Newsletter Term 2 Week 3
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Families,
Last week, our school community gathered to pray for the soul of Pope Francis. Run by our school captains, it was a beautiful and reverent celebration of the extraordinary life and legacy of this humble man. The staff and children have reflected on the life of Pope Francis, a tireless advocate for the poor, a champion of social justice, and a global voice for care of our common home and have continued to pray for him and our global Catholic community throughout the week.
The Colour Run on Friday was one of the highlights of the year, with a large turnout of family and friends to assist and simply enjoy the fun. The children loved the bubble machine and the chance to 'be coloured', and it was fantastic to see both staff and students getting into the spirit of things. The weather was kind to us, and it was a perfect lead into the Senior Cross Country on Thursday. Special thanks must go to Sarah Clark, who has done a fantastic job organising both the Great Race and the Senior Cross Country, and to Ebony Free, Flick Phelan and our P & F helpers for all their hard work behind the scenes to ensure the Colour Run's success. To date, we have raised nearly $7000 to assist with the creation of another sensory space in our school. Online donations for this event close on Friday, May 16th.
School in Action Tours
On Wednesday at 9.30am, we are holding another School in Action tour for families with preschool-aged children looking to enrol in Foundation in 2026. School in Action mornings give families the chance to see how our school operates in real time by visiting different classrooms as they go about their daily work. If you know of anyone considering St Mary’s as their school of choice for 2026, please encourage them to ring the office and register or they can do so via the link below;
https://smswanhill.catholic.edu.au/book-a-tour/
Wednesday is also marks 50 DAYS OF SCHOOL for our Foundation students. Look forward to sharing all the fun with you in next week's newsletter.
Year 1 Camp
It’s an exciting week for our Year 1 students as they prepare to board the bus for their action-packed school camp this Thursday! With a trip to the Pioneer Settlement, the police station, and the CFA, plus a special trip to the movies to see Dog Man, it's sure to be lots of fun!
St Mary MacKillop Transition Day 1
Just a reminder that on Wednesday, May 7th, our Year 6 students will spend the day at St Mary MacKillop College as part of their transition to secondary school program. This is a great opportunity for our students to enjoy a range of experiences and gain confidence and familiarity in the secondary environment. Please refer to the details provided by McKillop College that outline the format for the day.
Senior Cross Country
The Great Race was a terrific lead-up to the Senior and Junior Cross Country. Thanks to Miss Clark and the Year 6 House Captains for their organisation and encouragement of all the children and it was wonderful to witness so many students and staff out there walking or running laps for their respective teams. The Senior Cross Country Is taking place at Riverside Park on Thursday May 8th and we are sure there will be a big turn out of supporters to cheer the runners on.
Mothers & Special Friends Morning tea - Friday, May 9th
On Friday, May 9th, all Mums and special friends are invited to school between 10:30 and 11:30 to visit their child's classroom, receive a special treat for morning tea and then have the opportunity to share recess with their loved ones. We hope lots of you can join us at that time to celebrate and acknowledge how special you are to your families.
Reminder - School Closure Day Friday, May 16th
Just a reminder that we have a pupil-free day on Friday May 16th. Staff will spend that day moderating student work, analysing data and preparing for report writing.
We are also holding our next Nudie Tuesdie on Tuesday, 14th May organised by our Year 6 Sustainability team.
Finally, as Mother’s Day approaches, let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible love, strength, and care that mothers, grandmothers, and all the special women in our lives so generously give. I hope this weekend brings moments of joy, connection, and gratitude for all they do. May you feel special and know how loved you are.
Wishing all our families a beautiful Mother’s Day.
Kate
"Never See a Need Without Doing Something About It"
Mary MacKillop - Sisters of St Joseph Foundress
Key Dates
Wednesday May 7th
MacKillop College Year 6 Transition
School in Action Tours
Thursday May 8th
Year 1 Camp
Senior Cross Country
Friday May 9th
Mother's Day Event
Tuesday May 13th
Division Cross Country
The Resilience Project - Parent Night (webinar)
Friday May 16th
Pupil Free Day - staff PD
Wellbeing with Mr Doran
The Resilience Project - Building Resilience at Home (webinar)
Tuesday May 13th: 6.30pm-7.30pm
This workshop is designed to empower parents and carers by equipping them with the practical strategies to practice Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) at home.
