Issue #12 2nd August 2023
Principal's Update
School Concert and Purchasing Tickets
Our school concert is fast approaching, and what an event it will be! All children know what performance group they are in (Green or Gold) as they have been rehearsing in these groups now for a few months. You will need to know what group they are in prior to purchasing tickets. If you are still unsure, please contact your child's teacher this week.
Next week on Monday 7th August, our school's concert tickets will go on sale at 2.00pm. There are enough tickets for every family in the school to purchase a total of up to four tickets, as long as everyone restricts themselves to this number. While unfortunately it may mean some grandparents or other extended family are unable to get tickets in this first round, the priority is ensuring that every child has parents/siblings who are able to attend one of their shows. From approximately August 28th, after all parents have had an opportunity to purchase tickets, then families will be able to purchase another four of any remaining tickets. I ask all families to be courteous, mindful of others and not to panic as there are enough tickets for all. Earlier this week we had The Art House call the school to inform us that they had received so many phone calls off parents trying to get tickets and panicking about missing out and noting down the wrong sale date. We will inform you of any updates, reminders and changes through Compass, so please use this as the source of information.
For more details, please see the Compass note that was sent out last week.
Farewell Fr Joshi
Fr Joshi has been with our parish now for five months, celebrating school masses and visiting our classrooms, in addition to celebrating weekend masses. It is with sadness that we now say farewell, Fr Joshi is on transfer to The Entrance Parish. We are grateful for the time he has spent with our students and staff during his short appointment at our parish. Please join me in wishing Fr Joshi all the best for his new appointment. The parish will be holding a thanksgiving morning tea following the 9am Mass on Sunday 13th August at St Mary's church.
Father's Day
Father's Day celebrations are almost upon us. Here are some details of how you might like to be involved:
Thurday 31st August: Father's Day Stall.
All items must be prepaid through the Qkr! App by the closing date 24th August. We are unable to allow for any late orders to be processed.
Friday 1st September: Father's Day Breakfast and Liturgy.
Our breakfast is free, but must be ordered through the Qkr! App by 24th August so that orders with local suppliers can be finalised. It is also important to add what time you expect to attend so that food can be prepared. Please order for your family under just one child's name.
Our liturgy will begin at 9.15am in the church, all dads are welcome to join us if they can. If you would like a photo sent in to be played in a slideshow during the liturgy and on Facebook, please see the details in the REC section below.
Parent Helpers: If you can help during the Father's Day Stall or Breakfast, please see the attached flyer and follow the signup link. Days such as these can only occur when parents help to run them.
Grandparents Day
Our school doubled in size last Friday for a wonderful celebration of grandparents. It was beautiful to see the pride and excitment from both grandparents and grandchildren as each enjoyed sharing the classroom and playground spaces and sharing some food together. A special thank you to all of the parents who contributed to the running of the day, from supplying food, to setting up and serving.
Beanie Day - Mary Mac's Place Fundraiser
Each year on the 8th of August we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia's beloved first saint. Mary MacKillop devoted her life to ensuring a holistic Catholic education for children from rural, poor families.
Next Tuesday 8th August we will be raising money for Mary Mac's Place in Woy Woy. Mary Mac’s traditionally supplies a sit down meal served to companions by wonderful volunteers. We are asking children to wear a beanie next Tuesday, and to bring a gold coin donation.
CCC Athletics
Good luck to all students who compete in the CCC Athletics this Friday. We know you will try your best and represent St Mary's well.
Carpark
A reminder that cars are not to pull into the bus bay to drop off children, ever. There have been near misses as cars try to turn around and pull out where children are crossing.
Bus Behaviour
If your child catches a bus to or from school, please talk to them about their behaviour. Busways has called to report that many St Mary's students are frequently moving around the bus as it travels, kneeling facing backwards, yelling, swearing and throwing food. Please talk to your child about how they should behave when on a bus. It is also timely that you please talk to your child about stranger danger and how they should respond if an adult approches them, whether on the bus or as they walk home.
Canteen Price List
Unfortunately we are having to increase the price of canteen items, as the price from suppliers also increases. We have tried to make these increases as low as possible. The price changes will come into affect from Monday 14th August. The updated price list is attached, see below.
Netball School Cup and Catholic Rugby League Competition
A number of teams, with select students from Year 3 - 6 will attend the Netball School Cup and Catholic Rugby League Tournament next Thursday 10th August. Best of luck to all of our teams at both venues.
PIP Team Say 'Thank You!'
A heartfelt thank you to our school's PIP Team parent community. They shared their generous spirit by supplying our Grandparents with the loveliest lunch last Friday during Grandparent's Day. To those who supplied a delicious platter of food and to those who help set up and serve, our school is better place because of your generosity and support. A special thank you to Gina and Rene who stepped up and led this special lunch time treat for our Grandparents. Regards, PIP Leadership Team.
REC
Confirmation Enrolment
Students in Year 3 (and above) who have been baptised are invited to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday 14th October at 11am. This ceremony will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church. Please read the attached flyer for further information on how to enrol. Parent sessions will be held at both St Mary's and St Brendan's during Week 6.
Year 4 Parish Mass
Thank you to our Year 4 families who joined us on Sunday for our Sunday Family Mass. We were impressed by how well our students read and the enthusiasm they had while singing our Thanksgiving Hymn. It was wonderful to see our families and our parishoners share morning tea together. Thank you to our Year 4 teachers for preparing our students and Nicole our PEC for setting up the morning tea.
Grandparents Day
Thank you to all our Grandparents who joined us to for Grandparents Day on Friday. It was a wonderful celebration. Our students loved showing their grandparents their classroom and work. A huge thank you to our PIP Team who organised the lunch for our grandparents and to our families for sending in lots of food for our grandparents to eat. Lunchtime was a beautiful sight, so many families enjoying a meal together.
Assumption Mass
On 15th August we will celebrate the Assumption Mass. This will begin at 11.30am. Year 5 will be leading the ministries. If you are free, we would love to have you attend. This will be Father Joshi's last mass with our school, we are hoping to make it extra special.
Father's Day Liturgy
On Friday 1st September we will be holding our Father's Day Liturgy. This liturgy will begin at 9.15am. Year 3 will be preparing and leading the ministries. Mr Whiteford will be putting together an iMovie to celebrate our father's or significant males in our lives. If you would like to contribute to this please send one high quality photograph to kyle.whiteford@dbb.catholic.edu.au We ask that you only send one photo per family. If you have a Year 3 student, could you please let their teacher know, with a note, if their dad or significant male will be in attendance for the liturgy.
Merit and Star Awards
Webinar and information from our PEC
Some families may find this Webinar helpful to attend, it is a free online safety webinar. See the image for more information and to register.
Also attached is a calendar of upcoming parent education courses run by Central Coast Family Support Services.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Parent Education Officer (PEC), Nicole through school on 43965100. Nicole works at St Mary's on a Wednesday and Thursday.
Athletics Presentation 1/8/23
