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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

2 November 2023| Week 4

Upcoming Dates

  • 2nd November: All Souls Day
  • 3rd November: Assembly led by Room 6 - 8.30 am; Dominos Pizza lunch day
  • 10th November: Remembrance Day Liturgy led by Defence students, 8.30 am
  • 13th - 17th November: Year 5/6 Canberra Camp
  • 17th November: Assembly led by Rooms 14 and 7 - 8.30 am
  • 24th November: Assembly led by Year 5/6 at 8.30 am
Event details will be updated on SchoolStream closer to the event date.
Please check the EVENTS tab regularly and add event details directly to your calendar!

Principal's News

Week 4, Term 4, 2023

Dear families

Last week we had the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our wonderful teachers at St Mary’s with World Teachers Day. Our teachers are such an important part of our school community, and I would like to take a moment to reflect on the significance of the contributions that they make each and every day throughout the year.

World Teachers' Day offers a unique opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the teachers who play an integral role in shaping the future of our children and our society. Here are some compelling reasons why we celebrate our teachers on this special day:

A Profound Impact:
Teachers have a profound impact on the lives of our children. They are not just educators but also mentors, role models, and sources of inspiration. They ignite the spark of curiosity and guide students on their educational journey.

Nurturing Potential:
Teachers help unlock the full potential of each student. They provide the guidance and support needed to excel academically, develop essential life skills, and cultivate a love for learning that can last a lifetime.

Building Character:
Beyond academics, teachers instil values, ethics, and character in our children. They teach empathy, respect, and the importance of being responsible citizens, helping shape well-rounded individuals.

Adaptation and Resilience:
In recent times, teachers have shown incredible adaptability and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. They've gone above and beyond to ensure continuous learning for our children, despite the obstacles.

Contributing to Society:
Through their dedication and hard work, teachers contribute significantly to the betterment of society. They prepare students for future careers and empower them to be informed, engaged citizens who can make positive contributions to the world.

Fostering Lifelong Learning:
Teachers instil a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. They encourage a lifelong love for acquiring knowledge and growing as individuals.

All this is only achieved in partnership with our families and parents - our teachers make a significant difference in the lives of your children.


In week 6 we will welcome our new St Mary’s transition students as they begin their journey into big school. This is a very special time for these little ones and their families as they make this transition to St Mary’s alongside their teachers and new friends. This program will continue for four weeks and will culminate with our whole school step up day at the end of term.

A gentle reminder f you are yet to submit your application for Transition, 2024, or any other year level, please ensure you do this soon and contact our front office.

A reminder to students in this hot weather to drink plenty of water and always wear your hat at lunch and recess.

In faith and love,

Rosie Harrison
Principal

Prayer

Religious Education News

Catholic Mission’s Socktober:
Last Friday we participated in the Catholic Mission’s Socktober campaign with a crazy sock and crazy hair day. We did this because Catholic Mission is not only endorsed by Pope Francis but because, as believers in Christ, it is our mission to continue the work of Jesus Christ and bring about the reign of God in the World.

Fundraising is one arm of the work that Catholic Mission does. Together we can PRAY, ADVOCATE AND FUNDRAISE. Our Liturgy led by Room 5 focused on praying together for the children in Timor-Leste. Advocating is giving voice to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Thank you Room 5 for leading our school in prayer. Finally, fundraising is just one component of our Gospel mission.
This year we raised $162.45. Thank you.

To round our focus on Catholic Mission, we had NET with us on Monday 30th October. They spent time with each class, exploring World Mission Month and why it is important.



Made in the Image of God (MITIOG):
As a part of our Religious Education curriculum, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School will be implementing the sexuality program, Made in the Image of God. This program was developed by the Catholic Education Office in South Australia and all Catholic schools in the Darwin Diocese implement this program.

The teaching of the unit will take place during Weeks 6–7 for T-4 students and Weeks 7-8 for 5/6 students. Please refer to the School Stream post sent out for more information.



Midday Mass: During the term each class will attend a Parish Midday Mass.

