|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Dates
|
- 24th March: Harmony Day; Assembly led by Room 5
- 27th March: Read Write Inc Parent information session 5pm
- 27th March - 6 April: School Swimming Program
- 28th March: Chrism Mass at St Mary's Cathedral 7 pm
- 31st March: Holy Week Liturgy led by Room 16, 8.30 am
- 11th - 14th April: School Holidays
- 17th April: Term 2 commences
|
|
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 8, Term 1, 2023
|
NAPLAN is done and dusted for another year. Congratulations to the Year 3 & 5 students who have participated in this National testing over the last two weeks. As this is the first time that this testing has occurred in Term 1, once the results have been made available to us, we will notify families. Students who were absent for one or more tests, will have an opportunity to catch-up over the next few days. Thank you to our wonderful staff - Christine Ferreira for your coordination and Year 3 and 5 class teachers, Clare, Courtney, Kellie, Leonie and Shannon for preparation of the students leading up to NAPLAN.
|
Welcome to our new Room 6 class teacher: I am delighted to announce and welcome back to St Mary’s, our new Room 6 teacher, Mrs Kate Carew. Kate brings a wealth of teaching experience and knowledge of the early years curriculum to our St Mary’s teaching team. Kate will commence at the start of Term 2 and will have two weeks working alongside Chloe Tiss prior to Chloe taking maternity leave. We look forward to Kate and Tahlia Yr 4, re-joining the St Mary’s community and the opportunity to reengage with many of the Year 1/2 students and their families.
|
|
School Board: The St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Board is advisory to the school leadership in decision making for the effective function of the school. Our School Board met for the first time last week for the 2023 AGM. We welcome new Board members, Katie Heane, Zahid Mansur and Deacon Dean Taberdo.
|
It is still not too late to nominate as a Board member for 2023 and we would welcome some additional members as we have a couple of members who are stepping down due to relocating from Darwin. If you wish to learn more about the role of what a Board member entails, then please do not hesitate in contacting Carissa Read as Chairperson or myself. Earlier this year we shared some information on Board membership and nomination forms which can be found on the Schoolstream App.
|
|
Learning Meetings: This week we have enjoyed our 3-way Parent – teacher - Student meetings, held face-to-face in our classrooms. We thank our parents who joined us for learning conversations with your child to see the great work they have achieved so far in Term 1. It was an opportunity to highlight the strengths of your child and their future focus areas. It also provided the opportunity for our parents to see how their child is progressing both socially and academically.
|
A huge thank you to our amazing teachers for their efforts this term and for the time they put into preparing for the learning conversations. Our teachers are eager to keep the lines of communication open, so we encourage you to contact them as needed. Parents, if you missed this opportunity to catch up with your child’s teacher, please be in touch to reschedule another suitable time.
|
Transition 2024: Early in Term 2 we will commence advertising for enrolments for Transition 2024. Please spread the word about our wonderful school and encourage friends and neighbours to join our St Mary’s community. We are aware that there are siblings who will be in the Transition class of 2024. Please ensure that you have collected your enrolment package from the office. Please complete and return as soon as possible. Dates for the first round of Transition interviews will be scheduled for our St Mary’s families first and then opened up to new families.
|
Working Bee early Term 2: We hope to schedule a Working Bee early in term 2. During this time, it is hoped to do some gardening and cleaning around our school. The main task I would like to accomplish is replacing all the sand in the 3 sand pits in the ELC and school grounds. I'm sure many of you will share my frustration at the current quality and colour of the sand in the sandpits at present. On the day we will provide food and refreshments as thanks to our Parents and Friends. I hope you can make yourself available for this day to assist us in this important work which will benefit our children at St Mary’s. More details around this to be shared with you all soon.
|
School and OSHC Fees: As we are now approaching the end of Term, School Fee accounts are now due. A gentle reminder that outstanding school fee and OSHC statements will be emailed out early next week. Thank you to those who have made prompt payment. If you are having trouble in meeting payment deadlines, please come in and see me as a matter of priority.
|
Farewell to Alexa (Room 11) and family as they leave our school community to move to Townsville this week.
|
|
Welcome to Maggie (Room 7) and Tilly (ELC) and family who joined our school community from Port Headland, WA this week.
