|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Dates
|
- 21st March: Harmony Day - Cultural Dress & Breakfast Morning
- 22nd/23rd March: Parent - Teacher - Student Goal Setting Interviews
- 25th March: Assembly led by Year 3/4 NS Room 14
- 1st April: Assembly led by Transition Rooms 7 & 8
- Week 9 & 10: School Swimming Program
- 7th April: Holy Week Liturgy led by 5/6 CN Room 11
- 8th April: Catholic Education System Pupil Free Day
|
Please refer to School Stream for full event details. Please check the EVENTS tab to add event details directly to your calendar!
|
|
|
|
Principal's News
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Parents and Caregivers
|
Welcome Back Parents and Caregivers: This morning we were able to have our first whole school face-to-face assembly and welcome our parents back into the school. It was lovely to see and hear the Room 6 students present some of the writing pieces from their class group and to stand so confidently and read their narrative stories.
|
The simple message of ‘Peace’ in their final song is an important one for all of us, especially as today we mark the National Bullying – No Way day in our school community. As history and the Bible tells us, Jesus and the people of his time greeted one another with the greeting of “Peace be with you”. It was a way of saying, ‘I hope all is well between you and I’. Pope Francis has asked us a faith community to especially be people of peace in this season of Lent.
|
Over the next 4 weeks as we journey into Holy Week and the season of Easter, I ask that we focus on being people of peace in all we do and say.
|
Harmony Day: Next Monday morning the message of peace continues as we mark Harmony Day in our school community. Harmony Day is a day when we celebrate and acknowledge our cultural diversity and harmonious relationships. St Mary’s is particularly blessed to be a community rich in different culture and faith groups. What ties our many cultures together are our core values - the 4Rs of Respect, Resilience, Responsible and Readiness to Learn in the St Mary’s Way of faith and love.
|
To celebrate this day we welcome all families and care givers to open classrooms and a ‘Welcome Coffee and Breakfast BBQ’ next Monday morning. Our school gates will open a little earlier next Monday to allow opportunity to chat with your child’s teacher, as well as being a relaxed social occasion where you can get to know the new families that have joined us this year. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
|
Uniform: Please be reminded that coloured ribbons, shoes, jewellery and hair accessories are not part of our school uniform. Please refer to the excerpt from our School Uniform Policy below:-
|
Parents are expected to support the school's uniform policy by ensuring that their child wears:
|
- The complete school uniform or complete sports uniform when travelling to and from school and during school hours.
- Their sports uniform on allocated physical education days.
- Only simple jewellery such as a wristwatch, a necklace with a crucifix or religious symbol and sleepers/studs.
- Hair to be kept off the face and to be tied up and back off the face if hair is shoulder length or longer. Tints and colours are not acceptable. Ribbons, hair ties or hair combs must be simple and only in school colours of blue or white.
- Boys hair must be neat and tidy and not extend past the collar.
- No nail polish, temporary tattoos or make up is to be worn at school.
- St Mary's School hat is to be worn whenever children are outdoors. No hat, no play.
3 Way Parent / Teacher/Student Conferences: By now all parents will have been invited to meet with their child’s classroom teacher/s during Week 8 this term.
|
These interviews will take place on the Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd March after school. These interviews are a really good opportunity to meet and discuss the learning journey of your child in partnership with their teacher.
|
If you have not yet booked a time to meet with your child’s teacher, I encourage you to do so via the booking system link on Schoolstream (further details including below).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Religious Education News
|
|
|
We are now in the third week of Lent with the Project Compassion story of Janice, a Wagilak woman and traditional dancer who tells her family’s stories through movements handed down over generations.
|
Like many remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Janice’s faces a range of challenges – low employment and education, financial hardship, poorer health and lower life expectancy.
|
|
With your help, Caritas Australia supports Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, which operates a centre for traditional and contemporary Aboriginal arts and culture, providing employment and generating income for local communities.
|
Janice believes that Djilpin Arts’ work is essential to create opportunities for young people to stay on-country, to share intergenerational knowledge between elders and the younger generation - to promote healing, and to keep culture alive.
|
Watch a short film about Janice’s story here.
|
|
|
Sacramental Program: This year, St Mary’s students will be offered the opportunity to participate in a school-based Sacramental Preparation Program, run in collaboration with St Mary’s parish.
