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Canteen Manager
Recently St Mary’s advertised the position of Canteen Manager. We had nine applications for the position and some outstanding candidates. Following interviews last Tuesday the successful candidate was Jennifer Harden. I congratulate Jennifer and we look forward to working with her to enhance the offerings provided by the canteen. Jennifer will start in her role this coming Monday. I thank the other applicants for taking the effort and time to submit their applications and go through the interview process, which can be daunting.
Changed NAPLAN dates for Year 3
Our NAPLAN testing times for Year 3 have altered due to staffing changes. Year 3 will now sit their tests in Week 8, not week 7. Please see below for the amended timetable for NAPLAN 2023. If you had made appointments for your son or daughter on the mornings of Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st or Wednesday 22nd, and these can not be re-arranged, please contact your classroom teacher or Mrs Thompson as soon as possible, to let them know.
Year 3 Week 8:
- Monday 20th March - Writing 9.15am - 10.15am
- Tuesday 21st March - Reading 9am - 10am & Con. of Lang. 10.10am 11am. (Fruit break in between)
- Wednesday 22nd March - Numeracy 9am -10am
Year 5 Week 7:
- Wednesday 15th March - Writing 9am - 10am
- Thursday 16th March - Reading 9am - 10am & Con. of Lang. 10.10am - 11am. (Fruit break in between)
- Friday 17th March - Numeracy 9am -10am
Just a reminder that If a student is absent due to illness, they will be required to make up the test they missed before they can sit any future ones as ACARA stipulates the testing sequence. Mrs Thompson will be managing the make-up testing schedule and will communicate with those students when the make-ups will take place.
We encourage you to help your child(ren) to stay calm and remind them that NAPLAN is just a snapshot of their learning and only ONE measure of their achievement. Please refer to last week's newsletter message with tips for helping your children around NAPLAN times.
Assembly in Week 7
Assembly will be held this coming Thursday 16th March at 2pm. Please note the change of week and day. We will be presenting all our Year 6 students with their Parliamentary Group leadership badges at the assembly and all parents of Year 6 students are most welcome to attend.
Road Safety Tips for Back to School from Transport NSW
To help our school community transition safely back into school travel, TfNSW is providing us with relevant links and information to help raise awareness across the school community about safe school travel.
- Safe School Pick up and Drop Off Tips
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/downloads/dropoffpickup/drop-off-tips.pdf
- Keeping our kids safe around schools
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/downloads/keeping-our-kids-safe-around-schools.pdf
- Be Bus Aware
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/schools/school-bus-stops.html
Mrs Katie Thompson
Assistant Principal
GOSPEL: Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as dazzling as light. And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Lord,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you want me to, I will make three shelters here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.' When they heard this, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them, saying, 'Stand up, do not be afraid.' And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but Jesus. As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, 'Tell no one about this vision until the Son of man has risen from the dead.'
REFLECTION
Our gospel for this week is from Matthew 17:1-9 which tells us the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The disciples were very lucky to have seen this momentous scene. They were the ones who first saw Him clothe in all glory as He should be.
At the sound of God’s voice, the disciples prostrate themselves on the ground, terrified. Matthew 17:1-9 is close to telling us that the disciples didn’t know what to do at that moment. They hear the gentle voice of Jesus, “Get up (rise up) and do not be afraid.” Jesus' words point to resurrection to a new life and the abolition of fear and anxiety. Imagine this scene during this time of prayer – can you hear the gentle voice of Jesus speaking to you now? Did you ever feel the presence of God on your shoulder as you contemplate in prayer?
In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus revealed Himself in all His divine glory. It is a special moment for them, as Peter confirms – ‘it is good for us to be here’. This is the moment where we say that the disciples were the privileged ones to have seen Jesus. Imagine the happiness of these disciples when they saw with their own eyes the greatest glory.
Matthew 17:1-9 is telling us to bear witness of the greatest power of God and as Christians, we can feel it too. Like the disciples, we can see Jesus and feel His presence within our lives through His miracles. How is this even possible when at present people even neglect to see God in everything?
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, everything we do can be a miracle from God. When the sun rises every morning and we open our eyes is a miracle. The sun sets, the fact that we are still alive and breathing, the families and friends we have are miracles. We don’t need to see Jesus as He transfigured because every day is already a miracle to us from Him. This is what Matthew 17:1-9 is telling us. (Clea)
PROJECT COMPASSION
Tereesa's story: Australia
Tereesa is a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. Through the Baabayn Young Mums and Bubs Group, Tereesa was able to reconnect with her culture and create a better future for her children.
