LINKS: Term One, Week Nine

From the Principal

Welcome Ana Lyons

On Wednesday 19^th March, we welcomed Mrs Ana Lyons to our staff. Ana joins us as Miss Pip Sullivan takes Maternity Leave. Ana will be teaching Year 2W on a Wednesday and a Thursday and we warmly welcome her to our community.

Parent Engagement Network: Strengthening Home-School Connections: Engaging Parents in Learning

With the introduction of our new Parent Engagement Network, it is vital that we make this new body relevant and successful for our school community. I recently met with Bernadette Kay from Catholic Schools Parents Queensland (CPSQ) who outlined to me that we can tailor this body to suit the specific needs of our community. I am discerning the makeup of the executive and appreciate the Expressions of Interest coming in, please keep them coming. It is exciting to know that we can make this body truly representative of our community’s needs. We will hold our first PEN meeting on Tuesday 13^th May from 5.30 – 6.30 pm in the Library. Please come along for a discussion on how we, as a community, see this new body working for us at St Mary’s School.

Research shows that parental engagement is key to children's academic success. The book 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Engaging Parents by Janet Goodall and Kathryn Weston offers creative, practical strategies for educators to foster meaningful partnerships with families. Here are some highlights:

• Home Learning Challenges: Encourage families to engage in small, fun tasks that tie into the curriculum. For example, setting a nature walk challenge for science or asking parents to share stories about their favourite childhood books.
• Interactive Parent Workshops: Organise sessions where parents learn how to support their children's learning at home, such as decoding phonics or solving math puzzles.
• Celebrating Success Together: Use digital tools like blogs, apps, or social media to share students' achievements, making parents feel part of their child's learning journey.
• Open Communication Channels: Regular updates through newsletters, emails, or school apps build trust and keep parents informed about both successes and areas where support is needed.

By implementing these strategies, schools can create an inclusive, collaborative community that empowers every child to thrive. For more ideas and inspiration, Janet Goodall and Kathryn Weston’s book is a fantastic resource for educators.

Here are additional strategies to strengthen parental engagement in a meaningful way:

• Parent-Led Activities: Invite parents to contribute their skills or hobbies to the classroom, like cooking, gardening, or storytelling. This can foster a sense of belonging while enriching students' experiences.
• Parent Ambassadors: Create a network of parents who can act as liaisons between the school and families, particularly for those who may feel hesitant to engage directly.
• Cultural Celebration Events: Host events that celebrate the diversity of your school community, encouraging parents to share their cultural heritage through food, music, or art.
• Home Reading Partnerships: Provide parents with guidance and resources to read with their children at home. Encourage a shared reading log to promote consistency and engagement.
• Feedback Forums: Arrange informal coffee mornings or online surveys where parents can share their ideas, concerns, or suggestions to improve the school-home partnership.
• Parent Volunteering Schemes: Encourage parents to volunteer for school events, or extracurricular programs, helping them feel more integrated into the school community.

These strategies aim to create a two-way relationship where parents feel valued and empowered to support their children's learning journey. Our new PEN is a great way to bring some of these strategies to life.

NAPLAN

Our Years 3, 5, 7, 9 students have now finished their 2025 NAPLAN tests. A huge congratulations to you all! Thanks so much to Mr John Shaw for his leadership with this.

Op Shop Volunteers

The St Mary’s Op Shop are seeking volunteers to assist. If you are interested, or know of anyone who would be interested, please contact Annette Billsborough on annetteb06@bigpond.com

Angela Collins
Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Hello St Mary’s community,

NAPLAN

I am very pleased to report that our NAPLAN testing is completed for 2025! All the tests went very well, with only a few minor technical glitches. Our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students sat a combined total of 440 tests, mainly across 4 days. This included 18 catchup tests held over an additional 5 test sessions.

Well done to our students for the positive way in which they approached their tests, and a special thank you to our teachers and staff for their assistance in supervising them.

PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Bookings

We will hold our first Parent-teacher interviews on the student-free day at the beginning of Term 2, Tuesday 22^nd April. We are trying something a little different this time, with interviews running from 1pm to 4.30pm. Please look out for the notification on your Sentral Parent Portal. I am aiming to have these bookings open now (Wednesday 26^th March) until the end of term (Friday 4^th April). Last year some parents missed the cutoff for making a booking, so please ensure you access the Parent Portal before Friday 4^th April. Note that due to the complexity of our timetable, some of our Specialist teachers (eg Health teacher) will be holding interviews via email requests rather than from the Parent Portal. Further details will be communicated to you about this.

