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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Yesterday we celebrated Ash Wednesday with a special Liturgy in the hall. During the Liturgy, students and teachers had ashes sprinkled over their heads as a reminder for us all to turn our hearts toward God. Ash Wednesday is memorable for children because ashes are such a tangible symbol. People of all ages love when the spiritual is made physical and we can touch and feel something real. Prior to Ash Wednesday, our younger students were shown a bowl of ashes by Mrs Hedger and were allowed to touch them and feel their grittiness to allay any fears. It was explained that the ashes came from the burnt palms from last year’s Palm Sunday Mass with our Parish.
Ash Wednesday is the first day in the season of Lent. Lent is a beautiful way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and prepare us for the Easter season. The 40 days of Lent replicate the time that Jesus spent in the desert and wilderness in solitude, prayer, and fasting. During Lent, we are invited to live simple acts of giving, fasting and prayer, to deepen our faith, and be ‘other-centered’. The Church gives us Lent as a time to change, to become a better version of ourselves, and to become more like Jesus. Instead of the idea to ‘give up’ something for Lent, we are encouraged to think outwardly and ‘give to’. During Lent as a family you might consider:
- Do something for your community, such as participating in volunteer work.
- Cook a meal for your neighbours, the elderly, or families in need.
- Keep a box in your home and put one grocery item per day into it (like canned goods), then donate it all to an outreach program such as St Vincent DePaul.
- Sort through your belongings and fill a box with items you no longer need, and take it to a charity shop or donation centre.
- Make time to be with your loved ones by putting away devices and switching off the television and be truly present.
May this Lent be a time of reflection, growth, and new beginnings as we walk with Jesus to the cross.
It was lovely to see so many faces around the school last week at our ‘Meet and Greet’ afternoons. The Three Stars and Wish activity allows teachers to get to know your child better, and tailor their teaching and learning experiences toward your child’s goals. We know that school-home collaboration can lead to improved student achievement and more positive attitudes toward school and learning… and the children simply love seeing their parents at school and receiving affirmation for their efforts!
Next Friday 3rd March, St Mary’s has been invited to take part in the Grand Parade at Milton Show. Parents are asked to collect their children from school and take them to the showground where we will meet at the eastern side of the main arena at 12.30. A Compass event has been created and we ask parents to use this portal to indicate if their child/ren will be attending the parade. Although some of our teachers will be present at the Show, we do ask that parents supervise their children before and after the Grand Parade. We look forward to proudly representing our school at such a wonderful community event.
As you know, Mrs Nelson and Mrs Peters are currently attending a Religious Education Conference in Los Angeles for the next couple of weeks. We wish them a wonderful trip and look forward to hearing all about their learning, and adventures. In their absence, I will be the Acting Principal, Mrs Ann-Marie Wilson will be Acting Assistant Principal and Mrs Ashleigh Hedger will continue supporting us in her role as Religious Education Coordinator. Daniella Cooper will be teaching the wonderful Year One’s and Mrs Gayle McMahon, an esteemed leader in Catholic Education, will also be supporting the school on occasion in my absence. Please know that our doors are always open should you need us, or if you just want to pop in and Hi!
Blessings to you and your family in this Lenten season.
Kind regards,
Julie Valentini
Friday 24th February - 10am School Assembly, Hall
Canteen 1st Break
Tuesday 28th February - Playgroup 9.30am School Hall
Thursday 2nd March - Canteen Lunch Orders to the Office by 9.30am
Friday 3rd March - 10am Whole School Mass, School Hall - Minni Vinnies
Canteen 1st Break
Milton Show - Please Check Compass Event
Sunday 5th March - 5pm Family Mass, Milton Church
Tuesday 7th March - Playgroup 9.30am School Hall
South Coast Swimming Carnival
Thursday 9th March - Canteen Lunch Orders to the Office by 9.30am
Friday 10th March - 10am School Assembly
Canteen 1st Break
Wednesday 15th March - Playgroup 9.30am School Hall
NAPLAN -Writing
Thursday 16th March - Canteen Lunch Orders to the Office by 9.30am
NAPLAN - Reading
Friday 17th March - 10am Stage 2 leading Parish Mass, Church - Picnic with the Parish
Canteen 1st Break
Monday 20th March - NAPLAN - Language Conventions
Tuesday 21st March - NAPLAN - Numeracy
Wednesday 22nd March - Playgroup 9.30am School Hall
Thursday 23rd March - Canteen Lunch Orders to the Office by 9.30am
Friday 24th March - 10am School Assembly, Hall
Canteen 1st Break
Wednesday 29th March - Playgroup 9.30am School Hall
Thursday 30th March - Canteen Lunch Orders to the Office by 9.30am
Friday 31st March - 10am Parish Mass, School Hall- Palm Sunday
Canteen 1st Break
NRL Gala Day Years 3,4,5 and 6
Sunday 2nd April - 5pm Family Mass, Milton Church
Tuesday 4th April - AFL Auskick Gala Day Years 3 and 4
Wednesday 3rd April - Playgroup School Hall 9.30am
Thursday 6th April - LAST DAY OF TERM 1
Monday 24th - Return for TERM 2
Tuesday 25th April - Anzac Day
listed as an Emergency Contact on Compass. Please provide the office with the name, relationshipand mobile number of the person you want added.
Lunch Meal Deals:
All orders must be provided with the correct money (cash only) in a clearly labelled envelope/paper bag/zip lock bag with your child’s name, class and the order details on it. Unfortunately, we do not
supply lunch bags.
Labelling uniforms:
We have uniform items coming up to the office with no name on them. Please label all items of
clothing and lunch boxes, drink bottles etc so we can ensure your child’s items are returned to them.
Some of our parents use this wonderful site, plus there are many more available.
https://www.brightstarkids.com.au/name-labels
If your child needs some help with what bus to take, they have great bus tags for backpacks.
Uniforms:
A Flash Sale will be on offer during term 1 as we still have several brand-new (limited sizes) items available that will be heavily discounted. Keep an eye on Compass for sale date and times.
If you would like your child to try on uniforms prior to placing an order with Lowes, please call the office to make an appointment.
Pre-Loved – We are happy to take your pre-loved uniforms, however, please ensure they are stain-free, no rips and are in very good condition.
SCHOOL HATS $15 AVAILABLE AT THE SCHOOL OFFICE
Dear families, this week your child has taken home a Project Compassion Box. During Lent each year, thousands of Catholic Schools participate in Project Compassion as a part of their Lenten journey, to raise funds in order to alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world. From now until the last week of school, please use this box to collect donations and return the box to school on the Monday of Week 11.
Mrs Hedger
Year 5 have been off to a busy start this year. On Thursday they spent time with Aunty Chris Finney, Uncle Phil Butler and Ms Bassett learning about local Indigenous Culture.