|
We conclude Harmony Week tomorrow morning with a special school Assembly at 8.30am in the Mary MacKillop Hall.
|
|
|
|
Harmony Day Prayer
|
O’ God You create all people in your image.
|
|
We thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world.
|
|
Enrich our lives by ever widening circles of friendship and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children;
|
|
Through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chrism Mass
|
|
|
|
Religious Education News
|
|
|
|
Fifth Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 27th March)
|
Project Compassion brings together Australian schools, parishes and supporters to raise funds for people in vulnerable communities across the world. This year, we introduced you to the story of four inspiring people whose lives have been transformed with your generous support: Laxmi, Tereesa, Priscilla and Thu.
|
Today, they are creating a better world for their families, their communities and for all future generations.
|
Project Compassion is a demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. It is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia – without it, we could not do the vital work we do. Thank you for helping transform lives today and for all future generations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sacramental Program
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 Sacrament of Communion and Reconciliation. Those who have made these sacraments can receive Confirmation. Preparation for the Sacramental Program will begin in Week 1 of Term 2.
|
|
|
|
Project Compassion Colouring Competition
Big shout out and thank you to these amazing girls who organised and ran the project compassion colouring in competition Great leadership!
|
|
Watch this space for news of the winning entries.
|
|
|
|
Sacrament of Reconciliation -
|
31st March: Holy Week Liturgy, 8.30 am
|
|
6th April: Holy Thursday; last day Term 1 for students
|
10th April: Easter Monday
|
|
Clare Nolan Religious Education Co-ordinator
|
|
|
|
Classroom News from Room 13
|
|
|
|
Years T-2 Read Write Inc Parent Information Session
|
27th March at 5pm
|
|
We are excited to invite our years Transition to Year 2 families to an information session about Read Write Inc, our early years literacy approach. The session will take place next week on Monday 27th March at 5pm.
|
The session will be held face to face in Room 5. The session will be recorded and then sent out to families for future reference or for those who are unable to attend.
|
|
We look forward to seeing you there!
|
|
|
|
School Swimming Program
Weeks 9 to 10
|
|
Swimming program starts next Monday
|
Information and details regarding the 2023 Swimming Program have been sent out via SchoolStream. Please ensure to complete the online permission form and payment by Friday 24th March.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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, 2023.
|
If you have not used your voucher this year please contact the school office phone 8981 9796 or admin.stmarys@nt.catholic.edu.au
|
|
Vouchers must be used by Thursday, 6 April 2023.
|
|
|
|
Children's University
|
|
This year St Mary's have partnered with Charles Darwin University to offer the Children's University Program!
|
It’s an innovative program that engages children and young people in exciting, out-of-school learning opportunities to increase their chances for educational achievement and rewards them for taking responsibility for their own learning.
|
|
We are very excited to offer this enrichment opportunity to our Years 3 to 6 students. Next week your child will receive more information about the program and an expression of interest form to complete.
|
|
|
|
Harmony Day
|
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
|
To celebrate Harmony Day, we encourage students to come to school dressed in cultural attire or something orange.
|
|
|
|
|
P&F Easter Raffle
Last Tuesday students were give raffle tickets for our annual Easter raffle. Tickets are $1 each.
|
Our raffle will run in the same format as last year where there are prizes for each class. Please ensure that your child's name and room number is on each ticket purchased.
|
We ask that all tickets to be returned to school by Tuesday, 4th April 2023.
|
|
Thank you for supporting our fundraising raffle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spirit Cup Points Updates
|
Our Term 1 Goal is 25,000 Points
Week 8 points check is 23,614 Points!
|
We are so close to reaching our goal.
|
Room 8 for still leading with a total of 6408 points!
|
|
Keep an eye out for an announcement regarding our Term 1 Spirit Cup Fun Day, which will be a "Dress like the Teacher" free dress and bring your toys and games to school day!
|
|
We are so close St Mary's... keep following the 4Rs!
|
|
|
|
|
Mindful March
|
|
|
|
2023 Young Territory Author Awards
The Young Territory Author Awards, run by the City of Darwin Libraries are open for 2023. The competition is in its 33rd year of production.
|
The Young Territory Author Awards (YTAA) are an annual writing competition where entrants write and produce their own book. The Awards aim to inspire children and young people in the NT to explore their ideas and turn them into stories. The competition is open to all Territorians 18 years and under, and is organised in association with other public libraries and schools throughout the Northern Territory. Entries close 27 August 2023 and the winners will be announced at a presentation in Darwin in November 2023.
|
There are lots of prizes to be won:
|
- The Young Territory Author of the year receives $500
- The School Entry winner receives $500 for the school.
