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Dear Parents,
This week the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) published the NAPLAN results for all Australian schools for the 2022 school year. Last year I published our school results for all parents to view, however this site is useful in that it allows parents to see the growth of students from Year Three to Year Five in an easy to understand manner. The link to the site is https://www.myschool.edu.au/
There has been a change in the timing of NAPLAN for 2023. Testing for our Year 3 and Year 5 students will begin on Wednesday 15th March. As a school we plan to undertake the tests on the 15th, 16th and 17th March during the morning sessions. We ask parents to ensure their child is at school so that they can undertake the tests. Please make appointments outside these times. There will be make-up tests for those who are ill and unable to sit the tests however these will be limited to the start of the following week as Year Five head off on their ‘Gold’ excursion towards the end of that week.
We encourage all students to sit the tests, however parents have the option to withdraw their child from the tests. The following information from the testing authorities explains both exemptions.
Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted for students with a language background other than English or for students with a disability. In both cases, schools need to discuss the proposed exemption with the student's parent/carer and gain their permission prior to testing.
English language proficiency: Students with a language background other than English who arrived from overseas and have been attending school for less than a year before the test may be exempted. However, these students are not automatically exempt and should be given the opportunity to participate in testing. Principals can expect information from test administration authorities on the preferred method for collecting and recording this information. Students may be exempt from one test (e.g. reading) but still be able to participate in another test (e.g. numeracy).
Students with disability: Adjustments are provided to students with disability to support access to the tests and encourage maximum participation. Students with significant intellectual disability and/or those with significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate in the tests may be exempted from sitting the national tests. This is determined after consultation has occurred between the principal and the relevant parent/carer, and if it is decided the student is not able to access the tests with adjustments.
Withdrawals
NAPLAN tests are a routine part of the school calendar. However, students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent/carer for reasons such as religious beliefs or philosophical objections to testing. This is a matter for consideration by individual parents/carers in consultation with their child’s school. A formal application in the manner specified by the relevant test administration authority (TAA) must be received by the principal prior to testing.
Please contact the school if you wish to withdraw your child.
Yesterday St Mary’s hosted the Western Region Swimming Carnival and was fortunate to come away as the leading school. It was a cool morning but by the afternoon the wind had dropped and it was a great day for a carnival. I again thank all the parents who assisted in so many ways, the students who proudly represented the school and the staff for their work on the day. Special mention must go to Leonne Challen and Jade Presser for their planning for the carnival.
Early pick up of students after Friday assemblies:
There has been some confusion around the processes for collecting your children after a Friday assembly. All children will be returning to their classrooms with their teacher after Friday assemblies. We ask that parents follow these steps:
- Go to the front office and ask to take your child or children home and have them signed out.
- The office staff will call your child or children to the front office with their bags.
- You will be able to collect them from the front office foyer when they arrive from their classroom.
School Uniform 2023
Attached you will find our St Mary’s Uniform policy. Could you please ensure your child is in the correct full uniform whether it is a school or sports uniform day. Please take note of expectations around school bags, sock type and colour, and school hats. If your son or daughter is in the wrong uniform several times, and is not heeding their teachers' reminders, a uniform note will be sent home for parents to sign and return. We encourage all children to wear their uniform with pride, supporting our school values or respect, responsibility and service.
Safe arrivals to and departures from the school grounds
We have drop off and pick up points at St Mary’s that serve to keep the students safe. Please take note that we ask parents to to the following at drop off times:
- Drop off at the Sr Phil shelter on the courts, not in the bus zone on Boothby Street, or not on the courts on the Boothby Street end.
- Drop off in Brock St (high side of the street) from 8.20am onwards. Students can cross over on the supervised pedestrian crossing.
- Drop off in Williams Street on the school side and students can walk up Elizabeth Street and in via the front of the school.
Would parents please do the following at pick-up times:
- Car Park: enter the courts area via Boothby St to collect children from the Sr Phil shelter end.
- Pick up children from the front entrance of the school (Elizabeth St). Older children will be allowed to walk across the supervised crossing on their own to parents waiting on the other side or inside streets, but younger children will need their parents to accompany them.
- Bus students only will use the bus stop exit. Please no pick ups by parents in this space area as it is very busy and congested.
- Parents can pick up from Williams street BUT ONLY ON THE SCHOOL SIDE. PLEASE DO NOT EXPECT YOUR CHILDREN TO CROSS OVER WILLIAMS ST AT THE “S BENDS” ON THEIR OWN. This is very dangerous and there were several near misses last year.
