Dear Parents and Carers,

As we embark on the third week of term, I'm delighted to witness the remarkable strides our students are making in their learning journey. They have wholeheartedly embraced the school's routines and expectations, and it's a joy to see them excel. Your support and involvement in their journey are invaluable.

We welcomed Andrew Chinn last Tuesday with a day of workshops and a final concert in the afternoon. The children were treated to his talents, which certainly brought out the best in every student and encouraged everyone's participation—a fantastic effort by all involved.

Our heartfelt thanks to the students, staff, and families who represented St Mary’s at the ANZAC Day ceremony on Thursday. Your presence and support were deeply appreciated by the wider Yarram community, underscoring the strong bond we share.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Yarram and District Cross Country on Monday at the Yarram Golf Course. I enjoyed hearing from the students about their successes during the day. I am so proud of you; your great sportsmanship was a credit to all.

Our Mothers' Day stall and breakfast are highlights on our school calendar. Please ensure you have returned your breakfast RSVP so we can finalise catering.

Maria

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TERM 2 2024

May 

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Happy Birthday to Cian Hobson and Deborah Isemann who celebrate their birthdays on 10th May and to Liam Kealy who celebrates his birthday on 16th May.

We hope you have a wonderful day!

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY 2024

Friday, 10th May 2024 is National Walk Safely to School Day. Students are to assemble at the Grant Memorial Park - Commercial Road at 8:15 and can walk, ride or bike to school (with helmets) along with their teachers and friends.

Religion News: Thursday 2nd of May

Andrew Chinn’s visit last Tuesday was a fantastic day.  The Hall was ‘alive with the sound of music.’  Thank you to the parents who joined us for the concert.

ANZAC DAY

Thank you to the students and families who joined with Ms.Owens, Mrs. William and myself to participate in this special ceremony.  Thank you Jikaya, Arlin, Max, Levi, Lachlan, Sara, Leeroy, Hunter, Makaysha, Kasharna, Austin, Mia and Noah.

Ashton, Lewis, Ivy and Macy were also there representing the Scouts.  Well done everyone.

It was lovely to come together today to celebrate our First School Mass for Term Two.  Our Focus was on celebrating the Risen Jesus as we are still in the Season of Easter. Thank you to Fr. Confidence for his reflective Homily. Thank you also to all our readers, altar servers and a very special thank you for your beautiful singing.

The Month of May dedicated to Mother Mary is a time of reverence and reflection. It offers an opportunity to honour her virtues, such as humility, love, and strength, while deepening our spiritual connection. Through prayers, devotions, and acts of kindness, we express gratitude for her intercession and guidance in our lives.

Sacraments

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is scheduled for the 19^th of May at 11:00am Mass.  We keep Lachlan and Ivy who will be celebrating this special Sacrament in our prayers.  There is a meeting with Fr. Confidence and families next Wednesday at 5:00pm at the church.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is scheduled for 28^th of July at 11:00 am Mass.

Kind Regards 

Sue Benc

Mother’s Day Celebrations at St. Mary’s

Mother’s Day Breakfast and Stall

St. Mary’s Mothers' Day breakfast is on Wednesday, 8th May at 8.00 am in the Mary MacKillop Hall.

All Mothers, Grandmothers and Special People are welcome. 

Please let the school office know the numbers attending for catering purposes.

Mental Health and Wellbeing News

Dear Parents/Carers,

Following on from the last newsletter and the Social and Emotional Learning Competencies the next area to look at is Self-Management;

Self-Management is: the abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspiration.

Below are some strategies that will be incorporated within the classrooms and they can be used at home.

• Help your child to brainstorm things they can do when they notice big emotions building up. For example, counting to ten, taking deep breaths, walking away, telling someone how you feel and why, asking someone for help.
• Teach your child to use helpful thoughts or positive self-talk to calm their emotions.
• Teach your child self-calming strategies. For example, breathing exercises or muscle relaxation
• Help your child to recognise and understand the physiological changes that occur in the body as a result of strong emotions.
• Use images and metaphors to help your children understand their feelings. For example, children might watch a balloon blown up until it bursts or learn about volcanic eruptions as visual and practical ways to explore how feelings might build up inside themselves.

If you have any questions or would like further information about Social and Emotional Learning please do not hesitate to contact me.

Deb Owens

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader.

ANZAC Activities in school

Our classrooms have designed an ANZAC wall to commemorate this solemn day with pooppies and a poem. A liturgy was also celebrated in honour of our veterans.

Catholic Education Week

Our school, along with the 45 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale, will celebrate Catholic Education Week from 17 May to 24 May.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is; A New Dialogue of Love, Hope and Joy, inspired by the Scripture passage, ‘See, I am Making All Things New’ (Rev. 21:5).
This theme symbolises an optimistic and hope-filled perspective on the world and a renewed approach to fostering positive change.
The theme emphasises the belief that transformation and renewal are possible in all aspects of life through individual choices. By following the life and teachings of Jesus, and embracing principles of compassion, peace, goodness, and justice, individuals can contribute to a more hopeful and joyful world, sowing seeds of positivity and hope.
Through this theme, Catholic schools aim to inspire young people to reflect on the Christian message and to showcase their efforts in contributing to creating a better world.
The hope is for staff, students, families, and parishes to embrace this meaningful time and for schools to celebrate their distinctive mission and share features that are special about their schools.
Members of staff will be attending a Leadership Eucharist and Awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise outstanding service and excellence of staff.