- The Children’s Book Council of Australia N.T. WOW award, winner will receive $200.
- Regional area winners receive a $50 prize.
- Age Category winners receive $50 voucher to the Bookshop Darwin.
- Highly Commended in each age category receive a $30 voucher to the Bookshop Darwin.
- Encouragement Awards in each age category receive a $20 voucher to the Bookshop Darwin.
|
Entries are considered in all categories they are eligible for. The categories include:
|
|
· 8 years and under - all single entries in this age bracket are eligible
|
|
· 9-12 years - all single entries in this age bracket are eligible
|
|
· 13-15 years - all single entries in this age bracket are eligible
|
|
· 16-18 years - all single entries in this age bracket are eligible
|
|
· Regional areas - all entries received (school and single) in an NT region are eligible
|
|
· School Entries - all entries received from schools are eligible
|
|
· CBCA of Australia N.T. WOW award – all single entries are eligible
|
· Young Territory Author of the year - all single entries are eligible
|
|
Check out our Young Territory Author Awards
|
The user-friendly navigation provides easy access to the YTAA entry form.
|
Entries can also be completed on-line at this website: Enter On-Line
|
|
|
|
|
BYODD Program 2023
|
|
|
|
PORTAL IS STILL TAKING ORDERS FOR BYODD
|
We have been advised by Edunet that some models are running low on stock - order now to avoid disappointment.
|
In 2023, we have expanded the BYODD program to students in Years 3 to 6 and it is a requirement that students in these year groups have their own designated device for school use.
|
|
Please find linked below the documents and information for BYODD. These documents contain all the information that you need to know regarding our 2023 BYODD program:
|
Ordering your child's device is quick and easy through our supplier Edunet. You can learn more about our supplier Edunet by watching this video.
|
|
We know of a previous St Mary's family seeking to sell their existing BYODD device as they have needed to upgrade for Middle School.
|
|
|
|
|
Year 7, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
Music News
|
|
|
|
New School and Library Bags
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
2023 School Terms
|
Term 1, 2023 Monday, 30 January 2023 - staff return
|
|
Wednesday, 1 February 2023 - students return
|
Thursday, 6 April 2023 - last day term one
|
Term 2, 2023 Monday, 17 April to Friday, 23 June 2023
|
|
Term 3, 2023 Monday, 17 July 2023 - staff return
|
|
Tuesday, 18 July 2023 - students return
|
Friday, 22 September 2023 - last day term three
|
|
Term 4, 2023 Monday, 9 October 2023
|
|
Thursday, 14 December 2023 - last day for students
|
|
Friday, 15 December 2023 - last day for staff
|
|
|
|
2023 School Fees
|
|
Early Bird Discount!
Pay your school fees in full before the end of
Term 1 for a 5% discount!
|
Payments can be made at the Front Office or via Direct Deposit:
|
|
Name of Account: St Mary's Catholic Primary School
|
|
Account Number: 39 686 0268
|
|
Please quote your Family Ref (at the bottom of the invoice) as the reference when processing your payment.
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Want to avoid fees when topping up your Flexischools account?
|
Click below to download a step-by-step guide on how to top up your Flexischools account without a surcharge via Electronic Bank Transfer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To streamline processes across the school, in 2023 we are 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.
|
|
You can find the 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
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 school stream, but this will be dependent on the availability of power and personnel.
|
|
Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for more information.
|
|
For up to date weather alerts please refer to www.bom.gov.au . (http://www.bom.gov.au/)
|
|
|
|
|
What is happening in Darwin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Sunday, 14 May, walk or run at one of 70 events held nationwide or participate whenever and wherever with MDC Anywhere.
|
Start your Mother’s Day with purpose by getting active for life-saving breast cancer research.
|
Sign up in February to save up to 36% off your entry fee and receive up to 2 FREE Child tickets (age 12 & under) with every Adult or Concession ticket purchased in one transaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
