Mr Butts' Announcements
FIRE Carriers Announced
Our Student FIRE Carriers for 2023 were announced at assembly this week. Congratulations to Jayden Atkinson, Jessica Newson, Noah Woods, Louise Garcia, Izel Davis, Savannah Hooker Zac Hardisty and Budd Haig.
Our FIRE Carriers play an important role in educating others about the importance of Reconciliation and leading events throughout the year.
Remembrance Day
The school paused on Friday 11th November for a Remembrance Day service. The FIRE Carriers attended the local service at the cenotaph and laid a wreath on behalf of the school.
MacKillop Art Exhibition
MacKillop Art Exhibition 2022
The annual MacKillop Art Exhibition was launched at Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo on Friday November 11th. The exhibition showcases student artworks from across the Sandhurst Diocese featuring paintings, photographs, sculpture, media and prints.
Four St Mary's students had work submitted. Jayden Atkinson (Gr 5), Bella Walsh (Gr 3), Ella Davkovski (Gr 6) and Eddie Gladman (Prep). Bella's piece was chosen to be part of the people's choice awards (see link below), what a great achievement!
The exhibition can be viewed online at the Catholic Education Sandhurst website at www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/mae/ where you can cast your vote in the People’s Choice awards, or in person at the Cathedral, for both Primary and Secondary winners.
Social Justice Scholarship
St Mary's has been successful in being awarded the Philomena Billington Justice through the arts scholarship. $15,000 has been allocated to St Mary's and we will be creating a new indigenous "Dreaming Garden" which includes artwork depicting dreamtime creation stories. Thank you to Mrs Dyke who put together the application and Marissa Kerr our Koori Education Officer, who will be assisting with the project.
Confirmation
Our final Confirmation mass was celebrated last weekend. Congratulations to Joseph LaGamba, Josh Ulrich, Sienna Dean, Aiden Garcia and Ruby Briggs.
T20 Cricket
Congratulations to the students who represented St Mary's playing in the T20 cricket competition last Friday. Our girls team won their grand final and our boys team lost their grand final narrowly. Both teams will be taking part in the regional finals on Friday. Good luck kids!
2023 Specialist Classes
I am very excited to announce that St Mary's will offer 4 specialist classes in 2023. Performing Arts (Music & Drama) and Italian will be added to weekly Physical Education and Visual Arts lessons. Mrs Hicks will be stepping into the Performing Arts teacher role while 3 teachers will be sharing Italian - Ms Thompson (Gr 1/2), Mrs Brown (Gr 3/4) and Miss Eyles (Gr 5/6). Mr Preston and Mrs Wilson will continue to teach PE and Art.
High School Captains
Some ex St Mary's students have been named captains at their respective high schools recently. Notre Dame College: Toby Williams (House Captain) and Ben Woods (College Vice Captain).
Greater Shepparton Secondary College: Andrew Kentalla (College Captain) and Paige Hogan (Ovens House Captain). Congratulations to them all on this wonderful achievement.
End of Year Dates
Friday 2nd December Staff Planning Day (Pupil Free Day)
Tuesday 13th December Christmas Carols and End of Year Picnic 6pm (at school)
Thursday 8th December Gr 6 Graduation Night
Friday 9th December Gr 6 Fun Day
Monday 12th December End of Year Mass 9:45am
Tuesday 13th November Orientation Day
Thursday 15th December Final Assembly & Farewell to departing families.
Thursday 15th December Last Day of School for Students. 2:20pm dismissal.
First Day of school 2023 Monday 30th January
End of Year Christmas Carols and School Picnic
Due to John Gray oval being out of action, we have rescheduled our end of year Christmas carols and school picnic. It will now take place on the school oval on Tuesday 13th December, beginning at 5:30pm.
Financial Relief
There are many avenues of financial and other relief for flood affected families:
Junior Playground for Sale
We will be replacing our Junior Playground in 2023. If anyone would like to purchase the old one please contact me at school. All equipment and concrete footings will be required to be removed. Playground will be sold to the highest bidder.
Photos
We had some amazing photos of the school during the floods. Thanks to those who sent them through.
Assembly 14th November
Assembly 21st November
Principal's Award
Week 7 Jai Mullane. Jai is the ultimate quiet achiever who flies under the radar as an excellent student in every aspect. He is always doing the right thing and is happy to compromise when a problem arises. Thanks for being such a wonderful role model for others Jai!
Week 7 Rylee Mateussen. Rylee is a very understanding and considerate student. She works hard in the classroom and is a loyal friend. Rylee is a very resilient young person and bounces back when faced with any challenges. Well done Rylee.
Prep Transition
It has been wonderful to see our Preps for next year at school taking part in their transition sessions.
Lunchtime Clubs
Many of our students attend lunchtime clubs which run each day at School.
Monday - Recess - Indoor Games (1/2JM), Lunch - Gr P/1/2 Yoga (Marian Centre)
Tuesday - Recess - Lego (Library Breakout Room), Lunch - Drawing (1/2FD)
Wednesday - Recess - Sensory Activities (5/6MH), Lunch - Just Dance (Marian Centre)
Thursday - Recess - Make & Do (5/6 MH), Lunch - Board Games (Marian Centre)
Friday - Recess - Just Dance (Marian Centre), Lunch -Lego (Library Breakout Room)
Mr Butts' Jokes!
Q: What parts of your body always lose?
A: Da Feet!
Q: Which is faster, hot or cold?
A: Hot, because you can catch a cold!
Anthony Butts
Principal
Be Good to people and the world will be good to you.