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Upcoming Dates
- 30th November: Carols in the Cathedral - 6.15 pm
- 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
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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 8, Term 4, 2023
Following the CENT announcement last week of my resignation from St Mary’s and my appointment to St Philomena’s in Bathurst, Catholic Education Northern Territory (CENT) is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for appointment to the position of Principal at St Mary’s Primary School for term 1 2024. The position will then be advertised widely early in 2024 for a substantive appointment.
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Next week we will pay tribute to other staff leaving or moving on from St Mary’s Molly Kalchbauer, Shannon Feldtman and Kate Carew. We also wish every blessing to Mrs Kelli Coccetti as she prepares for the arrival of her special little one in early January.
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We will welcome new classroom teachers Ms Keely Wilson, Miss Emmersyn Kennedy and Miss Mika to St Mary’s next year. Keely is new to the NT and is relocating from Victoria whilst Emmersyn and Mika will be known to many of our St Mary’s community. Mika has been working in the Community of Learners this year and Emmersyn has been working as an ISA in the primary school, both while they completed their teaching degree.
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Below is an outline of the current known staffing for 2024 as we expect to have some further positions finalised next week. These will be updated in the Newsletter next week.
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Classroom Teachers:
Miss Laura Shortis
Miss Mika Rungsiriphatthanakorn
Ms Keely Wilson
Mrs Mel Bolwell
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Mrs Leonie Kane
Miss Courtney O’Mara
Mrs Tara Venn
Miss Clare Nolan
Miss Emmersyn Kennedy
Mrs Sarah Muller
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Inclusion Support Assistants:
Briony Bastin, Paula Raaschou, Emmylou Ivinson, Janelle Chin, Amanda Kilpatrick, Stephen Lyons, Carmel Campbell.
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Indigenous Education Worker: Stephen Lyons
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Tonight we have a real treat in store! What a beautiful Carols evening the children of St Mary’s have prepared for our school community tonight. Despite our extremely hot weather this week, it has been delightful to see and hear the children singing and performing so well at practice.
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I look forward to seeing many of our new families join our St Mary’s Community tonight in the Cathedral at 6.15pm for the first time. Thank you to the St Mary’s COL and School staff. Your behind-the-scenes preparation of the children - the voices, the music, the costumes and spirit of St Mary’s are something to really look forward to.
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Student Reports: Our teachers are currently completing Semester Two Reports for all students. The reports will be made available to families in the final week of school.
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The purpose of semester reporting is to assess the progress of each student’s learning so far and to identify areas of future growth. Our teachers are constantly assessing student learning to help guide teaching and the Semester Reports are a culmination of these assessments.
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Next Monday afternoon at 2.15pm we have a special Assembly to recognise those students achieving significant growth in their learning this year. These Growth Awards have become the hallmark of student achievement at St Mary's. We look forward to recognising these exceptional students.
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Farewell to Bailee (Room 13) and family who leave our school community this week.
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Prayer
“Today too… amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of hope!”
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Pope Francis, Inaugural Mass, March 19, 2013
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God of hope, As we light this first candle on our Advent wreath may we be filled with your everlasting hope. May your spirit guide us as we continue to work toward a world free from poverty and give us discernment to know the needs of our neighbours. Amen
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Religious Education News
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Advent: Tomorrow we celebrate the start of Advent with our Transition students leading us in our Advent Liturgy.
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The month before Christmas has got to be the longest time of year for children! It doesn’t help that Christmas decorations seem to be hitting the shops earlier each year.
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The Advent season can be a great time for families to celebrate "the reason for the season"— Jesus Christ.
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Advent is a Latin word that actually means “coming.” In the Catholic church, Advent is a time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus. Advent officially begins four Sundays before Christmas. Each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
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Here is an Advent guide for your family to help your family celebrate Advent and focus on Jesus. Advent guide for your family (just submit your name and email).
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Making Jesus Real (MJR): This week our theme is ‘Taking the good with the bad’. In life we have great times, good times, ordinary times and not so good times.
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During the week, children will explore this theme and ways we can celebrate and deal with different times in our life.
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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
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Clare Nolan
Religious Education Co-Ordinator
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Fred Hollows Award
Congratulations to Jorja Zelley and Isla Innes in Year 6 for being nominated for Junior Ambassador Humanity Awards for the Fred Hollows Foundation.
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Last Monday the Year 5/6 students had the pleasure of watching these awards.
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We congratulated Jorja Zelley on winning the Northern Territory Junior Ambassador for 2023. A wonderful achievement for both students.
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News from Room 5
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Transition Program
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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.
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We know they will have a great time!
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2024 School Fees
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BYODD 2024
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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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Music News
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Piano News
Please note that lessons end this year in week 7 (23 November 2023).
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There are no piano lessons in weeks 8, 9, 10
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Lessons resume in 2024 in Term 1, week 2: Thursday, 8 February 2024.
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2024 piano enrolment forms are now in the Front Office, and spaces are available for the coming year.
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Carolyn Gray (piano teacher)
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In the Event of a Cyclone
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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.
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Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for more information or visit the app store and download the SecureNT app.
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For up to date weather alerts please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au
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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.
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Start of the 2024 School Year
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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.
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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.
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Please note, book packs are paid for at this time and will be distributed to teachers for use in the classroom.
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2024 School Terms
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Term 1, 2024 Monday, 29 January 2024 - staff return
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Wednesday, 31 January 2024 - students return
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Friday, 5 April 2024 - last day term one
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Term 2, 2024 Monday, 15 April 2024 - first day term two
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Friday, 21 June 2024 - last day term two
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Term 3, 2024 Monday, 15 July 2024 - staff return
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Tuesday, 16 July 2024 - students return
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Friday, 20 September 2024 - last day term three
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Term 4, 2024 Monday, 7 October 2024 - first day term four
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Thursday, 12 December 2024- last day for students
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Friday, 13 December 2024 - 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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What is happening in Darwin
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