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

Families are welcome to attend.



Key Dates for Term 4:

Friday 10th November at 8:30 - Defence - Remembrance Day Liturgy
Friday 1st December at 8:30 - Room 8 - Advent
Thursday 7th December at 6.15pm - Year 6 Graduation
Monday 10th December 8:30am - End of Year Whole School



Clare Nolan
Religious Education Co-ordinator

News from Room 8

2024 School Fees

BYODD 2024

Be You

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".

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Playgroup

Music News

Violin

In the Event of a Cyclone

As we are now in the cyclone season in the Top End, families are reminded of our school procedures in the event of a cyclone. School closures are announced by the Department of Education and are broadcast to the public on the local TV and radio stations. In the event that government schools are closed, Catholic schools will also be closed. Please listen to the radio or TV for updates in relation to school closures and reopening. We will endeavour to keep families informed via our school app – school stream, facebook and email, but this will be dependent on the availability of power and personnel.

Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for more information or visit the app store and download the SecureNT app.

For up to date weather alerts please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au
A free service for all Territorians. Log into https://www.tiofi.com.au/alerts and register. Information can be received directly to your phone or email.

Start of the 2024 School Year

The 2024 school year begins on Wednesday, 31 January 2024 at 8.15 am for all students. Children are asked to be at school at least ten minutes before classes begin in order that they may find their classrooms and be ready to begin classes at 8.20 am. Please remember to pack lunch, fruit break and recess separately as lunch goes in a container in the cool room in the canteen. The children are also able to have a water bottle in the classroom with them each day.

The School Book Room will be operating from Wednesday, 24 January 2024 (closed Friday, 26 January public holiday) from 9.00 am to 3.00pm each day. All uniforms and book packs can be purchased from the office from this date.

Please note, book packs are paid for at this time and will be distributed to teachers for use in the classroom.

2024 School Terms


Term 1, 2024 Monday, 29 January 2024 - staff return
Wednesday, 31 January 2024 - students return
Friday, 5 April 2024 - last day term one

Term 2, 2024 Monday, 15 April 2024 - first day term two
Friday, 21 June 2024 - last day term two

Term 3, 2024 Monday, 15 July 2024 - staff return
Tuesday, 16 July 2024 - students return
Friday, 20 September 2024 - last day term three

Term 4, 2024 Monday, 7 October 2024 - first day term four
Thursday, 12 December 2024- last day for students
Friday, 13 December 2024 - last day for staff

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What is happening in Darwin

COTA NT is hosting 4 events to celebrate Grandparents Day 2023 in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs and Katherine.

Grandparents and older carers of children are invited to share a movie morning in one of four locations to mark Grandparents Day 2023. The movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a PG-rated comedy animation which has opened to top reviews. Described as a “phenomenal film as its own standout story”, it will appeal particularly to the many fans of the Turtles franchise.

“We would like to thank the Northern Territory Government for their ongoing support of NT Grandparents Day and our event partners, BCC Cinemas Casuarina, Event Cinemas Palmerston, Alice Springs Cinema and Katherine Cinema 3 for helping us to create these events,” said Sue Shearer, Chief Executive Officer of COTA NT.

“The many roles that Grandparents and Carers take on for our families and communities are numerous – carers, educators, role models, surrogate parents and more. As we know it’s not getting any less expensive to raise a child or find dollars for ‘treats’, we are thrilled to be able to offer specially priced movie tickets to hundreds of Territorians.

BOOKINGS REQUIRIED - TICKETS LIMITED
Children* under 14 - $2.50 per- includes small drink and small popcorn
Grandparent / Carer $5 * - Includes Tea/Coffee & a biscuit.
BCC Cinemas - Casuarina Shopping Centre Sunday October 29th 10.30am
Event Cinemas - Gateway Shopping Centre Sunday October 29th 10.30am

Tickets available at the Eventbrite links below :-
Casuarina https://bitly.ws/XEI7
Palmerston https://bitly.ws/VYF3

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