LINKS: Term Two Week Five

From the Principal

Mother’s Day

As a school, we are named after potentially the greatest mother of all – Mary, the mother of God. Mother’s Day is such a special time to celebrate the important women in our lives, particularly our Mums. As one of 12 children, I am in awe of the amazing dedication motherhood takes. I have seen my Mum make amazing meals for so many people, with no notice, with a smile and unending love! She has given so much of herself to love and support her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I also see 6 of my 7 sisters and many of my nieces be loving and supportive mums to their children. I am also honoured to have many aunts, and friends’ mums who have loved and supported me over the years. I pray that all Mums and significant women in our community had a beautiful Mother’s Day and know how much they are appreciated.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in our Mums at the Movies event and the P&F who contributed financially to this event. We had a very fun night out and I hope it was lovely for those of you who were able to join us to have some adult time!

I would also like to thank Tracey Leadbetter and 1L for their beautiful Mother’s Day Liturgy!

Secondary Information Night

We invite all families to our Secondary Information Night on Wednesday 22^nd May from 5.30pm – 6.30pm. This is a great chance to see the fantastic opportunities that are available to our 7-10 students. Please come along!

Goondiwindi Show

Congratulations St Mary’s School for taking out the Champion School Display at this year’s Goondiwindi Show! We took out first place in the inaugural Secondary section and second place in the primary. A huge thank you to our Staff Show Committee for putting this display together.

Year 6 Canberra Fundraiser Disco

Thanks to all who supported our Disco on Friday night to help fundraise for the Year 6 Canberra Trip! I know you all had a great time in your 80s costumes!

Year 7 and 8 Camp

As you read this, our Year 7s and 8s are on their annual camp. We trust that they will have a great time and learn so much! A huge thank you to Mr Bevin Goodes, Ms Chrissy Border, Mrs Abbie Rose and Mr Paul Fomiatti for giving so generously of their time to go along with our students.

Leadership Forum

This week I am in Stanthorpe for the TCSO Leadership Forum. I thank Mr John Shaw for stepping up as Acting Principal in my absence.

Miss Angela Collins
Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Hello St Mary’s community,

It is Week 5 already! Which means that at the end of this week we are half-way through Term 2. Teachers will be busy assessing students and beginning work on the Semester 1 reports.

This week marks the beginning of our annual camp program, with our Year 7 and 8 students away all week at their respective camps. Year 9 and 10 classes will continue as normal, despite several of our teachers away on camps. Here is a list of all of our camps this year:

Term 2:

13-17 May (Week 5) – Year 7 camp (Burleigh Heads)

13-17 May (Week 5) – Year 8 camp (Habitat Noosa Everglades)

4-7 June (Week 8) – Year 9 and 10 camp (Numinbah Valley)

Term 3:

8-13 September (Week 10) – Year 6 Canberra trip

Term 4:

11 October (Week 2) – Year 1 sleepover (St Mary’s School)

14-16 October (Week 3) – Year 5 camp (Emu Gully)

7-8 November (Week 6) – Year 3 camp (Camp Laurence, Lake Moogerah)

Uniform:

Transition week: Just a reminder that this week is the transition week from Summer to Winter uniform. (Students may wear either, but not a mixture of both.) That means that next week (Week 6), students should all be in their winter uniforms.

Sports socks: I have been advised that large sized St Mary’s sports socks (size 11-14) are now in stock at both uniform stores, Schofields and Gundy Clothing.

God bless,

John Shaw
Deputy Principal

Religious Life

Sacramental Program

St Mary's Parish offers children a sacramental journey that begins with Reconciliation at Year 3 or above. Following on from these, children receive the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This is a journey that fully initiates the children into the Catholic Faith. If your child wishes to further their formation and make their Sacraments this year, our first session starts Wednesday 15th May at 3:15pm – 4:00pm in the Library. If you have any questions or information about the program, please contact Karra Suhr karra.suhr@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Family Mass 

Our next Family Mass is Sunday 19^th May at 9:00am – Please note the new time! During this Mass, we will be focusing on the story of the Jesus appearing to his disciples. Please join us for a lovely morning of Mass, Craft and a BBQ.  

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is scheduled for 27^th May to 3^rd June. Students will be participating in activities during class that week. At Friday’s assembly, 31^st May, we will talk about National Reconciliation week, pray for reconciliation amongst our nation and admire the collaborative artwork we are in the process of creating. 

 Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight,

Karra Suhr
Assistant Principal Religious Education

Secondary News

This week, our Year 7 students are embarking on an exciting beach camp at Burleigh Heads, while our Year 8 students are off to their journey camp in Noosa.  As staff members, we are really looking forward to the chance to connect with all the students in a relaxed and informal setting. Likewise, they’ll have the opportunity to get to know us better too. During these camps, we’ll leverage the outdoor classroom to teach concepts and skills that go beyond the typical school environment, nurturing the holistic development of each child.

