Week 1, Term 4 2025 - 7th October 2025
From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose
Welcome back
Welcome back to school. I trust that the school holidays provided much needed rest and relaxation, ready for term 4. We have a big term ahead filled with great learning experiences as well as many school events - it is sure to be a busy time. Please note the following important dates this term.
14/10 Diocesan ‘NET team’ incursion with Year 4/5 students
23/10 Prep Grandparents Day; 9:30-10:30am
24/10 ‘Run with Cathy’ Interschool Athletics (Harrup Park). Time TBC
5/11 Prep 2026 Information evening; 5:30pm-6:30pm
7/11 St Mary’s Swimming carnival; ARC
15/11 St Mary’s Christmas Fair
27/11 Orientation Day - Prep 2025 to Year 7 2025 (St Pat’s and CMC)
1/12 Year 6 Graduation Dinner
3/12 End of Year Mass (9am) / Christmas Concert (6pm)
4/12 Report cards go live
5/12 Last day of school
10/12 School office closes
19/1/2026 School office reopens
27/1/2026 Term 1 2026
Staff news
- Mrs Wood is on leave this week, and we congratulate on the wedding of her daughter, Serena.
- Ms Lenz is on Long Service Leave weeks 1-2. Please note that there will be no Spanish lessons in her absence.
- Mrs McKenzie remains on leave for the month of October. Mrs Burchill (Mon-Wed) and Mrs Berardi (Thu-Fri) will continue to teach 3M during this time.
Holiday Maintenance
The following maintenance were completed over the school holidays;
- Annual servicing of our solar system.
- Newly acquired block on MacDonald St was back bladed and contoured. Mr Clancy also installed an underground sprinkler system, which will keep this area looking amazing in the future. We expect the new turf to arrive in the next fortnight. Parents, if you’re available to help us lay some turf on Fri 17th Oct, please let the office know.
- Emergency Lighting and ‘testing and tagging’ of specific electrical items.
- Air-conditioner in the Early Years precinct were serviced, and air-con filters were cleaned in all classrooms.
- Plumbing works in the church carpark were completed, which will rectify some drainage issues.
P&F Meeting
Please note that the next P&F Meeting will be held Tuesday 14th October from 6-7pm in the staffroom. All parents are most welcome to attend.
Families Leaving
As our total enrolment drives many aspects of our school (staffing, budget, class sizes and structure) it is important that we try to be as accurate as possible in predicting the school enrolment for next year. If you know that you will be leaving at the end of the year, please notify the office as soon as possible. Your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated
Quote of the Week
"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness."
- William A. Ward
October - Month of the Rosary
St Mary's honours the Blessed Mother of Jesus and today, we commenced praying a decade of the Rosary. We will pray the Rosary each day in October.
Our school booklist requires that each student from Prep to Year 6 have their own set of Rosary beads. If your child does not have rosary beads, please purchase a set through our school office for $13 or source them from home or St Vincent de Paul Store in Macalister St.
Thank you.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
From our APRE | Belinda van Lint
This year St Mary’s Leaders of Justice group have been meeting regularly to discuss issues of social justice in our school and in our community.
During a lunchtime meeting last term, the students came up with a wonderful idea to raise money for a wonderful cause - Mercy Works. Their goal was to make a real difference and inspire the entire school community to join in. What makes this initiative unique is that it will be student-led from start to finish. From developing the fundraising plan to organising events and spreading awareness, our students will be working together to make a difference, demonstrating leadership and empathy. The students in the Leaders of Justice group will be organising a Market Day on Wednesday, 29th October to sell craft items and preloved toys, books and games. All proceeds of the sales will go to Mercy Works.
We’re inviting all members of our school community—students, staff, and families—to support our first St Mary’s Market Day run by the Leaders of Justice group. If you have any preloved toys, books and games that are in good condition, we would love donations. Together, we can make this student vision have impact and raise money for the Mercy Works charity.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Sport News
More information will be emailed to parents tomorrow. Helpers will be required for both junior and senior carnivals.
🌞 Staying Hydrated During PE Lessons
As the weather warms up, it’s important that students stay hydrated during Physical Education. Please ensure your child brings a clearly labelled drink bottle to school each day, especially on PE days. I will be encouraging regular water breaks to support safe and active participation.
Simone Sibley
HPE Teacher
Sport Clubs
St Mary's Christmas Fair
The St Mary's Christmas Community Fair will be held on Saturday, 15th November 2025.
This much-loved annual event is a wonderful end-of-year celebration, proudly organised by St Mary's Catholic Primary School and St Mary's Parish, South Mackay. It's a great opportunity for our community to come together in the spirit of fun, generosity and Christmas cheer.
Sponsorship & Donations
We are currently seeking sponsorships and donations for our Christmas Raffle and Cent Sale, and would be very grateful for your support. Please find attached our sponsorship package for more information about how you can support the event. Donations can be in the form of:
- Goods or gift items
- Gift vouchers
- Cash contributions
- Products or services from your business
If you are able to donate, please kindly respond by Friday, 31st October 2025.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our Fair Co-ordinator - Melissa McGuiness - 0439 375 509.
Art Extravaganza Wrap-Up
Sincere thanks to the staff and parents who worked together to organise our annual Art Extravaganza, held on Tuesday 16th September. It was a lovely evening celebrating the artistic talents of our students and staff.
Community News
