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Dear Parents, Guardians and Community,
Anzac day: This week we acknowledge the services of our Australian Soldiers who have protected Australia both here and overseas. We thank them and their families for the sacrifices they have made. The school will be represented at the Williamstown Anzac day Ceremony by our student leaders who will be laying a wreath. Thank you to all those who purchased Anzac Day badges we are almost sold out. All proceeds go to the Returned Service League (RSL) supporting returned soldiers.
School closure day: This week we have our first closure day for the Flourishing Learners Program. Around 700 teachers will be at Thomas Carr College completing the training. Day 1's topic is on Behaviour Curriculum, setting up behaviour norms and practices across our school. If you are interested in learning more about this, this is the Australian Education Research Organisation(AERO) work on this. https://www.edresearch.edu.au/topics/classroom-management
School Board Nominations. Once again, if you are interested in becoming part of our School Advisory Board, please send a basic Expression of Interest to the email address principal@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au. This week we thanked Marcia English for her time on the school Board. Marcia has been of great assistance to myself personally and I have valued her thoughts and opinions. Marcia spoke of how much she has learnt from being on a school board particularly around the learning and teaching aspect of the school and the complexities around some of the decision making. Thank you Marcia.
Enrolment update: Thank you to all our families who are promoting the school. The message I am receiving is that St Mary's is the school everyone is talking about. We send our First Round Offers next week. At this stage we have more applications then positions, which is something the school has not been in the position to do since covid began. If you are a current family who has not completed your enrolment for 2025, we need it ASAP!! Current families are number 1 on the priority lists, but if we do not know you have an enrolment coming, we may not be saving a spot for you, so please can we have it at least started this week!! We begin story-time for our 2025 enrolments on Tuesday May 14.
School Fair Update: I do not know if there is a easier way to put this, but we only had 3 parents attend the meeting to take on coordinating roles for the School Fair leading us to make the decision to not go ahead with the school fair in 2024. Realistically we need about 20 people volunteering at the coordinating level. We have had several call outs through surveys, online and in person meetings and just got to the stage where there was not the interest from our parent group. So, what do we do now, great question, we are certainly open to ideas. the key goals are to have an event that is fun, promotes the school and raises funds. All of which require volunteers. Please send in your suggestions and plus your commitment to the idea. I think most people like the idea of the Fair, but realistically people do not have the time or energy for it.
God Bless
Anthony
St Mary’s Faith News
School and Parish Connections
Gospel: John 15:1-8 - Jesus the True Vine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.
You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.
Abide in me as I abide in you.
Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches.
Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Eucharist Reflection Evening
When: Wednesday 24th April
Where: school Hall
Time: 6:00pm
Session will be led by Denise Arnel
All candidates and at least one parent needs to attend the session.
We look forward to seeing all the Year 3 /4 candidates at this session.
ANZAC Day
Dear Families,
As we approach ANZAC Day, we extend a heartfelt invitation to you and your loved ones to join us for the Dawn Service on April 25th. This solemn occasion offers us a precious opportunity to come together as a school community, to reflect, remember, and honor the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women.
We understand that attending the Dawn Service may require an early start, but we assure you, the experience is profoundly moving and meaningful. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, your presence enriches the commemoration and ensures that the spirit of ANZAC Day endures.
I will be meeting with some of the school leaders at the Uniting Church on Nelson Parade at 5:15am. Please feel free to join us.
Lest We Forget.
Children’s Mass - Sunday 28th April
We have our St Mary’s Children's Liturgy on Sunday the 28th April at 10:30 am.
Flyers have been sent home this week asking for volunteers to read and sing in the choir.
Thank you to the families who have returned their forms.
For Families new to the school, the 10:30 Mass on the last Sunday of each month is dedicated to the children at St Mary’s.
The children lead the Mass with the support of the Charism team. Children at the school can volunteer to read and /or sing with the choir.
Both Monique, the pastoral care officer for the parish and myself, Charlotte Lipnicki, attend the Mass and support the children.
The numbers are growing and the children are keen to be involved.
Thank you to all the families who are encouraging their children to get involved. It is wonderful to see and as a school this is something we hope more families will take up the invitation to join.
