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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

9 November 2023| Week 4

Upcoming Dates

  • 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; Subway lunch day
  • 24th November: Assembly led by Year 5/6 at 8.30 am
  • 30th November: Carols in the Cathedral
  • 1st December: Advent Liturgy led by Room 8 - 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 5, Term 4, 2023

Dear families

This week we acknowledge Remembrance Day with a beautiful school Liturgy in the Mary MacKillop School Hall at 8.30am.

Symbolic of Remembrance Day is the poppy flower which grows freely through much of the countryside of Northern France and Belgium.

In wearing the Poppy I am reminded of my travels in France and a little village just near the Australian war memorial at Villiers Brettoneau. There is a school in the village, which is called the Victoria school in tribute to the soldiers and support of Australia during the First World War.

Many of the villages along the western front which display Australian flags and signs saying “we will never forget the Australians”.
One of the most deeply moving experiences was the time spent in the John Monash Australian War Memorial centre at Villiers Brettoneau. Our Year 5/6 students will have an opportunity to visit the John Monash centre in Canberra next week whilst on camp. I hope they too, leave the Monash centre with a deep sense of humility for all who gave their life for their country and feeling proud of the freedom and life we have been able to live as a result of their sacrifice.
I will never forget their supreme sacrifice.

Mrs Shannon Feldtman has given notice of her intention to resign her Teaching Position at St Mary’s at the end of this year. Shannon has been appointed to the leadership role of Deputy Principal at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Nightcliff from the start of the 2024 school year. Shannon has been an integral part of the the St Mary’s teaching staff for the past 10 years. She has been a Middle leader in recent years leading Data Informed Practice, and Instructional Coaching as well as acting Curriculum coordinator for Term 3 and 4 in 2023. I trust the St Mary’s community joins me in congratulating Shannon on this wonderful achievement.

In faith and love,

Rosie Harrison
Principal

Prayer for Remembrance Day


Loving God,
Have mercy on your people and open our hearts to peace and love.
Reward all who have died for their country and grant that Australia and all nations may continue to work for peace and justice.
Bless us in your service, and help us to follow Jesus Christ, who is our Saviour and our Lord for ever and ever.
Amen

Religious Education News


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 7 - 8. 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 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

Transition Program

Tomorrow the children enrolled in Transition in 2024 spend the morning at school. We are so excited to welcome them into Room 8 and do some fun activities together. Children will attend assembly with the rest of the school and then move into Room 8. They need their drink bottle and a hat.
We know they will have a great time!

Subway Lunch Special

2024 School Fees

BYODD 2024

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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