Newsletter Term 1 Week 3 - Friday 14th February 2025

From our Principal

Dear families, 

Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year; a special year of grace, forgiveness, and renewal for Catholics worldwide. Themed "Pilgrims of Hope," this Jubilee follows the Church’s tradition of celebrating every 25 years. Jubilee years are a time of newness. This year, Pope Francis invites us to reflect on what it means to be pilgrims of hope: a people who are not only travellers here but walking in joyful anticipation of ‘the heavenly goal to which we have been called’.

Jubilee Prayer 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

Heavenly God,
Source of mercy and boundless love,
We come before You as pilgrims of hope,
Seeking renewal in this sacred Jubilee Year.

Open our hearts to Your grace,
That we may embrace forgiveness,
Walk in unity, and serve with joy.

Through the Holy Door of Your mercy,
Lead us to a deeper faith,
A stronger love for one another,
And a world filled with peace.

Through Christ our Lord,
And with the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
May we journey in hope toward Your eternal light.

Amen.

I have spoken with the students this week about the procedures for bringing Smart Watches to school. Smart Watches are an incredible piece of technology, but in a school setting, they can be more of a distraction than a benefit. That’s why we require all students to hand in their Smart Watches into the front office upon arrival at school and collect them at the end of the day. This is the same process that we have for mobile phones.

While some Smart Watches have a “School Mode” setting it has come to my attention this week that students can disable this function and essentially use their watch like a phone. Collecting Smart Watches at the start of the day removes any potential distraction, harm or misuse and allows students to focus on the learning and social interactions that occur at school.

After my discussion with the students yesterday, they seemed to have understood the rationale for handing in their Smart Watches each day and have responded with good grace and understanding.  

If you have been passed the school you might have noticed the progress of the new office and learning spaces. We are hopeful that we will be in the new space by the beginning of next term. It will be exciting for students and teachers to begin using the newly designed collaboration spaces and intentional explicit teaching zones provided. 

Every blessing for the week ahead

Roxanne

Parent Teacher Meet & Greets

We will be holding our Parent Teacher Meet & Greets next Tuesday 18th February and Thursday 20th February from 3.30pm - 6pm. These can be booked through PAM. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to meet with their classroom teacher and discuss any thoughts/goals/concerns for the year ahead.

Building Update

Black Ranges Swimming Squad

Around the School

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2025 School Fee Information

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) FORMS

CSEF forms are available at the office for all eligible state concession card holders.  Forms need to be returned with a copy of your card to the office ASAP.  Please see attached flyer for information.  Where an eligible application is received the CSEF benefit is $150 for primary school students. This benefit will be paid directly to the school and St Mary’s School will offset it against the applicable student fee account, thus reducing the total fees payable.  All forms need to be filled in EACH year.

FEE STATEMENTS

All fee statements and family forms have been sent home Please ensure you return direct debit forms to the office, if you wish to pay school fees via this method.  Even if you have been on direct debits in the past you need to fill in a form EACH YEAR. 

For families wishing to pay in a lump sum, fees are due Friday 28th February.  All fees must be paid in full by Friday 7th November.  Any question around school fees, or if you have not received your statement, please contact the office.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

SchoolTV - Wellbeing Survey 2025

SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.

Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.

The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.

https://smararat.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au

Parish Bulletin

2025 Student Free Days

TERM 1
Labour Day Monday 10th March 

TERM 2
Easter Monday Monday 21st April
Tuesday 22nd April
Wednesday 23rd April
Thursday 24th April
ANZAC Day Friday 25th April
(students return in week 2 on term 2)
Wednesday 14th May

TERM 4
Friday 31st October
Monday 3rd November
Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 4th November
Wednesday 17th December

2025 Lunch Order Price List