Newsletter Term 4 Week 7
Principal's Message
Dear Parents & Families,
This morning we farewelled an excited bunch of Year 4 children, teachers and some parents as they headed off to Halls Gap for their camp. Fingers crossed the wet weather holds off. Many thanks to Alisha and their teachers who have put a great deal of effort into organizing an action packed itinerary that looks not only a lot of fun, but has many learning opportunities embedded into the planned activities.
Our Grandparents and Friends event adapted well to the quick change of date and time, with a very large crowd enjoying all on offer. It was lovely to see so many families here on Friday and we always enjoy chatting with the grandparents and special friends who come along. The performances by each year level were just brilliant and I thank them for the way they committed to learning the dance whilst having lots of fun. My thanks also to all the staff who so willingly went out of their comfort zone to dress up and perform our Dolly Parton 9-5 number with such style! Check out the St Mary’s School Facebook page this week to see all the highlights of the evening.
Grandparents and Friends Event
A sincere thank you goes to our Parents and Friends team, ably led by Renee and to Ebony for all the work they did behind the scenes coordinating the many aspects of the day. To Miss Natasha, from Strike A Pose Dance Studio who choreographed and taught the children their dances, Joe Dorigo who was in charge of the sound system and music, Lou and the team in the canteen and all the staff and parents who pitched in and helped out, a sincere thank you for willingly supporting this event. We had lots of fabulous feedback about our beautiful classrooms and the learning that the children shared with their families and about our wonderful school grounds and facilities. Special thanks must go to Tim, Gene and John for having our grounds looking so immaculate.
Parents & Friends
Renee and her team have finalised our fundraising efforts from our Grandparents & Friends Event. It was a mighty effort raising almost $3000 from our raffle. All money raised will be used to brighten up our playground with a range of vibrant playground markings which the children chose earlier in the year.
Congratulations to the raffle winners:
1st Prize (Weber Q Series Grill) Jethro Cottis from Foundation T
2nd Prize (3 month Gym Membership at Voyage Fitness) Audrey Miller in Foundation F
3rd Prize (One term of Swimming Lessions at the Swan Hill Leisure Centre) Maureen McGowan (Grandma of Brydie and Donny Andrews)
ADF Visit
It was all happening Friday, with the Australian Defence force visiting first up to share a little about their work. We had a lot of very enthusiastic Foundation - Year 2 students checking out their equipment and vehicles and they certainly asked them a LOT of questions about their job!
RSL Award Winner
Congratulations to Meila Roberts who has been selected as the recipient of the annual Remembrance Day Awards. Each year the RSL presents this award to one of our Year 6 students, identified by their teachers as making a sincere effort with their studies and our community. Miela was nominated by our Year 6 staff and will receive a scholarship to go towards her education for Secondary School.
St. Mary’s School Advisory Council
At the St. Mary’s School Advisory Council AGM we farewelled Kirsten Mitchell, Stephen Davies and Laura Crow who have been on the council for a number of years and we thank them for their contribution and dedication to supporting our school. We were also delighted to accept nominations from Renee Hirst and Luciana Briganti to join the SAC as parent representatives and to welcome Jess Merrett as incoming Chairperson.
In particular I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support I have received from Laura Crow as chairperson of the SAC. With the last of Laura’s children heading to MacKillop College, we have had to let her retire! I have really appreciated Laura’s sense of positive ‘can do’ attitude, wise advice, honest feedback, and above all commitment to our school. Thank you Laura for everything you have done for St Mary’s Primary School as a parent, P & F member and more recently through your involvement in the School Advisory Council. We are really going to miss you.
State Basketball
Both and St Mary’s boys and girls teams acquitted themselves very well at the regional basketball, held in Bendigo last week, with both teams making it through to the Grand Final.The boys put up a great fight but St Mary’s Echuca proved too strong in the end while the girls hung on to win in a thrilling finish. Congratulations to both teams on their efforts last week and the St Mary’s girls team who qualified to participate in the State Basketball Finals in Melbourne on Tuesday, 15th of November.
