Week 6/7 Term 1

From the Principal

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10: 11, NRSVE)

Each of us is called to serve, to live life as a good shepherd and we must remember to offer support and encouragement to one another. This past week I have been in Townsville for the Principals' meetings, and then at Paluma with the Year 6 students for their Leadership camp. Both events had leadership as their primary aim, and being called to serve the school community of St Mary's.

Much of the content delivered at the Principals' meetings were about the general leadership of schools within the Catholic diocese, including matters of inclusive education, learning and teaching, students' wellbeing, strategic planning and finance. The Year 6 Leadership camp, on the other hand, was specifically about the leadership of St Mary's students, and equipping our senior students with the skills and understanding to better serve their school community. It is hoped that these skills will also transfer into other aspects of their lives, after they leave St Mary's.

A primary challenge for the students the past few days was the rain and its impact on planned activities. The students rose to the challenge, taking opportunities when the rain stopped to complete a hike along the H-track, and swapping the planned morning of high ropes activities with archery tag, which was more suited to wet conditions. During their hike, the students supported each other to keep going, and to flick off any creepy crawlies seen on a classmate's clothing. They also enthusiastically crept into the bush in small groups during the movie night, in the hope of seeing either bandicoots, or large rats, at the Bandicoot Bench. Unfortunately neither were spotted, but it didn't dampen their spirits.

Thursday saw a lot of rain throughout the day, and the children participating in a modified version of archery tag called "Hunters and Deer", in which only six students were given the role of hunters with bows and arrows while the others were either deer or veterinarians. The students quickly used their skills of strategy to realise that if the vets were targetted, then the deer could not be revived. They enjoyed this activity immensely and wanted to keep playing it after the time had run out. Once the rain cleared a bit, though, they were moved on to the high ropes courses. It was heart-warming to see the way the students supported each other and cheered each other on. Many students were scared at the start of the activity, but with encouragement, the majority completed the high ropes and thanked those who had encouraged them because they felt immense pride in themselves for completing it. Some of those who had previously been terrified even gave the "Leap of Faith" a go!

The students were also tasked with completing the Sensory Trail on Thursday. During this activity, students worked in pairs, with one blindfolded and led by the second who had already completed the trail. Watching the leaders talk their blindfolded partners through the course, navigating every step, tree root, bridge and obstacle, it was clear that this group of children understand the meaning of leading through service to others. The day was then completed with a liturgy, focused on the theme of service in leadership, and then a modified campfire ceremony, which was held undercover around a fireplace, instead of outdoors.

Thank you to the parents for encouraging their children to think of others when working as part of a community, and also for encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zone and give things a go. I look foward to working with the current student leaders throughout 2023, and seeing what our future student leaders are also capable of.

God bless,

Alicia Ninnes

My New Gallery

Religious Life of the School

It was a busy week at St Mary’s last week. Father Sibi has returned quite relaxed from his holiday visiting family in India. His mother is now 84 years old and it was very hard for Father to leave. We are blessed to have him back in our community. He has already commenced his visits to student classrooms where he discusses their learning in Religion and helps them to understand some of the bigger questions!  

Year 1 and 2 had a small Mass together with the Parish last week, where they focused upon the Gospel of Matthew 5, in which Jesus warns us that being angry and unforgiving towards others is a serious sin. The classes asked Jesus to help them be peacemakers and to create ‘clean hearts’ within. They performed an echo mime at the Church and created a special heart for someone else, to help them be peacemakers.

Project compassion: Second Week of Lent.

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Tereesa, a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school after falling pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.   

Seeking a better future for her family, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing and psychological support. Through Baabayn, Tereesa was also able to hear stories from Indigenous Elders and reconnect with her culture.  

Today, Tereesa is studying a certificate in Community Services so that she can strengthen her skills and give back to her community. Tereesa now works at Baabayn, providing support to young mothers and mentoring the next generation of young people.  

Watch a short film about Tereesa’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

Photo of Year 5 and 6 students zooming with Laxmi, from project compassion Nepal, last week:

Reminders: 

• A reminder that the youth group is meeting regularly at school and that our excursion this term is bowling, on Saturday 18th March, right before our Family Mass at 6pm. A letter will be sent home on Monday. 
• The sacramental program will begin on Sunday 12th of March, directly after Mass at 9:10 am with Mrs Bev Lowcock. Please have your forms returned or contact swindridge@smbtsv.catholic.edu.au for more information. 
• We are having a whole school St Joseph’s meditation on Friday 17th of March, run by the Year 5 class and Mrs Young, everyone is welcome to join us after morning tea.
• Our end of term Mass will be a whole school Mass on Friday 31st March, led by Years 3 & 4. Again, everyone is warmly encouraged to come along if they can (9 am in the Church). 

Many blessings, 

Mrs Windridge

Ditto the friendly lion cub also came to visit our Prep - Year 3 students last week. Ditto shares ways to recognise danger signals in our own bodies and teaches keep safe strategies in an interactive way. We truly appreciate it every time they come to visit us here at St Mary’s, the students have a lot of fun!