- Children who walk down the back laneway from the staff car park will be walked across busy Blackett Ave by a teacher. They are NEVER to cross this street on their own.
We deeply appreciate your vigilance and support in these important road safety matters. In the quest to save time, safety can often be compromised.
GOSPEL: Matthew 5:38-48
'You have heard how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer no resistance to the wicked. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if someone wishes to go to law with you to get your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone requires you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks you, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away. 'You have heard how it was said, You will love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the bad as well as the good, and sends down rain to fall on the upright and the wicked alike. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even the tax collectors do as much? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Do not even the gentiles do as much? You must therefore be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.'
REFLECTION
In this week’s gospel, Jesus surprises the crowds with these words: “You have heard the commandment, ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.’” However what I say to you is: “Offer no resistance to any type of injury. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him/her your other cheek. Or if someone takes you to court over your shirt, give him your coat as well.” Then Jesus gives other examples.
“You have heard the commandment: love your countryman and pray for your persecutors. This will prove that you are children of God. After all, the sun rises on the bad and the good and rains on the just and the unjust.”
Jesus always hopes that we will act without limits on our love and our forgiveness. Often, this seems impossible to do; yet if we pray and strive to have an open heart, eventually we will be able to forgive the individual and hopefully develop a healthier relationship with him or her. The ball is in your court! What will you choose to do? (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)
LENT
On Wednesday, we commenced the season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Kindergarten celebrated their Liturgy on Thursday.
Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practise self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptised into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.
Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practise self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God's gifts—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.
In Lent, the baptised are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptised through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics. (www.usccb.org)
PROJECT COMPASSION
This week, each child brought home a Project Compassion Box.
Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.
The theme of Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations’. This phrase is a powerful affirmation that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It is also a call for all of us to play our part in making the world a better place by working together as sisters and brothers in finding long-term solutions to global issues. This year, the theme asks us to think about the great ‘yes’ that Mary spoke when the angel told her she was to become the mother of Jesus. She freely accepted God’s invitation to take up a unique place in the history of the human family. The prayer Mary shared with her cousin Elizabeth says, “all generations will call me blessed”. Her yes is for all future generations.
We encourage families to donate any change you may have laying around in an effort to make a difference for those that don’t have life as easy as us. Once you are ready, you can send your box back so that it can be added to the class box. Together we can make a difference for all future generations!
WHOLE SCHOOL PRAYER AND CLASS LITURGY
On Monday, Year 5 will lead the school in our Whole School Prayer on Lent. We will commence at 8:50am and welcome all members of our school community to join us.
Next Friday, Years 1 and 2 will celebrate a Liturgy in the Prayer Room at 9am. We extend a warm welcome to all parents and carers to come and join us for this celebration.
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
(Religious Education Coordinator)
Western Region Swimming Carnival
Wow what a fantastic day! Congratulations to our swimmers who came away with the trophy for another year narrowly beating Sacred Heart, Cootamundra. Our squad was amazing and swam their hearts out!!
Well done to the following Age Champions on the day:
Kynan Burgess - Jnr Boys Runner Up
Chloe Buck - 11 yrs Girls Champion
Sam Presser - II yrs Boys Runner Up
Rory Brodbeck - II yrs Boys Champion
Sarah Webber - Snr Girls Champion
There are many people to thank as it takes a team to run these events and we are so grateful for everyone who assisted.
A BIG THANK YOU TO:
Lyn Bathgate from McAuley Central School in Tumut for all her hard work with setting up and organising the Meet Manager data. Lyn does an amazing job with the Western Region Carnivals and they are so successful due to her hard work and dedication. Thank you also for answering my many questions!!!
All our participating schools for providing timekeepers and supporting their students.
Jade Presser for her expert marshalling and support in organising the day.
Tammy Terry for organising the timekeepers on the day and making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be.
Leonie Reeves for helping with timekeeping and being the official photographer on the day.
Pete Ward, Carole Clark, Lorna & Mike Donnelly for being our amazing Officials.
Mark Lake for being our starter and assisting with keeping the day running smoothly.
Natalie Buck for being our Head Timekeeper, setting up the Dolphin Timers with Mark Lake and ensuring all our timekeepers knew exactly what they were doing!
Samantha Brodbeck for organising and distributing the winning ribbons to all the schools.
Jose Webber for organising the 100 Club, selling our Programs and providing us with a yummy slice. Thank you to Ebony Morris for selling those last few entries!
The West Wyalong Amatuer Swimming Club for allowing us to hire their Dolphin Timers we are so very grateful and thank you to Damian Collins for bringing them over nice and early!
