Week 9, Term 4 2022 - 29th November 2022
Principal's Reflection
It was my absolute pleasure to speak at last night’s Year 6 Graduation Dinner. Please find below an excerpt from this speech.
As a tennis loving Aussie, I have watched for many years the tremendous career of Ashleigh Barty.
Ash was our champion, the young Aussie star who reached the heights of the tennis world as a teenager, had a brief stint in the women’s Big Bash cricket league, before returning to tennis to claim the world number 1 ranking and win 3 of the 4 major singles titles. However earlier this year, at the age of 25 and fresh off winning the Australian Open, Ash gave it all away to return to a simpler life. I am sure that we will hear more from this extraordinary young lady in the future, but for now, the tennis world is poorer for her retirement.
One of Ash’s greatest assets on the court was her mental toughness and self-belief. We saw this time and again in her matches, a strong sense of self-confidence and calmness that is sorely lacking on the professional tennis circuit. In fact, win or lose, Barty always held her composure and never let a loss ruin her day.
One man credited for assisting her in developing this fortitude is her mentor and renowned mindset coach, Ben Crowe. (Interestingly, Ben is working with the Brisbane Broncos in 2023, so let’s hope he can work his magic with them too!). In a recent article, Ben lifted the lid on his understanding of the concept of confidence, and how it is a strong driver in our lives.
If there’s one thing that unites us all around the world, it’s the search for confidence, and the struggles we face in discovering, understanding, and holding onto it. Ben suggests that there are two types of confidence. On one hand, we have Performance Confidence. This refers to the confidence we develop in our jobs or studies; the satisfaction of knowing we are competent and skillful in one way or the other.
On the other hand, we’ve got Self-Confidence. This refers to the sense of trust and belief in being worthy of love, belonging and connection. In Ben’s opinion, people often enter the self-development arena seeking performance confidence, but what we really need is self-confidence. So, the million-dollar questions is, “How do we develop self-confidence?”
To develop self-confidence, it is crucial for us all to have our own clear answer to the age-old question, “Who Am I?”. Furthermore, we also need to have an insight into our own strengths and weaknesses, accept and trust ourselves, be able to accept criticism, and be able to set realistic expectations and goals for ourselves.
As human-beings, we all need self-confidence. As human-doings, we need performance confidence.
But, it’s only when we build a foundation of self-confidence that we can really excel. We must first learn to accept and believe in ourselves before we can achieve anything to our full potential. This is why Barty is such a champion - as well as having high levels of performance confidence, she was abundantly self-confident.
Barty rightly knew that tennis was ‘what she did’, not ‘who she is’. Tennis defined her but does not confine her.
Students, I hope that your time at St Mary’s has helped you begin to define “who you are”, as well as providing a broad skill base you will continue to develop for the rest of your lives. As a graduate of a Catholic school, we are blessed to have a strong foundation in Jesus Christ, a clear set of values and an explicit understanding of the dignity and worth of each person.
Know that your parents and teachers want the best for you. Know that you are loved. Know that while success is great, you are enough. I thank you sincerely for your contribution to this great school that is St Mary’s. I wish you every good fortune for the rest of your lives.
All the very best,
Wes Rose
Principal
From our Principal - Mr Wes Rose
Thank You
I extend my sincere thanks to the students, parents and staff for all their efforts this year and wish you all the very best for the Christmas holidays. Please note that the school office closes next Wednesday 7th December and will re-open Monday 16th January 2023. I look forward to seeing students back for first day of the school year on Monday 23rd Jan 2023.
Christmas Concert
The St Mary’s Christmas Concert will be held in the Basketball court area this Thursday 1st December. Join us from 5:00pm for a sausage sizzle and drinks, with the concert starting from 6pm. Please note that students will be sitting with their class, with parents to find a suitable seat (BYO chair) around the student seating area. The year levels have been practising their concert items over the past few weeks, so I really do encourage every student and family to attend. In the event of heavy rain, the Mercy College Undercover area is our alternate venue. Parents will be advised via the school Facebook page if circumstances change.
2023 Orientation Morning and Class Teacher Listing
Thank you to the students and staff for last week’s orientation morning. All students in Prep-Year 6 spent the morning in the next year’s classroom and got to meet their 2023 teacher. Please see below the 2023 class teacher listing.
