Week 9, Term 3 2023 - 5th September 2023
Principal's Reflection
"Unlocking Your True Potential: Insights from Luke Kennedy's Inspirational Talk"
Yesterday, we were very fortunate to host renowned motivational speaker and mental health advocate, Luke Kennedy. For the past 6 years, Luke has shared his powerful story of misguided youth and personal turmoil, and how reconnecting with your inner core being and focusing on small improvements every day can lead to big changes. I summarise the key takeaways following his Year 5/6 student session and the parent talk.
- Break Free from Labels: Luke stressed the idea that we often allow labels, whether self-imposed or imposed by others, to define us. He reminded us that these labels may not always be true and encouraged us to break free from them.
- Confronting Self-Bullying: At the root of many issues lies self-bullying. Luke urged us to examine our inner dialogues and replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Treating ourselves with kindness is the first step toward personal growth.
- The Power of Small Changes: Luke emphasized the significance of making small, consistent changes in our lives. These changes, when implemented repeatedly, can lead to significant transformations over time.
- Embracing Mistakes and Growth: Mistakes are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. Luke encouraged us to view mistakes as stepping stones toward success and personal development.
- The Mind-Body Connection: Meditation, exercise, and sleep were highlighted as essential components of mental and physical well-being. These practices help us nurture a healthy relationship with ourselves and maintain a balanced life.
- The Magic of Reading: Reading is rightly celebrated as a tool to foster creativity, originality, and wonder. Luke reminded us that readers often become leaders, as knowledge opens doors to new possibilities.
- Overcoming Negative Beliefs: Stored negative beliefs can have a lasting impact on our self-identity. Luke encouraged us to confront and challenge these beliefs, replacing them with positive and empowering thoughts
8. The Power of Words: Words have the potential to shape our worlds. Luke emphasised the importance of both the words we use to describe ourselves and the words spoken by others. Positive and empowering language can be a catalyst for success.
9. Learning from Role Models: Success leaves clues, and Luke invoked Tony Robbins' wisdom, encouraging us to find someone who has achieved what we aspire to do and learn from their journey.
10. Unlearning for Growth: Luke concluded by highlighting that one of the most significant advancements in life is the practice of unlearning beliefs and habits that no longer serve us. Embracing change and personal evolution is key to unlocking our true potential.
Luke Kennedy's insights serve as a reminder that self-discovery and personal growth are ongoing journeys. By challenging self-limiting beliefs, practicing self-compassion, making incremental changes and learning from both our own experiences and the wisdom of others, we can unlock our true potential and lead more fulfilling lives.
All the very best,
Wes Rose
Principal
From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose
Art Show
I extend a sincere thanks to the staff and parents who assisted in making our Art Show a phenomenal success. I have heard many comments on the lovely night had by all, which was a celebration of the creative pursuits of our students, staff and parents.
Feast Day Celebrations
Today we pre-emptively celebrated our school’s Feast Day, which is the nativity of St Mary the Mother of God (we were unable to hold it on the scheduled date of 8th Sept). Our school community gathered for Mass led by Fr Matthias. Following Mass, we cut Mary’s birthday cake, graciously sponsored by our P&F Association. Students then enjoyed an inflatable obstacle course, which capped off a memorable day. Sincere thanks to Mrs Terri Leotta for her organisation of this special celebration.
Student Protection Conference
The Diocesan Student Protection Conference will be held this Thursday and Friday in Rockhampton. Mrs Leotta and I will be attending this important professional learning. In my absence, Mrs Battaia is acting principal.
Staff News
Miss Banks will be on Long Service Leave from 7th-15th September. Mrs Aileen Balding will teach 3B during this time. Mrs Berardi will be on Long Service Leave from 11th-15th September. Mrs Hollie Cleaver will teach 1B during this time.
Quote of the Week
"Find contentment......and happiness will find you."
-unknown
Free Dress Day
To help support our St Mary's Christmas Fair, we are inviting students to wear free dress this Friday 8th September. Please bring a $2 donation on the day to your teacher.
Term 3 Basketball Gala Day Update
Due to the high level of interest from each school, the Basketball Gala Day has now been split over two days (Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th September), with each student attending one day only.
An email has been sent to each parent confirming their child’s day & team, along with payment details ($7 per student).
If you have not received this email, please contact the school office as soon as possible.
St Mary's Swimming Carnival
Lost Property
We have an abundance of water bottles, lunch boxes & other miscellaneous items in our lost property box.
Please encourage your student to check the box outside the office, if they are missing any of these items.
We also have 12 St Mary's jumpers with no names on them.
Art Show Wrap-Up
Thank you to the parents, staff, students and special guests that attended our Art Show last Tuesday evening. Guests were amazed with the quality of art created by our students, under the tutelage of our ‘artist in residence’, Ms Lenz. Mrs Lewis’ Camera Club also had some striking images on display. Afterwards, we were entertained by Noah, Sarah and Kat, who really made the evening time to remember. Sincere thanks to our volunteers who made the night a success!
Prep Library Excursion
In Term 3, Miss Kirsty from the Dudley Denny Library visited St Mary's and the students were able to apply for their own library card.
Last week the Preps completed the Library program by visiting the Dudley Denny Library to participate in Story Time and they were able to use their new library cards and borrow a book. They had a wonderful time at the library.
Community News
