Week 9, Term 1 2024 - 19th March 2024

Principal's Reflection

Building a Community of Care

In our school community, we are bound together by our key virtues; encouragement, care and respect. As I continue to reflect on our school's mission statement in these newsletter articles, the virtue of "care" stands out as a guiding principle, urging us to nurture a culture of care for ourselves, others, and our common home.

Care is not merely an abstract concept; it's a lived experience that encompasses tenderness, empathy and responsibility. When we care for others, we cultivate a deep sense of respect for the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. This reverence extends not only to our fellow human beings but also to our environment; our common home. 

At its core, care begins with ourselves. We must recognise our own needs, accept our limitations and embrace self-compassion. In a world that often demands constant productivity and perfection, practicing self-care is an act of kindness towards ourselves. It allows us to replenish our spirit, nurture our well-being and build resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Yet, care does not end with self; it must extend outward to others.  It is in the small acts of kindness - the listening ear, and the comforting embrace - that we embody the essence of care. Each gesture of care, no matter how small or trivial we may deem, serves as a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling or in need of support.

In contemplating the virtue of care, we find inspiration in the example of  Jesus' life was a testament to care for the marginalised, the oppressed and the forgotten. This is also a major part of the Charism of the Sisters of Mercy, the founding order of our school.  Furthermore, the Church’s Catholic Social Teaching underscores the necessity of care for self and others, as well as urging good stewardship of creation, reminding us of the interconnectedness we share with our natural world.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us never forget the virtue of care. May we strive to create a community where compassion is not just a fleeting sentiment but a way of life. For in nurturing a culture of care, we honour the sacredness of every individual, foster unity in diversity and pave the way for a more compassionate and sustainable future.

All the very best,

Wes Rose
Principal

Quote of the Week

From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose

Enhancing Catholic Schools (ECSI) Survey

Thank you to the 66 families who have so far submitted their ECSI survey certificates.

As we want as many parents as possible to participate, we have several incentives, including;

• A pie voucher for each family that completes the survey. This voucher can be redeemed by your child for a free pie for lunch on Tuesday 26th March
• A class party for the highest percentage (per capita) of completed surveys. (see the graph below for the class survey numbers.)
• A raffle that parents enter once they have completed the survey;
  • 1^st Prize $200 school fee discount
  • 2^nd Prize $100 school fee discount
  • 3^rd Prize $50 gift card

Please note, upon completion of the survey, you will need to print the certificate of completion and hand it in to the office to be eligible for the incentives. 

HOW TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY

1. Go to www.ecsi.site/au/user/
2. Enter the ECSI Website password: Ghj654
3. Click on "new user" and enter our school’s survey access code cC7uQg so that your input will be linked to our school.
4. The ECSI survey should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
5. Upon completion, print the certificate of successful participation and return to our school office.

For further information, please refer to the letter that was emailed to you.  I thank you for your assistance with this important initiative and ask that you take the time to submit a response.

NAPLAN
I congratulate our Year 3 and 5 students and their teachers as they finalise their NAPLAN Online tests this week.  Students have sat four tests covering writing, reading, language conventions (spelling & grammar) and mathematics.  We expect the results to be returned to parents in term 3.

Principal’s Conference – Wes away
This week, I will attend the Diocesan Principals conference in Rockhampton from 18^th -21^st March.  Mrs Leotta is Acting Principal in my absence.

Prep 2025 Enrolments

Do you have a Prep student beginning in 2025?

Thank you to those families who have already submitted their enrolment application online. We encourage both existing and new families who have a child starting Prep in 2025 to lodge their enrolment application as soon as possible. Applications are to be made via our online enrolment application available on our website www.smmrok.catholic.edu.au/enrol-now

Applications close on the 3rd May, with interviews commencing on the 17th May.

Please contact the school office for further information or any assistance required.

Tuckshop Pie Day

Project Compassion - Sixth Week of Lent (Palm Sunday)

This year, we shared with you the story of three inspiring women from across the globe, who overcame challenges to complete their education, access water and find secure employment. With the support of compassionate people like you, they are now forging a path to a better future for their families and their communities.

Ronita from the Philippines has now graduated high school and secured a job at a call centre. This job was only possible because of a certificate she gained from completing her studies. 

Leaia and her family now have a water tank at their home in Samoa. She and her family now have a steady supply of clean drinking water. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions.

 Memory completed her vocational training course in carpentry and joinery. After completing a work contract at one of the largest electrical companies in Malawi, Memory now plans to return to her village and provide carpentry services to people in her community.

