St Mary's Primary School Young eNewsletter

Dear parents,

Following a demanding interview process where applicants had to speak with both Mrs Thompson and myself, then speak to the student body and await the outcome of voting, today at assembly, we announced our school captains and vice-captains for the 2025 school year. The captains are Toby Price and Amity Sullivan while the vice-captains are Tom McNight and Hadley Smithers. I congratulate each of these students and we look forward to working with them next year.

We had eleven students speak in front of the school and I thank them for having the courage to put themselves forward. The quality of the candidates was outstanding. Next week we begin the process of selecting our house captains.

I thank the parents who attended our information evening last Tuesday on multi-age classes.

Next Tuesday we will be holding our school chess championships. We have 28 students entered and the competition is over eight rounds. It will be held in the ‘chess room’ and parents are more than welcome to pop and watch their child play.

Journey with Jesus Retreat

Yesterday, Year 5 students participated in their Journey with Jesus Retreat at the Parish Centre. The day was hosted by Hennessy Year 9 and 10 CSYMA students.

Throughout the day, students were involved in games, prayer and meaningful experiences around their personal journeys with Jesus and exploring their own faith.

The Vinnies Christmas Appeal - Celebration Foods

Today, we officially launched our Vinnies Christmas Appeal, Celebration Foods. As many families in Young face a very difficult Christmas, our St. Mary’s community can make a difference!

Vinnies has asked for non-perishable food items that would be suitable for a Christmas meal celebration (foods that kids would like to eat for Christmas). Items such as the following would be gratefully received: tinned fruits, jelly mixes, chocolate, chips, biscuits, cake mixes, crackers, Christmas cake, shortbread, and any other items you may think of. Pet foods can also be donated.

Our local Vinnies team will distribute all items donated across the community to ease the burden for many families this Christmas.

Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes the world of difference during the Christmas season.

Presentation Day Whole School Mass

Next week, Thursday November 28th, we will have a whole school mass acknowledging our Presentation school history. Fr. Mark will celebrate mass with us at 10:00 am in our school hall. Parents and carers are welcome to join us.

Smile at Christmas - Christmas Charity Initiative

Jim Cusack, from Jim Cusack Property, is collaborating with the ‘Smile at Christmas’ charity, through a giving tree programme.

This year, they will be focusing on raising gifts for St Vincent De Paul. Gift tags will be hanging on a Christmas tree which is set up in the front office foyer.

We encourage you to select a tag from the tree, which indicates the age of the recipient, and purchase a new gift, such as a small toy. We ask you to wrap the gift, attach the tag and return it to the giving tree by Monday 16th Dec 10am for collection

2025 Archdiocesan Cricket Trials

Congratulations to Henry Aiken who was successful in gaining a spot in the 2025 Archdiocesan Cricket Team and will now compete in the upcoming 2025 MacKillop Cricket trials next week. What an amazing achievement!!!

2025 Archdiocesan Basketball Trials

We wish Henry Aiken and River Hambilton the very best of luck as they compete for selection in the 2025 Archdiocesan Basketball Team at the trials being held in Canberra on Tuesday. We hope you both have a fantastic day!!

2025 Archdiocesan Tennis Trials

We wish Mehram Thind and Annabelel Carson the very best of luck as they compete for selection in the 2025 Archdiocesan Tennis Team at the trials being held in Canberra on Friday. We hope you both have a fantastic day!!

Gecko Sports at St Mary’s

Our sessions continue next week. A reminder that students need to wear their sports uniform on their Gecko Sports day. Please see the revised timetable below:

Wednesdays:

Week 7: 1Mc, 3/4A, 5D, 3/4R

Week 8: 2M, 3/4A, 5D, 3/4R

KMW has welcomed Franco Cabacungan, in Term 3, who came from the Philippines. We farewelled Advik Kumar at the end of Week 4,Term 4 and we wished him all the best at his new school in Perth.

KMW have been reading well everyday and they are very keen writers. Isaac from Year 6 has been listening to children read on a regular basis. In Religion and History, Kinders have been discussing celebrations. They have commenced Christmas craft, which is a lot of fun. KMW’s classroom is looking so colourful and bright.

KMW performed at the Week 3 assembly this term, with a song and a dance. All the Kinders know how to kick up their heels and move their groove!

In Mathematics, KMW have been using number lines to add and subtract. Measuring objects to determine if they are short or long. Telling o’clock and half past time digitally and on an analogue clock. Counting beyond 100 and using tens and ones.

In PE/Sport, Kinders have been learning about striking. They commenced with using their hands/fingers to strike a balloon. Then they used a rolled up newspaper to strike a balloon before using a foam tee ball bat to strike a tennis ball. Plus KMW enjoyed their time with Geoff and Mona at Gecko sports.

In Science, KMW have been looking at the weather.

KMW loved seeing family members come and visit their classroom in Week 3 this term to see what they have been learning.

KMW are having a great time at St Mary’s!

The Year 5 students completed a padlet in class (see below) describing what leadership means to them and it reflects they have all gained an excellent understanding of what it means to be a leader. Well done to all our Year 5 students and their teachers.

The Community Council will be hosting the end of year Family Christmas Event on Friday 13th December starting at 6:30pm.

There will be a visit from Santa, class/stage group performances and as the sun starts to set, we will be treated to a movie on the big screen featuring Elliot the Littlest Reindeer.

This will be a free event with food and drinks available for purchase on the night.