Issue #17 25th October 2023
Principal's Update
Welcoming Kinder 2024
Yesterday we welcomed the newest members of our St Mary’s school community – our Kinder group for 2024! The 75 enthusiastic children were welcomed to St Mary's by our Kindergarten teachers, eagerly meeting new friends and joining in fun activities for ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’. We can’t wait for you all to join us again nest Wednesday, 1st November. Our Year 5 leaders were wonderful helpers throughout the morning - great job!
Bishop’s RE Creative Arts
Yesterday evening we celebrated Zara B’s 2nd place in the Bishop’s Religious Education Creative Art Prize. Zara wrote and performed an original song called ‘Compassion is’, placing second in the diocese in the Stage 2 Music category. It was a proud moment last night watching her receive her award at the Diocesan Showcase. Congratulations, Zara.
World Teacher’s Day
This Friday is World Teacher’s Day. Our teachers work hard each day to provide learning, laughter, support, compassion, challenge and memories for you children. When you see your child’s teacher this week, please thank them and let them know you appreciate what they do.
As you would have read in the last newsletter, our PIP team have organised a staff morning tea for Friday. Please see the attachment below for more information.
Cricket Team
Congratulations to our cricket team, who last Friday played two great games of cricket. The team won both games; in defeating both St Brendan’s and OLR The Entrance, they moved to the finals this Friday against OLR Wyoming. We were extremely impressed by the positive attitude of the girls and boys, and the way they encouraged each other. Well done!
Lorraine Hammond
This week, many of our staff will be attending professional learning across our diocese, led by Dr Lorraine Hammond. Our school and staff are committed to being life-long learners ourselves, and we look forward to learning more about Explicit Teaching and the Science of Reading and ways to apply this new learning into our classrooms.
All Saints Mass
Please join us for our All Saints Mass next Wednesday 1st November at 10am in the church. Year 2 will be leading this special Mass for our school.
Thoughts and Prayer
Please keep the Cassidy family (Leo, 1 Gold) and Livingstone-Thomas family (Holly, 4 Blue and Eden, 6 Green) in your thoughts and prayers. Leo's Nanny King and Holly and Eden's nana passed away recently. May your treasured memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
My New Gallery
REC Update
Confirmation
Last week many of our students were confirmed. This was a wonderful celebration led by Bishop David Emeritus as Bishop Anthony is in Rome for the Synod of Bishops. Thank you to Milla and Isla from Year 6 who served on the day. Congratualtions to all our confirmed students.
Year 3 Sunday Parish Mass
On Sunday 5th November our Year 3 students will be leading the ministries at our Sunday Parish Mass. This is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate mass with our Parish Community and share morning tea with our friends. Year 3 teachers will be handing out readings and responsibilities for this mass. All Year 3 will be singing a thanksgiving song. We can't wait to celebrate with you all!
Baptism for School-Aged Children
The Parish of Toukley/Lake Munmorah is running a Baptism preparation program for children from Kinder to Year 6.
Three sessions from 6:00pm-6:45pm will be held in St Mary’s Church on Mondays 13, 20 and 27 November (need to complete all three sessions). A parent/carer should accompany the child to each session.
Dates of Baptism are scheduled to suit families either before Christmas or in 2024.
If you would like to enquire about having your child prepared for Baptism, please ring the Parish Office on 4396 4455 or Alison on 0424 737 911.
Christmas Eve Mass and Nativity
Please scan the QR code below if you would like your children to be involved in the Christmas Eve Mass and nativity.
Diocesan Mission Mass
Last Thursday Mia, Phoebe and Ella attended the Diocesan Mission Mass at the Cathedral in Waitara. It was wonderful to hear from Luke Tobin from Catholic Mission Australia and Father Brendan who presided over our Mass. Both Ella and Mia read beautifully.
Socktober - Crazy Sock Day - Year 6 versus Teachers Soccer Match - Guessing Competition - Mission Liturgy
Thank you to all our students and families who wore crazy socks in Week 1. Everyone looked amazing! Our teachers were outstanding in the soccer match, demonstrating some hidden talent. They won the match 3-1. The winners of our guessing competition will be announced at the conclusion of our Mission Liturgy. This liturgy will be held at 9am on Thursday morning during morning assembly. Our Mini Vinnies Team will be leading this liturgy.
From our Parish
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
Would you like to become a Catholic? OR Would you simply like to know more about our Catholic faith and the Sacraments?
A new RCIA process is beginning in our Parish this month and you are invited to come along to St. Mary’s Church each Tuesday evening from 5:30-6:45pm where we will explore our Catholic faith and, if you wish, prepare to receive the Sacraments next Easter. No meetings during school holidays. For enquiries contact Sarah-Jane at the Parish Office 4396 4455 or Alison on 0424 737 911.
Sports News
Congratulations Emmanuelle, Elizabeth and Isabella!!!
Recently these 3 amazing runners competed at the Polding Athletics Competition held at Homebush. They competed against the best from the Northern NSW Catholic Schools - from Carlingford and North to Queensland. St Mary's should be so proud of them. All girls competed in the 100m. Elizabeth came 1st, Emmanuelle came 3rd and Isabella 4th, These amazing results mean that Elizabeth and Emmanuelle get to compete in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships at Homebush again in the next couple of weeks. Good luck girls! Enjoy the challenge!
Merit and Star Awards
From our PEC
Below are two great upcoming programs for parents. If you are have any questions or would like any additional information, please contact me (Nicole) through the school office.
