News
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Student Testimonials:
“I like everything in our classroom.’ – Amelia F
“I like When Ms Zufferey reads books.” – Patrick
“I like writing stories.” – Elanor
“I like helping the transitions.” – Santo
“I like learning to count to 100.” – Samreen
“I liked doing The Rainbow Fish.” – Thomas
“I liked writing stories.” – Maika
“I liked playing the bee game on the ipad.” – Noah
“I like playing word games on the ipad.” – Bruce
“I like reading and story time.” – Maya
On January 26 this year I was honoured to be awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to politics in the Northern Territory.
Having lived in the Northern Territory since 1953, growing up in Tennant Creek and then moving to and living in Darwin since 1968, I have always been passionate about our Territory. My brother Malcolm and I grew up in a family where volunteering was a way of life, our examples were both my mother and father. It enriches your life in so many ways, in what you and your fellow volunteers are able achieve, and for me the wonderful, enduring friendships that are forged whilst working for a common cause.
My husband is a fourth generation Territorian and our grandchildren are the fifth generation of our family to attend St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. To become involved in politics seemed a natural progression for me, for it gave me the opportunity to be informed and grow with the Territory, both before and since Self Government.
Politics played a major role in my family’s life as did both mine and my husband’s commitment to our children’s education through Parent’s and Friend’s Groups which spanned many years. In addition to that through familial circumstances, we became involved in Total Recreation (a wonderful organisation that provides recreational activities for people with a disability). I was honoured to be granted Life Membership of Total Rec some years ago and it is one of my most cherished awards.
Receiving the Order of Australia Medal has caused me to reflect on all the wonderful people who strive to make a difference in all walks of life and to feel quite humbled that this honour was awarded to me this year.
Suzanne Cavanagh OAM.
Bishop Eugene Hurley has been a tireless advocate and spiritual counsellor for the marginalized and forgotten people both of South Australia and the Northern Territory for more than 50 years. He has been extensively involved in the work of the Church with the disadvantaged and those in need of help. He has promoted the welfare and status of Aboriginal people throughout Australia, being an inspirational advocate and energetic worker to make real change in the process of reconciling our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. His involvement in the spiritual and social well being of people in both South Australia and the Northern Territory and indeed beyond those borders, over more than half a century has been outstanding, and exceeds the performance in these area of most others in comparable situations.
Bishop Emeritus Daniel Eugene Hurley was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2019 Honours List for "significant service to the Catholic Church in Australia, and to the community of the Northern Territory", an honour well deserved.
Exploring the Catholic Faith for Non-Catholics
The St. Mary’s Cathedral is offering the opportunity for non-Catholics to explore the catholic faith. If you know anybody interest to know more about the catholic faith, please contact Deacon Tony Cunningham on 0407 549 708. They meet fortnightly on Mondays between 6pm to 7pm. The next meeting will be held on the 4th of March at the Bishop’s House. All are welcome.
Lenten Preparations
During the period of Lent every Thursday the Parish has arranged a series of renewal sessions. Dates begin on March 14th in Mary Mackillop Hall. Take this opportunity to listen to the Word of God, meditate and share what the spirit speaks to us as we renew ourselves and prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter.
">NAPLAN A brochure with Information regarding NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy) has been sent home to parents of children in Years 3 and 5. NAPLAN dates for 2019 are 14th -17th May. All children in Years 3 and 5 are expected to participate unless they are absent, withdrawn by parents or have an exemption. Please contact your child’s teacher or Nikki Farrell if you have any queries in relation to NAPLAN.
School Board AGM: Our school Board AGM will be on Monday 18th March. We have 4 new parent nominations for our Board committee-Mrs Jodi Cowdrey, Mrs Lily Hernandez, Mrs Rachel Dunn and Ms Bernadette Shaw. Any more interested parents should email me or contact the front office for a nomination form.
Harmony Day-Thursday 21st March: Families are encouraged to contribute to our Harmony Day celebrations which will take place on Thursday 21st March. If you would like to be part of the planning, please contact Nikki Farrell our Community and Culture Coordinator. Children will be encouraged to wear something cultural or the colour orange to celebrate the wonderful diversity within our school community.
Sacramental Preparation Program-Confirmation and Eucharist: The first information session for families was held last Saturday 3-4pm in the Mary MacKillop Hall. Please see the newsletter this week for dates and preparation sessions.
The Parents and Friends Association AGM is on next week-Tuesday 12th March, 5.30-6.30pm. It would be great to see a big turnout. One of our school improvement goals for this year is to purchase new, modern furniture for all classrooms. Our P & F committee does a fantastic job organising events and activities to raise funds for our school. With the extra contribution from Catholic Education Northern Territory, we have over $20 000 to spend on new resources this year and we hope to have a similar amount in 2019 to put towards purchasing the new classroom furniture.
Congratulations to most of our students who consistently wear the correct full school uniform. All families are asked to adhere to our uniform guidelines which are a condition of enrolment at St Mary’s. In the event that students are wearing the incorrect uniform, parents will be contacted and uniform slips will be sent home with students. Your cooperation in this area is appreciated.
Welcome to Seth Chirema (room 7) and Cienna Stephen (room 8) and family who joined our school community this week.
God bless you and keep you safely in His care
Jacqui Langdon
">Each week of the Lent and the Project Compassion 2019 campaign, students will be hearing six stories which show the power of hope and the work of Caritas Australia in communities in Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Australia, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Through your generosity during Project Compassion this year, you are empowering communities with hope and helping those in great need to shape a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
Throughout the season of Lent, we might consider: What could we do to commit ourselves to the flourishing of hope in our time? How can we give Lent 100%?
">Please note that the school gates will be closed. You will need to enter via the Cathedral gates near the Mackillop Hall.
Below is some information for preparations sessions:
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Communion Preparation |
St Mary’s Library |
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What to bring |
Pencil or Pen - Children will be provided with a booklet/handouts |
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Celebration of the Sacrament |
Sunday 2 June 2019 at 9.30am Mass |
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Confirmation Preparation |
Mary McKillop Hall |
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What to bring |
Pencil or Pen - Children will be provided with a booklet/handouts |
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Celebration of the Sacrament |
Sunday 9 June 2019 at 9.30am Mass |
Please contact the Parish office cathedral@darwin.catholic.org.au or myself on christine.ferreira@nt.catholic.edu.au for a full list of preperation session dates and times.
">Hi! My name is Justine Mitchell and I have been recently appointed to the Defence School Mentor (DSM) position. I have been a passionate Defence spouse for the past 12 years and look forward to supporting families at St Mary’s.
I have two boys of my own at St Mary’s and my husband is in the RAAF. We have been through many moves, within Australia and overseas, along with deployments and extended periods apart, as such have a great understanding of some of the challenges families may face in these situations.
My role as DSM is to help your family settle in to school, prepare for upcoming changes such as deployments and postings, as well as ensuring the children are feeling happy and supported.
I will also be running a weekly Defence Kids Club where the kids can come and chill out and do some fun activities.
I am available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at school, however I can be flexible if you need me outside of those days. I look forward to meeting you all in the near future!
justine.mitchell@nt.catholic.edu.au
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