The Benefits of Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-teacher interviews are a vital part of our school community. These meetings provide a unique opportunity for parents and teachers to collaborate on a child's educational journey. By discussing a student's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, parents gain valuable insights into their child's learning experience. Teachers, in turn, benefit from understanding the child's home environment and any external factors that may influence their performance. This open communication fosters a supportive network, ensuring that students receive the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive academically and personally. Let's work together to support our students' success!

As this is the last Links for Term 1, I wish you a safe and refreshing break with your family.

God bless,

John Shaw
Deputy Principal

Religious Life

Welcome to Week 9! As we move further into the sacred season of Lent, we take this time to reflect, renew, and prepare our hearts. It is a meaningful time for our school community, as we encourage one another in acts of kindness, prayer, and selflessness. Together, we continue to deepen our understanding of the Lenten season and its importance in our spiritual lives.

With just two weeks remaining until the end of term, there’s a buzz of excitement throughout the school! The final stretch promises to be filled with wonderful opportunities for learning, growth, and celebration. From engaging class activities and finishing assessment, to our Easter Liturgy, Colour Warrior and Cross Country, we’re looking forward to making these last week’s memorable for our students.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. Let us continue to journey through this season of Lent with purpose and joy, as we prepare for the blessings that lie ahead.

Easter Liturgy

Our Easter liturgy is scheduled for Friday 4^th April at 9:45am (last day of term). Our Year 8 students will be organising this liturgy. We warmly welcome all our community to join us in during this solemn occasion.  The Resurrection of Christ will be celebrated upon the students’ return in Term 2.

Calling for Participants in Our Sacramental Program

We are excited to announce that our upcoming Sacramental Program is now open for enrolments! This is a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to deepen their faith journey and participate in the preparation for key sacraments within our community.

Whether your child is preparing for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation, we warmly invite you to be part of this meaningful program.

If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me either by phone or email (karra.suhr@twb.catholic.edu.au)

If you’re interested in joining, please attend a short meeting on Wednesday 7^th May at 5:30pm in the Church.

ANZAC Day March

We encourage our school community to participate in the town's ANZAC March, taking place on Friday, 25th April.

Students are asked to gather in full formal summer uniform in front of the Anglican Church at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am start. Students are welcome to wear medals, badges or bring memorabilia. We also require all students to bring a hat.  

ANZAC Day Liturgy

We warmly invite you to join us for our ANZAC Day Liturgy, a special occasion to honour and remember the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our nation. The liturgy will take place on Monday, 28th April, at 8:45 am in the Centenary Centre.

We thank 4M for preparing and presenting our liturgy, it is sure to be a reflective and heartfelt gathering for all.

Mother’s Day

We invite you to our Mother's Day Liturgy, prepared with love by our Year 1L class. This special celebration will take place on Friday, 9th May, at 8:45 am in the Centenary Centre. It will be a heartfelt occasion to honour and cherish the incredible mothers and mother figures in our community.

Additionally, keep an eye out for information about our Mum’s at The Movies Night, which will be released very soon. It promises to be a fun and social evening, so stay tuned for all the details!

Wishing you all a great week!

Karra Suhr
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

Secondary News

TRP Update: Meditation:

In our Monday morning resilience project lessons, we're currently focusing on mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the ability to be calm and the ability to be present.

Creating an inner peace even when the outside world feels chaotic.

While meditation is traditionally seen as a way to achieve tranquillity and self-awareness, today it is increasingly recognised for its role in enhancing resilience and mental health. Central to The Resilience Project, mindfulness serves as a valuable tool for improving overall well-being. Rather than just depicting tranquil individuals in peaceful settings, The Resilience Project highlights how meditation can foster emotional strength.

Mindfulness has roots in multiple philosophical traditions, especially Buddhism, and is now adapted to address modern mental health challenges.

A compelling example of mindfulness can be found in an Indian school, where voluntary meditation sessions attracted high attendance. Students reported experiencing greater calmness and improved focus, demonstrating the effectiveness of engaging in meditation without compulsion.

In our lessons, students will learn about Phil Jackson, the legendary coach who led the Chicago Bulls to six championships alongside star players like Michael Jordan, and the LA Lakers to five championships with icons such as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Recognised as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, Jackson's mindfulness techniques will be explored. Students will watch a video highlighting his practices, including concepts like: One breath, one mind; Take a breath, reset, collect yourself; yoga; stillness. They will then discuss how these mindfulness strategies may have contributed to building the Chicago Bulls' mental resilience, such as the importance of resetting after a tough call on the court.

The Resilience Project demonstrates that meditation is a powerful practice that goes beyond traditional beliefs, empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges effectively.

