A message from Denis

Dear Parents and Carers, 

We head into the Melbourne Cup weekend after a busy first month of term 4 with plenty of exciting events and learning opportunities on the calendar.  I’m struggling to come to terms with the fact that it is now November, where has this year gone?  With the year rolling into its latter stages it has been lovely to have sunnier and warmer days.  The kids and I have even jumped in the pool a couple of times. It was still pretty cold, but we took advantage of the sunshine.

MACS Principal’s Briefing

Last week I was part of the bi-annual MACS principal’s briefing.  Here, principals across the MACS school system gathered to understand directions, improvements and strategies going forward in the 2030 plan.  It was a great opportunity to connect with my principal colleagues and be updated on important and strategic matters including the Religious Education curriculum, Cyber Safety and Child Safety.

Fiesta

Fiesta is only three weeks away and preparations are going well.  A huge thank you to the many parents and friends of St Mary’s who have devoted countless hours in the preparation of what will be a fantastic community event.  

Please head over to the Parents and Friends section of the newsletter for a comprehensive update of all things Fiesta.

This year’s Fiesta will be fully cashless, making transactions quick and easy.. You have two ways to pay:

• Fiesta Dollar Bucks: Fiesta Dollar Bucks can be used at all stalls. Purchase Fiesta Dollar Bucks in packs of 4 for $10.00 or 10 for $25.00. They can be pre-purchased or bought at the ticket booth on the day.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Card payments will be accepted at most stalls.

Ride Passes

Experience a range of fun rides for all ages! Choose from our Ride Pass options:

• Individual Unlimited Pass: $35.00 for unlimited rides.
• Family Unlimited Pass: $90.00 for families of three, providing unlimited rides for everyone.
• 3 Rides Pack: $10.00, perfect if you’d like to try just a few rides.

This year’s attractions include the Rock-Climbing Wall, Chair O Plane, Giant Atomic Drop Slide, Eliminator, Jungle Adventure, and more!

And you might even get the chance to dunk some of your favourite teachers (and principal).....

You can pre-purchase ride tickets or Fiesta Dollar Bucks here:

https://st-marys-ascotvale.square.site/

Staffing 2025

This year we have a number of staff sadly leaving us at the end of 2024.  Marti Mackenzie is heading off on an overseas adventure next year and we wish her all the best in living her best life in Europe in 2025.  Marti has been an amazingly dedicated and skilled teacher at St Mary’s and will be sorely missed.  Shane Daly has secured work much closer to home and we wish Shane all the best in his next career journey.  Shane has been an energetic, fun and skilled teacher at St Mary’s who has always put his hand up to help when needed.

We welcome Lauren Silvestro and Alastair Ingham to our team of educators in 2025 and look forward to what they can bring to the St Mary’s community.

We also have two long standing St Mary’s staff members retiring at the end of the year, but I will wait until the next newsletter to give them the write up they deserve for their service to our community.

Be Ready 

Over the weekend I participated in the Pankind walk for Pancreatic cancer on the Tan in support of my cousin who is the subject of this week's Be Ready.  My cousin’s diagnosis has been quick, after a short period of rapid weight loss, he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  He has always been a larger than life character, captain of the footy and cricket club, president as he became older and organiser of the band I was in with my cousins.  It has come as a huge shock to his friends and family, as he and the rest of us must all begin the hard task of Being Ready for the end stage of life.  

This task may be the hardest one we have to Be Ready for.  He has been inspirational with his attitude towards fighting the disease and he has had tremendous support from those around him.  I wonder though, if it may be even harder for his family to come to terms with; his sons, his daughter.  I do know one thing, with the support and love of family and friends, being ready is made a little bit lighter of a task.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay connected,

Denis Johnstone 

Principal