celebrate Catholic Education Week. The theme comes from Paul’s letter to the Colossians - ‘Let the words you speak be full of grace’. Grace is the gift of God’s presence in our lives. How we engage, speak and dialogue with others can bring God’s presence into being. The way we live and act and the words we speak provide insight into the very essence of our individual being. Our use of language, with expression and gestures, brings us into engagement with others. I am blessed to see this each day at our school in the relationships between students, staff and families.
Our water safety programme concludes today. All students from Foundation - Year 6 have had the opportunity to refine their swimming skills and enhance their water safety knowledge. The Ararat Fitness and Leisure Centre have run another great programme. Our students have loved it!
Our Senior Learning Community has had a successful camp experience. They have been fully immersed in 1850s school life complete with teachers who are strict and the embodiment of 1850’s Victorian authority. I was able to spend time on Thursday night with the students who were keen to share with me fascinating insights into the distinct social norms and hierarchy of the times. Thanks to Toni, Simon, Melissa, Lorna and Gez who have supported our students’ wellbeing and learning so that they got the most out of the experience. Everyone should sleep well tonight!
Melissa Schwab will be finishing up her role as SLC1 classroom teacher (3 days) this week. Melissa has been a valuable addition to our staff team during her short time with us. I commend her willingness to take on a challenge - particularly in the classroom teacher role that she undertook this year - an experience that was different to her work overseas. We are blessed that Toni Stockwell will take on the full-time teaching responsibility in that classroom until we find a suitable replacement for Melissa.
Every blessing,
Roxanne
SLC Camp Photos from Sovereign Hill
MLC Swimming Photos
Spot the teacher!
St Mary's Open Day Thursday 8th June
Afternoon Safety Reminder
Reminder that all students must exit the school via the ramp at the end of the day.
Students are to wait inside the gate until their parent/guardian is PARKED in their vehicle or on foot, and the student can point them out to the teacher on duty.
Students travelling on buses must wear a seatbelt at all times.
Thank you for helping keep our children safe!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Our birthday celebrations this week:
Joel M, Scarlett B, James L & Ivy L
Parish Bulletin
TERM 2 DATES
WHOLE SCHOOL PRAYER
Every Friday at 2.45pm in the Multi Purpose Room
WEEK 6
Wednesday 31st May
Touch of Yellow Day
Wear a touch of yellow with school uniform for National Reconciliation Week
WEEK 7
Thursday 8th June
St Mary's Open Day
Tours at 9.15am and 12.15pm
Meet in Front Office - all current and prospective families welcome
Friday 9th June
Student Free Day
WEEK 8
Monday 12th June
King's Birthday Public Holiday (formerly Queen's birthday)
WEEK 9
Friday 23rd June
Last Day of Term 2
TERM 3
Monday 10th July
Student Free Day
Tuesday 11th July
Students Return Term 3
2023 STUDENT FREE DAYS
Friday 9th June
Monday 10th July
Friday 15th September
Wednesday 1st November
Wanted - glass jars
Clean glass jars with lids for an upcoming project. Please drop them into the office if you have any to spare. Thank you!