It’s through the generosity of people like you that we can continue to support people like Ronita, Leaia and Memory.

There is still time to donate! Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow, for all future generations. 

You can donate through Project Compassion using donation boxes in student classrooms  and envelopes available from your parish, scanning the QR code, by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413.

Caritas Classroom Tally

Holy Week Prayer Service

We invite all students to dress in the custom of Jesus' time for our whole school liturgy to be held on Thursday 28th March in the School Hall.

Year 6T will lead each class as they present The Stations of the Cross. The picture at left is an indication of what to wear. Please ensure students wear their school uniform underneath along with normal school shoes.

Thank you.

Terri Leotta
Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt

St Mary's Centenary Shirt Competition

To commemorate 100 years of St Mary’s, we are holding a competition to design artwork that will feature on a polo shirt which will be on sale during the celebrations later this year.

        To enter the competition: 

1. Reflect on what makes St Mary’s a wonderful school.
2. Decide on how to present your thoughts artistically.
3. Fill a 20cm diameter circle (click on link below) with your coloured design.
4. Submit your design to the School Office by Thursday 28 March.

Green Card Draw

Sport News

Senior Cross Country

Last Friday we were blessed with a beautiful morning for our cross country. Our year 3-6 students elected to run a competitive 1km, 2km or 3km race or a 1km fun run. Students had to push themselves in hot conditions to complete their 1, 2 or 3 laps of Queen’s Park. There were many exhausted students crossing the finish line who displayed great resilience to keep running even when they wanted to give up.

Illawong Blue proved to be the superior team on the day with a very convincing win over Eungella Green and Iluka White.

Congratulations to the following students who placed in their running event.

8 year boys - Chet Carroll, Paulo Taboy, Jacob Romal, Norsang Lama

8 year girls – Matilda O’Keeffe, Tayla McGuiness, Elena Vogler

9 year boys – Alfie Moffat, Malachi Nyenuh, Hugo Connors

9 year girls –Alanna Oliver, Olivia Rose, Emerson O’Keeffe

10 year boys – Ewan Ruddick, Samuel Christie, Oaklan Marwood

10 year girls – Ava Corrigan, Makenna Malagueno, Bethany Miles

11 year boys – Flynn Pearce, Blake Dyson, Oliver Standish

11 year girls – Rylie Hanson, Nina Lucas, Harper Standish

12 year boys – Zander Otto, Ryder Reynolds, Justin Arbuthnot, Alex Williams

12 year girls – Annaliese Miles, Indy Gillis, Sophie Richardson.

Thank you to all the parents who gave up their time to be a track marshall and to those that come to support their child as they ran their event.

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

P & F News - St Mary's Pie Drive

Less than 3 weeks to get your pie orders in!

Don't forget to ask your family and friends if they would like to place an order for scrumptious pies to support our St Mary's P&F Pie Drive. 

Thanks to Byrnes Pies, we have a great selection of pies and sweets to choose from. Fill the fridge or freezer with quick, easy, and tasty dinner solutions.

Orders will close Monday 8th April
Delivery will take place during the second week in Term 2.

Scan the QR code to order, click on this link or alternatively print out the order form (click on link below) and drop back to the office with money orders by Wednesday 27th March.

Contact Melissa McGuiness - 0439 375 509 for any enquiries. 

Harmony Week

Harmony Week is celebration held annually in March across Australia. It’s aimed at promoting diversity, respect and inclusiveness. This event is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about different cultures, traditions and customs. The goal is to encourage everyone to appreciate and celebrate differences and promote a sense of community and belonging for everyone.

During Harmony Week, there are a number of community events and activities held to bring people from different cultures together. These activities include multicultural food festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions and workshops. Participating in these events helps children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make up Australia.

As a parent, you can engage your children in discussions about multiculturalism and encouraging them to ask questions. Promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, can help children grow up with a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Australia's cultural landscape.

At school students will be learning about what Harmony Day is and ways they can show encouragement, care and respect to all people.

Click on this link for a special report on Harmony Day from SchoolTV's Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. 

Swap It - Week 9

Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund. The event is held annually, encouraging the individuals, communities, and businesses to give an hour for Earth, and additionally marked by landmarks and businesses switching off non-essential electric lights, for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., on the last Saturday of March, as a symbol of commitment to the planet. It was started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Further information can be found here https://www.earthhour.org.au/.

Community News