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Upcoming Dates
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- 12th May: Mother's Day Liturgy 8.30 am & Activities in classrooms
- 17th May: St John's Open Day for Year 5/6 students
- 19th May: Assembly led by Room 5 at 8.30 am; Walk safely to school day
- 21st May: Sacrament of Confirmation 9.30 am at the Cathedral
- 22nd May: Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival
- 24th May: Ordination to the Priesthood for Deacon Dean 7 pm at the Cathedral
- 26th May: Assembly led by room 11 at 8.30 am; National Sorry Day
- 30th May: School Photo Day
- 2nd June: Reconciliation Week Liturgy led by Room 6 at 8.30 am
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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 4, Term 2, 2023
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Dear Parents and Caregivers
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Next Friday, 19th May is Walk Safely to School Day. Now in its 24th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event when all Primary School children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a Community Event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.
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This is quite timely for our school community as we have just had our new school crossing installed. Coupled with the fact that we are located in the heart of the Darwin CBD, bounded by four streets which are main thoroughfares for traffic coming in and out of the city during the day. It is really important to raise awareness of safe driver behaviours around our school, especially at pick up and drop off time.
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Our own Road Safety - Kidsafe NT speak of the importance of prioritising safety for children over convenience on our NT roads. Walking is an important part of children’s lives. It is important for their health and fitness, and their ability to get around their neighbourhood and community independently. Being a pedestrian can be a risky business, especially for children in busy areas. Roads are designed with adults in mind, but children are not ‘little adults’. They are less developed physically, cognitively and in terms of their traffic experience.
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How can we be Kidsafe near traffic and crossing the road?
• Supervise children at all times near traffic, particularly when crossing roads.
• Hold hands when near traffic, especially when crossing the road.
• Teach children to use the ‘safety door’ to get in and out of cars. This is the door on the kerb side behind the passenger seat.
• Teach children to use footpaths, but make sure they know to watch out for cars when passing or crossing a driveway.
• Explain words like “fast”, “slow”, “near” and “far”.
• Talk about signs and traffic lights and the safe places to cross.
• Point out dangerous places and where not to cross – near curves and where things might hide children from view.
• If you are picking children up from school, have a safe meeting place, then cross the street with them. Never call them over from the opposite side of the street.
• Teach children to “Stop, Look, Listen and Think” before crossing the road and make sure to explain what this means.
• Teach children about safe places to cross the road including crosswalks and traffic lights.
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Mothers' Day Stall: Thanks to our fabulous group of P & F volunteers who have organised our Mothers' Day Stall this week. St Mary’s P & F have traditionally always done a wonderful job of ensuring every child has an opportunity to shop at the stall. It means so much to the children to have the opportunity to purchase a special gift for the significant Mum, Grandparent or Caregiver in their life.
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In case anyone forgot their money to purchase something for mum or the significant ladies in their life. The Mothers' Day stall will be open again at lunchtime tomorrow, Friday.
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Uniform Reminders: As we welcome the Dry Season and move into the cooler mornings, we would like to remind all parents and students about the importance of wearing the correct school uniform. It is a school policy that all students wear the correct uniform at all times, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter. A reminder to all families that plain black runners are to be worn with Sports Uniform. Information is in the Parent Handbook and the School Uniform Policy. Please make sure students wear the correct uniform (including correct shoes) every day.
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As mentioned last week, for the cooler mornings we have been able to source a navy cardigan and jumper option for parents to purchase if they wish to purchase for children to wear on cooler days. Both these options are relatively inexpensive and are available online from a company called Next.
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Transition 2024: SIBLING ENROLMENT PAPERWORK Due by 9th June 2023.
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We are now in the early stage of planning for the 2024 school year and the class structures across the school. We are requesting for any of our existing families (including our Community of Learners) who may have a child eligible for Transition in 2024 to ensure their enrolment application paperwork has been submitted to the school by the 9th June.
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Mini Mary's Playgroup: Our Playgroup recommences tomorrow morning from 10am in the Mary MacKillop Hall. Please spread the word of this starting up again to any families who may be interested.
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Welcome to Mila (Room 6) and family and Ditvi (Room 7) and family who joined our school community this week.
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In faith and love,
Rosie Harrison
Principal
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Prayer
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Deacon Dean's Ordination
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Religious Education News
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Mother's Day
In the high majority of instances, metaphorically speaking, mothers are like candles, sacrificing themselves to bring light and warmth to those around them. Mothers are most often empathetic and generous beyond their means. Mother’s Day provides us with the opportunity to give back.
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The Gospel stories tell us that even at the time of his death, Jesus was considerate of His mother, stopping on the road to Calvary to inform her that He was entrusting one of His disciples to care for her in His absence. This example from Jesus towards His mother teaches us of the love and respect we should and do hold towards our mothers.
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We wish all mothers and women in our lives that are like mothers a wonderful day of love, respect, gratitude, and kindness this Mother’s Day.
To celebrate our mothers and mother figures, please join us at our Mother’s Day Liturgy tomorrow May 12th at 8:30.
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A Mother’s Love
There is no love like a mother’s love
No stronger bond on earth...
Like the precious bond that comes from God
To a mother, when she gives birth.
A mother’s love is forever strong
Never changing for all time...
And when her children need her most
A mother’s love will shine.
God bless these special mothers
God bless everyone one of them...
For all the tears and heartache
And for the special work she’s done.
When her days on earth are over
A mother’s love lives on...
Through many generations
With God’s blessing on each one.