Unlocking Growth: The Power of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is a vital tool for personal growth and academic success. It involves introspecting on our experiences, actions, and motivations, helping us understand our strengths and weaknesses. In an academic context, it allows students to evaluate their learning processes, identify effective strategies, and make necessary adjustments. Beyond academics, self-reflection fosters self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and accountability, empowering individuals to take responsibility for their actions. Incorporating self-reflection into daily routines can be simple, such as journaling or engaging in meaningful conversations. Embracing this practice promotes a culture of introspection, enhancing our potential for growth and achievement.

Bevin Goodes
Assistant Principal Secondary

Pastoral

URSTRONG Friendship Spotters

Our House Captains have been keeping a close eye out for younger students displaying the friendship skills they’re learning during our Health lessons this term. Whether they are on the playground, in the hallways, or in their classrooms, these captains are noticing and celebrating acts of kindness, playing fair, helping others, trust and respect. These are true Friendship Ninja traits!

Using a common language of Friendship across our school helps us to create and foster a culture of kindness. This ensures for a safe, friendly and supportive atmosphere for all to learn. 

Congratulations to our House Captains who are really getting into the spirit, even dressing up as they present their awards at Monday morning parade.

For more information or Pastoral concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Nicki Wyllie
Middle Leader: Pastoral

Nicola.wyllie@twb.catholic.edu.au

Sports Report

We're wrapping up the term with busy last 2 weeks of sport! It's been an incredible term, with so many students competing in a variety of sports. Term 2 promises to be just as exciting! A big thank you to all the parents for supporting your child's sport. I know it takes a lot of sacrifices to give your child these opportunities, Please see the dates below for the upcoming sports events in Term 2.

DD Swimming  

Congratulations to the following swimmers who are representing Darling Downs at the Swimming State Championships from March 23rd to 25th in Chandler! We look forward to hearing how the competition goes. So far, many of them have smashed their personal bests in their events. Keep up the great work!

10 year olds – Sam Scudamore 

11 year olds –  Jim Jekyll 

12 year olds – Bronson White & Piper Rose 

Darling Downs Cricket  

Congratulations to Chase for being selected to the Darling Downs Country Cricket Team! He competed against the Darling Downs City Team on Monday, March 24th, and Tuesday, March 25th, in Warwick. Well done, Chase, we can’t wait to hear how the competition went!

Congratulations to Piper Rose and Georgia Wild for their outstanding performance at the Darling Downs Cricket Trials last Friday! Both have been selected to join the team and will proudly represent Darling Downs in September!

Mac Zone Rugby League  

Good luck to the 28 students we have competing at the Mac Zone Rugby League Trials this Wednesday 26^th March!

Mac Zone Basketball  

Good luck to the 16 students we have competing at the Mac Zone Basketball Trials this Thursday 27^th March.

DD AFL 10-12 years  

Good luck to the following students who will be attending the Darling Downs AFL Trials on Monday 31^st March:

Jim Jekyll, Kate Quinlan, Huson Derbidge, Bronson White and Charlie North.

DD Netball

Best of luck to our students representing Mac Zone at the Darling Downs Netball Trials on Tuesday 1^st April:

Eliza Brownlie, Lucy Coleborn, Bridie Doherty, Elsie McDonald, Kate Quinlan, Max Burrow, Harrison Carey, Hudson Derbidge, Fred Giltrow, Patrick Gleeson, Lizzy Hayes, Payton McNaulty, Grace Vukovich, Bronson White and Georgia Wild.

These students trained hard in their teams last week and are ready for a competitive competition. Go out there and give it your best!

Cross Country Training 

Our last Cross Country training for the Term will be on Friday 28^th March. We will continue these sessions into Term 2.  

Those 9 this year and onwards are welcome to join in.  Please meet me and Mr Goodes in the Undercover area by 7am.  Most sessions will be held at the town park.  We will run down there and run back to school.  We should be back on campus by 8.15am to allow for you to organise your own breakfast and get changed. 

Laura Geitz Cup

Congratulations to our Laura Geitz Team who competed on Sunday 16th March:

Bronte Dennis, Anabelle Hilton, Pip Mooney, Stella Reardon, Lara Schmidt, Eliza Scudamore, Lexi Boyd, Jarin Charles, Tyler Dillon.

These students played so well together as a team and strengthened their skills throughout the day. It was a great experience for everyone.

Once again, a special thank you to Grace Leadbetter and Zara Dennis who travelled to Toowoomba to coach and mentor the team! Thank you girls!