Look forward to seeing you throughout the week or at assembly this Friday hosted by 4M,
Kate
Key Dates
Monday November 14th - Tuesday November 15th
Year 4 Camp
Monday November 14th
State Basketball
Friday November 18th
Assembly 12.25pm - 4M
Wednesday November 23rd
Foundation 2023 Parent Information Zoom meeting
Friday November 25th
Advent Liturgy
Monday November 28th - Wednesday November 30th
Year 5 Camp
Friday December 2nd
Assembly 12.25pm - 5 Blue
Thursday December 8th
Pupil Free Day
Friday December 9th
Orientation Day
Wellbeing with Mrs Gook & Mr Prockter
Wellbeing support during this time of uncertainty surrounding the floods across our country.
We understand how anxious many families are at the moment as many have had to relocate as the rising water starts to really impact their homes, land and animals. It is a very stressful time for everyone and heart breaking for those on the land to see crops ruined and homes and livestock under threat. The uncertainty of it all makes it difficult for children to understand and impacts on their emotional wellbeing. If you would like any extra support for your children from our wellbeing team please contact either Kate Quin or Ginny Gook.
RE with Mrs Davies
Confirmation Celebrations - Year 3 Children
Over the weekend at our Parish Masses, some of our Year 3 Children received their Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a very exciting time for these children and their families. These children began their Sacramental journey at Baptism when they were filled with his life and grace and welcomed into his family, the Church.
Next week, we are fortunate to have a 'Make a Scene at Christmas' workshop visiting our school to share the magic of Christmas with us. They will be bringing over 100 different Nativity Scenes from all around the world for each class to enjoy.
PE with Miss Clark
Regional Basketball
Last Tuesday the 8th of November, Mrs Davies and I attended Regional Basketball with both girls and boys teams from St Mary's in Bendigo. My palms did not stop sweating for the day as there were several nail biting matches that went our way.
The boys were certainly challenged and won all 3 games with very small margins to get to the grand final. They put up such a good fight but St Mary's Echuca proved to be too strong in the end. A very big thank you to Mrs Davies who coached the boys to keep them fighting until the end to get runners up for the day.
The girls also won all 3 games to get to the grand final. They were up by a couple of goals at half time but St Francis clawed back to draw with a few minutes to go. Our girls ended up coming away with the win in a thrilling finish. They have qualified for the State level in Melbourne which is next Tuesday. A huge thank you to Ash Roberts (Miela's dad) for coaching the girls all day.
Please congratulate the following students who represented our school:
Jedd M, Rory D, Jack K, Callum M, Jimmy K, Mitch K, Charlie B, Lucas O
Prue O, Isla B, Miela R, Violet C, Chloe N, Meg Y, Pippa W, Zoe B
State Basketball
The girls Basketball team have qualified for the State level and are off to Melbourne tomorrow on Tuesday the 15th of November! These girls are representing the Loddon Mallee region and we are so proud of their achievements. St Mary’s will be cheering hard all the way from Swan Hill.
House Captain Interviews
With a busy week last week the House Captain interviews have been rescheduled to start this week. They will be done in a group style interview where Mrs Quin and I will ask a couple of questions and each student will have the opportunity to answer. Students may have a think about answers to ‘why do they want to be house captain?’, ‘what strengths do they have for this role?’, ‘who are their role models and why?’ and ‘any activities or things they want to run next year in addition to their duties?’
The Year 5 teachers will let the students know what day their interviews will be conducted on. Goodluck to all students that have applied.
@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
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club is kindly asking for donations of vegemite and jam. Donations can be left at the office.
Rapid Antigen Test Collection - Weeks 5 - 8
You can collect your test kits from the office window for Weeks 5-8 (2 boxes per student) between 8.30am and 4pm. Please notify the office via email if someone else will be collecting them on your behalf.
Book Club Issue 8 due Friday November 25th
Scholastic Book Club Issue 8 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
CHECK OUT OUR NEW SPECIALS!!!!
WEDNESDAY - PIZZA PINWHEELS (x2) $2.00
FRIDAY- SUSHI BALLS (x2) $2.00
Our cut off time for CDF Pay orders is 9.30am
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO FILL THE ROSTER FOR THE REST OF THE TERM!!!!!!!
If you are able to help in the canteen in Term 4, please contact the office on 50332541 or email office@smswanhill.catholic.edu.au
Birthday Wishes
What's happening in 3H?
Community News
