|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Dates
- 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 8.30 am
- 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 7, Term 4, 2023
|
As our 2023 school year winds down and there are only a few weeks till end of term, teachers are busily finalising report cards and preparations for 2024 are underway. We find ourselves at the threshold of change, a pivotal moment when we reflect on the year gone by and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. The end of the school year signifies a time of transition, both for our students and for us as a school community. It's an opportune moment to highlight the remarkable growth and progress of our students and to embrace the changes that lie ahead.
|
This year has been an incredible journey filled with achievements, challenges, and invaluable experiences. We've witnessed your child/ren's academic, social, and personal development throughout the year, where we have seen immense growth in resilience, adaptability, and a positive thirst for learning. Each milestone achieved has been with the support from staff and parents together, which is a valuable commodity within our St Mary’s school community.
|
As we prepare to bid adieu to the current academic year, we are also excitedly looking forward to the upcoming year. Change can sometimes bring uncertainty, but it also brings opportunities for new beginnings and fresh experiences. Whether your child is moving up to a new grade or transitioning to a different school, we understand the mix of emotions that come with such changes. Please know that we are here to support and guide both you and your children through this process.
|
|
Here are a few key points to consider as we navigate this period of change:
|
Reflection and Celebration: Take this time to celebrate your child/ren's achievements and growth over the past year. Reflecting on their growth and progress can boost their confidence and motivation.
|
Open Communication: Encourage open conversations with your child about the changes ahead. Address any concerns or questions they might have and reassure them that change is a natural part of growth.
|
School Support: Our school is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for every child. We will provide the necessary resources, guidance, and support to ease the process of moving to a new grade or school. Our STEP UP Day on Tuesday 12th December welcomes new students and their families and supports our Transition to Year 5 students. I know our Year 5 students are looking forward to stepping into their student leader roles for next year and especially looking forward to forging new friendships with the Transition Buddy program.
|
Anticipating the New Year: Discuss upcoming changes positively with your child, highlighting the new opportunities, friends, and experiences they will encounter in the next academic year.
|
Change is a constant in life, and with change comes growth. As a community, we aim to facilitate this growth and ensure that the transition into the new school year is as smooth as possible for your child.
|
|
Farewell to Xavier (Room 13) and family who left out school community this week.
|
Welcome to Janey and Queeny (Room 11) and family who joined our school community this week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
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
|
|
|
|
Year 5/6 Canberra Camp
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Pastry Day Lunch Deal
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Piano News
Please note that lessons end this year in week 7 (23 November 2023).
|
There are no piano lessons in weeks 8, 9, 10
|
Lessons resume in 2024 in Term 1, week 2: Thursday, 8 February 2024.
|
2024 piano enrolment forms are now in the Front Office, and spaces are available for the coming year.
|
Carolyn Gray (piano teacher)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
