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Upcoming Dates
- 21st - 25th August: National Book Week
- 25th August: Playgroup Cancelled; Camp Quality Puppet Show T-2 and 3-6
- 25th August: Assembly Room 16 - 8.30 am
- 31st August: P&F Father's Day Stall
- 1st September: Father's Day Liturgy - Room 7, 8.30 am
- 3rd September: Father's Day
- 7th September: School Feast Day
- 8th September: Pupil Free Day - Staff Professional Development
- 9th September: Save the date, Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
- 14th September: School Concert
- 15th September: Awards Assembly 8.30 am; Year 6 Catholic Education NT Public Speaking Competition
- 22nd September: Assembly Room 5 8.30 am; Last day of term three
- 9th October: First day of term 4 for staff and students
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Event details will be updated on SchoolStream closer to the event date.
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Please check the EVENTS tab regularly and add event details directly to your calendar!
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Principal's News
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Week 6, Term 3, 2023
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Dear Parents and Caregivers
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Can we have 10 minutes of your time?
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Thank you all for taking the time to participate in our recent Parent survey, Tell Them From Me.
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We really need families to complete this valuable feedback about our school and your feedback allows us to reflect, plan and review the future direction of the school.
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The survey closes tomorrow Friday 25th August. If you haven't done already, please take the time to complete this survey for us.
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Circle of Security: We are all aware in post Covid times of the alarming rise in the number of people experiencing some form of anxiety or difficulty dealing with emotions. This is all too true, especially for children.
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As parents and educators we often find ourselves searching or looking for supports for both ourselves and our children in how we can best manage and support our children in dealing with the stresses and worries of everyday life. At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you.
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I have recently come across a program called The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program, which is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.
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Using the COSP™ model developed by the Circle of Security originators, trained Facilitators work with parents and care-givers to help them to:
• Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
• Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
• Enhance the development of their child's self esteem
• Honor the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure
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If you would like to find out more about this valuable program or details of courses being held please be in touch with the school admin and we will send you contact details.
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For information about the program here is a link to the Circle of Security for parents website.
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School Review: Next week we welcome visitors, Ms Julie Murkin and Ms Ann Stewart from the ACER School Improvement Review team who will spend from Tuesday through to Thursday here conducting the external validation of St Mary's Catholic Primary School.
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The ACER SIT review tool has underpinned school improvement in Australia over the past decade and has been updated to reflect the latest evidence about what actually leads to every student learning successfully.
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The ACER team will assess St Mary's through the lens of -
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0. A lived and Celebrated Catholic identity
1. Driving and Explicit Improvement Agenda
2. Analysing and Discussing Data
3. Promoting A Culture of Learning
4.Targetting School resources
5. An expert teaching team
6.Leading Systematic curriculum implementation
7.Differentiated teaching and learning
8.Implementing Effective pedagogical practices
9.Building school community partnerships
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We look forward to the valuable information that this process will provide us in informing our future school improvement and strategic planning.
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School closure is scheduled for Friday 8th September for purpose of staff professional development in Catholic Identity.
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OSHC is available for bookings as required and Community of Learners remains open. Program of events to be sent out soon to all families. Where service is required, please make your bookings to secure placement.
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A reminder that to make a booking for OSHC, as per our school policy, all fees are to be up to date.
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We are currently taking enrolments for 2024 across all year levels, including Community of Learners (3-5 years). Over the past few weeks, I have been meeting with many new families coming to our school.
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If you know of anyone who is looking at enrolling their child for next year, please be sure to let them know we are available for interview or a tour of our school. All information about our school can be found on our website
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In faith and love,
Rosie Harrison
Principal
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Prayer
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Religious Education News
Making Jesus Real (MJR): This week we had the privilege of having Marty Ogle visit our school and work with every class around MJR.
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Father’s Day Liturgy - Week 7 on 1st September (Room 7)
School Feast Day Mass - Week 8 on 7th September (Year 6 students)
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Clare Nolan
Religious Education Co-ordinator
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Finance News
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Important Information for families with children at the Early Learning Centre and/or Outside School Hours Care
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Parents and Friends News
Father's Day Stall
Our wonderful P&F have once again sought a great assortment of gifts that our students can purchase for their dads, grandpas, pops and papas as well as all the other special men in their lives.
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Gifts will range in price $1-$15 and will be held on Thursday, 31st August with a time allocated for each class to attend.
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Please ensure all money sent to school is clearly marked with your child's name.
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Bunnings BBQ
Our P&F have secured a date to host a sausage sizzle & cake stall at Bunnings Darwin on Saturday 9th September.
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Volunteer opportunities are now open and we are calling for helpers to assist with cooking of the BBQ and serving.
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We also need volunteers to bake cakes, cookies, slices & other sweet treats for the cake stall. All cakes must be labelled with their ingredients and be able to be kept at room temperature. Baked items will be accepted via the front office on Thursday September 7th and via the canteen on Friday September 8th.
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Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet: Volunteer Sign Up
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To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do. Year 5/6 Students are allowed to volunteer but only in the roles allocated and they must be supervised by an accompanying adult.
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Thank you for volunteering!