2023 Class Teachers – St Mary’s Mackay | |
Class | Teachers |
Prep | Ms Andrea Pembroke |
Year 1 | Mrs Rachel Kelly |
Year 2 | Miss Katrina Azzopardi |
Year 3 | Miss Stacey Banks |
Year 4 | Mrs Renee Aslette (4 days)/Mrs Terri Leotta (1day) |
Year 5 | Mr Rob Townsend |
Year 6 | Mrs Jenni Motteram (4 days)/ Mrs Simone Sibley (1 day) |
HPE | Mrs Simone Sibley (Tue-Fri) |
Performing Arts | Mrs Donna Wood (Tue-Thu) |
Literacy Coach | Mrs Val Paul (Tue-Thu) |
Spanish/ESL Coordinator/ Internal Relief | Ms Maria Lenz (Tue-Fri) |
Learning Support | Mrs Emily Dalglish |
Year 6 Graduation Dinner
Our Yr 6 students, their families and staff had a great evening at last night’s Graduation Dinner at the Turf Club. I sincerely thank the parent organising committee for their efforts to make this event such an enjoyable evening.
2023 School Leaders
Following speeches last Tuesday from student leader candidates, I am pleased to announce the following school leaders for 2023;
St Mary’s Mackay – 2023 Student Leaders | |
School Captains | Campbell S and Magenta N |
Vice Captains | Sibella M and Nate K |
Illawong Captains | Ryan B and Aylah H |
Iluka Captains | Cooper R and Heidi M |
Eungella Captains | Tom H and Mayson V |
Student Ministry | Tavongaishe M and Jessica O |
Social Justice | Jordan W and Ava P |
Cultural Leaders | Milla J and Brielle S |
School and Vice Captains - Sibella, Magenta, Campbell and Nate
Eungella Captains-Tom & Mayson
Iluka Captains-Cooper & Heidi
Illawong Captains-Aylah & Ryan
Social Justice Leaders-Ava & Jordan
Student Ministry Leaders-Tavonga
& Jessica
Cultural Leaders-Milla & Brielle
Pick-Up Zone Reminders
We have noticed parent queueing in our pick-up zone quite early, which can prevent the normal flow of traffic into the carpark. I ask parents to avoid queueing in the line until 2:40pm; if you arrive early, please park in the church carpark until 2:40pm. I also ask all parents to not cut the line by following our traffic flow; i.e. turn into McDonald St, then left into Morley St and then right into the carpark.
2023 School Dates
School Office Opens Monday 16th January 2023
Term 1 Monday 23rd January - Friday 31st March
Term 2 Monday 17th April - Friday 23rd June
Term 3 Monday 10th July - Friday 15th September
Term 4 Tuesday 3rd October - Friday 1st December
Bishop’s Inservice Day Friday 17th February (pupil free)
In-Service day Friday 1st September (pupil free)
Uniform Guidelines
With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, it is timely to look forward to the 2023 school year and remind all families about the school uniform guidelines in place for all students. I ask parents to consult this guide to assist with decisions particularly around hairstyles, shoes, jewellery, etc.
Semester Two Reports
Please note that report cards will be available via Parent lounge from 4pm on Thursday 1st December. To access Parent Lounge, follow these simple steps;
1. Open the St Mary’s schoolzine app and click the ‘Parent Lounge’ tile or alternatively click here to access from our St Mary’s website.
2. Login with your username (6 digit ID code which can be found on your school fee account). Your password remains the same as previously used.
3. Click on the ‘Academic Reports’ tab.
If you have any issues accessing your Parent Lounge account please contact the school office.
PLEASE NOTE: Leaving students will have access to Parent Lounge for 12 months.
Quote of the Week
"Comparison is the thief of joy."
- Theodore Roosevelt
End of Year School Mass Invitation
All parents and carers are invited to attend our End of Year School Mass tomorrow, Wednesday 30th November at 9am in the School Hall. This final Mass will include a candle ceremony and handover of Year 6 leaders to our 2023 leaders.
From our P & F
JUST ONE THING LEFT!
Please fill out the roster by clicking on this link or contact Bianca Miles on 0438 797 926 or email: biancabellette@hotmail.com
Tuckshop News
PLEASE NOTE: We will have a limited hot menu on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week. Cold items will still be available over the counter until sold out. On the last day of school (Friday) we will have a Hot Chip Special - $2.50 for a cup of chips with sauce or $3.00 for a cup of chips with gravy. Orders are to be made through quickcliq only.
