Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of Term One, I would like to reflect on our students' wonderful achievements and the excellence in learning across our school.
Positive behaviours from students are crucial for maintaining a conducive and productive learning environment. Here are some examples of positive behaviours that our students exhibit:
Active participation: Students who actively engage in class discussions, ask
questions, and contribute ideas demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning.
Respect: Respectful behaviour towards teachers, classmates, and school staff
fosters a positive atmosphere. This includes listening attentively, following
instructions, and being polite.
Responsibility: Students who take responsibility for their actions, assignments, and
academic performance demonstrate maturity and accountability.
Cooperation: Working well with peers, collaborating on group projects, and being
willing to help others are positive behaviours that contribute to a supportive learning
community.
Punctuality: Arriving on time to class and submitting assignments by deadlines
demonstrates respect for the teacher's time and commitment to academic
responsibilities.
Effort: Putting forth effort and striving for improvement, even in challenging subjects or tasks, shows dedication and a positive work ethic.
Resilience: Students who persevere through setbacks, seek help when needed, and
maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges demonstrate resilience, which is
essential for academic success.
Empathy: Empathy toward classmates, support of others' struggles, and kindness
and understanding contribute to a positive and inclusive school environment.
Self-regulation: Students who can manage their emotions, stay focused on tasks,
and regulate their behaviour appropriately to contribute to a productive learning
environment.
Appreciation for diversity: Embracing diversity, respecting differences among
classmates, and celebrating cultural, ethnic, and individual uniqueness promote
inclusivity and positive relationships among students.
When students display these positive behaviours, they enhance their learning experience and contribute to a harmonious and supportive classroom environment for everyone.

Maria

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TERM 1 2024

March 

TERM 2 2024

April

May 

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Happy Birthday to Makaysha, Teige and Stev'S who celebrate their birthdays over the school holidays; on 5th April, 6th April and 11th April.

We hope you have a wonderful day.

Our school was a riot of colour today, as students wore lots of socks for World Down Syndrome Day.

Religious News: Thursday March the 21st.

This Sunday is Palm Sunday.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. (Taken from The Catholic Youth Bible. NRSV Catholic Edition)

21: 1-11

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethpage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her, untie them and bring them to me.  If anyone says anything to you, you just say this, “The Lord needs them.”  And he will send them immediately.”  This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet saying, Tell the daughter of Zion, “look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of the donkey.”

The disciple went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.  “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven.”

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”  The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Palm Sunday is a pivotal day as Lent is done and now Holy Week begins. This is an extraordinary week, in every sense of the word. It is a week of high drama, of courage, betrayal, tragedy, sorrow, grief, triumph, and joy ... choose an emotion - you'll probably find it somewhere in the events of Holy Week! So, take a deep breath and ready yourself to commemorate the greatest story of all time.

This holiest of weeks is a journey for all of us, not just a journey that was only for Jesus. Jesus invites us all to join him this week. 

Some questions to discuss with your children leading into Holy Week.

Who are the people who love you?

What special things do they do for you?

Jesus suffered and died because he loved us.

How can we show God’s love to others?

Today is the beginning of a special week of celebrations.

How can we participate in Holy Week?

Easter Play: A Celebration of Holy Week

We continue to prepare for our Holy Week re-enactment which will be presented on the last day of Term One, Thursday 28^th of March at 12:00 midday in the St Mary Mackillop Hall.  This is an excellent way for our students to learn and reflect on Jesus’ journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Saturday.  Everyone is invited to our presentation on March the 28^th at 12:00 midday.  Please come along and watch our amazing children.

Sacramental News

Sacrament of First Holy Communion will now be celebrated on Sunday the 5^th of May at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:00am.

Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday the 28^th July at 11:00 am Mass.  Bishop Greg Bennet will celebrate this special Sacrament with us and the Parishioners.

Kind Regards

Sue Benc

LOCAL CRAFTER

These little works of art are created by a local mother, Nanchez. Please contact her if you would like to buy one of her creations. Nanchez - 046 0765 694

TARRA FESTIVAL

St. Mary's School has a stall at the Tarra Festival, we will be hosting a colouring competition and doing crazy hairstyles, more details on Class Dojo soon!