A young Gamilaroi woman born and raised on Darug land, Tereesa felt disconnected from her culture. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school after becoming pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.
“I was homeless. I didn’t have a place to call home…my kids never had a connection to the community,” Tereesa said.
Seeking a better future for her children, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing for her family and psychological support.
Please watch Laxmi’s story using the following link: Tereesa's story | Project Compassion 2023
Please remember that we can all make a difference to the lives of people just like Tereesa. Please donate any amount to our Project Compassion Appeal this year and make a difference for ‘All Future Generations’.
So far, your generous contributions have helped us raise a total of: $377.20
EASTER CONCERT
This year, St Mary’s Primary School is very excited to be presenting an Easter Concert for our school community. The concert will be held on Friday March 24th at 1:45pm in the school Hall. Doors will open at 1:30pm and this is a free event. We would love to see as many members of our community attend as each class will be performing with the exception of Year 5 who will be away on camp. Please mark this date on your calendars as we look forward to seeing you there.
PRAYER SERVICE AND LITURGIES
This week, Year 6 celebrated a beautiful Liturgy based on Lent. We would like to thank everyone who was able to join us.
On Monday, Year 4 will be leading us in a St Patrick’s Day Prayer Service on Monday at 8:50am in the school Hall. We extend a warm welcome to all parents and carers.
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
(Religious Education Coordinator)
Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival
Well done to all our swimmers that attended this carnival in Queanbeyan on Tuesday. Your efforts were outstanding and the Western Region were the resounding winners on the day!!
Congratulations to the following superstar students who were Age Champions on the day:
Kynan Burgess - Jnr Boy Champion
Chloe Buck - 11yrs Girl Champion
Sarah Webber - joint Snr Girl Champion
Sam Presser - 11yrs Boy Runner Up
We also congratulate our Snr Boy Relay Team (Sam Presser, Rory Brodbeck, Ollie Orr and William Woods) & our Snr Girl Relay team (Sarah Webber, Hannah Cusack, Ivy Murphy & Chloe Buck) who are heading off to Sydney as Archdiocesan Representatives, along with the following students who will also represent the Archdiocese in their individual events: Chloe Buck, Sarah Webber, Kynan Burgess, Sam Presser, Harry Robinson & Rory Brodbeck. What a fantastic opportunity for you all and we are so proud of your achievements!!!
Record Breaking Alert!!!!
We congratulate Chloe Buck who has broken both Western Region and Archdiocesan Swimming records this year. Chloe broke the Western Region Records for 11yrs 50m Free, 50m Fly & 50m Back. She also broke the Archdiocesan record for 11yrs 50m Free on Tuesday. Outstanding effort Chloe!!!!!
Archdiocesan Netball & Rugby League Trials
We wish the very best of luck to the following students who are heading to Lyneham next Tuesday to compete for selection in the Archdiocesan Netball & Rugby League Teams:
Netball - Oscar Wright, Layla Wright & Savannah Wright
Rugby League 11 yrs - Jesse Gault & Isaac Duncan
Rugby League 12yrs - William Woods, Hunter Brown & Eli Terry
We hope you have a fantastic day and we look forward to hearing about your experiences!
Our school photos will be held on Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th March.
ONLY Family photos are pre-ordered before photo day.
Individual and class photos are ordered AFTER photo day from Wednesday 5th April. The unique access codes will be handed out just before the photo day by the school. Email us if you lose it. The access codes are what you use to make online selections, customisations & payments.
To place your order or for more information please go to our website:www.creativeschoolportraits.com.au and click ‘online ordering’ All packages ordered before Thursday 27th April will be returned to the school. After Thursday 27th April a LATE FEE of $12.95 will be added to the purchase price and the package will be posted directly to you.
Please fill out and return it with the money to the office ASAP. Please note no money can be accepted at the office after photo day has passed. Please contact our Production Centre if you have any questions on 0263 423070 or email at admin@cspnsw.com.au Thank you and please enjoy your photographs.
LADIES OF ST MARY'S @ THE CRANFIELD
We still have a few seats available and asking for payment of $75 (Cash or Eftpos) to be made at the front office at school by Tuesday 21/03/23. Payment can be taken over the phone by credit card.