Issue #7 15th May 2024
Principal's Update
Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers and mother-figures in our community. I hope you all were able to spend some time relaxing over the weekend and were spoilt by your children.
I'd like to share a HUGE thank you to our volunteers who worked tirelessly last week in preparing and serving in our Mother's Day stall and breakfast. Thank you, events such as these only work when wonderful people such as yourselves volunteer their time - we appreciate you! The breakfast was another huge success, with 800+ breakfasts being served.
Fr Tomy's Installation as our Parish Priest
Last Sunday, 12th May, Father Tomy was officially installed as our Parish Priest by Bishop Randazzo at the 9.00am Mass. It was a lovely Mass with so many parishioners, and Fr Tomy was so proud to be finally named as our Parish Priest. Please say 'congratulations' to him the next time you see him!
Winter Uniform and Uniform Shop
Winter uniform begins next Monday 20th May. All children must be in their full winter uniform from this date. A reminder that we have adjusted Uniform shop hours currently, Mondays and Tuesdays between 8.15am-10.15am. Next week, I hope to be able to share the details on when the uniform shop will move to an online model and how orders will be placed moving forward. I am still waiting on CSBB confirmation myself, and I will share this information with you as soon as I know.
Rock and Water
This term, Years 3-6 have recommenced lessons in 'Rock and Water'. K-2 will do these lessons in Term 3. Rock and Water is a course that is delivered over a number of lessons to students in primary or high school. A series of exercises and games are practised to develop confidence and self-reflection. The games are diverse and many have a martial arts origin. The program has a strong appeal to students who enjoy the active nature of the many games and drills. Students learn to stand strong, negotiate using “rock” or “water” verbal approaches, walk away from trouble, consider alternatives to aggression, and develop understandings about who they are, their intuitive feelings and their personal direction. If you would like further information, please talk with your child's teacher or visit the website Rock and Water Program - Teaching Self-Awareness and Self-Confidence.
Feast Day
Next Friday we celebrate as a school for our Feast Day, "Mary, Help of Christians". This is on Friday 24th May. The day will consist of Mass at 9.15am (parents, you are welcome to join us for Mass), followed by recess and some fun activities for all classes. Students will then be treated to a sausage sandwich lunch organised by our PIP Team. There will be no lunch orders available on the day, however the canteen will still be open at recess time.
If you would like to be on the parent team who will cook and serve the sausages, please us the sign up link to reserve your spot: https://signup.com/go/EzYeWwP.
Uniform
Could you please check that your child is wearing the appropriate shoes and accessories to school. No children should be wearing necklaces or bracelets to school (boys and girls), this has been increasing. Coloured nail polish is also banned. All smart watches must be handed in to the office and cannot be worn at school, and phones must also be handed in on arrival to school each day. Hair that is shoulder length cannot be left out (boys and girls) and students should be wearing black leather shoes with their uniform. Thank you for your support.
Parent Teacher Interviews
In the coming weeks, we will open up the booking form for our Term 2 Parent and Teacher Interviews. You will be notified on Compass when you are able to book. These will take place the week of 24th-28th June. School reports will be available on Compass on Friday 21st June. The report format has changed for all schools in the Broken Bay Diocese, in response to the new curriculum that is now in all schools. I will update you on these changes in the coming weeks.
Worry Woos
Many young children have moments of worry, whether it be worrying about sleeping in the dark, worrying about leaving their parent at school drop off, worrying about ‘monsters’, or worrying about doing ‘good enough’. This is a normal part of a child’s development. Therefore, over the coming weeks, the Kinder will be discussing 'worry'. Together, the class will follow the story of Wince and his ‘Worry Bug’, a story book by Andi Green. This is an evidence-based program integrated into classroom learning. They will learn what worry is and what it feels like and explore different ways to cope with worries.
CCC Cross Country
Our CCC Team of students represented our school well last week, with a great day at Tuggerah. Our school came third overall in the school points and our students tried so hard over the 2km/3km track. Well done! 23 students have made it through to the Broken Bay Cross Country that takes place in Gosford next Tuesday - best of luck to all runners!
CCC Cross Country
PIP Team say "Thank You"!
The PIP Team would like to pass on their appreciation to the 'many hands' of enthusiastic helpers who gave up their time to support this year's Mother's Day events.
A yummy breakfast was prepared and served to our deserving community and our stall was successful in providing opportunity for our children to spoil their mothers on Mother's Day. We hope that the school festivities kicked off a lovely Mother's Day weekend for you all.
Kind regards, the PIP Leadership Team
REC Update
Father Tomy's Installation
Congratulations to Father Tomy who was offically installed as our Parish Priest by Bishop Anthony Randazzo on Sunday. A huge thank you to Addison P and Caspian W who read and served at this special mass. It was also wonderful to see so many of our school families at this mass to celebrate with Father Tomy.
First Eucharist
Please keep our students preparing for the Sacrament of Eucharist in your prayers. This sacrament will take place on Saturday the 1st June at 6.00pm and Sunday 2nd at 9am.
Our Lady Help of Christians Feast Day
Next Friday we will be celebrating our school Feast Day. We will begin with a special mass led by various classes. Mass will begin at 9.15am. Please join us if you aren't busy. Following mass we have organised many sporting organisations to come in and volunteer their time to share their love of their particular sport with our students. Our PIP Team have organised a sausage sandwich for lunch.
Sacred Heart Mass
On Friday 7th June Kindergarten will be leading our Sacred Heart Mass. Mass will begin at 9.15am. Please join us if you are free.
Family Mass
This year we will be coming together with St Brigid's to celebrate two masses. This is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with one of our local high schools. Our first Family Mass will be held on Sunday 26th May. The afternoon will begin at 4pm with games. We will then share mass at 6pm. St Brigid's Band will be playing during mass. We would love as many families to attend as possible. If your child would like to be involved in the readings, serving or offertory procession please email catherine.kyle@dbb.catholic.edu.au Below is a flyer with further information.
Winter Appeal
Next week our Mini Vinnies Team will be launching our annual Winter Appeal. If you have any preloved clothes, blankets or jackets these can be sent into school. We will be collecting these until Week 6.
Sacrament of Confirmation
In a few weeks our Parish Sacramental Team will begin preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This sacrament is open to any children in Year 3 or above who have been baptised. There is a compulsory Parent Session on Tuesday 4th June. As soon as I received the link for enrolment, I will share this with our community. Enrolment is open from 4th June until 19th June. The ceremony, lead by Bishop Anthony Randazzo, will be on Saturday 17th June at 11am. The only ceremony will be at our church here at St Mary's.
Mother's Day Liturgy
Last Thursday our Year 1 students lead the school in a very special Mother's Day Liturgy. We were so proud of how flexible and versatile they were with the weather conditions being so unpredictable last week. Our Year 1's read so well! Thank you to our choir and Mr Hochkins who lead our traditional Mother's Day song.
