|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Dates
- 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
- 3rd December: First Sunday of Advent
- 7th December: Year 6 Graduation Mass - 6.15 pm at the Cathedral
- 8th December: Assembly led by CoL - Kangaroo Graduation 8.30 am
- 10th December: Second Sunday of Advent
- 11th December: End of Year Whole School Mass
- 12th December: Step up morning and Parent Information Morning 8.30 am in the hall
- 13th December: Year 6 Big Day Out
- 14th December: Last Day for Students
- 16th December: Third Sunday of Advent
|
|
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 6, Term 4, 2023
|
We have now passed the halfway point of Term 4 and already we are looking at future planning into the 2024 school year. Please keep an eye on our school events calendar as it is updated each week as we look forward to sharing many of the upcoming acknowledgements and celebrations of 2023 across the school community.
|
By all accounts our Year 5/ 6 students are having a wonderful Camp experience in Canberra this week. A massive thanks to our dedicated teachers Courtney O’Mara and Clare Nolan, who have organised such a brilliant learning experience and to supporting staff Mr Lyons, Miss Janelle, Ms Venn and Mrs Feldtman who travelled with the children this week.
|
This week I had the privilege of attending the Children’s University Award ceremony at CDU. This was a fabulous acknowledgement of some of St Mary’s up and coming learner’s achievement in partnering with Charles Darwin University. We all enjoyed the opportunity to feel especially recognised dressed in formal academic attire.
|
|
|
|
In today's digital age, our children are growing up with unprecedented access to information, entertainment, and social connections. While the internet has brought numerous educational and recreational opportunities, it also comes with challenges, including the potential for exposure to inappropriate content that may not be suitable for our children's age or understanding. We believe it's crucial to address this topic and work together to keep our children safe online.
|
At school we educate our students about online cybersafety at different times throughout the year and here are some ways that you can continue to support this at home.
|
|
Open Communication: Maintain open and honest conversations with your children about their online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences, questions, and concerns. Make sure they know they can come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or encounter something inappropriate.
|
Educate and Empower: Teach your children about responsible internet usage. Discuss the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers, recognising warning signs, and using privacy settings on social media platforms and other apps.
|
Parental Controls: Explore and utilise parental control software or built-in safety features on devices and apps. These tools can help you set limits, monitor usage, and filter out inappropriate content.
|
Supervision: Depending on your child's age and maturity, consider supervising their online activities. Encourage them to use the internet in common areas of the house, where you can easily monitor their online behaviour.
|
Digital Literacy: Teach your children to critically assess the information they encounter online. Help them distinguish between reliable and questionable sources and understand the potential consequences of their online actions.
|
Report and Block: Instruct your children on how to report inappropriate content and how to block or unfriend individuals who engage in harmful or inappropriate behaviour.
|
Balanced Screen Time: Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Ensure that your children engage in physical activities, reading, and face-to-face interactions.
|
|
|
|
By addressing these issues and fostering a safe online environment for our children, we can help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world responsibly. It's important to remember that as parents, you are not alone in this journey. We have a shared responsibility to ensure the online safety of our students.
|
Below is a link to a great resource from the eSafety Commissioner to help further your supports and understanding in this space. This website has helpful resources on how to get started with parental controls in social media, games, and apps and on devices. These controls can help parents restrict access to places online where there is a higher risk of seeing disturbing content. There is also advice for young people on what they can do themselves.
|
|
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance on this important topic. Together, we can create a safe and enriching digital environment for the young people in our St Mary's community.
|
Thank you for your commitment to our student's well-being.
|
|
|
|
Prayer for November
As we journey in the month of November, we are reminded of the countless blessings You have bestowed upon us throughout the year. With each falling leaf, let our hearts overflow with gratitude and a deep sense of Your presence in our lives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 14 - Week 7 Tuesday 21st November
|
Families are welcome to attend.
|
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
|
|
|
|
Room 16 News from Canberra
|
|
|
|
Transition Orientation for 2024
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Download School Stream
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is happening in Darwin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
