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Upcoming Dates
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- 11th December: Third Sunday of Advent
- 13th December: Step Up Day
- 15th December: End of Year Mass; Last day for students for 2023
- 1st February 2023: Students resume school for the 2023 school year
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Event details will be updated on School Stream 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 9, Term 4, 2022
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What a beautiful Carols evening the children of St Mary’s presented to our school community last night. Despite our heatwave this week, it was delightful to see the children singing and performing so well and their final whole school song performance was spectacular. It was also lovely to see a few of our new families join our St Mary’s Community last night for the first time. Thank you to the St Mary’s teachers and support staff. Your behind-the-scenes preparation of the children - the voices, the music, the costumes and spirit of St Mary’s was well and truly evident. A special thank you to Mr Derrick Cheong for his coordination in bringing the 2022 St Mary’s Carols together so brilliantly.
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We begin our final week for 2022 next week. On Tuesday morning we welcome all new 2023 students to St Mary’s for our Step-Up Day. Together with the current students they will have the opportunity to spend a session with their new class teacher for 2023. During this time our new Transition parents are invited to an information session to support their child’s Transition enrolment. The Step-Up Day will commence with a Welcome Liturgy in the Mary MacKillop Hall at 8.30am. Included in this week’s newsletter are some tips for students transitioning to school.
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We will finish our year together with our Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday morning in the Cathedral. All parents and extended families are invited to share in this Mass of thanksgiving for all the blessings that 2022 has been for our school community. 2023 School Leaders will be announced at this Mass as well as acknowledgement and thanks to those leaving St Mary’s.
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Ms Pascale Zufferey has accepted a part time position at St Paul’s Catholic Primary school and will be leaving St Mary’s at the end of this year. Pascale has made a significant contribution to the growth and wellbeing of the entire St Mary’s community spanning 20 years. Her reputation as an exceptional Early Years teacher has attracted generations of families to our school community. We are fortunate that we get to hold the legacy of many of her art pieces as a reminder of her skill and expertise as an artist and the many arty projects she has initiated and lead in her time at St Mary’s will be long remembered. We wish her every blessing as she moves to a part time teaching position with a little less hectic school pace and more time to devote to family and her ‘arty passions’.
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This morning we farewelled Gurpreet Kaur, Jacqui Krek, Lynae McGuigan and Derrick Cheong from St Mary’s. Gurpreet and her family are relocating from Darwin to Sydney. Gurpreet has worked across many aspects of our school community, and we will all miss her calm, gentle presence with the children. Whilst Jacqui has been a parent of St Mary’s for a few years now, she has been a valuable member of Inclusion support team in 2023. Jacqui along with Isaac and Lilly, have a defence transfer to Melbourne. Lynae came to us initially as a relief teacher in 2021 and has become our well-loved ‘Mrs Mac’ Year 5/6 co-teacher in Room 16 this year. Lynae is returning to Melbourne with her family. We have shared Mr Derreck Cheong’s dance teaching expertise with St Paul’s for the past two years. Lucky for our year 6 students who are moving over to St John’s for high school. Derrick has accepted a position teaching dance at St John’s next year. We will still get to see Derrick from time to time though, as he is keen to establish a St Mary’s Dance troupe in 2023. Watch this space for further details.
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Next week we will pay tribute to other staff leaving or moving on Grace Lucas, Michele Jia, Robyn Noble, Zara Pearson and Kat Fisher.
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We will welcome new classroom teachers Courtney O’Mara and Leonie Kane to St Mary’s as well as Tasha Robertson working as our acting Inclusion Support Coordinator.
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Below is an outline of the current known staffing for 2023 as we expect to have some further positions finalised next week. These will be updated in the final Newsletter next week.
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Staff for 2023 at St Mary’s
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Deputy Principal Christine Ferreira
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Acting Inclusion Support Coordinator – Tasha Robertson
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Inclusion Support Practitioner: TBA
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Wellbeing Mentor - Karen Jerrett
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Teaching and Learning Teams for 2023:
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Physical Education - Sarah Muller
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Performing Arts - Shannon Feldtman
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Digital Technology - Shannon Feldtman
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Inclusion Support Assistants:
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Briony Bastin, Paula Raaschou, Emmylou Ivinson, Christina Trikoilis, Janelle Chin, Amanda Kilpatrick, Stephen Lyons, Isabella Millhouse, Carmel Campbell.
