Term 4 Week 3 - Friday 21st October 2022
From our Principal
Dear Families,
This week the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of St Luke. Luke is attributed authorship of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, a contribution that spans over a quarter of the New Testament, more
than any other author. Luke provided us with one of the Infancy narratives of Jesus’ birth which our staff team examined during our student-free day at the beginning of term. There are themes contained in the story which are pivotal in reflecting who we are as a school community. Apprehension, revelation, eucharist, resurrection, and journey are all key features of Luke’s narrative that we experience every day in our work and relationships.
This week we have continued to see heart-breaking images of flood affected areas throughout Victoria. We keep in our thoughts and prayers all the communities that are affected by this great mass of water and the destruction and sadness that it can cause.
STAFF NEWS
After a stellar career in Catholic education, Maryanne McDougall is officially ‘hanging up the whiteboard markers’. Maryanne began her career at Ss Michael and John’s in Horsham in 1984 before moving to St Mary’s in 1985. It goes without saying that Maryanne has been an integral part of the fabric of St Mary’s and positively impacted many, many, many children and families over the years. More recently Maryanne has worked in a part time capacity providing literacy support, small group instruction and coordinating the Library. Maryanne’s wealth of knowledge of the St Mary’s community and pastoral care will be missed. I wish Maryanne every blessing as she begins full-time retirement in 2023.
Eliza Griffiths and her family are relocating to Wodonga at the beginning of next year. Eliza has been teaching at St Mary’s since 2017 in various year levels. Eliza’s determination to accommodate each individual student with the learning supports that they need to achieve success is a hallmark of how she goes about her work. Eliza's leadership, have-a-go attitude, positivity and rigor around learning and teaching will be missed by students, families and staff! I wish her and her beautiful family every success as they all embark on new adventures.
Marnie Portelli has indicated that she will be unable to maintain her position at St Mary's next year. Marnie's eldest boy is starting Foundation in a different town and the practicalities of working in Ararat just didn't align. Marnie has managed to complete her full registration and become a fully registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching during her time at St Mary's. That in itself is a massive accomplishment! Marnie is a quick learner and a deep thinker and has been able to provide high levels of learning in the 1/2 learning community in the 2 days that she is here. I wish Marnie all the best as she continues her teaching career.
Julieanne Pender will be joining our staff team in 2023. Julie is an experienced teacher with a wealth of knowledge relevant to all year levels. She is deeply committed to providing targeted instruction at point-of need so that all students can be successful in their learning. Julie is a keen and passionate gardener and enjoys drawing, painting, crafting and cooking. Many of you might know Julie from her volunteer work for the Ararat Dance Eisteddfod.
SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATION
I am extremely pleased to share with you that I have been informed by the Minister for Education & Minister for Women, The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP that our application for a grant of $2,000,000.00 for ‘Stage 1 – new learning areas, covered external deck for outdoor learning and administration wing under the 2022 -23 Round 4 Victorian Non-Government Schools Capital Funding Program has been successful!
I am sure that you will join me in thanking the Victorian Government for their funding support. I commend the work of the St Mary’s staff for their commitment to working with Law Architects to develop a Master Plan.
We look forward to next year and the commencement of this exciting project for our school!
Every blessing for the week ahead,
Roxanne
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Louise and Zach on the safe arrival of Frederick (Freddie) Lewis Wilson weighing 9lb 3 oz (4.1kg)
Year 2 Sleepover - Save the Date!
Staff CPR Update
Last week, staff at St Mary's completed their annual CPR update with Nicole Gleeson from Rhythm First Aid, who ran a very informative but fun session. Well done everyone!
Halloween Disco Information
Parents are not required to stay and supervise!
PRICE LIST
Entry: Gold Coin Donation
Trick or Treat Lollies: 50c -$2
Packet of chips: 50c
Popcorn: $1
Juice Box: $2
Water: $2
Glow Sticks: 50c each or 3 for $1
Face paint: $1-$2
Looking For Volunteers/ Helpers for our Halloween Disco
Do you have any Halloween decorations you could lend the school for the day?
Are you available to help set up & pack up?
Do you have a creative flair with Face Painting? We can provide the equipment. Looking at offering a few simple designs for the kids to pick from.
Can you help man the trick or treat shop? Offering a few simple treats, no cooking involved.
Are you handy with a knife? …. Could you carve a pumpkin to hold a tea light?
From the look of the costumes from book week, we have some very creative parents out there. Anyone who has some ideas you would like to share, we would love them!
Please let the office know if you are able to help out in any way. Thank you!
Please complete this consent form if you would like your child to have face painting done for the disco:
St Vinnie's Food Drive
St Mary's Christmas Cards For Sale
Upcoming Dates
TERM 4 DATES
Wednesday 26th October
Year 6 girls basketball squad at GWR Basketball comp, Colac
Thursday 27th October
Halloween School Disco from 5pm - 6.30pm
Face painting available at lunch time for a gold coin https://forms.gle/aqS7PpRmpsCnzsBE8
Gold coin entry, trick or treat food shop, glowsticks & song requests
Friday 28th October
Whole School Prayer lead by SLC1
NO LUNCH ORDERS - YEAR 12 EXAMS @ MARIAN COLLEGE
Tuesday 1st November
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Friday 4th November
Whole School Prayer lead by Foundation
NO LUNCH ORDERS - YEAR 12 EXAMS @ MARIAN COLLEGE
Tuesday 8th November
SAC Meeting
Thursday 10th November
Year 2 Sleepover
Friday 11th November
Whole School Prayer lead by MLC1
Remembrance Day
Friday 18th November
Whole School Prayer lead by JLC1 & 2
Monday 28th November
Student Free Day
Tuesday 29th November
Year 6 Transition Day @ Marian College
2023 Foundation Visit 2.05pm - 3.05pm
Friday 2nd December
Whole School Prayer lead by SLC2
Tuesday 6th December
2023 Foundation Visit 2.05pm - 3.05pm
Friday 9th December
Whole School Prayer lead by Foundation
Tuesday 13th December
Whole School Transition Day
Friday 16th December
Whole School Mass @ 9.15am
Year 6 Big Day Out
Students Last Day
Tuesday 20th December
Staff Last Day
Happy Birthday!
To the following students celebrating their birthdays this week:
Madeline G & Harriet R
Parish Bulletin
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