Catholic Identity

Grandparents Day 

At St Mary's, we always look forward to opportunities to celebrate the important people in our learners' lives. Grandparents Day provides a special opportunity to recognise and honour the love, wisdom, and support that grandparents and special older family members bring to our school community. We are grateful for the positive influence they have on our children's lives and look forward to sharing this joyful celebration together. 

On Monday 26th October at 11.30am we invite all Grandparents and special people to join us for liturgy on the school oval, followed by activities to share with your grandchild/ren. Lunch will also be provided for our special guests. 

Please mark this important celebration in your diary and let these important people know! 

Donations sought 

In readiness for Grandparents Day, we are seeking donations or loans of games for use on the day. Suggestions include simple jigsaw puzzles, Uno card games, Noughts and Crosses, Memory board games, Connect 4 and Twister. Please place your name on your game/s to ensure it can be returned to you. All games may be left at the front office. Thank you in advance. 

G’day Weekend Mass 

On Sunday the Healy Community will lead the congregation in prayer and song at St Mary’s Church for the G’day Weekend Mass. We look forward to our learners, family and staff gathering with the Parish community. A small plate of Morning tea would be welcome as we will gather as a community following Mass. I look forward to seeing you there. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation 

We pray for our Year 3 learners as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Give them courage to reflect honestly on their choices, humility to say sorry when they have made mistakes, and confidence to trust in your endless compassion. Bless their families, teachers, and parish community as they support and guide them on this special faith journey. 

Reconciliation (officially called the Sacrament of Penance and also known as Confession) is a Sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in his love and mercy to offer us forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God. At the same time, we are reconciled with the Church because it is also wounded by our sins. 

Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people and God. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and the Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Christ and his Church, make reparation for what we have done, and resolve to try to do better in the future. 

Season of Creation Art Competition – People's Choice 

This year learners from Years Foundation, One and Two participated in the Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Art Competition. This year’s ‘Living Water’ theme inspired a large collection of thoughtful and creative submissions. 

Public voting for the People’s Choice Awards is now open. 

To place a vote, visit the link below, select the year level, view the artwork, note the code (top left of the page) and place your vote. 

Go to: www.caritas.org.au/art-comp 

Note: To vote, you will need to enter your name and email address. You can only vote once per artwork, although you can vote for more than one artwork.  

Public voting closes: Monday 19th October at 5:00 pm 

Socktober 

Socktober is an initiative from Catholic Mission and engages Australian learners to make a difference by raising awareness and critical funds for mission programs supporting children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds in many countries around the world. Socktober and October provide our community with an opportunity to help others in need.  

This year our learners are encouraged to wear OdD SoCkS (crazy or colourful socks accepted!) to school on Friday 30th October in support of this fundraising effort and to bring two coins: one for each sock! 

A small gesture to make a big difference in the lives of others. 

Parade of Saints on Sunday 1st November 2026 

In celebration of All Saints Day, St Mary’s Parish have introduced the Parade of Saints in our parish, and this year they have extended the invitation to the St Mary’s learners and families as well. 

Learners are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite saint and participate during Sunday Mass at 9.30am. No need for expensive or elaborate costumes - simple and creative is perfectly fine. 

Mass & Liturgy Timetable 

Colleen Hampson 

Leader of Pedagogy: Catholic Identity