Newsletter Term 3 Week 6 - Friday 29th August 2025

Dear Families, 

Last week I was able to attend the Australian Catholic Education Conference. I wish to thank the staff team who supported my ability to attend at a busy time of year.  There were over 1500 of us engaging with various presenters and prestations about the importance of Catholic Education in Australia.  The three days were jam packed but here is my highlight reel. 

Sister Nathalie Becquart is a French Sister and the Undersecretary for the General Secretariat of the Synod at the Vatican. Her groundbreaking leadership in the Synod of Bishops, and her work in education, youth ministry and formation, as well as her commitment to fostering dialogue and inclusion in the Church brought invaluable insight. Sister Nathalie spoke about the importance of journeying in Catholic Education - Together. Her thoughts on "togetherness" were thought-provoking and poignant as we navigate the role in the Church and society, and how we can form students and leaders who embrace a synodal style of listening, dialogue and shared responsibility. 

Professor Dylan Wiliam presented about an equitable approach to educational improvement, school accountability measures and developing teacher mastery. He spoke about creating time for teachers to improve by de-implementing less effective practices. This notion of de-implementation spoke to the work that we have been doing here at St Mary's for the last couple of years. He spoke about 4 key shifts in our approach to education: in our educational goals, a shift from performance to learning, in our view of learning and in our pedagogy. 

Another session that stood out as exceptional was presented by two women from the Catholic Aboriginal Leadership Team in the NT. Their work on embedding Catholic perspectives through an authentic Aboriginal lense was phenomenal. Their work on recognising the enduring connection between Aboriginal Spirituality and Catholic Identity demonstrates true partnership, true dialogue, true storytelling and recontextualization can be achieved in the most complex circumstances and environments. 

There was a Mass (of course) with the Bishop of Cairns Joe Caddy and a swag of other Bishops and Clergy. There were over 1500 delegates at the Mass and a 400 strong childen's choir that had been flown, bussed and shipped from all parts of Queensland and the Torres Straits. The music and sound was unbelievable and incredibly moving. 

I certainly feel blessed and privileged to be able to be involved in such an important event. 

Every blessing for the week ahead. 
Roxanne 

If your child is interested in completing their Sacraments of Initiation (Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist) please contact the school by the end of August and we will pass on your details to Father Neville.

This programme is open to Baptised students of any age. 

TERM 3

WEEK 7
Wednesday 3rd September
Black Ranges Athletics Carnival - Stawell

Thursday 4th September
MLC Camp - Warrnambool

Friday 5th September
MLC Camp - Warrnambool
Fathers' Day Liturgy & afternoon tea at 2.45pm

WEEK 8
Monday 8th September
St Mary's Day - casual clothes day

Thursday 11th September
Whole School "Bug" Incursion

WEEK 9
Thursday 18th September
Grade 2 Sleepover

Friday 19th September
Last Day of Term 3
Footy Colours Day
Early finish at 2.15pm
NO LUNCH ORDERS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to the following students this week:

Harli M & Ruby F

TERM 3
WEEK 7 Friday 5th September - Fathers' Day Liturgy led by SLC1
WEEK 8 Friday 12th September - led by MLC1
WEEK 9 Friday 19th September @ 1.15pm (due to early finish) - led by MLC2

Win A Family Pass To The Ararat Show - Colouring Competition

Colouring competition entries are available for students to collect from the front office. Please pop your child's name, age and school on the back of the colouring page (for privacy reasons)

Please get your child to draw what they would like to see at the show in the balloons on the colouring page

Entries must be submitted to St Mary's by Thursday 11th September