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PE News
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Pokemon Cards and Other Toys
Please remember that students should not bring toys to school. We have a growing problem with toys being brought in backpacks that end up being lost, broken, or are creating a distraction in the classroom and inequity in the playground. This includes trading and gaming cards (such a Pokémon cards). These should not be brought to school. Please talk to your child’s classroom teacher if you believe they need to bring an item that assists them to transition into school each morning.
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Thank you in advance for your help with this.
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Tell Them from Me
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Kiss and Go
As we strive to ensure the safety and efficiency of our daily drop-off and pick-up routines at St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, I am writing to remind you of the "Kiss and Go" rules and the importance of adhering to them.
The Kiss and Go Zone, located on Cavenagh Street, plays a crucial role in maintaining a smooth flow of traffic during these busy periods. It allows parents to drop off or pick up their children quickly and safely, minimising congestion and ensuring the well-being of all students. Please take the time to review our school Kiss and Go video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=8p3NoK0xSFU&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stmarysnt.catholic.edu.au%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo
To reiterate, the Kiss and Go Zone operates during the following times (please refer to signage):
Morning Drop-off: 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Afternoon Pick-up: 2:35 pm - 3:05 pm
During these designated times, it is essential to observe the following guidelines:
No Parking: Please remember that parking is strictly prohibited within the Kiss and Go zone during its operational hours. This is enforced by Darwin City Council and is in place to maintain a steady flow of vehicles and ensure the safety of all students. Stopping briefly to drop off or pick up your child is permitted, but please refrain from parking, entering the school and leaving your vehicle unattended. Please note that vehicles left unattended are subject to parking fines.If you prefer to park and walk your child to the school gate, please use the Lindsay Street student entrance.
Efficient Drop-off/Pick-up: When using the Kiss and Go zone, we kindly request that you pull up as far forward as possible to allow other parents to access the area efficiently. This simple gesture helps prevent unnecessary congestion and delays.
Stay Alert and Patient: As the Kiss and Go zone can become busy, it is crucial to exercise caution and remain patient while waiting for your turn. Be mindful of pedestrians, other parents and ensure the safety of all students and staff members. If the zone is full, do a lap around the block until you are able to safely enter the line.
By adhering to these rules, we can collectively create a safer and more streamlined drop-off and pick-up experience for everyone involved. We deeply appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain an environment that prioritises the well-being of our students.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Kiss and Go zone or any other matter related to St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, please do not hesitate to contact the front office.
Remember to always "choose safety, over convenience".
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Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
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Playgroup
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Playgroup cancelled this Friday, 25th August.
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Families are invited to attend the Camp Quality Show from 11 - 11.30 am
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School Canteen Services Update
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We are excited to announce a new update to our school canteen online ordering and services that will make ordering your favorite foods during recess easier than ever before. Starting this term, our canteen will offer a new "Recess" ordering service that will allow you to pre-order your child's snacks and fruits for the recess break.
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To accommodate this change our existing "2nd Break" service has been updated to "Lunch" service.
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Like our existing service orders need to be placed before 8:40 am each day via the Flexischools platform (see instructions at the end of this newsletter). The menu options will be available on the school app and will include a range of healthy and delicious options that cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. Once the orders are received, the canteen staff will prepare the food and have it ready for students to pick up during the designated recess eating time at 10.40am.
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We believe that this new service will help reduce waiting times at the canteen and ensure that students have more time to enjoy their recess break. By ordering ahead of time, students will also have a greater selection of food options to choose from, and can rest assured that their preferred meals and snacks will be available when they arrive at the canteen.
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Throughout Term 3 we will be aiming to phase out all window cash sales.
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As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us, and we will do our best to incorporate them into our future plans.
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Music News
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2023 School Terms
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Term 1, 2023 Monday, 30 January 2023 - staff return
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Wednesday, 1 February 2023 - students return
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Thursday, 6 April 2023 - last day term one
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Term 2, 2023 Monday, 17 April to Friday, 23 June 2023
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Term 3, 2023 Monday, 17 July 2023 - staff return
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Tuesday, 18 July 2023 - students return
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Friday, 22 September 2023 - last day term three
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Term 4, 2023 Monday, 9 October 2023
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Thursday, 14 December 2023 - last day for students
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Friday, 15 December 2023 - last day for staff
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Download School Stream
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Why download the App?
- Receive instant notifications for important news and classroom updates.
- Complete permission and absentee forms.
- Keep up to date with events and save event details directly to your own calendar.
- Order from our school canteen.
Don’t forget to turn your notifications on – so you don’t miss any important notices!
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Want to avoid fees when topping up your Flexischools account?
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Click below to download a step-by-step guide on how to top up your Flexischools account without a surcharge via Electronic Bank Transfer
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To streamline processes across the school, in 2023 we are only accepting online orders for lunches.
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All families need to set up an account for online ordering through Flexischools, which is linked directly in the School Stream App. Details on how to set up an account can be found in the “CANTEEN” tab of School Stream. There is no need to download the Flexischools App, it can all be accessed from the School Stream App.
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You can find the Canteen menu in School Stream. Please note daily orders close at 8.40am. Any orders received after this time, will be fulfilled subject to availability of stock and may be substituted for a basic sandwich.
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What is happening in Darwin
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