|
Children from Years 3 and above are able to receive the sacraments of Communion and Reconciliation. Those who have made these sacraments can receive Confirmation.
|
There will be a parent and student information sessions on the following dates:
|
Sacramental Program Information Session on Saturday April 2nd at 3pm - 4pm in the Mary MacKillop Hall.
|
The sacramental program will run during Term 2 with lessons being held after school from 3pm-4pm on a Thursday.
|
|
Holy Week Liturgy - Thursday 7th April 2:00pm in the Mary MacKillop Hall
|
|
Easter Resurrection Liturgy – Tuesday 19th April 1:30pm in the Mary MacKillop Hall
|
ANZAC Day Liturgy – Tuesday 26th April 8:30am in the Mary MacKillop Hall
|
|
Religious Education Co-ordinator
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
|
Peace is a precious gift which must be promoted and protected… Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence. - Pope Francis
|
|
Our hearts ache for the people of Ukraine as their country is invaded by power and military force.
|
|
We pray especially for the vulnerable and marginalised communities who will be most severely impacted by war.
|
|
We pray for Caritas Ukraine as they continue to support communities with emergency relief such as shelter and food.
|
|
We pray for Australia, that we may make a positive contribution to peacemaking in our world. We pray for ourselves and people everywhere: help us to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who suffer, raising our voices in solidarity against injustice.
|
|
Loving God, keep alive within us the flame of hope so that, with patience and perseverance, we may always opt for dialogue not war.
|
|
|
|
|
Room 8 News
|
|
This week in Literacy we have been reading and looking at Thelma the Unicorn. We have been focusing on identifying the main character and setting in picture books. The students have worked hard and have loved identifying and drawing the main character.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just like Thelma the Unicorn is unique we have been discussing how we are all unique and special in our own way. We had a great time thinking about how we are all different and have loved creating our own special unicorns!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughout the term, we have been developing our classroom routine. An important part of this is making time for movement breaks/ brain breaks and relaxation time. This is an essential part of our routine as it improves students' self-regulation, concentration and gets the students up and moving throughout the day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Board Nominations
|
Our School Board officially met this week for our AGM. We thank those parents who have committed and dedicated time to supporting our school through our School Board. There is still one place available for anyone who may still be interested in joining our School Board. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th April.
|
|
Expressions of Interest 2022
|
Parents and carers are encouraged to nominate for positions in 2022. In making this commitment, prospective Board members should be prepared to:
|
- Be willing to donate their time and expertise.
- Contribute to the work of the School Board and to act in the best interests of the school.
- Commit to the School’s Catholic Ethos.
- Contribute and support the development of strategic plans and goal setting of St Mary's Catholic Primary School
- Demonstrate confidentiality and sensitivity to differing views and have the ability to work in a spirit of cooperation.
|
If you are interested in joining the St Mary's School Board, further information has been sent out via SchoolStream. Part of the nomination process includes completing a nomination form, meeting with the school Principal and Parish Priest.
|
|
|
|
Parent - Teacher - Student Goal Setting Interviews
|
|
|
Parent - Teacher - Student Goal Setting Interviews are scheduled for
|
Week 8 - Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd March 3-6pm
|
This year we will be offering families the option of face-to-face or zoom online interviews.
|
These are a wonderful opportunity for teachers, parents and students to come together to discuss, clarify and reflect on student's learning goals, achievements and progress.
|
|
The obectives of these conversations are to:
|
|
- allow the student to reflect on their learning and achievements so far this year
|
|
- provide parents with the opportunity to discuss how their child is going
|
- provide teachers with the opportunity to give an overview of your child's progress and learning needs.
|
You can book a time with your child's teacher by clicking the button below and enter the event code: n9w9n. Alternatively, you can select the "School Interview Bookings" Tab in our School Stream App.
|
Please contact the front office if you require any assistance booking a time. The allocated time is 15 minutes per interview. Please contact your child's teacher directly if you cannot attend during the designated interview times to arrange an alternative.
|
|
Face-to-face interviews will be held in your child's classrooms. If you require a booking via zoom, complete the online booking form and then contact your child's teacher directly to advise that you require a zoom invitation. We ask that you please be prompt and arrive early to your designated interview time, to ensure that we run on time. We look forward to meeting with you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harmony Day
|
|
Join us this coming Monday 21st March as we come together as a school community to celebrate our cultural diversity!