We’d like to share an update on one of our former students, James Smith.  After successfully completing a rigorous 9-week basic training at Kapooka (just outside Wagga Wagga), James honed his mental and physical abilities. He gained expertise in weapon handling, shooting, first aid, communications, navigation, and field survival. He emerged with a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and confidence. We look forward to learning about his next steps in his professional career.

Our Business Studies class organised a ‘pop-up’ milkshake fundraiser, generating a proud profit of $600. The students researched, planned, budgeted, and executed this successful fundraiser. We really appreciate the support from our school community. Half of the profit will benefit Macintyre Pet Rescue, with the other half allocated to Year 7-10 initiatives.

Our Happy Chemicals

Understanding how we can consciously produce these happy chemicals will help us to look after our mental health and overall wellbeing.

Dopamine (Celebrate)

Dopamine is responsible for that great feeling you get when you achieve a goal. Breaking down big goals into little “sub-goals” creates lots of little finish lines. At each finish line, dopamine is released (if it’s celebrated) and this provides the motivation to continue with determination (It’s crucial to actually celebrate in some way).

Oxytocin (Give)

Oxytocin creates trust and builds healthy relationships. The cultivation of oxytocin is essential for creating strong bonds and improved social interactions. Interpersonal connections such as handshakes, hugging or giving somebody a gift can be used to keep oxytocin flowing and therefore strengthen work and personal relationships. It is sometimes referred to as the “cuddle hormone”.

Serotonin (live and re-live)

Serotonin flows when you feel significant or important. Unhealthy attention-seeking behavior can be a cry out for what serotonin brings. Being grateful and reliving good experiences helps to produce serotonin because, they remind us that we are valued and have much to live for. So, create opportunities to reflect on past achievements, victories and special memories (photographs, music, smells can help).

Endorphins (exercise and laughter)

Endorphins are released in response to pain and stress and helps to alleviate anxiety and depression. It acts as a painkiller and sedative, diminishing our perception of pain. Exercise, dark chocolate, spicy foods and smells such as vanilla and lavender have been linked with the production of endorphins.

Mr Bevin Goodes
Assistant Principal Secondary

Sports Report

Dates for Mac Zone 2024 – Term 2

Athletics Training 

Athletics training started in week 3.   Please join us on a Thursday afternoon at the High School from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.  Students can chose whether to do jumps, throws or a running session for the duration of the afternoon.  This is for those students born 2014 and older.

DD Cross Country

Congratulations to our team of runners who competed at the Darling Downs Cross Country championships on Tuesday, 14^th May. Congratulations to Payton McNaulty, Ivy Offerdahl, Bridie Doherty, Charlotte Persse, Emma McDougall, Molly Giltrow, Joseph Rocks, Jono Webb, Sam Bishop and Robbie Marchant.

State Golf  Championships

A huge congratulations to Beau Wise and Max Matchett who attended the State Golf Championships in Brisbane from May 11 – May 15. 

State Netball Championships

Best wishes to Abbie Pimm (11 years girls) and Jono Webb, Bronson White and Sam Bishop (12 years boys) who are off to the State Netball Championships in Toowoomba on May 25^th and 26^th.  We look forward to hearing about your experience.

State AFL Championships

Best wishes to Ella Dunmill and Jono Webb who are off to the Sunshine Coast for the State AFL Championships from 30^th May to 2^nd June.

Mac Zone rugby union

On Wednesday, 8^th May we had a total of 15 boys trial at the Mac Zone Rugby Union Trials.  Congratulations to the following boys who have been selected in the Mac Zone Rugby Union Team to contest the Darling Downs Trials in Goondiwindi on May 20^th.

Congratulations to the following boys who have gained selection in the Mac Zone Rugby Union team. These boys are off to the Darling Downs trials on Monday 20^th and Tuesday the 21^st May, Digby Morris, Will Warburton, Charlie North, Max Burrows, Harry Baker, Fergus Murray, Hudson Derbidge, Quincy Sharpe, Harrison Carey, Rocky Heeson and Patrick Gleeson.

Mac Zone Soccer

On Friday, 10^th May we had a total of 12 students trial at the Mac Zone Soccer Trials.  Congratulations to the following students who gained selection in the Mac Zone Soccer Team. Jax Field, Mim Makim, Molly Giltrow, Macauley Woods and Piper Rose.

Dates for Secondary School Sport

Border District Cross Country

On Thursday 2nd May, six students braved the wild and windy conditions at Scott’s College, Warwick. Well done to Mila Field, Pip Mooney, Will Robertson, Annie Keeping, Dani Walters and Jack Coggan who ran in some trying conditions and a special mention to Mila Field who earnt a spot on the Border District Cross Country Team. 

Broncos Cup

The Broncos Cup netball carnival (round 1) is on Thursday, May 23^rd at Stanthorpe.  We will have one more training session in week 6 ( May 22^nd) to organise the girls into their teams and hand out uniforms.