Sport News
Year 5 and 6 students have been learning how to play Ultimate Frisbee this term under the guidance of Stu from Gecko Sports. Most students have never played this sport before and have shown positive attitudes and great sportsmanship as they developed their skills through fun skill drills and minor games.
Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher
Student of the Week
Week 8, Term 4 Student Award Winners
| PC | Amelia | For your enthusiasm and persistence when practicing for our liturgy this week. You are amazing! |
| PC | Edie | For being a kind and bubbly classmate who always welcomes others with a smile. You are a wonderful friend! |
| PP | Ainnah | For being a wonderful member of our class this year. You always try your best and are a kind friend to all. Thank you Ainnah! |
| PP | Gwen | For wonderful work with your reading and writing this term. You have worked so hard to become a great reader and writer! Congratulations and keep working hard Gwen! |
| 1B | Jacob | For finishing your maths metals booklet with effort and care. Well done Jacob! |
| 1B | Millie | For being so thoughtful in your good wishes for the people affected by the floods. You are so kind and caring! |
| 1L | Holly | For being the most well behaved student! You are always doing the right thing in the classroom!! |
| 1L | Eileen | For always being so helpful and kind and a teacher's delight! |
| 2A | Bethany | For being a responsible and cooperative class member. |
| 2A | Henare | For demonstrating the virtue of kindness to everyone around you. |
| 2B | Emilie | For bringing joy to our classroom with your bright and bubbly personality. Keep letting your light shine! |
| 2B | Cooper | For showing concentration and persistence in your endeavours to produce your best work. Keep up the great work, Cooper! |
| 3B | Annabelle | For the care and kindness you have shown some of your classmates this week when they were feeling upset. You noticed they needed support and were there for them. |
| 3B | Charlotte | For the time and focus you have put into your animal eye art piece over the last two weeks. Your shading and texture look fantastic. |
| 3M | Audrey | For a terrific effort in your Boost reading this week. You were able to summarise the book well and enjoyed participating in our group discussions. |
| 3M | Violet | For always being organised and approaching all tasks with a cheerful and positive attitude. |
| 4C | Milla | For your grit and determination to complete tasks, even when they are challenging. Your persistence is amazing! |
| 4C | Joshua | For your conscientious approach to your schoolwork. You can be relied upon at all times to show courteous and responsible behaviour. Keep up the great work. |
| 4K | Lincoln | For your effort and consideration when working on your recount from the past. You incorporated facts and emotions to show what life was like for a convict living in Australia in the 1700’s. Well done! |
| 5L | Heidi | Heidi you are a ray of sunshine!! Always laughing and smiling!! Always full of energy!! Thank you for sharing your positive energy! |
| 5L | Harriet | Harriet you have shown so much determination to succeed and resilience when the going gets tough!! You should be very proud of your achievements! |
| 5R | Louis | For showing initiative and always being a great helper in our classroom. Your teachers appreciate that you are always willing to lend a hand. |
| 5R | Campbell | For always engaging in class discussions and asking meaningful questions. Thank you for always contributing and brightening up our classroom with your humour and personal stories. |
| 6M | Oliver | For the joy and enthusiastic support you gave your team during the swimming carnival. You didn't stop cheering them on all day. |
| 6M | Sunny | For being a supportive and encouraging sports captain this year. You have led by example. |
| 6V | Romeo | For being a fantastic helper when assisting in setting up for the school fair. Your initiative, hard work and teamwork skills were valued and appreciated Romeo. |
| 6V | Tyler | For excellent participation and sportsmanship at the swimming carnival. It was great to see you shine Tyler! |
Community News
Please click on the link below for the position description and information on how to apply. https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER491-library-coordinator-mackillop-catholic-primary-school
Piano Lessons
Mrs Beryl Wiezel offers private piano lessons at St Mary’s during school hours.
Prospective students should be 7 years of age and should have at least a 61 key digital keyboard or digital piano to use for home practice.
If your child is interested in taking piano lessons in 2023, please contact Beryl directly by email rbwiezel@bigpond.com or phone 0418 775 898 and leave your contact details or a request for further information. Beryl will contact you in early January.
