Term 2, Week 9 2025 - 17th June 2025

Curriculum News | Belinda Battaia

Understanding the Health and Physical Education Grade

Gone are the days when a student’s athletic ability alone guaranteed a high grade in Health and Physical Education. Today, the curriculum is far more comprehensive, aiming to develop the whole child—physically, socially, and emotionally.

While students are still assessed on their physical capabilities in areas such as active play and minor games, rhythmic and expressive movement, and fundamental movement skills, these are just one part of the picture. Equally important are the knowledge and understanding students demonstrate in areas like:

• Relationships and Sexuality
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Food and Nutrition
• Alcohol and Other Drugs

These strands are taught and assessed in developmentally appropriate ways, ensuring that students are not only physically active but also equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed, healthy choices throughout their lives.

We understand that this broader approach can sometimes lead to questions about how grades are determined. If you have any concerns or would like clarification about your child’s progress, we encourage you to reach out to their teacher. It’s important to remember that Health and Physical Education is a diverse and academically rigorous subject, just like any other.

Receiving a ‘C’ grade means your child is meeting the expected standard for their year level. It reflects solid achievement and growth across a wide range of learning outcomes—not just performance in sport.

Our goal is to support all students in becoming lifelong learners who are confident, informed, and capable of thriving in all aspects of their wellbeing.

Belinda Battaia
Assistant Principal - Curriculum

From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose

School News

• Well done to our Reader’s Cup team (Eirian, Matilda, Lizanne and Violet) who competed at the Mackay/Whitsunday event last Thursday. Our team competed against 15 other schools and were awarded second place, 1 mark off the eventual winners! Well done to the girls, as well as Mrs Paul for preparing our team so well.
• Well done to our Year 3-6 students who participated in their Athletics Carnival last Friday. It was a perfect day of weather at the ARC, and the students and spectators had an enjoyable day of fun and competition.  Well done to Eungella Green on winning the Spirit award and to Iluka White for winning the Overall Points House trophy.  Special thanks to Mrs Sibley who convened the carnival, Mr Clancy for assisting with all the set up, and all the parent and staff helpers across the day.
• Following this Athletics Carnival, 10-12 years students who placed 1^st-3^rd in their (Div. 1) events have been invited to represent St Mary’s at the Southern Suburbs Athletics Carnival next week (Tue 24/6 for 1500m and Wed 25/6 for the Carnival at the ARC). These respective families have received an email with all the details.
• While the senior students were away Friday, our Prep-Year 2 students had a blast with their U8’s day activities. Thank you to all our Early Years teachers for making the morning so special!
• This Wednesday we will host the Mackay Meteors for the Macktown Showdown. Held on our basketball court at second break.  This is always an enjoyable visit and I am sure families will hear all about their visit on Wednesday.
• All the best to the Year 3 students on Wednesday, who will visit the Botanical Gardens. I am sure they will thoroughly enjoy this excursion.
• Our Prep students are looking forward to their excursion to the Mackay Gymnastics Club this Friday.
• All the best to our Year 6 students who will travel to Cape Hillsborough next Tuesday. On this excursion, they will learn about the significant indigenous connection to the area, and enjoy the natural beauty it has to offer.
  

Baby News

Congratulations to Monique and Riley on the safe arrival of their baby girl. Gianna is a baby sister to Adeline C in 3M.

We also congratulate Kay and Chantelle, on the birth of their son, Youzio. Youzio is a baby brother to Malachi (yr5) and Rosa (yr 1).

School Uniform Guidelines – Update

I advise that following consultation by our school board, please see below a copy of our updated Uniform Guidelines.  Minor changes have been made, and I ask all families to familiarise themselves with the guidelines.  A summary of amendments include;

• Boys formal uniform - plain white ‘crew’ socks to be worn (please note, that this will be phased in throughout 2025, i.e. boys can wear grey or plain white ‘crew’ socks for the remainder of 2025. From 2026, all boys to wear plain white ‘crew’ socks.)
• No make up to be worn.
• Jewellery and hair accessories to be minimal and in line with the guideline.
• Parents, please read through the hairstyle expectations in the guidelines and advise your child’s hairdresser of what is appropriate.

Position Vacant – Parish Office Secretary

The South Mackay Cluster is recruiting for a new Cluster Secretary. The Secretary plays a crucial role in carrying out the office administration for the South Mackay Cluster. Working closely with the Priests, liturgical teams, and schools, the Secretary is responsible for the preparation of sacraments, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and supporting sacramental programs. The role also involves a broad range of administration tasks, including answering the phones, monitoring emails, collecting and distributing mail, and weekly liturgical preparation.

