Catholic Identity 

Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation 

Some of our Grade 3 learners are currently preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  

This Sacrament engages a process of conversion or change that involves acknowledging one's sins or failings, experiencing God's mercy through confession to a priest, and committing to making a change for the better.  

Learners will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Mary's Church on Wednesday 19th November at 6.30pm. 

I ask that you keep these young people in your prayers as they prepare for this important occasion in their faith journey: 

Levi Spence 

Sofia Montgomery 

Brady Richardson 

Hudson Russ 

Ryder Bourke 

Samuel Farrant 

Cyrus Stafrace 

Kevin Lukose 

F.I.R.E. Carriers 

Last week we welcomed Michael Chisholm, CESL Aboriginal Team leader, to present to the Years 4 and 5 learners regarding the role of a F.I.R.E. Carrier (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education). 

Michael spoke of the ongoing responsibility we each have to continue to promote peace, justice and reconciliation. Promoting respect, fairness and inclusion for Aboriginal people is everyone’s responsibility, yet the role of a F.I.R.E. Carrier is to embrace this commitment and to serve as a model for others. Learners have the opportunity to complete an Application form demonstrating their interest and reasons for interest in this position.  

Socktober ‘Knee Up Challenge’ 

Each classroom constructed their own Sock-ball using many of the donated odd socks collected over the month of October. On Wednesday last week the challenge was put out there for a representative from each Classroom to compete against a staff member from their Year level, participating in a ‘Knee Up’ challenge. 

A difficult challenge, particularly when not one of these ‘balls’ was actually round! 

The highest number of Knee Ups was conducted by Carter Harvey in Year 6 with a total of 7 consecutive Knee Ups! Congratulations Carter! 

Avenues to recycle all socks donated are being explored, saving these materials from landfill. 

Remembrance Day 

Remembrance Day is one of the most important days on our commemorative calendar. It's a day when we acknowledge those who died or suffered while serving in wars, conflicts and peace operations. Remembrance Day is held on 11 November each year. 

On Tuesday 11th November at 11.30am the whole school will gather at the flagpoles for a service to commemorate this day.  

Caritas Just Leadership Day 

On Friday 14th November, St Mary’s will host the ‘Just Leadership Day’ welcoming Sandhurst Diocesan Coordinator, Kerry Stone along with some of our Cluster Primary schools to a learning opportunity for our future leaders. This learning opportunity is offered to a small group of Year 5 learners from our cluster of schools including Kerang, Cohuna and Elmore. We congratulate the following learners who have been selected to represent St Mary’s Primary School: 

Aisha Burke 

Grace Dicketts 

Georgie Serpell 

Sadie Dobell 

Evie Gillie 

Pippa Lloyd 

Luca McCallum 

Parker Finn 

Emily Parker 

Advent and Mission - St Mary’s ‘Giving Tree’ 

This term all Year levels have been learning about how we can reach out and serve others. Many classrooms have been exploring the concept of service within our communities and identifying how they can use their gifts within their 

Community to support others. 

As we approach the season of Advent, this has been a wonderful opportunity for us as a community to reach out to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 

In the Administration building, a ‘Giving Tree’, a Christmas tree will be erected next week. This tree will not have any decorations, but only 27 gift tags hanging from it. Each gift tag will have the gender and age of a young person for whom you make like to purchase a gift for.  The value of this gift is left up to you.  

Pop into the Office to select a gift tag to support one child who may not be as fortunate as those in our own families. Perhaps the selection of the gift tag could be a family decision. 

Please wrap your gift, attach the gift tag chosen from the ‘Giving Tree’ and place this under the Christmas tree in the Office. 

Anonymity is the key to this gesture. 

‘The art of giving is perfected through anonymity.’  

~ Douglas Horton. 

For those who would prefer to donate non-perishable grocery items rather than purchasing a gift, a large crate has been positioned in the Administration building for donations. Additionally, each classroom has a container beside their Prayer table in their classroom. 

All donations are appreciated and welcome. 

Thank you in advance. 

Mass & Liturgy Timetable