|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Dates
|
- 27th March - 6 April: School Swimming Program
- 31st March: Holy Week Liturgy led by Room 16, 8.30 am
- 11th - 14th April: School Holidays
- 17th April: Term 2 commences
- 21st April: Spirit Cup Fun Day - Dress like a teacher and bring your toys to school day.
|
|
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 9, Term 1, 2023
|
As we approach the end of Term One, I would like to thank all our school community for their engagement, encouragement, and support! This term we explored new ways to inspire and motivate our learners. The success of our recent Parent Teacher Interviews is testimony to the achievements of our students and the positive partnerships that have been nurtured between our educators and school families.
|
I would like to personally thank all parents who have supported our school through our P&F, School Board and many more activities, and for the positive affirmations through emails to staff. Meeting and working with you this term has been an absolute pleasure and I appreciate the support from all of our St Mary’s Families.
|
As the term progressed, we enjoyed connecting with our 2023 School Theme – Welcome – we are open and inclusive of all – through our Friday assemblies, School Liturgy and Masses, and classroom activities. We recently celebrated St Patrick’s Day and acknowledge how St Patrick inspired us through nature and symbolism to embark on our learning journey with confidence and courage. As we are a school founded by the OLSH Sisters, we know that their unique charism and spirituality of the heart has so much to offer every St Mary’s community member in the educational space where God’s presence can be felt and heard each day. Last Friday we also celebrated Harmony Day with a splash of orange and classroom activities. The theme of ‘Everyone Belongs’ really resonates with our St Mary’s community and was a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds within our school community. We are so proud to keep the OLSH Sister’s spirit alive and continue to build a sense of belonging to an organisation that values inclusiveness, respect, regardless of our many cultural and faith backgrounds in the St Mary's Way.
|
Welcome to Georgia Condon who joined our school community this week. Georgia will be working in the Admin office.
|
Farewell to Evelyn (Room 11) and Harrison (Room 5) and family who left our school community this week.
|
|
|
|
Prayer
|
Give us joy in our hearts as we shout Hosanna,
|
|
welcoming Jesus with palms,
|
|
Celebrating all that we hope for as the Easter story unfolds.
|
|
Then, as the journey of Jesus turns towards Good Friday,
|
|
help us know that you are with us when celebration turns to sadness.
|
|
Give us the faith we need to follow you on the way of the cross, which leads to life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bishop Charles Easter Message
My dear brothers and sisters,
|
Further to my earlier Lenten message, I have recorded a special Easter message that I would like to share with you. This message can also be shared with our APREs, REs, and teachers, who can then in turn share it with our young people.
|
|
I would like to express my gratitude for all that you do in promoting the holistic development of our children.
|
|
www.darwin.catholic.org.au
|
|
|
|
Religious Education News
|
|
|
|
HOLY WEEK
(Week beginning Monday 3rd April)
|
|
As we enter Holy Week, we continue to reflect on the lives of people vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice and how we can respond through supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal.
|
|
Your generosity is the pebble that allows Caritas Australia to create the ripples that will improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, supporting them to flourish and create opportunities for future generations to live to their full potential.
|
Please return all Project Compassion boxes and envelopes to the school office by Friday 26th May or donate online via the Caritas Australia website at www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion
|
Thank you to all families for your contributions to Project Compassion this term. Our year 5/6 students have led different fundraisers this term to help raise awareness and money for those in need. A big thank you to those students and families for their support. A reminder that Project Compassion boxes are to be returned to the front office by Week 1 of Term 2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Here we are, ready and waiting for the onset of Holy Week. This is THE most important item in the Christian Calendar. I hope you are able to take time over the next few weeks and really explore the story of Easter with your children. It is a very complex one filled with injustice, despair, and sadness, yet it finishes with such hope.
|
|
As we start to draw towards the end of this Holy season of Lent, and prepare for Easter, it is important for us to stop and reflect on our thoughts and behaviours. Lent is a time of simplicity; a time when we can do a little ‘stocktake’ on ourselves and look for ways to become more like Jesus and to make a little difference to those around us. tudents and families for their support. A reminder that Project Compassion boxes are to be returned to the front office by Week 1 of Term 2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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 11
|
|
|
|
Year 6 and Transition Buddies
|
|
|
|
Years T-2 Read Write Inc Parent Links
|
|
Thank you for the very positive turn out we had on Monday evening to our Read Write Inc T-2 Parent Information Session.
|
|
Linked below you will find the videos shared at the presentation for your reference. These links will be valid until 24th May 2023.
|
As mentioned at the meeting, we cannot stress enough the importance of you reading with your child. So we have also included a reference chart of what you can do with picture books including tips for story time: Tips of what you can do with picture books
|
This also includes links to the Facebook and Twitter pages or YouTube channel which you can subscribe to!
|
|
Once again thank you for your ongoing support as we journey this new literacy approach at St Mary's. If you have any further questions please direct them to your child's classroom teacher or our school's Curriculum Coordinator Christine Ferreira.
|
|
|
|
Joffa is coming to St Mary's!
|
|
We are so excited at St Mary's to have Joffa (Jeff Taylor) coming to our school next term to create a community mural with us! All students in the school will be involved in creating a mural that reflects our St Mary's values and we would like to extend this invitation to any families in our community who would like to join us on these days. If you are interested please email our Deputy Principal christine.ferreira@nt.catholic.edu. See below for details.
|
|
|
|
|
Deadly Science
A big thank you to #deadlyscience for their donation of lego kits which was organised by Mrs Muller. The kits have been donated to homework club and were a great after school activity with Mr Lyons. We look forward to using them regularly for STEAM activities along with some cooling off time in the library.
|
|
|
|
|
Back to School Vouchers
|
Only one week to go!!!!!!!
|
|
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!
|
We are very excited to offer this enrichment opportunity to our Years 3 to 6 students. Last week children were sent home information about the program and an expression of interest form to complete. Please return this by Thursday 4th of April to secure your child's place in the program.
|
|
|
|
P&F Easter Raffle
Two weeks ago 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.
|
If you require additional tickets, please contact the school office.
|
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
|
We have reached our Term 1 goal of 25,000 points!
|
Congratulations everyone! We have now set a date 21st April
|
|
for our Spirit Cup Fun Day:
|
|
"Dress like a Teacher" free dress and bring your toys and games to school day!
|
|
Extra shout out to Room 8 for having the highest points with a grand total of 7062!
|
|
This class will receive extra play on our Spirit Cup Fun day and an icey-cold treat for their extra hard efforts to follow 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