This is a full-time position (38 hours per week), remunerated under the Clerks Private Sector Award, based in the Cluster Office (St Mary's Parish Centre).  For a copy of the position description or to apply, please email Human Resources at hr@rok.catholic.net.au.   Applications should include a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, and a current resume with two professional referees. Applications should be submitted by 10am on Tuesday, 24^th June 2025. As we are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults-at-risk, a national criminal history check is required for this role.

Parish News – Priestly Appointment

Bishop Michael has made some changes to the priests of the Southern Cluster Parish.  Beginning 5^th July, Fr Sijo has been appointed as an assistant priest, alongside Fr Matthias.   Fr Anthony, who has been an assistant Priest in our Parish for the past 18 months, is moving to Bundaberg.  I thank Fr Anthony for his ministry in our Parish and school and wish him all the best for his new ministry in Bundy.

Quote of the Week

Caritas Thanks

Well done to our Year 6 students on hosting their Caritas stalls last Tuesday and Wednesday. This is an annual Year 6 tradition, forming part of their Religion studies, with students researching the mission, inspiration and work of Caritas, a Catholic charity tasked with ministering to the poor and vulnerable across the globe.  Students prepared some great money-making ventures and I am pleased to announce that they raised $4705, a remarkable achievement! I thank all the year 6 students and their parents and teachers for making this happen, and to all out students and families for supporting this great initiative.

Refugee Week

We are invited to embody God’s love in our relationship to one another, especially to those most in need.

The theme of Refugee Week (15-21 June) is ‘Finding freedom: diversity in community’. It responds to the public attitude to refugees both in Australia and around the world.

In the Gospels, every person is unique and valued and loved by God. God loves all people, even those who make mistakes. Jesus calls us to show this same love to others, especially those who are struggling or in need.

The first Christians lived out their faith by caring for others. While many towns turned away people fleeing from war, Christians welcomed them, fed them, and gave them a place to stay. Their kindness and courage helped others see the truth of Jesus’ message.

When people arrive from other countries, escaping danger and persecution, it is important that we reach out to help. These acts of love remind us that faith isn’t just about words, it’s about action, especially when it means standing up for those who are most vulnerable.

As a school community, St Mary’s will be praying for refugees in the hope that they will be cared for and shown kindness and love. 

Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Tinnies for Vinnies

Thank you to the many families who have already donated items for our "Tinnies for Vinnies" appeal. If you'd still like to donate, please drop items to the school office or your child's classroom by this Friday 20th June. All donated food must be non-perishable, such as soups, beans, pasta sauces or canned vegetables. Thank you.

Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Mackay Show Public Holiday

Tuckshop Pizza Day

PLEASE NOTE: You must choose the date 23rd June in Quickcliq, then select different pizza options in the 'Select Meals' area.

Junior Athletics Carnival

Senior Athletics Carnivals Wrap-Up

Weeks 7 and 8 saw our Year 3–6 students proudly showcasing their athletic talents at our two school carnivals. 
The atmosphere was full of colour, energy, and school spirit, and it was fantastic to see students putting in their best efforts across all events. 

A big congratulations to Iluka White for securing their first carnival win since 2021! Well done also to Eungella Green, who were awarded the Spirit Trophy for their encouragement and support of one another throughout the events. 

Thank you to all the parents who came along to cheer on the students. Your support, especially with set up, pack up, timekeeping, and place judging was greatly appreciated. 

The results from the combined days were: 

Iluka White – 842 points 
Illawong Blue- 679 points 
Eungella Green - 601 points 

Congratulations to the following students who broke records this year: 

Flynn Pearce – Ran 2.37.59 seconds in 12B 800m beating the previous record set in 1992. 
Lexie Martin – Ran 13.98 seconds in 12G 100m beating the previous record set in 2002. 

Congratulations to our age group champions for their efforts and results across all track and field events. 

Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher

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St Mary's Battlers

The final game of our John Paap Shield competition took place last Wednesday afternoon against a tough West Mackay State School side.  We went down 16 points to 4 with Ewan scoring our only try of the game.  Our merit in this game was our defence, keeping the opposing side from scoring at all in the second half.  We now set our eyes to Challenge Cup with a couple more training sessions and an additional organised game against Emmanuel Catholic Primary School just before we head to Yeppoon. 

Thank you to Mr Clancy, Mr Townsend and our assisting parents for their commitment to training and games, it has been a strong year of growth. 

Belinda Battaia
Team Manager

Community News

To apply please click on this link. https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1385

Mackay Chamber Music Festival invites all to a weekend of world-class concerts and masterclasses! There are spots available for guitar and string masterclasses for both participants and observers. Please see our website https://www.mackaycmf.com.au/ We hope to see you this July 18-20!