Issue #13 6th August 2025
Principal's Update
Public Speaking Our teachers have been so impressed by the delivery of your child's speeches to their class, across Kinder - Year 6. Well done! This week our grades have held their grade finals, and next Tuesday 12th we will see 6 students from each grade participate in school finals in front of a panel of adjudicators (9.15am K-1, 10.10am 2-3, 11.30am 4-6).
Grade Overviews You will have received a Term Overview last week for Term 3. This is a great guide for parents to help you know the main topics that your child will be learning during the term, and can support the conversations you have with your child about their learning. These are available each term on Compass.
Grandparent's Day It was so wonderful to see so many happy faces during our Grandparent's Day celebrations. Thank you to our parent volunteers, along with Victoria our Parent Engagement Coordinator, who supplied cake and tea to our grandparents.
Beanie and Pyjama Day This Thursday, 7th August, we are fundraising for Mary Mac's Place, Woy Woy. Mary Mac's is a service open to anyone who is homeless, transient or needing a helping hand. Mary Mac’s provides social, community and friendship opportunities for men, women, families, young people, the elderly, and the socially and economically disadvantaged. They supply a nutritious lunch Monday to Friday served to our companions by our wonderful volunteers. Tomorrow, we ask children to wear a beanie and some PJs and bring in some gold coins to donate. Parents, please ensure your child's PJs are appropriate, particularly for the cool weather. If children do not wish to wear PJs, they can wear their PE uniform along with a beanie. Please note, ugg boots and slippers are not allowed; children must wear their usual Friday joggers. They should also still pack their school hat.
Athletics Carnival Last week we were finally able to hold our Athletics Carnival, although in a slightly adjusted format to first planned. We saw over 100 children participate in up to 5 events at Mingara, in addition to the field events that were held at school. Thank you to the parent volunteers who attended and assisted in the smooth running of our event. Thank you also to the many staff who gave up their own time, to be at Mingara until 5.00pm, particularly Miss Dawson who organised the event.
CCC Athletics This Friday we have 40+ students representing St Mary's in track and field events at the CCC Cross Country at Mingara. Good luck to you all!
Father's Day With Father's Day just around the corner, we have an update of upcoming purchases and events: Thursday 4th September: Father's Day Stall: All items must be prepaid through the Qkr! App by the closing date Friday 29th August at 4.00pm. We are unable to allow for any late orders to be processed. Maximum of 2 gifts per child. Cost $10 each. Friday 5th September: Father's Day Breakfast and Liturgy: Our breakfast is free for all dads/father figures (pops, grand dads) and students, however we can not cater for other family members. All food must be ordered through the Qkr! App by 4.00pm, Friday 29th August, so that orders with local suppliers can be finalised. Please order for your family under your eldest child's name. All food must be pre-ordered, so that we can ensure that we have enough food on the day. Once you arrive in the morning for the breakfast, please head to the designated area to collect your tickets, before you collect your breakfast. Unfortunately, we can not accept any orders after the 29th August.
Our liturgy will begin at 9.00am on Friday 5th on the top playground, all dads are welcome to join us if they can.
Father's Day Volunteers On Friday 5th September we will be celebrating Father's Day. We are looking for volunteers to help prepare the breakfast on the Thursday afternoon and then help to serve food on the Friday morning. Below are the days and times that we require help:
Thursday 4/9/25: 1.30pm-3.00pm Friday 5/9/25: 6.30am-9.30am
Please contact the school office on 7256 2143 or email: smt@dbb.catholic.edu.au if you are available to help, even if it's only for part of the time. Days like this do not run without parent support and we appreciate the many parents that volunteer their time.
Qkr! Currently, some users of Qkr! are having some issues placing orders. We have raised this issue with our Qkr! team at Head Office and will update you when this is back up and running correctly.
School Disco We hope you've added the date to your diary, because our school disco is NEXT WEEK! K-2 can attend the disco between 5.15pm-6.15pm, and then there will be a short break before the Years 3-6 disco begins at 6.30pm. This will be held in a private room at Wyong Leagues Club, and parents are not able to stay in the room upstairs. Supervision will be by teachers. Entry, to cover room hire and DJ, will be $2, please bring this with you on the evening.