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Indigenous Education Worker: Stephen Lyons.
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Farewell to Oscar (Room 16) and Primrose (Room 13) and family who leave our school community this week.
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I would like to end by saying a big thank you to all of the amazing staff at St Mary’s and the support they give students and families, each and every day. There is an exceptional spirit within our school community and we are so very blessed.
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Showcase of Super Stars
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This morning we held a special assembly acknowledging the exceptional growth of students across Literacy and Numeracy across our school! Well done and congratulations to these students for this achievement... your hard work and persisitence means you are showing great gains in your learning and we are very proud of you all! Well done!
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Tips for Transitioning to School
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BE PREPPED FOR SCHOOL: TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING
Your little one’s introduction to Transition can seem equal parts anxiety-inducing and exciting – and it’s important to be prepared for a range of emotions from both yourself as parents and carers as well as from your child. Finding the right school for your family and being prepared to support your little one’s emotional needs can make the process much easier than you may think.
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Starting Transition is not just about the first day of school, but rather setting your child up for a smooth transition from early learning to a life of education. Parents should work in partnership with their chosen school to make this big step much less daunting. According to the Victorian Education Department, “successful transition programs contribute to 60 per cent of student learning improvement in academic and social development”. With this in mind, the school’s transition program is imperative to not only your little one’s adjustment into Transition, but also their long-term academic outcomes so be sure to attend information sessions and educate yourself on the school’s transition period and how it can assist your little one is to insert text.
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Finding the Right Fit for a new school
Choosing a school with a successful transition program offers families and schools the opportunity to get to know one another and brings the entire family on the journey from enrolment right through to the first year. It gives your child the chance to build relationships with teachers and peers, as well as feel comfortable, confident and supported in their new learning environment.
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Common objections: “I don’t want to go to that school!”
Make sure your child has the chance to be heard. Get down on their level or bring them up to your level so you are eye-to-eye. Ask them what they are concerned about and reassure them that their feelings are valid rather than dismissing how they are feeling. It is likely they are worried about not knowing anyone or not fitting in, so you can comfort them by letting them know their classmates will be feeling the same way and will want to make new friends, too. You could also reassure them by explaining their pre-transition days will give them the chance to meet new friends.
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The Big Day
Offer plenty of opportunities for communication prior to their first official day so your little one has an understanding of what to expect. You can start to mention big school, school uniforms and how proud you are of them or involve school talk in playtime at home. The Queensland Government offer a ‘Starting School Game’, which is available to download online and includes games and information encouraging parents and kids to talk about starting school in a playful way. If you find your child is overwhelmed or worried about starting school, this is a fun way to get them accustomed to the idea.
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Common objections: “I want to stay home with you!”
It can be so difficult to see your little one upset at drop off, but reassuring them and being prepared for how they may react will help you to respond to the situation. Kids Matter recommends learning from other transition periods and tailoring an approach that suits your little one’s temperament. For example, think about a time your child experienced another transition period. What approach helped them through this stage? Use this experience and tailor it to this situation.
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Transition class and Beyond
Once your child is settled into school, clear communication with the school is crucial for ongoing success. Schools see education as a partnership between schools and families and parents and carers are welcomed as members of the school community.
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Prayer
Gift of Joy
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The third candle of Advent symbolizes Joy.
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The candle for the third week of Advent is pin.
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Pink is the color of joy.
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We are joyful because we are now more than halfway through our Advent season of waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
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It takes us back to the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem.
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We thank you for the joy of the third week of Advent.
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Open our hearts to praise you now with all the angels and saints, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, your Son.
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We thank you for this time of joyful waiting.
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May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace.
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We make this prayer to you in his name.
