Newsletter - 26th October 2023
Principal Report
Dear parents and carers,
This week we celebrate two important events. The first is NAIDOC week (for Orange). We marked the occasion by attending the NAIDOC march and speeches with the other schools in Orange, as well as with a school liturgy. Please check photos and news from the day later in this newsletter. The other important event is Australian National Teachers' Day on Friday. This day recognises the enormous contribution of teachers to society. Educators are in the business of hopes and dreams, inspiring their students to a realisation of their best selves. We are very appreciative to our CaFE group for providing a lunch for the staff to celebrate our profession next Friday, 3 November.
In Term Four we turn our gaze to the important journey for the Year 5 students into Year 6 leaders. At St Mary's every student in Year 6 is considered a leader, badged or otherwise. However, for everyone's information, here is a quick recap of the positions students apply for and of the process. The Year Five students have been given this information directly. Exciting times!
The leadership positions available are:
- 2 Captains and 2 Vice Captains…. apply as Captain
- 2 Mission Leaders (Mini-vinnies etc)
- 2 Environment Leaders
- 8 House Captains
The timeline looks like this:
Monday 13 November: Year 5 discussion with the principal and the current leaders (Q&A panel) at the beginning of the Year 5 Leadership Day at school, facilitated by James Sheahan students.
Monday 20 November: Applications are due in writing either by handwritten letter or email. Please use a letter format and state your preference for no more than 2 roles. You have to convince us that you would be a good leader for St Mary’s and are suited to the role you would like.
Friday 24 November: Successful applicants are invited to deliver a speech to Years 3 -6.
Thursday 30 November: You will deliver your speeches in the hall to Years 3-6. You must not promise things you can’t deliver (like a swimming pool) or bribe voters with lollies! Years 3-6, including you, will vote online using google forms that Mr Duncan has prepared. (Thank you Mr Duncan). You can of course vote for yourself if you want to! The teachers will also vote.
Tuesday 5 December: I will notify the 16 students who have been successfully voted in by their peers and the teachers. The office will also email your parents to let them know.
Wednesday 6 December is Harry Potter Day for Year 5… if anyone feels sad about missing out on the position they went for, this day is sure to cheer you up.
Friday 8 December: All leadership positions will be announced on Presentation Day.
Tuesday 12 December: The current Year 6 leaders will hand over the leadership positions to the new leaders for 2024.
Our Year Five students are encouraged to reflect deeply on the following leadership pledge when ascertaining their suitability and readiness for leadership positions:
School Leadership Pledge Yes, I am prepared to be a leader. I will do my best to set an example for the students of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in all aspects of school life. I will show loyalty and respect to our Principal, teachers and other students. I will participate in and support school spirit and encourage Catholic values at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. I will show concern for others both inside and outside our school community. I will encourage the growth of social justice, love and tolerance. |
We wish all of our Year Five students who have an interest in pursuing leadership next year the very best of luck throughout this process. May God guide them in their decision-making. 'What is for you will not go past you.'
Have a wonderful weekend when it arrives,
Gayle Stratton
Religious Education
Christian Leadership Awards
Jayden Selwood Connie Whittaker
Macy Prevett Brennon Wright
Grace Perry Tye Opetaia
Patriana Mak Nina Summerton
Adriaan Van Niekerk Jessie Taylor
Amelia Middleton Sybilla Hawke
" In Recognition of Positive View of Life"
Max Raso Marley Weekes
Isaac Jaensch Elzita Tony
Zana Bishop Sam Maher
Audrey Mees Lucas Atkinson
Amelia Woods Henry Bottom
Audrey Cleal Baeden Limberger
Peyton Zwiers Annabelle Gavin
Poppi Hummerston Levi Jones
Kael Valdez Barclay Oscar Newell
Kariom Manyong Lotti Carter
Blake Gavin Eleanor Ruwona
Emma Holway Rose Staniforth
" In Recognition of Community & Common Good"
Abigail Logan Cleo Thompson Amelia Ryan
"In Recognition of Hope & Resurrection"
Class News
Curriculum News
Sports
SPORTS UNIFORM Term 4 (any changes to the uniform days will be sent out in compass)
Kindergarten - Monday & Friday
Year One - Monday
Year Two -Monday
Year Three - Monday
Year Four - Monday (also Excursions 2nd & 8th November 2023)
Year Five - Monday
Year Six - Monday
On Friday the 13th October, 11 St Mary’s students competed at the Polding Athletics Championships in Homebush. Our students were very competitive, displaying determination and a high level of skill in their events. We congratulate these students who have progressed to the PSSA Athletics Championships to be held next week. Mackenzie came 3rd in 100m girls Multi-class, 2nd in shot put and discuss, and 1st in long jump. Wade and Bonnie both achieved 3rd place in their high jump events. Elwyn finished 2nd in 11yrs girls 200m. Congratulations on these wonderful achievements! #brightfuturesstarthere #ourathleticsstars
Summer Sports Trials
Congratulations to these students who travelled to Dubbo last Thursday to represent St Mary’s at the Bathurst Diocesan Summer Sports Trials. Wade Kennewell, Pippi Jarick and Kathleen Sharp have progressed to the Polding level in their respective sports of Touch Football, Cricket and Softball. Congratulations! #brightfuturesstarthere #summersports
SRC News
Congratulations to our Student Representative Council who have been elected by their peers this term, along with the MacKillop House Captains. They will also be working with Miss Cullen and Mr Coady to plan the end of year School Disco. This is a wonderful opportunity for student voice and representation.
Canteen News
Student Wellbeing
School Wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPB4L)-SCHOOL UNIVERSALS
As learners at St Mary's we are expected to:
BE SAFE BE RESPECTFUL BE RESPONSIBLE
The aim of SPB4L at St Mary's, is to actively teach and model positive behavioral expectations through consistent, reasonable, and proactive strategies that will foster positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
BE SAFE ❖ We will keep our hands and feet to ourselves ❖ We will follow the rules of the game
BE RESPECTFUL ❖ We will use kind words ❖ We will follow the teacher directions
BE RESPONSIBLE ❖ We will include others and play fairly ❖ We will engage in our learning
Community News