Youth Group Excursion

Celebrating 150 Years of St Mary's

1873 - 1879: Sister Gertrude Wright opened what was known as St Mary’s Convent School in September 1873, and the Sisters of St Joseph continued to teach at the school until they were withdrawn in 1879, due to irreconcilable differences with the clergy.

1879 - 1880: The convent remained despite efforts from Father Stephen McDonagh to sell the building for demolition. The contractor who arrived to carry out the work was prevented from doing so by a number of extremely vocal women who occupied the convent verandah and halted the demolition. Their protest succeeded and the Priest was forced to back down, keep the building and compensate the contractor. Their protest was extraordinary in the face of the loyalty expected by the clergy from the parishioners in all aspects of life, not merely in faith matters.

1880: In 1880 a group of Diocesan Sisters were gathered together by Bishop James Quinn and given the name "Sisters of the Holy Family". These sisters were entirely under his authority and remained in Bowen until 1885.

1881: The Bowen court house was constructed on the corner of Williams St and Herbert St.

January 1884: Cyclone Simla destroyed St Mary’s school and, for a time, the Sisters of the Holy Family taught lessons in the old Masonic Hall. The sisters were then forced to close the school later that year and they returned south.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will take place between Wednesday, 15 March, and Wednesday, 22 March. All students in Years 3 , 5 , 7 and 9 across Australia take part in the NAPLAN tests during this time.

Please see below for the St Mary's NAPLAN timetable, and click on the images to read the following information for parents provided by the Australian Curriculum, Assesment and Reporting Authority.

From the Guidance Counsellor

Wellbeing Barometer Survey: 2023
Because parenting doesn't come with instructions, SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource implemented at our school to help support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting. Parenting is a learning journey and it's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed when faced with raising happy, well and resilient young people today.
We are seeking parent participation through a short survey. The survey is designed to provide a barometer to help gauge the state of student wellbeing within our community. We encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey as this will help our school know the nature and extent of your concerns and determine how best we can support families in the months ahead. Responses remain anonymous and will only be reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in the last 12
months. By working together, we can continue to build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers as we navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for all students. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to complete to this short survey: https://smbtsv.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2023-au

Award Winners

In Week 6, our weekly awards were presented to students who have been following Mary's Way by Being their Best. 

Mary's Way Award Winners:

Back row: Saoirse Gentle, Jacob Leyden, Ava von Pein

Front row: Denver Jackson, Lachlan Foster

Principal's Award for 10 Praise Notes:  Blake Williams 

Praise Note Winner of the Week:  Ella Wilson

Star Reader:  Jordan Saffell

Award Winners

In Week 7, our weekly awards were presented to students following Mary's Way by showing "S''  Show Respect.

Mary's Way Award Winners:

Back row: Harry Sylvester, Keira Lane (Be My Best - Wk 6), Liberty-Grace Fellows, Andrey Savin-Popa

Front row: Xander Gomersall, Violet Mackay (Be My Best - Wk 6), Zach Leyden, Maggie Romano, Jaxon Lowcock. 

Paise Note Winner of the Week: Tyler Henry

Star Reader:  Noah Maguire

Tuckshop Menu Term 1

P&F News

Birthdays

Birthdays

Gymnastics

Students have been participating in gymnastics training with Hayley Gordon, from Dare Gymnastics. This opportunity is provided due to a Sporting Schools grant. 

Students are invited to wear sports uniform on Mondays in Week 8 to support their freedom of movement during gymnastics lessons.

Mary Mackillop OSHC

OSHC at St Mary’s Catholic School is now operating Monday to Friday from  6.30 am to 8.30 am and 2.45 pm to 6.00 pm.

The government has announced changes in the way that Child Care Subsidy is worked out. The income limit for CCS will be increasing to $530,000, meaning that the cost of OSHC will reduce for the majority of families. The changes will come into effect on 10 July.

Currently the service costs $17.50 for Before-School Care, and $22 for After-School Care, before CCS reductions are applied. Food (breakfast and afternoon tea) is provided at no extra cost. Please see below for more information about the upcoming reduction in fees.

If you would like more information or to register, please contact Miss Rob on 0428 216 062 OR at bowenoshc@mmcnq.catholic.edu.au

Weeks 8 and 9 Important Events

• 13 - 17 March - Parent-Teacher Interviews
• 14 March - NAPLAN Prep Day
• 15 - 22 March - NAPLAN
• 16 March - Catholic Identity Meeting, 3.15pm Staffroom
• 17 March - Feast of St Joseph whole school meditation
• 18 March - Family Mass, 6pm
• 23 March - Indigenous Education Advisory Team meeting, 3.15pm Staffroom
• 24 March - Mulkadee Tickets on sale
• 24 March - P&F Easter Disco

Community News