Be thankful for our mothers
For they love with a higher love
From the power God has given
And the strength from up above.
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Sacramental Program
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Tonight we have a number of students celebrating their First Reconciliation. We congratulate them for this wonderful occasion. These students will then commence lesson for the sacrament of First Holy Communion on Thursday, 18th May at 3-4pm in the library.
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Next Thursday, 18th May there will be a parent/ students information session in the Cathedral at 6pm for students celebrating Confirmation on Sunday 21st May at 9:30.
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If you would like further information, please contact Clare Nolan directly at clare.nolan@nt.catholic.edu.au
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Dean's Ordination
On Wednesday, 24th May at 7pm Dean will be ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. As a school community, we have been invited to help celebrate this joyous occasion. If you have any further questions please contact Clare Nolan directly at clare.nolan@nt.catholic.edu.au
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Midday Mass
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On Tuesday, 9th May, Room 7 and Room 16 students attended midday mass at the Cathedral, where they were able to come together with the parish community.
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Thank you Bishop Eugene for leading our students in mass. Looking ahead, Room 6 will have the opportunity to attend midday mass on Tuesday, 16th May and all are welcome to join us.
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11th May: Sacrament of Reconciliation 6 pm
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12th May: Mother's Day Liturgy 8.30 am
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21st May: Sacrament of Confirmation 9.30 am
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2nd June: Reconciliation Liturgy
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4th June: Sacrament of First Holy Communion 9.30 am
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Religious Education Co-ordinator
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Mother's Day
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Parents and Friends Mother's Day Stall
Thank you to our amazing P&F for setting up such an amazing range of gifts and to the Mums who came and helped at the stall!
The stall will be open again tomorrow, with the remaining gifts available for those students who forgot to bring money in today.
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News from Room 5
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P and F Update
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CAN YOU HELP US RAISE SOME DOUGH?
The P&F are launching our major fundraiser for this year.
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A Krispy Kreme doughnut drive.
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An order form will be sent home with the eldest student tomorrow afternoon.
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Please collect orders and payments from family and friends and return to the front office no later than May 26th.
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Donuts will be flown in from South Australia and be available for collection on
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School Photos
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Sibling photo envelopes are available from the school office.
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Healthy Harold is coming to St Mary's!
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Exciting news! The Life Education van, accompanied by Healthy Harold and Educator Suzi Spedding, will be visiting St. Mary's School from May 17th to 19th (Week 5).
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During this time, our students will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive and educational experience focused on health, wellbeing, and making positive choices. Healthy Harold, the lovable giraffe, will captivate their attention as he imparts important life lessons. With Educator Suzi Spedding's guidance, our students will gain valuable knowledge and develop crucial life skills.
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To support your involvement, there are a number of resources available from the Life Education parent portal. These resources, provide insights and practical tips to reinforce the concepts covered during the Life Education program. We encourage you to explore these materials and engage in discussions with your children to enhance their learning experience.
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We are looking forward to the Life Education van's visit!
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Playgroup
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Playgroup commences Friday 12th of May
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Join us on Friday mornings during the school term in the Mary MacKillop Hall. Families outside our school community are welcome and encouraged to attend!
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Health Update
Japanese Encephalitis
There is currently a Japanese Encephalitis outbreak. It is spread through mosquito bites and can infect humans and animals. It can result in severe disease with brain damage and even death.
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Japanese Encephalitis virus has been detected in mosquitoes and feral pigs near Darwin and mosquitoes near Tennant Creek. The eligibility to receive the free vaccination has been expanded, so St Mary's families may be able to protect themselves against this potentially devastating virus.
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In summary the eligibility to receive the JEV vaccine has been expanded to include those that live in or work for at least 30 consecutive days in:
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If eligible, you can book a free vaccination by calling your nearest provider:
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Casuarina Community Care Centre on 08 8922 7301
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Palmerston Community Care Centre on 08 8999 3344
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PE News
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Sports Vouchers
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School Canteen Services Update
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We are excited to announce a new update to our school canteen online ordering and services that will make ordering your favorite foods during recess easier than ever before. Starting this term, our canteen will offer a new "Recess" ordering service that will allow you to pre-order your child's snacks and fruits for the recess break.
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To accommodate this change our existing "2nd Break" service has been updated to "Lunch" service.
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Like our existing service orders need to be placed before 8:40 am each day via the Flexischools platform (see instructions at the end of this newsletter). The menu options will be available on the school app and will include a range of healthy and delicious options that cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. Once the orders are received, the canteen staff will prepare the food and have it ready for students to pick up during the designated recess eating time at 10.40am.
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We believe that this new service will help reduce waiting times at the canteen and ensure that students have more time to enjoy their recess break. By ordering ahead of time, students will also have a greater selection of food options to choose from, and can rest assured that their preferred meals and snacks will be available when they arrive at the canteen.
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Throughout Term 2 we will be aiming to phase out all window cash sales.
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As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us, and we will do our best to incorporate them into our future plans.
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BYODD Program 2023
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PORTAL IS STILL TAKING ORDERS FOR BYODD
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We have been advised by Edunet that some models are running low on stock - order now to avoid disappointment.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Year 7, 2024
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Music News
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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.
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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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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 2023 we are 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 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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What is happening in Darwin
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On Sunday, 14 May, walk or run at one of 70 events held nationwide or participate whenever and wherever with MDC Anywhere.
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Start your Mother’s Day with purpose by getting active for life-saving breast cancer research.
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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.
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