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Religious Education News
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End of Year Mass: As we come to the end of another wonderful year at St Mary's we celebrate with our End of Year Mass with Bishop Charles. Our End of Year Mass is always a special celebration and parents are warmly invited to join us in the Cathedral at 8.30 am on Thursday, 15th December 2022.
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Advent: As mentioned last week, we have begun the season of Advent. Children have been learning about Advent and the importance of this time of year. The most significant tradition of the Advent season is the Advent Wreath. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. So what does the Advent Wreath symbolize? The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.
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With the start of this third week of the season of Advent, we are halfway to Christmas. So, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ, we light the third candle, the rose candle which represents joy.
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We remember what was dark in getting brighter, and joy is on its way. We can hardly wait to rejoice and sing at Christmas. We know that the wonder of the season tends to push all our sadness and sorrow away, so we start to feel that special feeling already.
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St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal: We have begun our annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. As a school we will work together to collect gifts. The Vinnies Christmas appeal is all about bringing joy and festivity to families and individuals who may be in need of some extra support at this expensive time of year. Gifts can be left at the school office.
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For most of us, Christmas is a time of celebration with family and friends; the joy of exchanging gifts, making precious memories, and enjoying delicious Christmas food. However, for many Australians, including families and children living below the poverty line, Christmas can be a time of struggle. We invite you to share in the spirit of Christmas by donating a small gift for a child and place it in the front office.
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Thank you for your support and helping us bring joy to those in need during the Christmas period.
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Key events and dates for remaining of the term:
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Third Sunday of Advent - Sunday, 11th December
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End of Year Mass – **Thursday 15th December at 8:30 in the Cathedral. Please note the change of date for the End of Year Mass.
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Religious Education Co-ordinator
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News from Room 9
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Semester Two Academic Reports
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Semester Two reports are emailed to parents during the last week of Term 4. If you would like to request a printed report, please email the front office. Please ensure that we have the most up to date email address on file to ensure you receive your child’s report. Please advise the office if you have not received your child's report by Friday 17th December.
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To update your details please complete the "Change of Details FORM" on SchoolStream.
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2022 School Fees Reminder
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School fee statements were sent out early in Term 4. We would appreciate all families finalising outstanding school fees as soon as possible. Banking details are listed below or you can pay in person using card at the Front Office.
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BYODD Program 2023
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ORDER NOW FOR DELIVERY PRE-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
In 2023, we will be expanding the BYODD program to students in Years 3 to 6. Children moving into Year 3 next year are eligible to join the BYODD program.
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Please find linked below the documents that were shared at our Parent Information Session last term:
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These documents contain all the information that you need to know regarding our 2023 BYODD program.
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Our BYODD purchase portal is now open and taking orders for devices for pre-Christmas delivery. You can learn more about our supplier Edunet by watching this video.
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In the chance that you have purchased a previous BYODD device for an older child who will be moving into Middle School next year and will not be requiring the device, it can be passed on to the younger sibling. If you have any further questions regarding the BYODD program, please do not hesitate to contact Christine Ferreira christine.ferreira@nt.catholic.edu.au
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Pastoral Care and Wellbeing News
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Do Good December
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Play Zone 2022 Highlights
Play is an essential element in supporting children to develop skills for life. Our resources in Play Zone have really developed this year thanks to some generous donations from our families. The students have been able to use their imagination to build many different Lego creations; from cars to dream houses and spinning tops. Other children have really enjoyed being able to practice their communication skills through role play with the food, cubby house and baby doll collection. We all enjoyed building ‘Our town’ and discussing the types of roads and road rules we need to be safe whilst negotiating taking turns with our favourite cars. We look forward to building on the success of this year in 2023!
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Inclusion Support Practitioner
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Spirit of St Mary's
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Congratulations to the students of St Mary's for reaching our target goal of 50,000 spirit points!
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Throughout the term you have shown the 4Rs - Responsible, Respectful, Resilient and Ready to Learn in the classroom and playground. To celebrate we will be having a Christmas Themed Spirit Cup Fun Day! Children can come to school this coming Monday 12th December wearing Christmas themed free dress and will take part in other Christmas themed activities throughout the day!