Yours in Sport,

Kathy Spicer

(Kathy.Spicer@twb.catholic.edu.au)

Library News

Step Into Stories 2024

Today, our Year 2 and 3 students participated in an online author talk with the fabulous Renne Treml . Renee’s ‘Ollie and Bea’ series is a hit in our library and I am sure that her books will not be on the shelves for the rest of the year! Thank you to the Year 2 and 3 teachers for bringing stories to life in your classrooms!

Tomorrow, the 4/5F class will head to St Thomas More’s school in Toowoomba for an author presentation by the wonderful Nat Amoore. The class have been reading Nat’s books and loving them so I am sure the day will be a hit. Thank you to parents for arriving at school at 7:30am so we can participate! A big thank you to our school leadership team for funding the majority of the bus trip too.

If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail the library staff at:

goondiwindilib@twb.catholic.edu.au

Book Club

BOOK CLUB ISSUE 4

Catalogues will be sent home this week.

Issue 4 orders close Monday 3^rd June at 8pm.

This issue contains:

Please order online through ‘the loop’ as we no longer accept cash orders at school.

All purchases contribute to funds for our school library with all popular fiction titles in our library purchased due to the funds raised through orders – we are most grateful for this – THANK YOU!

Emma Petrie
Teacher Librarian

Extension & Enrichment

Mathematics Challenge

This week we had two teams enter a Mathematics Challenge hosted online by St Ursulla’s College.  Our Year 5/6 Teams competed with 8 Toowoomba schools completing a relay problem solving challenge where students had to run their answer to the supervisor, and were given several attempts at solving a problem, or deciding as a team if they should pass and go on to the next question.  Questions were complex, multi-step problems. Results were recorded online and sent to St Ursulla’s during the morning.  These students worked hard for 2 hours with the level of communication, patience, strategising and manners being outstanding.

Lou Cowley

Student Support Services/Extension and Enrichment

Pastoral

“Bullying” is a term that is misused and results in students, teachers and parents labelling a child a ‘bully.’ The term is used in quotation marks for this reason. With evidence- based theories of Growth Mindset and Unconditional Positive Regard at the forefront, we choose to support our students through their social-emotional development and recognise they are still learning.

The URSTRONG methodology that St Mary’s has adopted, outlines that conflicts are defined into two categories:

-Normal conflict (e.g hurt feelings, misunderstandings) referred to as a Friendship Fire

-Actions that are intentionally unkind or cruel referred to as Mean-on-Purpose behaviour

Below is a Friendship Fire or Mean on Purpose Flow Chart. This demonstrates the language students are taught at school to work through conflicts. If there is Mean-on-Purpose behaviour at school, students are encouraged to give a quick comeback and report to a teacher.

Nicki Wyllie

P-6 Health Teacher & Middle Leader Pastoral P-10

Careers

Exploring Career Paths with the Australian Defence Force

Last week, the year 9 and 10 careers class had the privilege of hosting a visit from the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Representatives from each of the tri-service sectors – the army, navy and the air force – shared their experiences, insights and the myriad of opportunities that await those who choose a career in the ADF.

The ADF members began by recounting their personal journeys. We learned about their diverse backgrounds, the paths that led them to the ADF, and the unwavering commitment and passion they have for serving our nation alongside those whom they have made lifelong friendships.

Our attention then turned to the practical aspects of joining the ADF. Jack and Zara stepped up to demonstrate that they were ready to pass the physical fitness test by surpassing the minimum requirements for pushups with flying colours.

The ADF members spoke about the vast array of career paths available within the ADF from logistics and engineering to nursing and even a musician! They shared how they have been able to travel the world, develop so many skills and fund trade/university qualifications. The students gained a valuable insight into yet just another opportunity that is awaiting them in the coming years.

National Careers Week 13^th – 19^th May 2024

This week marks the annual celebration of National Careers Week. A week dedicated to honouring careers, career development, and the professionals who guide us toward fulfilling vocations.

At St. Mary’s, we embrace National Careers Week with enthusiasm and a range of classroom and lunchtime activities to spark curiosity and interest in career based learning.

Ever wondered what some of our teachers’ first jobs were before they were teachers?! Students read about some of our staff, their first jobs and some of the valuable lessons they learnt during this time.

Later in the week, our secondary students take our younger students on a treasure hunt to find the ‘jobs’ that are hiding in their playground! Lastly, on Friday we judge our ‘Bluey and Bingo do work experience’ colouring competition submissions.

Carly Sheridan

Career Development Practitioner

Yatala Pie Drive

The Musical Committee are holding a pie drive to raise funds for the Lion King Jr musical.  Order forms have been sent home with the eldest student in your family, but a copy can be downloaded using below link. Please feel free to ask your friends and family if they too would like a piece of Yatala’s famous pies!

Details:

Orders Due: Wednesday 19^th June

Pie Collection: Friday 19^th July (Centenary Centre – 3:00pm pick up)

All orders are to be retuned to the school office. Cash or EFTPOS available.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

Kind regards,

Musical Committee

Under 8's Day

School Dental Van

Please click below link for downloadable copy of the Oral Health Registration Form and hand completed form to St Mary's School Office.