|
We encourage all students to come to school wearing either cultural dress or the colour orange for a gold coin donation. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Caritas Ukraine Appeal.
|
Classrooms will be open from 7.45-8.20am so that families can come in and take a look at all the wonderful learning that has been happening.
|
Our staff will be arming the BBQ again making bacon and egg sandwiches (including gluten free) and the coffee van will be on site for you to fuel up and purchase your morning beverage!
|
As global citizens, families will be asked to make a donation to the Ukraine appeal to support those that have been impacted by the ongoing war. We acknowledge Nataliia’s family and stand with them as they support Nataliia’s grandmother who has fled Ukraine to the safety of Australia. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
|
|
We look forward to celebrating our culture of kindness on Harmony Day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022 School Swimming Program
|
|
Each year St Mary's Catholic Primary School run a two-week intensive swimming program facilitated by Royal Life Saving Society NT. We are very excited that due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, our school swimming program can go ahead as planned during Weeks 9 and 10 of this term.
|
The Swimming Program is a vital part of each child’s Physical Education. It is compulsory for all students to attend the swimming program and the lessons will cater for all swimming abilities.
|
Children benefit from developing their confidence in water and their understanding of water safety. This program is not just about developing swimming techniques; it also educates children about how to respond in emergency and rescue situations.
|
|
Information and details regarding the 2022 Swimming Program have been sent out via School Stream. Please ensure that payment and permission forms are finalised by Friday 25th March.
|
|
|
|
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing News
|
PlayZone - At St Mary’s we offer structured play every lunchtime in the Playzone. All students are welcome to come and enjoy the structured activities and games we have to offer.
|
Structured play has many benefits for all children from a very young age right through the primary years. It provides the students with opportunities to further develop their play, critical thinking, social engagement skills and communication skills. Through engaging in both teacher led and independent and peer led activities students learn to problem solve, work in a team and build their resilience and creativity.
|
We will have a rotating specific focus for our structured play program. Lego is a proven favourite among many of our students so we will be kicking off Term 2 with a Lego Masters style design challenge.
|
In order to build on our ability offer different activities we would gladly accept any donations of the following items that are in clean and working order:
|
- Lego
- Hot wheels cars and tracks
- Dolls house and accessories
- Town mat/rug
- Clothing or costumes that would support dramatic play
|
|
|
|
National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence
|
|
Today, Friday 18 March 2022 is National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative celebrates 12 years of action, connecting schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying.
|
The theme for 2022 is Kindness Culture. By building Kindness Culture together, we can promote inclusion, respect and community belonging for all students our school community.
|
There are many ways that St Mary’s say ‘Bullying, No Way’. Each day we build our own culture of kindness through the Spirit of St Mary’s. Students show this by:
|
- Showing the 4 R’s……. Respect, Resilience, Responsible and Ready to Learn
- Making Jesus Real
- Being a WEST person….. Welcoming, Encouraging, saying Sorry and saying Thank You!
- Having a Growth Mindset and an open heart
- Creating God moments everyday
- Celebrating harmony day and cultural diversity
- Making sure that everyone feels that they are a part of our special community
The student had participated in learning activities throughout the week that promote kindness and develop their understanding of bullying by defining it, preventing it and identifying actions to take if they experience or witness bullying.
|
|
The new animation series for the 2022 NDA, Be kind online encourages students to block content, report it and support each other if they see or experience cyberbullying.
|
|
|
|
Spirit of St Mary's Update
|
Our Spirit of St Mary’s goal for this term is: 10,000 points! We are almost at our goal for a super awesome Spirit Cup Fun Day. Well done St Mary’s students!
|
Week 7 point check: 9606 points! (We are so close)
|
|
Shout out this week goes to Mrs Coccetti and Ms Zufferey for all of the work in planning key documents to explicitly teach our students about the Spirit of St Mary’s.
|
|
|
|
|
P&F Update
|
|
Thank you to all the families who joined us last week for our P&F Afternoon tea. It was lovely to see some familiar and new faces join us!
|
This year the P&F will again host an Easter raffle, we are asking our wonderful families for a small donation of Easter eggs and other Easter goodies that can be used to make up many small prize packs. We will run our raffle in a similar format to last year where there will be prizes drawn from each class, so lots of opportunities to win a prize or two!
