Week 9, Term 2 2024 - 11th June 2024
Principal's Reflection
Seize the Day: Embrace Your Time, Starting Now
Time is an ever-present force in our lives, continuously moving forward with relentless consistency.
Its theme is poignantly captured in the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton," where Alexander Hamilton’s relentless drive to make the most of his time underscores his meteoric rise. The musical reminds us of our mortality and the urgency to leave a mark on the world. Hamilton’s story resonates because it highlights a universal truth: we do not know how much time we have. This uncertainty is a call to action for each of us.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson eloquently encapsulates this sentiment with his famous mantra, "Is it one day, or day one?" This powerful question challenges us to reflect on our approach to time. Are we perpetually waiting for the perfect moment that may never come, or are we taking the initiative today, making this very moment the beginning of something significant?
The truth is, we often get bogged down by the notion of needing ample time to complete a task or achieve a goal. This mindset can be paralysing, leading to procrastination and unfulfilled potential. However, the beauty of time lies in its very nature: while we may not know if we have enough time to finish, we always have time to start.
Starting is the most critical step. It's the difference between dreams and reality, aspirations and achievements. Whether it's picking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or embarking on a journey of personal growth, the act of starting sets everything in motion. Each small step taken today lays the foundation for future success.
By embracing the mindset of "day one," we empower ourselves to take control of our time. Every day is an opportunity to be better than we were yesterday. It's about progress, not perfection. It's about recognizing that every moment counts and using our time wisely, not wasting it on waiting for an ideal that may never come.
So, as you go about your day, ask yourself: "Is it one day, or day one?" Embrace the present, make a start, and work towards being a better version of yourself each day. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and there is no better time to take that step than now.
All the very best,
Wes Rose: Principal
Quote of the Week
“To be inspired is great, but to be an inspiration is an honour.”
- Roger J. Hamilton
From the Principal | Mr Wes Rose
School Fee Advice #3
Please find below Advice #3, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model) and the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools. Advice #3 outlines the direct nexus between the Federal Government means-tested Capacity to Contribute of each school and School Fees. It also provides the CEDR School Funding Guiding Principles that inform the development of the new CEDR Adapted Cluster School Fee model, that will commence from 2025.
Caritas Stalls – Thank You
Sincere thanks to the Year 6 students who planned and operated their very successful CARITAS stalls last week. Over Wednesday and Thursday last week, the basketball court was a hub of excitement and creativity with a variety of stalls selling a wide array of food, drinks and crafts. They should feel very proud for raising a whopping $3,800 for CARITAS. Well done guys! St Mary's would like to thank all of the students and parents who supported this fundraiser. Read more about Caritas here.
Centenary Shirts
Our new centenary shirts are looking great and I thank the many families who ordered a shirt. These can be worn to school each Friday for the remainder of the year. We do have limited sizes still available, both in kids and adult sizes for sale at $35 each. If you would like to purchase a shirt, please see the school office asap.
2024 Sports Carnivals
With 2 days of perfect weather last week our year 3-6 students competed in the track and field event days. There was plenty of colour on show at both days and it was great to see students giving their very best in each event. Congratulations to Illawong Blue on (once again) winning the overall points trophy and Iluka White who were crowned the Spirit winners for their encouragement and support for each other. Thank you to the parents who came to support their children, especially those that helped with set up and pack up and those that assisted with time keeping and place judging.
The results from the combined days were:
Illawong Blue- 600 points
Iluka White – 575 points
Eungella Green - 509 points
Congratulations to the following students who broke records this year:
Oliver S – Jumped 4.02m in 11B long jump beating previous record by 1cm.
Reginald JP – Threw 11m in 11B shot put beating the previous record by over 1m.
Flynn P – Ran 2.31.66 seconds in 11B 800m beating the previous record by 12 seconds.
Alanna O – Ran 34.04 seconds in 9G 200m beating the previous record by 40 seconds.
Alanna O - Ran 3.05 in 9G 800m beating the previous record by 11 seconds.
Congratulations to our age group champions for their efforts and results across all track and field events.
Age | Name |
9G | Alanna O |
9B | Malachi N |
10G | Ava C |
10B | Jett D |
11G | Lexie M |
11B | Reginald JP |
12G | Nevicella CS |
12B | Oscar D |
Yesterday we celebrated our P-2 Athletics carnival. It was a fantastic morning which saw students participating with great enthusiasm, energy and team spirit. All students had the chance to showcase their amazing running, throwing and jumping skills in our races and modified field events. Thank you to all families that came to support the students throughout the morning.
Our placegetters for the 70m sprint were:
Prep P | Walter N, Oskar L, Ryker H Peachie S, Rosa N, Skylar JP |
Prep R | Tane B, Tariq B, Byron F Summer M, Scarlette G, Isla G |
1B | Andy T, Ivor S, Theo A Aleyna R, Gianna M, Stella G |
1S | Flynn D, Tyler B, Benz J Charlotte M, Georgia B, Maisie S |
2A | Declan D, Hugo C, Lochlan M Emilie F, Gwen T, Adelynn L |
2L | Hudson B, Remi P, Lishwanth Y Bridie M, Asha S, Livie J |
Readers Cup
Congratulations to our Readers Cup team – Ellis C, William L and Blake D. Our team was placed first in the Mackay Readers Cup competition. The boys will now read another five novels and will compete at the state finals in Brisbane! Well done boys, we are very proud of you.
St Mary's Battlers
The Battlers only just gained the win over a well drilled St Brendan’s/St John’s combined side last Wednesday with a score of 12 points to 8. Sam C picked up a lovely ball to prevent a try in the dying minute and Blake D also caught a beautiful ball on his wing to prevent a try in the first half. Ryder R was tireless in defense and Ellis C also pulled off a couple of great tackles. The win for the Battlers must’ve had a positive effect on the maroon side who also had a win by defeating New South Wales in the match later in the evening. Sorry Mrs van Lint and Mr Clancy, better luck next game! Tomorrow, the Battlers play in their semi-final on field 3 at 4pm against St Francis. Come on down and cheer the boys on!
Mass of Thanksgiving for Leesa Jeffcoat AM | Diocesan Director Catholic Education
Bishop Michael McCarthy invites all school communities to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving for Leesa Jeffcoat AM who, after 23 years of faith-filled service, will shortly conclude her time as Diocesan Director of Catholic Education. The Mass will be held in St Joseph’s Cathedral on Wednesday, 12 June commencing at 10:3Oam.
All are welcome at the Mass to thank God for the gift that Leesa has been to the Ministry of Catholic Education in this Diocese and to pray that God will bless her in abundance into the future.
For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will also be live streamed via the following link https://youtube.com/live/ELlJocspoSg?feature=share
P&F June Meeting
The next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday 18th June from 6:00pm in the staffroom. All parents are welcome to attend.
Community News