Register via the following link;
https://forms.theresilienceproject.com.au/single-event-confirmation/?event_id=419125#gf_72
RE with Mrs Davies
Celebrating the Life of Pope Francis
Last Wednesday afternoon, we held a special reflection service to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis. As a spiritual leader who touched countless lives with his compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice, Pope Francis inspired the world to embrace mercy, dialogue, and care for the most vulnerable. The service provided a space for prayer, remembrance, and gratitude as we reflected on his profound impact and enduring message of love and peace. It was a meaningful gathering as we came together to celebrate a remarkable life of faith and service.
PE with Miss Clark
Great Race results
What an amazing week we had at St Mary’s last week for the Great Race. It was fantastic to see so many staff and students getting involved by walking and running laps to add points for their house in the beautiful weather we had. A very big thank you to all the house captains for giving up their lunchtime to mark laps and to make sure it all ran smoothly. There is always a great atmosphere in the school for the week and well done for everyone’s efforts. Congratulations to the DINGOES who were the winners this year.
Senior Cross Country
Goodluck to all students in Year 3-6 as they will be participating in the Senior Cross Country this week on THURSDAY the 8th of May at Riverside Park.
The following is approximate times of each event;
10 year old girls: 11.30am 10 year old boys: 11:40am
8/9 year old girls: 11:50am 8/9 year old boys: 12pm
11 year old girls: 12.10pm 11 year old boys: 12:20pm
12/13 year old girls: 12:30pm 12/13 year old boys: 12.40pm
Family and friends are welcome to come down to support the students. The top students for their age group will qualify to represent the school at the Division Cross Country on Tuesday the 12th May. If your child/ren has qualified for the next stage they will be notified and information regarding this event will be sent home via PAM.
SSV Basketball Trials
This week on Thursday the 8th of May, we wish Mia H, Ivy P and Deacon R the best of luck as they try out for the Victorian School Sport team in Basketball. These students will have the job of stepping up to the challenge to try and perform at their best to show the selectors their amazing Basketball ability in Bendigo. Go St Mary’s!
@2 Murlong Before & After School Care
The Out of School Hours Care program, @ 2 Murlong, is operating out of the gym hub and provides before and after school care for school age children in the Swan Hill area. Please express your interest via the following link;
https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/enrollment/index/dHdBOThsSW9JeHUxYTEwaHNxZlMrdz0
News from the Office
Working with Children Check
A reminder to bring your Working with Children Check with you if you are coming on to the school grounds for volunteer purposes. If you would like to apply for a Working with Children's Check, please follow the link below;
https://service.vic.gov.au/find-services/work-and-volunteering/working-with-children-check
PAM (Parent Access Module) - How do I make bus changes on PAM?
We encourage you to make bus changes via your PAM account. This includes bus passes, not on bus, change of bus etc.
- Log in to your PAM account.
- From the three line menu in the top right hand corner, select “Transport Passes”.
- Ensure the date is correct, displayed above the student schedule table.
- Click on the “Edit” button of the child you wish to add/remove from a bus.
- “Select New Route” will allow you to add your child to a bus, add your child to a different bus or select “No transport needed” if your child is not to travel on the bus on that particular day.
Scheduled Transport - this is for children who are on a regular bus schedule. It is the bus that your child would usually catch on that day.
Actual Transport - the bus that your child is catching on that particular day eg. if a change has been made.
Bus changes via PAM must be made by 2.30pm. For last minute changes, contact the office on 50332541. You can action bus changes up to 7 days in advance. If your child requires a permanent schedule change, please contact the office. Need assistance? Please contact the office 50332541.
Please note you can not add your child to a Country Bus unless they are registered to travel on that particular bus.
Book Club - Issue 3 orders close Tuesday May 13th
Scholastic Book Club Issue 3 has been sent home. We will not be accepting cash payments for orders. Please order online following the instructions below. This is the link for LOOP, which will allow you to make an online order and payment;
https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx If you are not registered for LOOP, click on the link above and create a new account. You will need to enter your details, add children and select our school (typed as is here); St. Mary's SWAN HILL
If you have any questions or are having trouble with the LOOP ordering system, please contact the office via email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au
News from the Canteen
Happy Birthday!