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Please ensure free dress is Sun Smart and no open toe sandals.
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Music News
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Please note that lessons for this term will finish in week 8, Thursday, 1 December. There won't be lessons in weeks 9 and 10.
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Lessons for 2023 will resume in Term 1, week 2: Thursday, 9 February.
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Piano lesson enrolment forms for 2023 are now available from the front Office.
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Disruption to School and Urban Bus Services
Due to driver shortages, some school and urban bus services may be cancelled or experience changes at short notice.
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The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics is working with CDC Northern Territory (NT) to limit these disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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Start of the 2023 School Year
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The 2023 school year begins on Wednesday, 1 February 2021 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, 25 January 2022 (closed Thursday, 26 January public holiday) from 9.00 am to 3.00pm each day. All uniforms and book packs can be purchased from the library 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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New School and Library Bags
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We are very excited to share that in 2023 we will be introducing a St Mary’s school bag! We will have two sizes available to accommodate our younger and older students. The new school bag is made of a lightweight yet durable fabric. We will also have waterproof library bags available for purchase in the new year as well.
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Cost of the school back packs will be $45 and $10 for the library bags, both will be available for purchase at the start of the school year (see dates above).
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2023 School Terms
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Term 1, 2023 Monday, 30 January 2023 - staff return
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Wednesday, 1 February 2023 - students return
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Thursday, 6 April 2023 - last day term one
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Term 2, 2023 Monday, 17 April to Friday, 23 June 2023
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Term 3, 2023 Monday, 17 July 2023 - staff return
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Tuesday, 18 July 2023 - students return
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Friday, 22 September 2023 - last day term three
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Term 4, 2023 Monday, 9 October 2023
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Thursday, 14 December 2023 - last day for students
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Friday, 15 December 2023 - last day for staff
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2023 School Fees
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Outside School Hours Care and Early Learning Centre Fees
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Year 7, 2023
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St Mary's Playgroup
We are so excited to be running our very own playgroup sessions at St Mary’s!
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When: Wednesday 9.30 – 11.30 am (Term weeks)
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Where: Mary MacKillop Hall
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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!
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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 terms only) in the Mary MacKillop Hall, please enter via the Parish entrance from Smith Street.
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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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Want to avoid fees when topping up your Flexischools account?
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Click below to download a step-by-step guide on how to top up your Flexischools account without a surcharge via Electronic Bank Transfer
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To streamline processes across the school, in 2022 we are now only accepting online orders for lunches.
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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.
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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.
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Cyclone Season
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.
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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.
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Please listen to the radio or TV for updates in relation to school closures and reopening.
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We will endeavour to keep families informed via school stream, 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.
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For up to date weather alerts please refer to www.bom.gov.au . (http://www.bom.gov.au/)
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Heat Wave Information
Bureau of Meteorology has issued a ‘Heatwave Warning (NT)’.
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Heat illness occurs when the body cannot sufficiently cool itself. Factors that contribute to this include:
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- Temperature
- humidity
- amount of air movement
- radiant temperature of surroundings
- physical activity (metabolic heat load).
Heat illness covers a range of medical conditions that can arise when the body is unable to properly cope with working in heat. These conditions include:
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- heat stroke - a life threatening condition that requires immediate first aid and medical attention
- fainting
- heat exhaustion
- heat cramps
- rashes (also called prickly heat)
- heat fatigue
- worsening of pre-existing illnesses and conditions.
Signs and symptoms of heat illness include feeling sick, nauseous, dizzy or weak. Clumsiness, collapse and convulsions may also be experienced as a result of heat illness. People with these signs or symptoms need to seek immediate medical attention.
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Common heat exhaustion symptoms:
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- Faint or dizzy
- Excessive sweating (More than usual for yourself)
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
Common heat stroke symptoms:
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- Throbbing headache
- No sweating
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Nausea, vomiting
- May lose consciousness
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A reminder to everyone to keep consuming water through the day to remain hydrated, roughly 250ml per 15 to 20 minutes of working in the heat.
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What is happening in Darwin
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