Sacramental Program 2024
If you have any queries can you please contact me directly at clipnicki@smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au
Sacrament |
Term |
Date |
Where |
Notes |
Eucharist Information Session |
2 |
Wednesday 24th April 6:00pm |
School Hall |
Led by Denise Arnel |
Eucharist - 3 / 4 RM |
2 |
Saturday 18th May 6:00 pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Eucharist - 3 / 4 C |
2 |
Saturday 25th May 6:00 pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Eucharist - 3 / 4 T |
2 |
Saturday 1st June 6:00 pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation Information session |
3 |
Thursday 1st August 6:30pm |
School Hall |
Led by Fr Elio Capra |
Confirmation - 5 /6 D |
3 |
Tuesday 27th August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation - 5 /6 S |
3 |
Wednesday 28th August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Confirmation - 5/ 6 A/K |
3 |
Thursday 29th August - 6:00pm |
Church |
No booking required |
Important Dates for Term 2
Event |
Date |
Time |
Location |
ANZAC Day ceremony |
Wednesday 24th April |
10:45 am |
Assembly area |
Eucharist Information Session |
Wednesday 24th April |
6:00/30pm |
School Hall |
ANZAC Day ceremony |
Thursday 25th April |
Dawn |
Williamstown Cenotaph |
Seniors Mass 5 /6 D |
Friday 3rd May |
11:30am |
Church |
Mother’s Day Mass |
Friday 10th May
|
9:15 am |
Church |
Year 3/4 Family Mass |
Saturday 11th May
|
6:00pm |
Church |
Year 3/4 RM First Eucharist Mass |
Saturday 18th May |
6:00pm |
Church |
Year 3/4 C First Eucharist Mass |
Saturday 25th May |
6:00pm |
Church |
Year 3/4 T First Eucharist Mass |
Saturday 1st June |
6:00pm |
Church |
Seniors Mass 5 /6 S |
Friday 7th June |
11:30am |
Church |
Year 1 Family Mass |
Sunday 9th June |
10:30 am |
Church |
Get ready to bust a move because International Dance Day celebrations are coming to St Mary’s on Monday 29th April!
We are thrilled to announce that Christopher Politis, one of Melbourne’s most sought-after dancers, will be leading hip hop dance workshops throughout the day for Years 1 to 6. But that’s not all - our Preps will also have the opportunity to participate in a creative dance task and will get to have a taste of the hip hop fun on Monday 6th May.
All students are encouraged to wear their P.E uniform for Monday 29th April to fully enjoy this dance filled day.
To wrap-up the festivities, classes will be able to show off their new moves to their classroom teachers during a dance off or disco session just after lunch.
So get your dancing shoes ready and let’s groove together to celebrate the joy of dance on International Dance Day!
Christopher Politis Biography:
Dancer | Model | Actor | Singer
Christopher trained in Melbourne and performed from a young age in a range of different styles including classical, theatrical and Latin styles. He spent years Dancing, Singing and Teaching in over 30 countries. Since graduating he has become one of Melbourne’s sought after male dancers, performing in corporate events, TVC’S, film clips, promotions and major theatre productions. Recently he has adjudicated eisteddfods and choreographed for major brands, Productions, Exam Syllabuses, Cabarets and corporate events across Australia.
Class Representatives Term 2
Congratulatons to the following students:
PL |
Rosa Jenkins and Peter Makripoulias |
PM |
Luna Paccagnan & Kai Sabotkoski |
1AG |
Jesse O’Mahoney |
1C |
Olivia Romanski |
2E |
Roman Pantalleresco |
2H |
Isla Stubberfield |
3/4T |
Jack Treloar |
3/4C |
Alexander Tessmer |
3/4RM |
Sarah Godde |
5/6AK |
Archie Maxwell |
5/6S |
Leo McCann |
5/6D |
Ewen Dunlop |
Mother's Day Stall reminder
Date: Thursday 2 May
Vouchers: $5 each via CDF pay (access through SZapp) available now; you can purchase as many as you wish. One voucher equals one gift, and gift bags are included. Voucher sales close Monday, 29 April, at 5 p.m., and no late sales or cash on the day will be accepted.
There will be various gifts for your child to choose from. If your child is absent on the day, gifts will be kept at the office for them to choose from when they return.
If you are unable to purchase a voucher for your child due to financial reasons, kindly reach out to the office staff or teacher and we will make arrangements for your child/ren. We don't want anyone to miss out.
INQUIRY INTO CATHOLIC FAITH
St Mary’s Parish is now entering a new period of sessions for those wanting to look more into the Catholic faith. This is an opportunity for at least furthering your knowledge, asking questions, being open to new insights or even in the end becoming a Catholic Christian. There is no obligation to proceed to become a Catholic as one can drop out of the sessions at any time. New sessions on the Catholic Faith will be commencing on Tuesday April 30th between 7 to 8 pm at the Presbytery 116 Cecil Street Williamstown. If you wish to find out more, please ring Fr Greg on 0400524363 or email greg.trythall@cam.org.au
Dear St. Mary's Families,
Final Reminder
We have Teeth On Wheels visiting our school for dental check-ups and oral health education starting the 03/05/2024.
Click the link below to sign your child up - IT MIGHT BE FREE!
https://teethonwheels.com.au/
CUT OFF DATE FOR COMPLETING YOUR CHILD'S FORM IS ON THE 26/04/2024.
Please complete your form today and the Teeth On Wheels team will be in contact to schedule your child’s appointment and notify you if your child’s eligible for FREE dental care through the Child Dental Benefit Schedule.
Any further questions, please contact the Teeth On Wheels team on (03) 9338 1191.
Kindly Press Here for a step-by-step instruction on how to sign-up!