Dear Parents,

What a fantastic week. Three wonderful performances of our school play, Animal Utopia, and one dress rehearsal saw a very tired group of teachers and students at the back end of the week.

I am amazed that children just twelve years and under can put together, coordinate and perform to the level they did. From the cute Kindergarten bunnies that opened the show to our Year Six students closing the performance singing "Try Everything"  all students can be proud of what they achieved.

The demands placed on our main actors was huge with lots of lines to remember and they did this admirably. A few little hiccups at times reminded us that they were just kids ‘having a go.’

I thank all students, staff and parents who assisted in any way. Special mention to Michael Croke who organised the lighting and sound for all performances. Our Hennessy helpers – Josie Challen, Faith Hardy, Azalea Sullivan, Elise Richard, Cady Aiken, Emily Buck & Sammy Malkav, thank you for the countless hours of asstisting. The production of the play was driven by three staff members who I would like to thank individually; Mrs Connelly, Mrs Challen and Mrs Roberts. Thank you for the countless hours you put into rehearsals, pulling costumes together and building backdrops. You should justifiably have a deep sense of pride in what you produced.

It is one of those events that stay with students for many years and for our lead actors, most of their lives.

Three-way Conferences

Today families will be able to log into the Compass app and select a time that suits them for their three way conference next Wednesday. Sessions run for 10 minutes. Some teachers, due to several late nights this week, will also be offering alternate times next week. A reminder that your child is to attend these meetings with you.

Father’s Day Breakfast

On the 1st September we will be holding a Father’s Day breakfast commencing at 8.15am. This will be followed by a prayer service at the commencement of school. We ask all dads, uncles and grandads to come along and enjoy a bacon and egg roll with their child/children.

Mr Hughes will be at a principal’s meeting out of town on that day so we are looking for volunteers who can assist with the BBQ that morning. If you can assist, can you please inform the front office.

Working Bee

On the 17th September at 9am we will be holding our working bee for 2023. This is a chance for parents to meet other parents while helping with the beautification and maintenance of facilities at St Mary’s. Our main focus will again be painting the uprights on our walkways and verandahs.

There is a lot of wood that needs painting so we are hoping for a good roll up of parents. With lots going on we thought we might combine this with a Men of St Mary’s get together and have a BBQ and Beers afterwards so please set this date aside in your calendar.

Just a reminder that you can access the school calendar via the school website - St Mary's Primary School. This calendar also populates the COMPASS calendar on the COMPASS parent portal. 

SAFETY AROUND AFTERNOON PICK UPS: ANOTHER CONVERNING CLOSE CALL

We have had another close miss this week, where a student was nearly hit by a car in Molloy Place due to people who have parked in the no parking zones. These zones help motorists keep a clear line of sight on the road and if people park in them, the safety of children is compromised as there is less visibility for motorists.

Please do not disobey the traffic signs around our school and consider the safety of students before convenience.

The police are aware and will be increasing their patrols around St Mary’s before and after school. Thank you to those families who continue to support the safety of students.

WESTERN REGION PUBLIC SPEAKING ON MONDAY

Congratulations to our St Mary’s public speaking representatives who will compete against the other Western Region schools on Monday.

We wish them luck as they talk their way around topics like My Backyard, Sport Brings Us Together, Learning From the Past and Difficult Journeys. 

Gook luck to:

Year 3: Ezra Sharpe 

Year 4: Amity SUllivan

Year 5: Jesse Gault

Year 6: Eli Terry

Mrs Katie Thompson

GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33

And at once he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he sent the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now some furlongs from land, was hard pressed by rough waves, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea, and when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. 'It is a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, 'Courage! It's me! Don't be afraid.' It was Peter who answered. 'Lord,' he said, 'if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.' Jesus said, 'Come.' Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but then noticing the wind, he took fright and began to sink. 'Lord,' he cried, 'save me!' Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. 'You have so little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?' And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.'

REFLECTION

This week’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew is the story of the apostles being tossed about by a violent storm at sea.  The wind was so fierce that the apostles were terrified that their boat would sink and they might even die! When Jesus walked on the water toward them, it seems that they would have been reassured. Instead they became even more afraid.

Even when Jesus spoke to them and reassured them that it truly was him, they still did not believe!  Peter replies, “If it really is you, Jesus, let me come to you.” Peter needed proof that this “apparition” truly was Jesus.  Jesus heeded Peter’s request by simply replying, “Come.” 

We all have some doubts inside us like Peter did. We often ask for “proof” of Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ call. In turbulent or painful times is Jesus also asking us to trust?  Are we willing to take the risk, step out and make that “trust walk,” believing that Jesus will enable us to get through our difficult times?  Let us pray for the grace to trust that Jesus is always with us — especially when we need him the most! (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

YEAR 3 MASS

Next Friday, Year 3 will be celebrating their class mass at 9:30am in the Prayer Room.  We extend a warm welcome to all members of our school community to join us for this celebration.

God Bless,

Warren Ziebowski

(Religious Education Coordinator)

Archdiocesan Athletics Carnival

We wish our squad of athletes heading to Canberra tomorrow the very best of luck as they compete for selection in the Archdiocesan Athletics Team. Henry Aiken, Zander Ashton, Annabel Bailey, Chloe Buck, Kynan Burgess, Zoe Caldwell, Mercadez Cartwright, Madison Clarke, Nixon Gault, Amelia McRae, Oscar McRae, Sam Presser, Harry Robinson, Evelyn Sinclair, James Sinclair and Sarah Webber.

We wish our Junior Girls Relay good luck - Indi Brown, Bella Robinson, Harlee Cartwright & Zoe Caldwell.

We wish our Senior Girls Relay good luck - Mercadez Cartwright, Sarah Webber, Chloe Buck & Amelia McRae

We wish our Senior Boys Relay good luck - Zander Ashton, Leo Holt, Toby Edwards & Sam Presser.

Go St Mary’s!!

Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival

A reminder the Compass permission for this event closes tonight. We need to submit our teams to the organisers very early this year. Please ensure you have completed the permission form via Compass so that your child can be placed in a team. We cannot accept late permissions once the teams are full. Open to students in Year 2 to 6 to play either netball or touch football. The cost is $6 per child payable via Compass or to the Front Office.

If you have any questions please contact me at school or via email.

Basketball Sessions

Weeks 6 & 7 Sport Days

Kindergarten -  Wednesday & Friday

Year 4 - Tuesday & Wednesday

Other class sessions:

Year 5 & 6 - Weeks 8, 9 & 10

Harden Trent Barrett Legends Gala Day

Could all shirts, shorts and socks please be returned by Wednesday to Mrs Challen in the STEM room to have their name marked off please.

St Mary's will celebrate our father figures  in week 7.

Wednesday 30th August - all classes will be able to purchase from the Father’s Day Stall. A variety of gifts will be available for purchase for $2 to $5. Children are asked to bring their money on the day to purchase a special treat for Dad.  

Thursday 31st August – the Father’s Day Stall will be open for students who missed out or want to purchase an extra gift for another special father figure.

Friday 1st September – 8am Brekkie on the lawn. The Raffle will be drawn. 

                          - 8:50 Whole School Prayer Service. Everyone Welcome. 

The Ladies of St Mary's will come together for a Paint & Sip with Megan Holt on 16th September. Cost is $70 per head (maximum of 20 spots available). Cash payment is required to secure your spot with final numbers due by 8th September. Book in early to avoid disappointment.