Peter Hughes and Jamie Wiliams for organising and running the BBQ on the day. It was a great success and the food was delicious!
The Young Aquatic Centre for hosting us and doing an amazing job to provide us all with refreshments.
Donna Dal Molin and Kitty Hardy for all their assistance with administering the Western Region Schools - and also for all the little things they do that make everything easier.
All our wonderful St Mary’s parents that assisted on the day - timekeeping, setting up and pulling down tents - we appreciate the time you give!
Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to all our swimmers that were selected to represent the Western Region at the upcoming Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival on Tuesday March 7th at Queanbeyan. Notes for this event will be placed in class note bags today.
Raiders Mixed Tag Gala Day
The Raiders Mixed Tag Gala Day will be held in Harden on Friday the 10th March at Roberts Park, Murrumburrah. We invite students from 3/4 & 5/6 the opportunity to participate. The day will be for both boys and girls and is non-competitive. Previous experience playing Tag is not necessary. If your child would like to participate please opt in to the Compass Event invitation that has been sent out today. The events button can be found by clicking on the 3 horizontal lines titled More. Please click on Events and then follow the prompts to opt into the Gala Day. Click on Accept and then fill in the permission form which asks for details about your child’s class and transport arrangements. Once you have filled in all the required fields a green button at the bottom will light up for you to confirm consent. Your nomination will not be recorded until this green button is clicked and confirmed. Parents will need to provide their own transport for this event due to the late finishing time. Registration for this event will close this Monday 27th February. Once teams are full we are unable to take any late registrations.
School Cross Country
Our Cross Country event for Kindergarten to Year 6 will take place on Tuesday 28th March at The Young Golf Club. More information will be sent via Compass soon.
Archdiocesan Sport - Year 5 & 6 only
Netball - Tuesday 14th March at Lyneham - unfortunately we were unable to fill a team for the Archdiocesan Netball Championships, however, students are able to register individually and will be placed in a team on the day. Please register via the Canberra Goulburn Sports webpage. Nominations close 6th March 2023.
Rugby League (11yrs and Opens) - 14th March 2023 at Lyneham - please register via the Canberra Goulburn Sports webpage. Nominations close 6th March 2023.
Hockey - please register via the Canberra Goulburn Sports webpage. Nominations close 10th March 2023.
Soccer - Monday 3rd April at Lyneham - please register via the Canberra Goulburn Sports webpage. Nominations close 27th March 2023.
Canberra Goulburn Sports webpage links:
https://www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/nominations
https://csnsw.sport/help/help-guide-for-parents
The Full Sports Calendar is now available on the Canberra Goulburn Sports webpage:
School Fees
Thank you for your patience whilst we work with CE to get fees invoiced. Fee statements were sent out on Thursday morning via email. Please check that you have received yours. Term fees were invoiced at the beginning of the week and are reflected on the statement.
You will receive a statement monthly via email about the 2nd of every month. Any payments made will be reflected on the statement.
School Fees are billed termly usually in week 1 or 2 of each term and will be reflected on the monthly statement.
Please note that the preferred payment is via BPay or EFT/Cash. This helps keep administration costs down.
There is a lot happening in the canteen whilst we are in caretaker mode.
We have been busy sourcing items for Lent and this week we have added Garlic Bread to the menu at $2 each.
We are seeking feedback from students and parents.
Please see link to a google form seeking feedback
Canteen Volunteers
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who have helped out this week. Your help is amazing and we love having you here. Unfortunately we don’t have access to the volunteer app that was rolled out by Shelley. If you are able to assist on any of the days next week please let Donna or the front office know.
We have things that need prepping so if you are only available for an hour or have a special culinary skill please touch base.
Monday - 27/02/2023 |
Help Needed 9.30-11.30am |
Tuesday - 28/02/2023 |
Megan Holt & Taya Dawe |
Wednesday - 01/03/2023 |
Help Needed 9.30-11.30am |
Thursday - 02/03/2023 |
Taya Dawe |
Friday - 03/03/2023 |
Elecia Anderson & Help Needed |
Mid Term Meal Deal
Friday 03/03/2023 There will be no other lunch items available on this day.
PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE 2023
Students in Kinder - Year 6 are invited to participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge. The Premier's Reading Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable students to experience quality literature. We have an extensive range of PRC books in our school library.
This week our budding young gardeners were very excited to keep harvesting our abundant crops. We even had the joy of cooking our corn cobs which were enjoyed by everyone! Next week, we will continue to harvest our crops and start to prepare some of the beds for our winter crops.