07/11/19
Dear Parents and Friends,
We celebrate Remembrance Day on Monday 11 November. Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11.00am in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years, being the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front, thus becoming universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.
On Monday at the Watsonia Remembrance day ceremony, Abbey Mills will be presented with this year’s RSL Scholarship in recognition of her contribution to our school and community.
In our Catholic Church, the month of November is also designated as a time when we remember and pray for all those who have entered into eternal life. During this month of November, let us pray for and remember with love and respect, all those who have gone before us. May they rest in eternal peace.
“Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict and all our loved ones who have died:
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever.
Amen.”
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Students in Yr. 2 over the past weeks have been preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through this sacrament, we are called to acknowledge our weaknesses, to seek forgiveness for any wrong doing and to work towards changing our ways and living more in harmony with the Gospel values and in harmony with others. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, through its healing grace, allows us to be renewed in God’s loving care and gives to us the opportunity to begin again. Please pray for our Yr. 2 students that they may come to know the love of God through this Sacrament. Celebrations will be held on Tuesday 19 November and Saturday 23 November.
MOONLIGHT CINEMA
On Friday 25 October, St. Mary’s oval was lit up as many gathered together to watch the movie, “Spiderman.” It was a perfect evening and those in attendance were able to enjoy this special event with family and friends. Being our first ever, outdoor cinema night, it was a credit to the Parents’ Association who organized the evening. A special thank you to Emma Hall, Rob Esucdero and Carley White who gave many hours of their time and loads of their energy to ensure it was a success. Congratulations to each of you and to all who assisted. Your efforts certainly paid off. Besides being a great night, $2363.00 was raised for the school.
STATE ATHLETICS
On Thursday October 24th 2019, eleven St. Mary's athletes converged on Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park for the 2019 School Sports Victoria Track and Field State Championships. Athletes from Bendigo to Ballarat, Sale to Warrnambool, Greensborough to Bundoora and all over Victoria were excited and nervous as they hoped to perform to the best of their abilities to take home a medal of any colour. Zara Silic in Year 4 performed excellently in the 9/10 year old girls hurdles, in her preliminary heat, to qualify for the state final. She finished the 8th best hurdler in the state for 2019. Mackenzie Thomas from Year 6, competing at State for the first time, performed admirably in an extremely competitive girls 12/13 year long jump final. The boys 11 year old, 4 x100m Relay team, comprising of all Year 5's-Jobe Douglas, Codie Bristow, Rohan Butterworth and Charlie Gray, put in an outstanding race in the final and were pipped on the line for the bronze medal. Rumour has it that they were beaten by a fingernail!! The girls 9/10 year old, 4 x 100m Relay, comprising of Kayla Bristow, Ruby Vera-Leiva, Alannah Visser (all from Year 4) and Mia Colissmo from Year 5, are the 3rd best relay team in Victoria for 2019. They took home the bronze medal in an excellent race. Scenes of jubilation were witnessed at the finish line by their numerous supporters. Special mention must go to Talia Carter from Year 4. Without Talia stepping in at Division, this girls relay team would not have made it to state, due to her contribution. Talia was overjoyed at the finish line. Sincere thanks to all the parents, family members and supporters that attended on an extremely hot day. All at St. Mary's are extremely proud of our athletes and would like to thank Rob and Bernadette Douglas for their important contribution in preparing the relay teams for their respective races. Thanks also to the Brennan family for the loan of running shoes for the day.
OPEN CLASSROOMS
Classrooms will be open to parents and visitors on Tuesday 26 November between 2.45pm and 3.15pm. You are very welcome to come in and enjoy some time with your child in class.
TWILIGHT SPORTS
Our Annual School Sports have been re-scheduled to Thursday 21 November at Meadowglen International Athletics Stadium 146 - 156 McDonalds Rd, Epping. All families are invited to attend this event. Classes will be as normal in the morning with the students being bussed to the Stadium in the afternoon. Yr. 3-6 students will commence activities at 1.00pm and Prep –Yr. 2 students’ activities will commence at 2.30pm. The Sports will conclude at approximately 5.30pm. Parents will be required to collect students at the conclusion of the event from the Sports Stadium. There will be no afternoon Out of School Care Program operating on this day. It is expected that all students remain for the presentations to show a commitment to, and support for their Team.
Please ensure you have returned your child’s permission form to travel by bus to the Sports Stadium.
SACRAMENTAL DATES
Sacramental dates for 2020 are as follows:
First Eucharist for Yr. 3 students will be celebrated over two weekends at the Parish Masses on 25 and 26 April and 2 and 3 May.
Confirmation will be celebrated for Yr. 6 students on 2 August at two Masses - 12.00 midday and at 2.30pm.
First Reconciliation for Yr. 2 students will be celebrated on Tuesday 10 November at 6.30pm and Saturday 14 November at 10.00am.
Dates for Sacramental Meetings and Commitment Masses will be distributed with the 2020 calendar of dates.
2020 SCHOOL FEE AND LEVIES
Following last night’s Finance Meeting, Fees for 2020 have been set as follows:
Student Levy per student $400
Capital Levy per family $400
School Fee per family $1800
This is a 2.3% increase from the current 2019 costs.
FETE
Preparations are now underway for our Parish Fete which will be held on Saturday 16 November. Support on the day would be very much appreciated. Please see attached information inviting your support. This is a wonderful community event for St. Mary’s and I’m sure by coming and assisting, you will feel a great sense of being one with our Parish.
WORKING BEE
We look forward to our final Working Bee for the year which will be held this Saturday 9 November. This Working Bee has been assigned to Yr. 4 families, however, if you have missed your Working Bee for the year, please come along. There will be much to do to prepare our grounds for the Parish Fete, so your support would be much appreciated.
OCTOBER – MISSION MONTH
Well done to all students who so generously donated money to support our 2020 action to raise money to support others through Catholic Missions. Special congratulations to Yr. 4 students and their teachers Michelle Bates, Fergal O’Reilly and Amelia Morse who were responsible for leading us in this action. A total amount of $2731.15 was raised. A wonderful effort by all.
Regards, Helen