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Upcoming Dates
- 13th October: Welcome back Assembly 8.30 am
- 18th October: Year 5/6 Canberra Camp Parent Information Night
- 20th October: Assembly led by Room 13 - 8.30 am
- 27th October: Soktober; World Mission Day Liturgy led by Room 5
- 31st October: Year 5 Leadership Day
- 1st November: All Saints Day
- 2nd November: All Souls Day
- 3rd November: Assembly led by Room 6 - 8.30 am
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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 1, Term 4, 2023
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Dear Parents and Caregivers
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Welcome back to Term 4! An exciting and busy term ahead of us for sure. It’s been great to see the students back looking well rested and ready to get back into the routine. We have lots of new families joining with us this term and we hope you feel welcomed and very much a part of our St Mary’s community.
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Wellbeing:
Wellbeing is at the forefront of Catholic Education, and a priority for us at St Mary’s. It is important that our students feel a strong sense of connection and belonging in our school community. We believe in the significance of developing and sustaining good physical and mental health with our staff and students to ensure they thrive.
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The holistic wellbeing of our staff and students is a focus of Term Four. We have received a one-off Student Wellbeing Boost Grant from the Federal Government. This financial boost has funded activities for our Spirit Cup fun days and the resourcing for the Rock and Water program.
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The focus of this initiative, led by Mrs Karen Jerrett, our Welling Support Mentor and Ms Tara Venn our Inclusion Support Practitioner is to provide our students accessible lifelong tools to support social skills development and healthy minds.
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Rock and Water has already begun during Term 3 for our Year 5 and 6 students and will be introduced in other classes during Term 4. This is one of the ways we plan to ensure our students learn strategies to confidently navigate the challenges of peer groups and social pressures.
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Together with our wonderful Teaching and ISA support staff we are very lucky to have Mrs Karen Jerrett working with us as both our Defence Support Mentor and Wellbeing Mentor and to have a Counsellor, Miss Laura McCormack across our school community. In the normal course of their working week, both these ladies provide connection, opportunities, and activities to support the wellbeing of our students.
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Our parents and caregivers are encouraged to think about ways you might care for your own wellbeing and how you connect with your loved ones. We look forward to sharing with you the ways we have offered acts of kindness and support to uplift staff and students in our community.
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Shout out for Canteen Volunteers: With our school canteen orders still closed off this term we hope to provide a few special meal deal days organised by our wonderful P and F volunteers. We are seeking volunteers from our school community to assist with the planning and coordination of 3 - 4 meal deal days across Term 4. If you are able to assist, please leave your name and best contact number with the front office.
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I will be away on leave next week as my family prepare for the wedding of my eldest daughter, Monica. This is an exciting and special time for us as a family and we are all looking forward to the big day on 21st October. While I am on leave Ms Lisa Boyd will be Acting Principal.
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The scenes this week from the war and fighting in the Middle East are a reminder to keep the children and families of Israel, Palestine and Gaza in your thoughts and prayers this week. May a peaceful resolution to this conflict be at the forefront of our world leaders.
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Welcome to Santiago (Room 16); Henry (Room 6) and Sophia (Room 8); Emma (Room 14); Mehar (Room 14) and Parnika (Room 8); Akein (Room 8); Tu (Room 8) and families who have joined our school community this week.
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Prayer
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As we prepare for the coming of a new term, make us ready, attentive, and available to hear you.
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Thank You for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance that You walk through it with us.
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Thank You for the gifts of creativity and uniqueness and the energy to put them to good use.
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We ask that You show us how to be Your servants and guide us to do Your will.
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Intentions for 2024
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It is that time of year again when we are looking towards planning for 2024, and seeking information from families regarding intentions for next year.
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We ask that families please complete the from on School Stream titled “2024 Intentions” under the FORMS tab in the App or clicking the link below. If prompted the school code is: smcps
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To assist with our planning of class structures, we appreciate your responses by Monday, 24 October 2023.
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Religious Education News
Socktober: Socktober for Mission Month encourages us to engage with mission for children by using our heads to enquire about the reality of the world around us, using our hearts to feel empathy for those in situations of great need, and using our hands to take action for them in whatever way we are able.
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During the month of October, the children will be learning about how they can use their head, heart, and hands to support children in need.
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Here at St Mary’s. we will be holding a Crazy Sock and Hair Day and encouraging the children to donate a gold coin on Friday, 27th October to support children in need around the globe. Donations will be forwarded to the Catholic Mission.
Room 5 will lead us in Liturgy on this Day at 8.30 am in the hall.
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Midday Mass: During the term each class will attend a Parish Midday Mass.
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Year 5/6 Room 11 - Week 1 Tuesday 10th October
Year 5/6 Room 16 - Week 2 Tuesday 17th October
Transition/1 Room 7 and 8 - Week 3 Tuesday 24th October
Year 1/2 Room 6 - Week 4 Tuesday 31st October
Year 1/2 Room 5 - Week 5 Tuesday 7th November
Year 3/4 Room 13 - Week 6 Tuesday 14th November
Year 3/4 Room 14 - Week 7 Tuesday 21st November
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Families are welcome to attend.
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Friday 27th October at 8:30 - Room 5 - World Mission Liturgy
Friday 10th November at 8:30 - Defence - Remembrance Day Liturgy
Friday 1st December at 8:30 - Room 8 - Advent
Thursday 7th December at 6pm - Year 6 Graduation
Monday 10th December 8:30am - End of Year Whole School
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Religious Education Co-ordinator
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Socktober
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Be You
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Positive Partnerships
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Health Department News
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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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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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WHAT IS MINIROOS KICK-OFF?
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· A fun, introductory program taught in a supportive environment for boys and girls aged between 4 and 11 years old;
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· Weekly sessions that build skills through progressive drills and games, and focus on fundamental movement skills;
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· Program delivery in an engaging and inclusive environment;
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· Smooth introduction to club football.
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Registration is compulsory via the link below:
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