|
|
Please really appreciate your support! Donations can be sent into school to the Front Office. Stay tuned for more information!
|
|
|
|
Naplan Practice Tests
|
|
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN is the measure through which governments, education authorities, schools and the community can determine whether or not young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes. As a school we utilise Naplan results to guide our future direction and goals. The data is analysed to determine our strengths as a school and to identify areas of need.
|
|
NAPLAN tests skills that are critical for every child to progress through school and life. These include reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. The assessments are under taken every year across all schools in Australia at the same time in May. In 2022 the testing period for Naplan is 10th to 20th of May.
|
As directed by the NT Board of Studies, in 2022 all Naplan tests at St Mary's will be completed online except for the Year 3 writing test. This week Years 3 and 5 students have been sent home information about Naplan tests, including details of test duration and requirements.
|
In Week 8 of this Term Year 3 and 5 students will participate in a number of online Naplan practise tests. The purpose of these tests is to ensure our school's technical readiness. Additionally, they allow for students to gain familiarity with the online testing portal and to experience the types of questions they will experience during NAPLAN testing.
|
|
As parents, it is important to remember that NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students have already learnt through the school curriculum over their years of schooling. Excessive preparation is not useful and can lead to unnecessary anxiety. NAPLAN test days should be treated as just another routine event on the school calendar. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to advise them to simply do the best they can on the day!
|
ACARA have created a public demonstration site which allows parents and students to familiarise themselves with the type of questioning and related functionalities in the NAPLAN online assessment. You can access this site by clicking the button below.
|
|
For more information regarding Naplan please contact our Deputy Principal Christine Ferreira.
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Uniforms
|
|
School shirts in all sizes are now available from the school office.
|
|
We are still out of stock of school dresses in Size 8.
|
|
Thank you for your understanding.
|
|
|
|
Back to School Vouchers
|
Back to School Vouchers - $150 per student.
|
The NT Government supplies a $150 back to school voucher for students enrolled in primary schools during term 1, 2022.
|
|
Vouchers must be used by Friday, 8 April 2022
|
|
|
|
Play Group
|
Playgroup is back for 2022!
|
|
We are so excited to be running our very own Playgroup sessions at St Mary’s!
|
|
When: Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am
|
|
Where: Mary MacKillop Hall
|
St Mary’s playgroup is the only playgroup in the Darwin CBD registered with Playgroup Northern Territory. Our playgroup sessions allow children to explore through play, enjoy story time, morning tea and create a masterpiece too!
|
|
These sessions are open to families outside of the school and cater for babies and toddlers of all ages. You can find us every Wednesday (school term only) in the Mary MacKillop Hall, please enter via the Parish entrance from Smith Street.
|
|
|
|
|
2022 School Book and Levy Fees
|
|
|
|
BYODD Program
|
|
Technology is an educational tool to support learning... it does not replace the learning of key fundamental skills!
|
|
|
Devices for Years 4 to 6 can still be ordered for our BYODD - Bring Your Own Designated Device program.
|
|
Ordering is made easy via our dedicated online portal. All information can be found in the BYODD Parent Information and device specification guide. We encourage you to learn more about our device supplier Edunet by watching the short video linked below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mindful March 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Team Talk
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Download our School App
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canteen Online Orders & Update
|
|
|
To streamline processes across the school, in 2022 we are now only accepting online orders for lunches.
|
All families need to set up an account for online ordering through Flexischools, which is linked directly in the School Stream App. Details on how to set up an account can be found in the “CANTEEN” tab of School Stream. There is no need to download the Flexischools App, it can all be accessed from the School Stream App.
|
For those with an existing account, you will need to update your child's class and room number for 2022 before placing your first order. Please refer to the instructions in School Stream.
|
You can find the updated 2022 Canteen menu in School Stream. Please note daily orders close at 8.40am. Any orders received after this time, will be fulfilled subject to availability of stock and may be substituted for a basic sandwich.
|
|
Please note that at this time our school canteen has been impacted by supplier shortages. Some items may be temporarily unavailable and will be marked as 'out of stock' when ordering. Thank you for your understanding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is happening in Darwin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Waratah Netball Club will be running the NETSETGO program for 5-7 year olds from the 9th May until 29th August. The Program will be held on Monday afternoons 4-5pm at Marrara Indoor Netball stadium and is open to both girls and boys.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  
|
|
|
|
|
|