Term 1 Primary Sport Dates

Term 1 Secondary Sport Dates

Term 2 Primary Sport Dates

Term 2 Secondary Sport Dates

Cross Country

St Mary’s School Cross Country is scheduled for Thursday, April 3rd, at Riddles Oval. Bus students will be dropped off at Riddles Oval, while all other students should make their own way there by 8:30am (NOT to school). Students are to meet their teachers at 8:35am for roll call. Once the rolls have been marked, students will walk the track to familiarise themselves with the course.

Please note, there will be no canteen available, so students need to bring their own morning tea. Students will return to school in time for lunch. We will provide more information soon if there are any tuckshop specials available for lunch.

Prep – Year 4 students will be bussed back to school, while Year 5 – Year 10 students will walk back to school with their teachers. Students will follow their normal after-school pick-up arrangements.

Please keep an eye on your emails, as I am finalising the program, including course maps and the order of events, which will be emailed to families as soon as possible.

Below are the distances for each age group. This year, we are offering a House fun run option for students in Year 3 to Year 10. This will be a 1.2km course and will take place after all the races. Students who do not wish to run in their competitive race can participate in the fun run instead. All participants will still earn a point for their house. We encourage students to think carefully about this choice and ensure it reflects their ability. Students who wish to participate in both the competitive race and the house fun run are welcome to do so. There are no places or ribbons in the fun run event, as it is an opportunity for students to earn a point for their house. One student runner = one point. Students born in 2017 and 2016 can run 800m instead of the 1.2km.

Additionally, I have included a King and Queen of the Course event in the program this year. The top two students from each age group (10 years to 16 years) in their competitive race will have the opportunity to compete in the King or Queen of the Course. Students will run 1.2km, and the winner of this event will be crowned King or Queen of the Course.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to sending out the program with more information as soon as possible.

Running Schedule 

The following times are APPROXIMATES.  

Rommy Beckinsale 
Middle Leader: Sport

rommy.beckinsale@twb.catholic.edu.au

Library News

Holiday Borrowing will occur in week 10 for students in Years 2+ who wish to borrow for the break. Students are asked to please ensure that they have all library books with them in week 10 for returning or re borrowing for holiday reading.

Parent/Teacher Interviews: I will be on long service leave during interviews this year. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child and borrowing/reading with me please feel free to e-mail me to set up a time to meet or a phone chat. I am always happy to catch up with parents, it helps me to understand how I can help the children with borrowing suitable reading material.

50c book sale. In week 10 we will be holding a 50c book sale with all funds going to Caritas. Please see the image below for more details.

Have a great week and Easter break everyone!

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the library staff at:

goondiwindilib@twb.catholic.edu.au

Student Support

Sound Scouts – Prep Hearing Screeners

At St Mary's this semester, we are offering free hearing checks to our prep students. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please click on the link below to give consent for the hearing screener or complete the attached consent form and return it to school.

https://ssimpl.soundscouts.com.au/portal/players/intake_form/3730ec53-d30c-41f2-afe6-bcd4d072dab9/

After I have completed the screener on your child, I will email you with the results, and share any further steps the program recommends.

An estimated 1 in 10 children suffer from hearing loss which left undetected can lead to speech, learning and behavioural problems. The Sound Scout App allows us to screen our students through 3 interactive games, testing speech-in-quiet, tone-in-noise and speech-in-noise.

Collaborating with the National Acoustic Laboratories, Sound Scouts have created this online hearing test app that delivers an immediate report, including next steps if a hearing loss is detected.

Allison Marsh 
Middle Leader - Learning Support & Student Services

Guidance Counsellor

Behind the screen: unpacking kids' access to social media

eSafety's new report shows widespread underage use of social media and minimal measures to prevent kids signing up. The report shares the results of a national survey looking at the social media use of Australian children aged 8-15. It also includes information provided directly by social media platforms YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snap, Reddit, Discord and Twitch.

Key insights include:

• 95% of children aged 13-15 reported using at least one of the 8 social media services in 2024
• 80% of children aged 8-12 used one or more social media services in 2024
• The most popular platforms for kids aged under 13 were YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram
• YouTube was the only platform that allows access to users under 13 (through a supervised family account).

eSafety suggests that with potential widespread breaches of minimum age policies, social media services need to make it harder for underage users to sign up. They also highlight the need to determine age accurately to ensure that children who are old enough to be on the services have strong safety measures in place by default.

See the report: report

Paul Fomiatti
Guidance Counsellor 

E Paul.Fomiatti@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Student Council

Grace Morrissy
Student Council Executive

COMMUNITY NEWS

Goondiwindi Show - Friday 2nd - Saturday 3rd May 2025

Please see below link to the Show Schedule Cookery and Entry Form. White plates will be available for collection at the school office.