Spelling Bee Earlier this week you received information through compass about our upcoming Spelling Bee. Students have also brought home a hard copy of the grade list of words this week. We are excited to hold our inaugural K-6 Spelling Bee Competition during Term 3! Over the coming weeks, students will participate in various spelling activities during class. Words for the Spelling Bee may be selected from the list set home, but could also include other words students have learnt the rule or pattern to in class. You may like to practice some of these words with your child at home. The class competition will be held in Weeks 5 - 7, with two champions from each class advancing to the Grade Finals in Week 10. Parents/carers will be notified if your child qualifies for the final.
Year 6 Debaters On Monday, our Year 6 debating team went up against St Brendan's in their second debate, on the topic "Plastic water bottles should be banned". Our debaters were the Negative Team, and had to argue against this topic. Although close, they were unsuccessful in winning this debate. However, it was a tremendous effort. Next week, the debating team will host St John Fisher and argue that "Sporting heros are not good role models". Good luck in your next debate!
Playgroup This morning we loved seeing so many children attend our Playgroup! Our next Playgroup will be in a few weeks, Tuesday 26th August. We look forward to seeing you there.
Wellbeing Activities Each term, our fantastic Wellbeing Team organise for various optional activities for students to join during lunchtime. Once again this term, there will be an activity each week. For example, today Mrs Cheek is hosting handball in the Quad during lunch. These activities include a favourite, a daytime disco in Week 10. Thank you, Wellbeing Team!
Your Thoughts and Prayers Please keep the Westerdyk family (Caspian, Sanisia and Reyna) in your thoughts and prayers. The children's Great Opa passed away recently. He was a remarkable 100 years old, nearing his 101st birthday next month. May the cherished memories you hold bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Story Time Every Thursday at 9.00am, Victoria, our Parent Engagement Coordinator, holds Storytime in the Library. If you have a little one who would like to attend, please come along and join in with the book reading and activity.
Staff Development Day As you would have read on our calendar and previous newsletters, our Staff Development Day is in a few weeks, Friday 22nd August. No children will attend school on this day. Thank you for your support.
The Sleep Connection Did you know that approximately 70% of teenagers and many primary school children experience insufficient sleep? The quality of the one-third of our lives spent asleep greatly influences the quality of the two-thirds we are awake. Without adequate sleep, our kids' health, resilience and performance are greatly impacted. This session is especially designed for parents and carers with tips and strategies to ensure children are getting enough sleep - leading to better focus, mental health and academic success. It's suitable for parents and carers with children in both primary and secondary schools. Click this link to join online.
From Our REC
Sacred Spaces In Week 1, 6 Blue shared their learning in Religion. We learnt about Mary Magdelene. Mary Magdelene was one of Jesus' devoted disciples. She was one of the women who went to the tomb and was spoken to by the angels, telling them Jesus had risen.
This week, 5 Blue shared their learning about Mary MacKillop. She is more formally known as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. They did very well sharing their learning. This Friday is her Feast Day, and we will celebrate Mass together at 9.15am. Mary devoted her life to educating all children in Australia. Our Catholic Education System is thanks to her hard work!
Upcoming Masses This Friday 8th August is the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop. Year 6 are leading the ministries for this Mass. Mass begins at 9.15am. Please join us if you can.
Next Friday, 15th August is the Feast of the Assumption. On this day we celebrate Mary, Jesus' mother who was taken into heaven, body and soul. Mass begins at 9.15am. Year 5 will be leading the ministries for this Mass. Please join us if you can.
Religious Creative Arts Prize Thank you to all those students and families who have been working on this years, Diocesan Religious Creative Arts Competition. Students have been working on visual art and short film entries in class. Students are also able to do these at home. The final day we will be accepting submissions is Wednesday 22nd August. If you are creating a piece of music or dance please have this to me with your explanation by the due date. No late submissions will be accepted. Just a reminder, the theme is WITNESS. "Receive power from the Holy Spirit... And you will be my witnesses." Acts1:8
Confirmation Please keep our students in Years 3 and above in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This will occur on Saturday 30th August.
Year 3 Sunday Parish Mass On Sunday 17th August our Year 3 students will be leading the ministries at our Sunday Parish Mass. Sr Josie will playing the music and we encourage our choir to come and join her on the day. Mass begins at 9.00am. Please bring a plate of food to share morning tea following Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Sister 2 Sister Our Parish is organising an event for the ladies in our Parish and school. If you are interested, please complete the QR code in the flyer below. The night is aimed to bring the women of our community together to build friendships and grow together in faith and connection. Come enjoy a child free evening!
