Principal

Dear Parent and Carers,

The President of Turkey

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 1934

“Those heroes that shed their blood

And lost their lives.

You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.

Therefore, rest in peace.

There is no difference between the Johnnies

And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side

Here in this country of ours,

You, the mothers,

Who sent their sons from faraway countries

Wipe away your tears,

Your sons are now lying in our bosom

And are in peace

After having lost their lives on this land they have

Become our sons as well”.

ANZAC Day continues to have larger crowds in attendance to remember those (and many so young) who went to war. Thankyou to Mrs Egan (Defence Mentor) for organising St Mary’s attendance and to Mrs Gordon and our Student Leaders for representing St Mary’s at the Dawn and Morning Services.

Some of history’s great poets lived during the First World War. ‘In Flanders Fields’ is a poem that is regarded as one of the masterpieces of World War I Iiterature.  Written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915, the poem is associated with ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, popularising the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers.  A poem for the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who died in combat.

The futility of war is never more present than what is happening in our world right now. A visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula brings feelings of hopelessness and the badge of courage, as one walks amongst the endless graves of young men.  

ANZAC Day is indeed a time to remember the fallen and its purpose is also to remind humankind to learn from history. 

In Flanders Fields

Canadian surgeon Lt. Col. John D. McCrae, 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Manners that are genuine not forced.

It is with a deep sense of gratitude and pride to mention the Year 3 and 4 Camp to Phillip Island in Week One of Term Two. The children were outstanding and the Camp staff spoke glowingly of their behaviour and manners. This week Year 7 were on camp in the Grampians at Halls Gap. 

No dollar price can be put on good manners and at St Mary’s, we pride ourselves on all members of our College community modelling to each other. To hear the camp venue staff say, “St Mary’s students’ manners are genuine not forced.” reminds me that a village (home and school) working together, sets our students up for success in and out of the classroom.

Thank you to our parents who joined us on the Year 3 and 4 Camp: Kate Sartori, Amy Blades, Amanda Divito, Kylie Taylor, Madelaine Richards, Hayley and Ewan Jack. You were wonderful!

Sacred Heart Centre

When asked what do you think of the new building a Year 12 student said, “this building is sic. “

We can take that comment as a vote of approval from our seniors. There is still internal graphics to be added and oval side landscaping to complete. A date will be set for an official opening for families and parishioners to have an open morning.

Mother's Day/Special Person's Breakfast

There will be a breakfast to celebrate special people in our lives on Friday May 8th

in the Quadrangle from 7:45-8:30. We hope our mums, grandmothers and special carers and persons in the lives of our students have a restful and happy Mother’s Day.

Flourishing Learners

MACS will visit St Mary’s next week to observe and profile our College’s approach to learning and teaching. MACS know that St Mary’s has a proactive and progressive approach to students moving forward. MACS Danny Jabe Flourishing Learners, Program Lead Education, Strategy & Performance is keen to share our learning story with other MACS schools. 

MACS Digital Reimagination 

MACS are undergoing a significant and lifelong change with their use of ICT and how its systems can better benefit school and workloads. St Mary’s has been invited to join a very small group of schools to advise MACS on how the MACS Digital Reimagination program can best benefit 300 schools’ needs.

What glorious weather we experience during Autumn. Driving out to the Grampians the sheep are leaving heavy dust trails walking across the paddocks – the ground is brown. May the heavens bring the rain that is needed for stock and ploughed and seeded fields.

We often remind our students that St Mary’s does not shy away from challenges. We take on any school in competition regardless of their size or facilities. Our rep swimmers do that time and time again. How proud we are of you all. 

Go St Mary’s!

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

DipEd (ACU) DipREd (ACU) Bed (ACU) GradCertEdAdmin (Edith Cowan) 

GradDipREd (ACU) MEdAdmin (Charles Sturt) MTheoStudies (BBITAITE)